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Series IV Main Features

*  The Series IV Modular Mount allows you to attach any Series IV mount to the Series IV body module. Whichever way you are attaching your CCD camera to your scope now, the Series IV focuser will swap in and out perfectly retaining the factory spec CCD backfocus distance.  By simply adding additional mounts, the Series IV  allows you to switch between formats and/or cameras on the go.  The Series IV base mount employs an industry standard M42 adapter to mount nosepieces, filters, OAGs, and camera bayonets  in seconds.  The whole concept of the Series IV is  interchangeability.  In practical terms this means the Series IV can grow as you grow, and will never become obsolete as you move from CCD photography to 35mm to Medium Format, or even beyond.  You get the best focusing for analog and digital photography in one product !

The Series IV accepts all standard adapters & accessories              
 

*  Interchangeable "Stiletto" Assemblies  with ronchi screens.  A resolution of 180 lines per inch is the standard shipped with the Series IV unit.  The special 'Black Chrome" 300 line/inch ronchi screen was developed especially for use with CCD cameras and low f/ratio scopes.   If other resolutions  are desired,  several optional screens can be snapped in or snapped out in a jiffy with no recalibration necessary. Our  'True Knife Accessory'  was designed with the perfectionist in mind and is a true knife-edge assembly that is interchangeable with the ronchi screens.  See our Accessory section for more information.  To see instructions on how to change screens and tweak the assembly, click here.  For a short tutorial on knife edge focusing with the True Knife option, click here.
   For SBIG, Starlight Xpress, & OthersTrue Knife-Edge included with Professional EditionFor Nikon, Olympus, Minolta, Canon, Pentax, & Others
CCD Stiletto (w/ nosepiece)                    Snap-In Ronchi Screens                                              35mm Camera Bayonet

Note: One CCD Stiletto Assembly and standard nosepiece  comes  with the Series IV unit.  You specify what type and brand of camera.

*  Adjustable Helical Focusing Assemblies  are standard in the Stiletto assembly and permit the photographer to tweak the focuser for use with his specific camera.  Although the assemblies are shipped pre-calibrated to the factory specification for your camera , helical focusing  permits you to exactly match the CCD backfocus of your specific camera to the focuser with a simple turn of the ronchi focusing tube.  In short, you can tweak your focus to your particular satisfaction and, depending on what photo accessories and f/ratio you might be using, this is a definite plus!

Screen resolutions from 100-300 lines/inch

*  Swivel Mounted and Collimateable Magnifying Diagonal Assembly for more comfortable viewing and perfect centering and focusing.  Adjustable through 360 degrees for comfortable positioning with the twist of your wrist.  A magnifying transfer lens in the diagonal produces a large, visible starlight pattern on the ronchi screen.  Includes a high quality 25mm plossl eyepiece which is parfocal to the  CCD plane.  The diagonal mirror may be easily collimated to achieve perfect centering or placement of your image as you prefer for perfect depth of field.. 

3-point collimateable diagonal 25mm MgFs Plossl

* Solid Construction Materials are used throughout.  The body is manufactured of die-cast aluminum with a strong black texturized finish.  The camera bayonets and CCD assemblies are black anodized aluminum.  The Series IV weighs approximately 360 grams.  Its size and weight are comparable to an average 35mm camera. Little or no rebalancing of telescope tube assemblies is normally required.  Click here to see how we manufacture the Series IV.

 Series IV Pro Edition w/ Case & True-Knife Accessory

* Attachment to Your Existing  Corrector, OAG and Flip Mirrors  is easy and guarantees perfect focus each time, every time!  The Series IV attaches to your telescope the same way your CCD camera does now.   The Series IV M42 mount will accept the same nosepiece or adapter that you use to mount  your camera now.  The M42 mount allows you to use third party attachments and extensions such as those supplied with flip mirrors.  If you are using a 2" nosepiece for attachment, we even offer a 2" nosepiece option for the Series IV to maintain compatibility.   The Series IV is just like your camera, except that its only function is to achieve perfect focus quickly and easily. Each Series IV  includes a matching 1.25" nosepiece.  See the Series IV Technical Information Bulletin for more about attachments and nosepieces.Optional 2-inch nosepiece available

* Compatibility with CCD Color Filter Wheels was a prime concern in the design of the Series IV.  Since the use of a separate color filter wheel increases the focal distance,  the distance of the focuser needs to be increased as well.   This distance can easily be compensated for by using the same attachments you are currently using, or with adapters normally supplied by your CCD manufacturer.  First, if your CCD camera or flip mirror comes with attachments, they may be screwed directly in to the Series IV.  Most CCDs come with a simple extension tube  to screw into the nosepiece and adjustable ring.  STI also offers optional adapters (some pictured below)  which accomplish the same goal.  These come pre-calibrated for use with your CFW if ordered together with a Series IV.  Of course, if you have a CCD camera with integral CFW, such as the ST-237, no special adapters are necessary. Regardless of the strange combination of adapters and accessories you may be using, rest assured that we have an effective solution for you. Just let us know what you have and our machine shop will take care of the rest!

Accepts standard M42 t-thread accessoriesCFW backfocus offset is easily compensated for
 Meade 647 Flip Mirror Attachments    Series IV  with CFW Nosepiece Extension Attached           On a Van Slyke Slider

     For XM2000 w/ Bolted CFW8 and 2 in. nosepiece   Adapter to use AO7  With t-thread freespin mount on front

For XM2000 & Bolted CFW8                               Adapter to use AO7                   XM2000 & CFW Modular Mount  for use with Reducers

*  Faster than CCD Software, the Series IV needs only one iteration to focus on the CCD chip.   Unlike software focusing programs, the Series IV requires no cooling down period or multiple back and forth exposure comparisons.  The Series IV gets the focus right the very first time!  Click here to see actual field results using the Series IV versus MaxIm, the best  focusing software around, and click here to see how the Series IV compares to many other approaches for focusing a CCD.  You'll be surprised!

* Technical Support you can count on through our website, email, and product instructions on cdrom. We want you to take successful photos with the Series IV.  Proof is always in the pudding!  Visit our Gallery to see some fine examples.

* Satisfaction Guaranteed with a one-year parts warranty and a 30-day money-back Clear-Sky guarantee. (15% restocking fee after 30 days to thwart deadheads).  Free recalibration at any time if you goof something up (customer pays shipping only)!

    Series IV Models for all mounts  Pentax 67/645, Mamiya 645, Kiev 60, Hasselblad,Contax
              35mm                           CCD                                Medium Format