Phoenix 5x2 Filter Wheel

Product Overview

The Phoenix 5x2 is a motorized filter wheel from Player One Astronomy that holds five 2" mounted (or 50 mm unmounted) filters and cycles them under software control. It threads into the imaging train with M54×0.75 on both faces and adds 21 mm of optical length, and it is controlled over a single USB Type-C connection. A hybrid stepping motor with Hall-sensor positioning drives the wheel to each slot, so filter changes are automated within a capture sequence.

Who It's For

This is a good match if you run a filtered deep-sky workflow — monochrome LRGB or narrowband, or a colour camera with swappable light-pollution and dual/tri-band filters — and want the wheel to change filters automatically between subframes. Five positions cover a common LRGB set plus an extra narrowband or clear slot.

Key Features & Design

• Five filter positions: for 2" mounted filters or 50 mm unmounted filters.
• M54×0.75 threads both sides: a straightforward interface into a standard M54 imaging train.
• 21 mm optical thickness: a fixed, known contribution to the backfocus budget.
• Hybrid stepping motor with Hall-sensor positioning: repeatable, magnet-referenced slot alignment.
• USB Type-C control: a single cable for computer control within capture software.
• Aluminum 6061-T6 body: a rigid, lightweight housing at 543 g.

Optical / Mechanical Design

The wheel carries five slots sized for 2" mounted or 50 mm unmounted filters, and threads M54×0.75 on both faces to sit between the camera and the optics. Its 21 mm physical thickness is the amount it contributes to the imaging train, so it is added to the camera's own backfocus and any spacers when reaching a flattener or reducer's specified distance. A hybrid stepping motor turns the wheel, and Hall-sensor (magnet) detection references each position for repeatable alignment. Control is over USB Type-C; the body is machined from Aluminum 6061-T6.

Recommended Uses

• LRGB imaging: automated L, R, G and B changes across a session with a monochrome camera.
• Narrowband imaging: cycling Ha, OIII and SII (or dual/tri-band) filters between subframes.
• Broadband colour with filter swaps: switching light-pollution or clear filters on a one-shot-color camera.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The M54×0.75 interfaces mate with Player One's M54 camera and adapter ecosystem — the wheel is designed to integrate with the Poseidon series, Zeus series, Artemis series, Ares series, Uranus PRO and Apollo PRO cameras. It accepts 2" mounted or 50 mm unmounted filters. Because it adds a fixed 21 mm to the train, the total distance to a flattener or reducer is met with the camera's backfocus plus the appropriate spacers. If you would like the spacing worked out for your specific camera and flattener, send us your imaging train and we will confirm it with you.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Filters are separate: the wheel holds 2" mounted or 50 mm unmounted filters, which are purchased to suit your imaging.
• It adds 21 mm to the train: a fixed figure to include in the backfocus budget alongside the camera and spacers.
• M54×0.75 interface: pairs directly with M54 cameras and adapters; other threads are reached with the matching adapter.
• USB Type-C control: the wheel is driven by capture software over its USB-C connection.
• Published weight is 543 g: part of the load carried by the focuser once the camera and filters are attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

No — it threads into the M54 train between the camera and optics, connects over USB Type-C, and is driven from capture software; the 21 mm thickness is a fixed figure to include when you set your backfocus.

What filters does it take?

Five 2" mounted filters, or 50 mm unmounted filters.

Which cameras does it work with?

It is designed to integrate with Player One's Poseidon, Zeus, Artemis and Ares series, plus the Uranus PRO and Apollo PRO, through the M54×0.75 interface.

How much backfocus does it use?

21 mm — a fixed contribution added to the camera's backfocus and any spacers.

Bottom Line

In short: a five-position motorized wheel for 2" or 50 mm filters, M54×0.75 on both sides, 21 mm thick and USB-C controlled — an automated filter changer that drops into a Player One M54 imaging train with a known, fixed backfocus contribution.