Optec :: Pyxis - How to Order

(1) Determine the distance from the Pyxis unit mounted on the telescope to your PC and then select the appropriate length of PC control cable from the list under PC SERIAL CABLES & CONVERTERS FOR TCF-S, TCF-S3, IFW and PYXIS on page 6.

(2) The PC control cable requires the #17695 PC Serial Port Converter in order to connect to the type DB-9 connector common with most serial COM ports. Make sure to include this item. If your computer only has USB ports, then a USB-to-Serial converter must be purchased. Optec has a single port model #17690 and a 4-port model #17691. Not all converters work with Optec products. Call Optec to check on the compatibility of your USB-to-Serial converter.

(3) The Pyxis comes with a 2" telescope adapter that is compaible with the Optec TCF-S focuser and most other 2" focusing mounts. Other adapters are not available as stock items at this time. This adapter can be removed to allow the NextGEN series of reducers to be installed if image reduction is desired. The NextGEN used on the Pyxis is compatible with the ST-x line of cameras from SBIG but NOT with the CFW-8/10 wheel installed.

(4) The Pyxis does not come with a camera adapter and it must be ordered separately. Under PYXIS ADAPTERS on page 7, select the appropriate camera/instrument adapter. The #17646 T-thread camera mount will mount most CCD cameras to the Pyxis and they would be at the proper back focus distance for use with the NextGEN series of reducers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The motor housing of the CFW-8 filter wheel mounted to a SBIG camera will interfere with the Pyxis housing. In order to accommodate the camera, a T-extender tube is required to move the camera and filter wheel further back from the Pyxis. Optec offers an extender, stock number 17654, that moves the camera back by 16 mm. This does not apply to the CFW-10 which will work without the extender.

(1) Refer to paragraphs 1 and 2 above for selecting the PC cable and cable adapters.

(2) The Pyxis 3-inch uses the same telescope mounts as the TCF-S3 and are found on page 4 of the price list under TELESCOPE MOUNTS FOR TCF-S3 AND PYXIS 3-INCH. If you cannot find the appropriate mount listed for your telescope, contact Optec for custom mount options.

(3) Adapters for the camera side of the Pyxis 3-inch can be found on page 5 and 6 of the price list under ADAPTERS FOR TCF-S, TCF-S3 AND PYXIS 3-INCH. Normally, the Pyxis 3-inch would mount on the telescope first, followed by the IFW filter wheel and then the TCF-S focuser. The adapter 17805 will attach the IFW to the rear of the Pyxis 3-inch. This same adapter could also mount the TCF-S3 to the Pyxis if the IFW filter wheel is not used.