TOFRA - Filter Wheel with Integrated Controller for Olympus BX series microscopes, 10 position, for 32mm filters

The Filter Wheel with Integrated Controller is intended for changing filters in the excitation light path of Olympus BX fluorescence microscopes. The filter wheel provides fast computer-controlled or manual switching of filters. It can accommodate 10 filters, 32mm in diameter. The filters could be up to 6 mm in thickness. Filters are held in filter wells with a single screw. There is space for an infra-red blocking filter on the side facing the light source.

Tools, required for installation: hex drivers 3/32, 5/64, 1/16, 0.05, M3, M2.5 (included). Parts included: filter wheel, replacement collar, wheel cable, power supply, RS232-RS485 converter, USB-RS232 converter, serial cable, 12 filter screws, light block, tools.
The wheel can be used as part of automated microscope systems. It has a simple, cost-effective and highly reliable construction. The wheel is compact in size. It is 17mm thick, maximum outside dimension of the housing is 180 mm. The case is made of 1/8" aluminum and is very rigid. A knob with filter numbers is mounted on the front of the motor. Current active filter corresponds to the number closest to the controller box. If the wheel is not powered, the knob can be used for manual filter positioning. The Filter Wheel with Integrated Controller does not need any additional control units; it connects directly to the computer serial or USB port via a cable with built-in converter. This innovative design provides cost saving, requires less desk space, and reduces cable clutter.

The key feature of the design is direct drive. Filter wheel is mounted directly on the motor shaft. A stepping motor with 200 steps per revolution is driven by a microstepping controller. A built-in optical switch is used to home the wheel after power up or as needed. Time required to switch between the adjacent filters is under 250 milliseconds.