Sidewinders, Targetrons & Zerotators use the same port rings and require an optional Docking Port Ring to attach directly to your scope's existing focuser or SCT's visual back. This separate ring design creates a more versatile Sidewinder that can be used on literally any scope on the market. Just pop the circular dovetailed (flanged) ring into the front input body of the Sidewinder and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single 8-32 set screw that are opposed by 120 degrees. The flange provides a failsafe coupling between the docking port ring and the housing of the Sidewinder. Tightening the three set screws around the angled flange actually draws the port ring into the flat surface of the housing creating a bond that is as solid as the 6061 T-6 aircraft aluminum itself.
VSI offers a myriad of very special [exclusive] adapters, couplers, and accessories that no one else could begin to duplicate. This unique offering allows you to build an extremely flexible imaging train, that is not even rivaled by professional research observatories, but envied.
QUALITY ASSURANCE NOTE: It has come to my attention that others use less than adequate coupling methods on their products that induce flexure. They look very similar to VSI's exclusive docking/coupling systems. They are NOT! VSI's exclusive docking/couplings are not like any other flimsy, flexure-ridden connections used on other products. A good analogy would be a comparison between a (less than) $50 and a $300 (and up) rifle scope. The lesser rifle scopes looks identical to the more expensive ones but, in operation, the differences are very apparent, optically and [especially] mechanically. Let the buyer beware, you receive quality and functionality only when you are willing to expend an appropriate dollar amount. VSI's proprietary flared flange (circular dovetail) docking inserts have extremely thick-wall construction and are locked in place by three set screws opposed by 120 degrees. When you tighten these set screws against this special [angled] flange, it not only pushes directly against the insert ring, but it also pushes laterally to compress the ring inwards against external and internal shoulders, which locks it in place like a good weld - rock-solid! - PVS
SCT WARNING: Some of these Docking Port Rings mount Sidewinders directly to your SCT's threaded visual back, without a secondary focuser. In most imaging cases, you will need a secondary focuser, before the Sidewinder, to eliminate lateral image shift induced by your SCT's internal factory focusing mechanism.
NOTE: Sidewinders are designed for larger than 2" format applications. Therefore, docking port rings are not available for 2" [or smaller] formats. Don't ask, because we will not machine a 2" or smaller format docking port ring for a Sidewinder. If you need an optical manifold for 2" format applications, see Sliders link.
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Docking Port Ring, 2.7"-24tpi, AP refractor,
male, Item SR2724:
$89
The above docking port ring is required to install your Sidewinder directly to your AstroPhysics refractor's focuser via its 2.7"-24tpi thread pitch, internally threaded (female) moving tube. With all the myriad of proprietary thread diameters and pitches on the market, you should always check your scope's outside diameter and thread pitch. For more info on selecting the correct adapters, see Questions & Answers FAQ link: "How do I know which threaded adapter to purchase for my specific scope?" After screwing the docking port ring onto your focuser, slide the Sidewinder over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. |
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Docking Port Ring, 2.7"-16tpi, Meade
refractor, male, Item SR2716:
$89
This Sidewinder docking port ring screws directly onto your Meade refractor's focuser via its 2.7"-16tpi thread pitch, internally threaded (female) moving tube. With all the myriad of proprietary thread diameters and pitches on the market, you should always check your scope's outside diameter and thread pitch. For more info on selecting the correct adapters, see Questions & Answers FAQ link: "How do I know which threaded adapter to purchase for my specific scope?" After screwing the docking port ring onto your focuser, slide the Sidewinder over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. |
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Docking Port Ring, M2x1mm, Takahashi
refractor, male, Item SR72:
$99
This Sidewinder docking port ring screws directly onto your Takahashi refractor's focuser via its 72mm-1mm thread pitch, internally threaded (female) moving tube. The newer TOA models have longer back focus (shorter tube assemblies) to accommodate off-axis guiding equipment (optical manifolds, etc.) and extended imaging trains. With all the myriad of proprietary thread diameters and pitches on the market, you should always check your scope's outside diameter and thread pitch. For more info on selecting the correct adapters, see Questions & Answers FAQ link: "How do I know which threaded adapter to purchase for my specific scope?" After screwing the docking port ring onto your focuser, slide the Sidewinder over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. |
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Docking Port Ring, M85x1.5mm, TMB 3" focuser,
male, Item SR85:
$99
The above docking port ring is required to install your Sidewinder directly to your TMB refractor's 3" focuser via its 85mm-1.5mm thread pitch, internally threaded (female) moving tube. When installing extended imaging trains, unscrew and remove the TMB extension drawtube to increase your back focus range. With all the myriad of proprietary thread diameters and pitches on the market, you should always check your scope's outside diameter and thread pitch. For more info on selecting the correct adapters, see Questions & Answers FAQ link: "How do I know which threaded adapter to purchase for my specific scope?" After screwing the docking port ring onto your focuser, slide the Sidewinder over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. |
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Docking Port Ring, M110x1.5mm, TMB 4"
focuser, male, Item SR110:
$149
This Sidewinder docking port ring screws directly onto your TMB refractor's 4" focuser via its 110mm-1.5mm thread pitch, internally threaded (female) moving tube. When installing extended imaging trains, unscrew and remove the TMB extension drawtube to increase your back focus range. With all the myriad of proprietary thread diameters and pitches on the market, you should always check your scope's outside diameter and thread pitch. For more info on selecting the correct adapters, see Questions & Answers FAQ link: "How do I know which threaded adapter to purchase for my specific scope?" After screwing the docking port ring onto your focuser, slide the Sidewinder over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. |
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Docking Port Ring, M88x1mm thread pitch,
Vixen, male, Item
SR88: $99
The above docking port ring is required to install your Sidewinder directly to your Vixen 4 or 5" refractor's existing focuser via its 88mm-1mm thread pitch, internally threaded (female) moving tube. With all the myriad of proprietary thread diameters and pitches on the market, you should always check your scope's outside diameter and thread pitch. For more info on selecting the correct adapters, see Questions & Answers FAQ link: "How do I know which threaded adapter to purchase for my specific scope?" After screwing the docking port ring onto your focuser, slide the Sidewinder over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. |
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Docking Port Ring, 3.25"-16tpi, Meade L-F
SCT, female, Item SR325:
$99
The above docking port ring is required to install your Sidewinder directly to your Meade 10 or 12" SCT via the 3.25"-16tpi [Large-Format] threaded visual back. You do need to unscrew the 3.25" to 2"-24tpi reducer to expose the required male threads. Then simply slide the docking port ring over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. SCT WARNING: This Docking Port Ring mounts Sidewinders directly to your SCT's threaded visual back, without a secondary focuser. In most imaging cases, you will need a secondary focuser, before the Sidewinder, to eliminate lateral image shift induced by your SCT's internal factory focusing mechanism. |
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Docking Port Ring, 3.29"-16tpi Celestron L-F
SCT, female, Item SR329:
$99
This Sidewinder docking port ring screws directly onto your Celestron 11 or 14" SCT via the 3.29"-16tpi [Large-Format] threaded visual back. You do need to unscrew the 3.29" to 2"-24tpi reducer to expose the required male threads. Then simply slide the docking port ring over the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the two SS thumb screws and single set screw on the Sidewinder's square housing. These three screws can be tightened for now and adjusted for easy Sidewinder rotation at a later time (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Remember to check the Sidewinder's three chrome steel balls inserted in the ends of the threaded holes making sure that they are still in place. They are usually held in place by a viscous damping fluid. You should always check these balls when installing or removing the Sidewinder's docking port ring, expecially is you want to use the Sidewinder's rotation feature. SCT WARNING: This Docking Port Ring mounts Sidewinders directly to your SCT's threaded visual back, without a secondary focuser. In most imaging cases, you will need a secondary focuser, before the Sidewinder, to eliminate lateral image shift induced by your SCT's internal factory focusing mechanism. |
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Docking Port Ring, 4"-16tpi Meade 16" SCT,
female, Item SR416:
$199
This Sidewinder docking port ring screws directly onto your Meade 16" SCT's 4"-16tpi threaded visual back. You do need to unscrew the 4" to 2"-24tpi reducer to expose the required 4" male threads. Then simply slide the flanged docking port ring into the 2.9" OD flange and tighten the three set screws on the Sidewinder's square housing. SCT WARNING: This Docking Port Ring mounts Sidewinders directly to your SCT's threaded visual back, without a secondary focuser. In most imaging cases, you will need a secondary focuser, before the Sidewinder, to eliminate lateral image shift induced by your SCT's internal factory focusing mechanism. |
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