Denkmeier - Deep Sky Binoviewer: Filter Switch Systems

New for 2007..The Filter Switch
Just install your own 2" or 1.25" filters into The filter Switch Carriers for Filter Switching at your fingertips! Protects valuable filters too. Add to any Denkmeier Binoviewer System, or any new Denkmeier Star Diagonal. Already own a Denkmeier Binoviewer or Power Switch Diagonal? The Filter Switch can be retro-fitted to anything Denkmeier! The Filter Switch can be added to William Optics Star Diagonals as well. Available now! Call 866-340-4578 Download PDF Manual Here Note: The "Back Button" of your web browser may be used to return to this screen after the Manual has been viewed.

Filter Switch Pricing : You May Order In The Lower Section Of This Web Page
The new Filter Switch includes two Filter carriers capable of carrying 2" filters. The optional 1.25" step-down adapters may be ordered so that 1.25" filters can be used in the Filter Switch. These step-down adapters are priced at $8 each and may be ordered singly. Additional 2" Carriers are available in Right/Left pairs only and are priced at $20 per pair and include a protective case for each 2" Carrier. See page 2 at very bottom for ordering additional Filter Carriers and 1.25" Step-Down Adapters. Don't miss the special pricing on a Two-Inch-Filter-Only version available at a discount. All of the details may be found below.

To Place your online order, select from the Filter Switch Varieties in the Shopping Cart Section at the bottom of this web page.

The introductory price of the Filter Switch System will be as follows: (Shipping/Handling additional)

Two Inch Filter Switch Star Diagonal: 2" Filter Switch System includes 2 two inch filter carriers: $289
Mirror is 97% reflective. Add $120 for 99% Dielectric Mirror. Add $20 for each additional 2" Filter Carrier Pair (available in right/left pairs only) The 2" carriers include square plastic cases with each carrier. Add $8 per 1.25" Filter Carrier Adapter for using 1.25" filters in the 2" Filter Switch Carrier.

Buying a Brand New Power Switch Star Diagonal? Add a Filter Switch to #S1, #S2, #R1 or #R2: $189 will be added to your order plus a charge for any additional 2" Carriers or 1.25" Step-Down Adapters. While an additional shipping charge will appear in your Shopping Cart for the Filter Switch, only the shipping charge on the new diagonal will be proceesed to your credit card.

Filter Switch Retro-Fit for All Denkmeier Power Switch Star Diagonals (S1/S2/R1/R2) and William Optics Star Diagonals: $189 Note: All Star Diagonals must be sent to Denkmeier Optical for retro-fitting.

Send to: Filter Switch Retro
             Denkmeier Optical
             12623 Sunset Ave #4
             Ocean City, MD 21842

Include a check for $189 + $15 Fedex Return Shipping or enclose credit card information. You may call in credit card information as well using the toll-free number. 866-340-4578

Filter Switch for all Denkmeier SCT/Refractor Power x Switch Systems (Power x Switch on Binoviewer): $219. Includes Special 2" Format Filter Switch Nosepiece and Dovetail Connector. (See online Filter Switch Manual)

Buying a Brand New Denk II SCT or Refractor Power x Switch System? Add a Filter Switch now and save money. Only $189. See the product that is second from the bottom on this page and add it to your newly purchased Denk II SCT or Refractor Power x Switch System order.

Filter switch for all Denkmeier Newtonian and Universal Power x Switch Systems: $229. Includes two Spacing Tubes that have been specifically designed to work with Filter Switch System and a Dovetail Connector (See online Filter Switch Manual). These tubes replace both the Hollow nosepiece and the Middle Newtonian Spacer Tube currently used in the Power x Switch and actually require 1/4" less in-travel. Note: All Newtonian and Universal Power x Switch Systems must be 2" Format. For Denk Standard 1.25" Newtonian OCS Users, an additional 2" OCS Lens must be purchased ($149). The 1.25" OCS Cell cannot be used with the included 2" format spacer tubes utilized with the Filter Switch (See online Filter Switch Manual).

Buying a Brand New Denk II Newtonian or Universal Power x Switch System? Add a Filter Switch now and save money. Only $189. See the product at the very bottom of this page and add it to your Newly Purchased Denk II Newtonian or Universal Power x Switch System order.

Filter Switch for Camera T-Ring: $219. Includes Filter Switch and Camera Adapter (See online Filter Switch Manual)
Move filters in or out of your camera's light path. Filters are fully protected. Load in your 2" or 1.25" filters. Additional 2" Carrier Pairs are $20, 1.25" optional adapters for using 1.25" filters are $8 each and may be ordered singly.

***Special $50 Discount for 2 inch-only Filter Switches***: This is a limited run Filter Switch that can be retro-fitted in the same way as the 1.25"/2" Filter Switch versions that are described above. The only difference is that this system accepts 2" filters only. The brands of two inch filters that can be used are: Lumicon, Tele Vue, Astronomik, older Orion and perhaps some others. The maximum total thickness of the filter cell can be no greater than .335". Includes 2 Carriers. Additional Carriers are $20 per pair and include a protective case for each carrier. If you only use the above brands of filters in 2" format, this is a very economical choice. Just place an order for any of the Filter Switch Systems in the product choices below, and leave us a note under "Comments" on your order form. We will deduct $50 from the final price. The code for this discounted item is Two-Inch-Only $50 Discount. These Filter Switches cannot be "upgraded" to accept 1.25" Filters. One advantage is that this Filter Switch is thinner than the 1.25"/2" version. So if you use 2" Filters by the manufacturers mentioned in this paragraph or 2" Filters that are thin enough to be loaded into this version's Carriers, this is the Filter Switch for you. Limited quantities are available.

Ordering Optional 2" Carrier Pairs: $20 per pair includes a Right and Left 2" Carrier. each Carrier is enclosed in its own plastic square case. The Case will protect your 2" Filters after they are loaded into the carrier. Open the plastic case, load the Carrier into the Filter Switch and you are ready to go. Go to "Shopping Cart Page 2" at bottom of this web page.

Using 1.25" Filters: $8 per 1.25" Step-Down Adapters. These may be ordered singly. They can fit into both Left and Right 2" Carriers. Order one for each 1.25" Filter. It is a good idea to order a 2" Carrier for each Step-Down Adapter so that the 1.25" Filter may remain loaded into the Step-Down Adapter and the Step-Down Adapter may remain loaded into the 2" Carrier, protected within the plastic case included with all 2" Carriers. In this way, either 1.25" Filters pre-loaded in such a way, or 2" Filters loaded in their designated 2" Carriers may be instantly inserted into the Main Filter Switch Housing. This takes seconds! Illustration shows the larger 2" Carrier with included hex tool engaged to secure the 1.25" Step-Down Carrier that has been loaded with a 1.25" Moon Filter. Go to "Shopping Cart Page 2" at bottom of this web page.

First User Comments

"The scope I tested the Filter Switch on is a Nightsky 18 F4.2 Dobsonian. I use a Feathertouch 2 focuser and the new replacement tubes fit perfectly in the focuser. All pieces connected smoothly to the original Denk II System. I used two sets of lenses (eyepieces) for the test. A Pair of 19mm eyepieces and a pair of 8x24 click stop zooms with powers of 24,16,12 and 8. This provided a total range, using the Denk II Power x Switch, of 112x through 600x. I had no problems reaching focus throughout the range mentioned utilizing the above mentioned lense combos. I ran the lenses through the entire range of the Denkmeier Power x Switch as well as all of the zoom powers available and had plenty of focus travel both in and out throughout. I did not have to extend the spacer tube with the slip ring as focus was reached with all pieces tightened completely.
I used both 2 and 1 ¼ filters and they fit perfectly in the respective holders. The left/right holders fit into the filter switch perfectly as well and the motion to move them in and out of the FOV is smooth and effortless. In conclusion, I have thought about adding a filter switching system to the scope's focuser but I really like the idea of an all in one bino-viewer system even more, especially since is is portable and the entire system can be moved to various scopes I own. I added some counterweights to the back of the mirror box to compensate for the additional weight of the filter switch and incurred no balance problems once that was done, even when the scope was pointing to objects low in the sky. Thanks Denkmeier for another great observing tool to compliment the best bino-viewing system out there." -Michael Cefola.

"The filter swtich is quite amazing! You've solved, for me, the biggest pain with using a binoviewer to observe. Pulling out the whole unit just to thread on a UHC filter was a real pain, especially when after finally locating the object, I loose alignment because of the removing/replacing the bino. Thanks!" - Jeremy Davis

FAQs Detailed operating instructions with illustrations can be found in The Filter Switch Manual in PDF Format here. This section may help answer some basic questions.

Q: I have an existing Power Switch Star Diagonal. Do I have to send it to Denkmeier Optical for retro-fitting of the Filter switch?
A: Yes. We must remove the Power Switch from the diagonal and install the Filter Switch in it's place. Then we install the Power Switch so that it is situated between the Binoviewer and the Filter Switch unit. We have the proper tools for undertaking this procedure and we want to make sure that all connections are done properly and securely.

Send to: Filter Switch Retro
             Denkmeier Optical
             12623 Sunset Ave #4
             Ocean City, MD 21842

Include a check for $189 + $15 Fedex Return Shipping or enclose credit card information. You may call in credit card information as well using the toll-free number. 866-340-4578

Q: I have a Power x Switch on my Denk Binoviewer. Can I install the Filter Switch myself?
A: Yes. This is a very different procedure and no tools are involved. The Binoviewer nosepiece is removed from the binoviewer Power x Switch, The Dovetail Adapter is then threaded into the Power x Switch, and then the Filter Switch is Docked to the Dovetail Connector using two thumbscrews. The Filter Switch includes a new special 2" nosepiece that threads to the telescope-side of the Filter Switch. The same installation procedure will apply to all Denk Binoviewers without Power x Switches. The Filter Switch will dock to the Dovetail Connector and can be oriented at any angle and locked into place.

Q: I have a Newtonian or Universal Power x Switch System. Is there are there different parts needed when adding a Filter Switch?
A: Yes. The Filter Switch System includes replacement spacer tubes for the 2" Newtonian Power x Switch System. In other words, the series of tubes that currently thread into your Power x Switch on the Binoviewer when used with your Newtonian Telescope must be replaced. When a Filter Switch is ordered for a Denk Newtonian or Universal Power x Switch System, new 2" format tubes will be included so that the system will focus correctly and retain the necessary spacing required for optimal performance. This can easily be user-installed. See the online Filter Switch Manual for more specific details and illustrations.

Q: Will additional in-travel be required on my Newtonian Focuser when adding a Filter Switch to my current Newtonian or Universal Power x Switch System?
A: No. In fact, 1/8" less in-travel will be required. Example: You currently have .25" of remaining in-travel of your focuser tube when using the Denk II Binoviewer with the Low-Power Arm of the binoviewer 's Power Switch being used. After adding the new Filter Switch with the supplied new replacement Spacer Tubes, there will be .5" remaining in-travel. That's a gain of 1/4" back focus. Magnification will not change.

Q: I own a Standard Newtonian or Universal Power x Switch System that is 1.25" format. Will the Filter Switch retro-fit to my Denk Binoviewer?
A: Yes. However, the Filter Switch is designed for use with 2" OCS format systems used on Newtonians. You must replace your 1.25" Newtonian or Universal OCS System (the 1.25" hollow tubes and the 1.25" front cell engraved with the letter "S"). Pricing for a 2" OCS optical cell to be used with your single arm Power x Switch is $149 additonal when purchasing the Filter Switch System for Newtonians. The required 2" format Spacing tubes and Dovetail Connector are already included with the Newtonian Filter Switch System. A 2" focuser on your Newtonian telescope is required.

Q: I have 1.25" and 2" Filters. Can I use them all with the Filter switch?
A: Yes. You must order 1.25" optional step-down adapters at $8 each.

Q: Why are the 2" Carriers available in pairs only?
A: The Filter Switch housing has a right and left side. The carriers are also Right or Left and cannot be interchanged. By making the 2" Carriers available in pairs only, we can be sure that the user will have total freedom to designate certain filters as right-side or left-side filters only. This will allow the user to develop a system for placing a particular type of Filter within the Filter Switch. Ex: OIII is in the "Right" Carrier. Therefore, introducing the OIII always is accomplished by moving in the right-side Carrier.

Q: Should extra 2" Carriers and extra 1.25" step-down filter adapters be ordered?
A: The purpose of the Filter Switch is to make using all of your filters easy, convenient, and fun to use while offering protection as well. It is a good idea to load all of your 1.25" and 2" Filters into the carriers so that they may be loaded into the Filter Switch quickly and easily rather than removing filters from the same Carrier and replacing them with other filters. Someone who owns two 1.25" Filters and two 2" filters would ideally order two 1.25" Step-Down Carriers and two additional 2" Carriers to hold the 1.25" Dtep-Down Carriers. Two 2" carriers are always included with the Filter Switch. In this way, the 1.25" Filters would be kept in the plastic cases included with the two optional 2" Carriers and those 2" optional Carriers would already be loaded with the 1.25" Step-Down Carriers that contain the user's 1.25" Filters. The exchanging of Carriers into and out of the Filter Switch Housing only takes seconds. With the proper Carriers ordered, only the removal and introduction of the 2" Carriers into and out of the Filter Switch would be required.

Q: Will I need additional in-travel if I am using a refractor and add a Filter Switch Star Diagonal or have my William Optics 2" Star Diagonal converted? And If I use an SCT, will the Filter Switch add enough profile to cause base clearance problems or focus problems?
A: There is additional in-travel that is required when using refractors. Your eyepieces should reach focus with a typical 2" star diagonal and have .5" remaining in-travel or focus might not be achievable when adding a Filter Switch Diagonal or having your William Optics Diagonal retro-fitted with a Filter Switch. It is advisable to check this situation before making a decision because if there is less than .5" in-travel remaining with certain eyepieces, those same eyepieces will likely not reach focus after a Filter Switch is added. SCTs will not be effected by base clearance issues when adding a Filter Switch Diagonal because the filter Switch is installed on the eyepiece-side of the Star Diagonal. In SCTs, focus issues are not significantly effected by the additional thickness of the Filter Switch unless there is no additional counter-clockwise motion of the SCT focuser knob remaining. This is not a bad thing to check and be sure of, especially for those using a Denkmeier Power x Switch Star Diagonal in "reduction-mode". In such a situation where there is very little or no additional counter-clockwise turns of the telescope's focuser knob available when using a Denk Binoviewer and the Focal Reduction Arm of the Binoviewer Power x Switch or the "A" reducer arm of the Power Switch Star Diaognal, the Filter Switch might make "reduction-Mode" no longer possible. Call techincal assistance if unsure of how to determine this. 866-340-4578.