NOTE: Reverse Port Rings are the reverse thread (male or female) to its matching counterpart - Docking Port Rings. They are inserted in the Sidewinder's rear camera port to continue your imaging train using the same large-format threaded coupling as the input before the Sidewinder. You can then install a focal reducer, that needs a preset distance between itself and your camera, after the Sidewinder, etc.
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
Sidewinders, Targetrons & Zerotators use the same port rings and require an optional Camera Port Ring to attach your camera to the rear ports. This separate ring design creates a more versatile Sidewinder that can be used with literally any camera on the market. Just pop the circular dovetailed ring into the rear body of the Sidewinder and tighten the three 8-32 set screws that are opposed by 120 degrees. The dovetailed flange provides a failsafe coupling between the 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.
Reverse Port Rings are the reverse thread (male or female) to its matching counterpart - Docking Port Rings. They are inserted in the Sidewinder's rear camera port to continue your imaging train using the same large-format threaded coupling as the input before the Sidewinder. You can then install a focal reducer, that needs a preset distance between itself and your camera, after the Sidewinder, etc. You could even install one of our MicroGlide Focusers on the output of the Sidewinder creating a secondary auto-focuser, without the hassle of modifying your scope's existing primary focuser. Just dock an auto-focus Epsilon or Omicron focuser to the output camera port of the Sidewinder and you're instantly auto-focusing your CCD camera. It looks really cool, too. See FEATURES link for picture and info on this special Sidewinder/Epsilon or Omicron auto-focus installation.
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Reverse Port Ring, 2.7"-24tpi A-P refractor,
female, Item RR2724:
$89
This reverse port ring will continue your existing focuser's threaded coupling format on AstroPhysics refractors that use their proprietary female 2.7"-24tpi thread configuration. 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 installing this reverse port ring into the Sidewinder's rear port, tighten the three 8-32 set screws on the Sidewinder's square housing using the included Allen wrench (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Then simply screw in your threaded AP focal reducer or other accessory that conforms to the AP 2.7"-24tpi format. The Sidewinder's rear camera port has no balls to check, and no continuous fluid rotational capabilities, except to loosen the three set screws and rotate the camera manually to a new rotational position as needed. |
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Reverse Port Ring, 2.7"-16tpi Meade
refractor, female, Item RR2716:
$89
This reverse port ring will continue your existing focuser's threaded coupling format on Meade refractors that use their proprietary female 2.7"-16tpi thread configuration. 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 installing this reverse port ring into the Sidewinder's rear port, tighten the three 8-32 set screws on the Sidewinder's square housing using the included Allen wrench (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Then simply screw in your threaded Meade component that conforms to the Meade 2.7"-16tpi format. The Sidewinder's rear camera port has no balls to check, and no continuous fluid rotational capabilities, except to loosen the three set screws and rotate the camera manually to a new rotational position as needed. |
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Reverse Port Ring, M72x1mm thread pitch,
Takahashi, female, Item
RR72: $99
This reverse port ring will continue your existing focuser's threaded coupling format on Takahashi refractors that use their proprietary female 72mm-1mm thread configuration. 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 installing this reverse port ring into the Sidewinder's rear port, tighten the three 8-32 set screws on the Sidewinder's square housing using the included Allen wrench (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Then simply screw in your threaded Takahashi focal reducer or other component that conforms to the Takahashi 72mm-1mm format. The Sidewinder's rear camera port has no balls to check, and no continuous fluid rotational capabilities, except to loosen the three set screws and rotate the camera manually to a new rotational position as needed. |
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Reverse Port Ring, 3.25"-16tpi, Meade Large-Format
SCT, male, Item RR325:
$99
This reverse port ring will continue your existing SCT's threaded visual back coupling on Meade 10" and 12" SCTs that use their proprietary female 3.25"-16tpi male thread configuration. 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 installing this reverse port ring into the Sidewinder's rear port, tighten the three 8-32 set screws on the Sidewinder's square housing using the included Allen wrench (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Then simply screw in your threaded Meade component that conforms to the Meade 3.25"-16tpi format on your SCT's visual back. The Sidewinder's rear camera port has no balls to check, and no continuous fluid rotational capabilities, except to loosen the three set screws and rotate the camera manually to a new rotational position as needed. |
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Reverse Port Ring, 3.29"-16tpi Celestron L-F
SCT, male, Item RR329:
$99
This reverse port ring will continue your existing SCT's threaded visual back coupling on Celestron 11" and 14" SCTs that use their proprietary female 3.29"-16tpi thread configuration. 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 installing this reverse port ring into the Sidewinder's rear port, tighten the three 8-32 set screws on the Sidewinder's square housing using the included Allen wrench (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN). Then simply screw in your threaded Celestron component that conforms to the Celestron 3.29"-16tpi formaton your SCT's visual back. The Sidewinder's rear camera port has no balls to check, and no continuous fluid rotational capabilities, except to loosen the three set screws and rotate the camera manually to a new rotational position as needed. |
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