FW212B-Motorized Filter Wheels

The FW102B and FW212B are motor-driven filter wheels used for a host of automated applications including color CCD photography, fluorescence microscopy, and photometry. The 4" diameter wheel in the FW102B accepts up to six 1" diameter filters, and the FW212B accepts up to twelve 1/2" diameter filters that are up to 0.25" thick.

Remote or Manual Operation
Filter selection can be made manually from the push buttons on the unit, or remotely from either a USB2.0 interface or a BNC input. The BNC input accepts a TTL level signal to trigger the rotation of the filter wheel. Both the FW102B and the FW212B contain easy-to-read displays to indicate the filter selection; the intensity of the display is adjustable for light sensitive environments.

Mounting Options
The lightweight detachable design provides easy mounting to optical instruments. Two SM1-threaded (SM05-threaded) ports are provided on the FW102B (FW212B); Thorlabs offers an extensive selection of adapters (C-mount camera, microscope, and telescope mounts) for mating our SM1-compatible (or SM05-compatible) compoents to other thread standards. Removable covers are provided to allow either or both ports to be opened. The unit is powered by a 5 volt DC supply (provided with the unit).

Interchangeable Filter Wheels
The 4" diameter filter wheels can be easily changed, allowing quick conversions between applications. Additional wheels (FW102A and FW212A) are available.

Programming & Remote Control
Automation of filter sequences is available through the USB2.0 interface. A simple command language facilitates the filter selections and the retrieval of filter status. The FW102B comes with the controller, filter housing, an FW102A filter wheel, a simple-to-use GUI application program, a 5 Volt DC supply, and 6 threaded retaining rings for holding the 1" optics in place. The FW212B comes with the controller, filter housing, an FW212A filter wheel, a simple-to-use GUI application program, a 5 Volt DC supply, and 12 threaded retaining rings for holding the 1/2" optics in place.

Precautionary Note
The Motorized Filter Wheels use several IR light emitting diodes in the internal structure to determine position. Though shielded, stray 800-900nm radiation from these devices of less than 2nW are detected at the filter opening and may interfere when working in this wavelength region. For further details, please contact our Technical Support team.

FW212B Specifications 

                                                                            Minimum           Typical           Maximum
Performance
Average Access Time Adjacent Locations:         -                  200 ms                 -
Average Access Time Any Other Locations:       -                   600 ms                -
Accuracy/ Repeatability:                                          -                     ±1°              <±2°
Electrical
BNC Input Trigger - Maximum Rate:                   -                       -                      0.5 Hz
BNC Input Trigger - Minimum Pulse Width:   1.0 ms               -                          -
BNC Input Trigger - Input High:*                        3.3 V               4.5 V                 5.3 V
BNC Input Trigger - Input Low:*                        -0.3 V               0.0                   1.0 V
BNC Output Trigger - Output Pulse Width:     9.0 ms            10.0 ms          11.0 ms
BNC Output Trigger - Output High:**      2.5 V into 1 kΩ  3.3 V into 1.95 kΩ  5.0 V into hi Z
BNC Output Trigger - Output Low:**              0.0                     0.0                     1.0
RS232 (2-speeds only):                                  9.6 k              9.6 k (default)      115 k
Power @ DC Input (VDC @ 1 A):                 +4.75 V           +5V                       +5.25 V
Operating Temperature:                                0°C               -                            60°C 
*The BNC input trigger is an active low input. The input has an external 1 kΩ input resistor. Grounding the center conductor of the jack will activate the trigger.
**When configured as an output, the unit output driver is configured in series with a 1 kΩ resistor.

Features
6- or 12-Position Filter Wheel
Local or Remote Control
Directly Accepts Ø1" or Ø1/2" Filters Up to 0.25" (6.35 mm) Thick
Interchangeable Filter Wheels
Programmable Filter Sequences
External Trigger In (increment control)
External Trigger Out (provision from software)
Bi-Directional Controls
270 Millisecond Typical Access Time
Dimmable Display
MTF +2 Years Based on 75 Wheel Moves per Hour, 8 Hours per Day
Limited Use for Continuous Operation