Mega-Port Sidewinder - NEW & IMPROVED MODEL, basic unit [only] as pictured at right. A large-format optical manifold with rotating/push/pull slide mirror and separate pick-off mirror insert for side port. Rotating Y-axis pick-off insert and rotatable Z-axis docking port offering exclusive 2-axis guide star acquisition. Interchangeable ports to use Sidewinder on more than one telescope or multiple cameras - any scope, any camera. 2.9" straight-through clear aperture without port rings installed. For larger than 2" format installation only. Order optional Pick-off Insert, Docking and Camera Port Rings as described below. Pictured at right is what you receive when you purchase the basic Sidewinder.

Item: MPSW

Docking Port Rings, required to dock Sidewinder to your scope. Optional docking port rings are available for any scope on the market. All docking ports allow 360 degree Z-axis rotation of the Sidewinder body. A special docking port ring is available for every popular scope on the market. They are listed at the DOCKING PORT RINGS link above right. If you don't find your specific docking port ring, call VSI and we'll custom machine one for you. Interchangeable port rings provide the use of multiple scopes and cameras utilizing one Sidewinder basic unit. Pictured at right is a representation of what you receive when you purchase a specific docking port ring for your telescope.

Select your DOCKING PORT RING from link above right

Camera or Reverse Port Rings, required to install your CCD or 35mm imaging camera to the Sidewinder. Optional camera and/or reverse port rings are available for any CCD or 35mm camera on the market. Most of them are listed at the CAMERA PORT RINGS link above right. If you don't find your specific camera or reverse port ring, call VSI and we'll custom machine one for you. Interchangeable port rings provide the use of multiple scopes and cameras utilizing one Sidewinder basic unit. Most current CCD and 35mm cameras use the industry-standard 42mm-0.75mm T-thread. There are some exceptions, like the new SBIG STL11000 CCD camera. VSI offers a special camera port ring specifically for this new larger than 2" format SBIG camera. Pictured at right is a representation of what you receive when you purchase a specific camera port ring for your imaging camera.

Select your CAMERA or REVERSE PORT RING from link above right

Pick-Off Mirror Insert, required to perform off-axis guiding with the Sidewinder. A proprietary pick-off mirror insert (POI) specifically designed to insert in the side port of the Sidewinder. This exclusive insert design allows you to remove the POI from the Sidewinder eliminating any camera area obstruction when not in use.By loosening two 8-32 set screws, you can push/pull [independently] position the pick-off mirror tube, in the 2" format POI housing, to match your scope's focal length, clear aperture and camera area. By rotating the POI in its side port you obtain Y-axis scanning control of your scope's field-of-view, at each rotational stop of the rotatable Z-axis Sidewinder itself. For larger than 2" format installation only. Pictured at right is what you receive when you purchase the POI. For more POI info, see ADAPTERS link above right.

Item POI