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NEW ATLAS Zerotator with Radial Ball Bearings

A Small Diameter, Super Strong & Stable Imaging Train Rotator with 1-INCH of Profile!

Features & Specifications: ATLAS Zerotator

ATLAS Zerotators for Any Scope or Camera

VSI's NEW ATLAS Zerotator is designed to operate similar to our Crayford focusers, using radial ball bearings. Instead of moving a focuser's tube up and down, the Zerotator rotates your focuser/diagonal/imaging train clockwise or counter-clockwise, in the Z-axis, with absolutely zero flexure. These manual Zerotators offer rock-solid, flexureless operation and they also have an ultra-short 1-INCH profile!

You can use your Zerotator as a simple, low-profile, male/female threaded coupling (above left, shown with optional port rings), or [simply] as a 2" format manual rotator for your diagonal and eyepieces to achieve a more comfortable viewing position (above right). The 2" format rotator (above right, shown with optional port rings and adapters) requires two port rings (items CR2 & SR224, below) and one adapter (item A2LT, shown at the SLIDERS/ADAPTERS link). Total of three port ring adapters.

Of course, barrel-nose formats consume substantially more profile than threaded couplings. If you have an SCT and are using the 2"-24tpi threaded format for your accessories, you can install the SR224 in the input port of the Zerotator (without the A2LT) and install the CR224 (listed below and pictured at the SIDEWINDER and TARGETRON links) in the output port, and consume much less profile.

Using the various flanged port rings (listed below), you can connect anything to anything and only consume about 1/8" of profile, or none at all! The above combinations are just to let you know that you can construct any conceivable configuration with the myriad of port rings and adapters available for VSI's 2.9" proprietary format.

Note the MacroGlide Focuser, Zerotator and Sidewinder coupled together (see picture at right) creating an ultra-low profile combination with a huge 2.75" internal clear aperture. The Sidewinder, Targetron, and [now] ATLAS Zerotator use the same 2.9" coupling format providing extreme interchangeability, like no other. Using just two Coupling Port Rings listed below (Items A388 & SR29), you can create the shortest profile, largest internal clear aperture, most rock-solid imaging train on Planet Earth, exactly like the one pictured at right. No one else even comes close to offering the connect-ability of VSI, period! If you can't create your dream imaging train with [off-the-shelf] VSI port rings, then call us and we will custom machine a port ring that will do exactly what you want. And your custom machined port rings will ship on our next shipping date, just like our "off-the-shelf" ones - guaranteed!

Why would you want a dedicated manual rotator for your focuser, diagonal, optical manifold or your entire imaging train? Many reasons exist. The main reason would be to rotate your imaging train to acquire a suitable guide star for astroimaging (see picture above far left). Another would be setting the position angle of a double star to determine their separation. And another would be proper orientation of your image with north toward the top.

COMMENTARY: The Zerotator may look like a simple 1-inch thick ring, but it is far from simple. The tolerances and flexure are zero, meaning that it takes a lot of meticulous effort and time to create this internally rigid and accurate [radial ball bearing] mechanism. It is very frustrating [to me] when people, who are unfamiliar with VSI products, call to ask why a product is so "expensive." On the contrary, all products are very reasonably prices, considering they are guaranteed to have zero tolerance and flexure under any load. And, to date, all of these people who complain, have never had a VSI product in hand. No one, who has ever experienced a VSI product, has ever had anything but high praise, and maybe a little guilt for taking advantage of my low pricing.

Of course, there is the rare product malfunction, especially with new products. I'm not perfect, and these people [now] know that their problems are corrected immediately, by me - personally. If you are not completely satisfied with any VSI product, the three Rs are always available - Return, Repair or Refund. Like most others, that create a product to be the least expensive to produce and market, I have always done the opposite. VSI products are made to be the best by design, application, functionality and adaptability. I create the finest product possible, while still considering the bottom line - price. Our WHOLESALE (no dealer) prices are always commensurate, or just slightly higher than other similar looking [inferior] products on the market. However, the VSI build quality is in another league. When it comes to uncompromising tolerances and rigidity, there is no comparison. If all you care about is the lowest price and quality, then VSI products are not for you. Contrarily, if you want the highest quality possible, for the best price possible, then consider VSI. That's why marketing engineers always say our products are priced way too low, and should cost about three times as much to produce by any other means. - PVS

ATLAS Zerotator Mechanics & Operations

Pictured at left is the back of the ATLAS Zerotator showing the three radial ball bearings that the inner ring rotates against. This loaded ball bearing design offers zero flexure with extremely heavy, extended imaging trains that no other rotator (except our CYCLOID) can offer. The Zerotator offers an internal clear aperture of 2.9 inches, which is slightly reduced depending on the inserted port rings required to install your components. Example, using AP 2.7"-24tpi threaded port rings, would reduce your internal clear aperture to 2.5 inches.

At right is a picture of the Zerotator from the side, without port rings installed, illustrating its extremely short base profile of 1-INCH!  This is achieved by using all the mechanical tricks in the book, like recessed set screws, noted by the two [shown] holes in the Zerotator's housing. There are actually three holes, opposed by 120 degrees, on each side of the Zerotator, six total. Inserting an Allen wrench in these holes, to turn a set screw, installs or removes the 2.9" flanged port rings. This recessed set screw design is also used on the Targetron to achieve its super short profile of 1.5 inches, which is the shortest profile of any off-axis guider available, by a large factor. The ATLAS Zerotator can also claim the same [lowest-profile] distinction in the rotator market too.

You can also adjust the Zerotator's rotational tensioning by simply adjusting three large set screws on the face plate (not shown). This feature is especially useful when you have an off-axis load. This usually includes most imaging trains. Instead of continuously tightening and loosening a thumb screw, just set the tensioning screws to stabilize the rotation of the off-axis load. The ATLAS Zerotator is just what its name implies - Z-axis rotation with Zero flexure achieved by Zero tolerance machining. And this claim is guaranteed, under any load.

ATLAS Zerotator Docking, Camera, Reverse & Coupling Port Rings

See SIDEWINDER and TARGETRON Port Ring Links for Pictures and Additional Info

NEW CYCLOID Crayford Disk Auto-Rotators

A Large Diameter, Super Stable Imaging Train Auto-Rotator with 1-INCH of Profile!

Features & Specifications: CYCLOID Crayford Disk Auto-Rotators

CYCLOID Crayford Disk Auto-Rotators

VSI's CYCLOID Crayford Disk Auto-Rotators are designed to operate identical to a Crayford focuser. Instead of moving a tube up and down, they rotate your focuser/imaging train clockwise or counter-clockwise manually by cranking the large black knob (pictured above) or remotely using a Robo-Focus stepper motor or DC servo motor with hand paddle, just like our focusers. These rotators have large diameters for rock-solid, flexureless, operation and, because of that large diameter, they also have an ultra-short profile. The profile of the 12" CYCLOID is only 1-inch or less, depending on port configuration. CYCLOIDs are the most versatile rotators ever created. You can operate them manually, with a giant crank knob, or instantly engage the motor drive. You can even interchange motors from DC servo to stepper motor control in seconds.

These Crayford Disk Rotators can also be used for non-astronomical applications, such as the one found by Lawrence Livermore National Labs at General Atomics. Click on the picture at left to find out more about their special application for a VSI Cycloid Rotator.

Why would you want a dedicated rotator for your focuser/imaging train? Many reasons exist. The main reason would be to rotate your imaging train to acquire a suitable guide star for astroimaging. Another would be setting the position angle of a double star to determine their separation. And another would be proper orientation of your image with north toward the top. I know a person, who incidentally had three of these VSI disk rotators commissioned for another rotational reason, which he will not reveal at this time. He says its a secret, until the project is completed. I do know they are being installed on alt/az mounts. When I know, I'll let you know.

ADVICE: Speaking of alt/az mounts, you might think that the main reason would be to de-rotate an alt/az mounted scope, but that can be an imaging "bag-of-worms." I don't sell my rotator as a de-rotator for the following reasons. A properly oriented [solid] equatorial mount provides much better imaging results, without all those complicated mechanical extras that can cause serious imaging problems. I guarantee that you will regret a redundant third-axis of de-rotation for imaging purposes, especially around the outer perimeter. Even if your [three-axis de-rotated] star points are acceptable, they would be much better with one less axis to complicate your tracking. Simplicity is always the key to better astroimages and tighter star points, etc. The best astroimagers have the simplest equatorial mount and imaging train configurations. I know Meade and others offer a de-rotator for their alt/az mounted scopes, for whatever purpose. Trust me, you don't want to go there, unless you're just observing the sky, and if you are just observing the sky, you don't really need one. Am I "talking" myself out of a possible sale, because a CYCLOID could be used as an excellent de-rotator? Doesn't matter, as long as you know that an image rotator (like a CYCLOID), used as a de-rotator, can cause third-axis problems. My main job is to help you get the best image possible, not sell the most products. My personal integrity will sell my products just fine. Considering other rotators out there in Astroland, I would not design my rotator if it had excessive profile (over 1-inch), because profile is a precious commodity. Or design one that offered any kind of backlash or flexure whatsoever. The CYCLOIDs are rotationally perfect, indestructible, with a build-quality second to none, and built to last forever! However, if you must go to a de-rotator, the CYCLOID would make the best third-axis de-rotator available! - PVS

NOTE: At this point in time, remote computer rotation of the Robo-Focus stepper motor controlled CYCLOID (Item CDR123) by popular software like CCDSoft, MaximDL, etc. is not available via a specifically dedicated rotation subroutine, but rotation can easily be computer controlled using this software's focusing subroutines, or aftermarket ones like FocusAide, etc. Activation would be just like any motor controlled focuser except, instead of moving the focusing tube in and out, you would be rotating the CYCLOID's disk clockwise or counter-clockwise via remote computer control. However, always check with the software manufacturer to see if this rotational subroutine is available yet. If enough of you ask these major CCD imaging software manufacturers, or the aftermarket subroutine manufacturers, for rotational subroutines for rotators like the CYCLOID, I'm sure they will be made available.

QUICK PICK INFO for 12" CYCLOID: Order the 12" CYCLOID you need, from the three listings immediately below, and have VSI custom machine Docking and Reverse/Camera Port Rings for your specific scope configuration. If you call VSI to place your order, port rings can be machined within a few days. That's it, you're done. NOTE: Item CDR123 requires electronics hardware package ($295) to control Robo-Focus stepper motor puchased separately from [Go to] Technical Innovations [web site].

Crayford Disk Auto-Rotator Mechanics & Operations

Pictured above is a 12" CYCLOID Crayford Disk Auto-Rotator (Item CDR123, focuser not included)) with a VSI 2.7" MacroGlide focuser mounted to the rotating disk via a custom machined docking ring. The above 12" CYCLOID is [shown] equipped with a Robo-Focus stepper motor for remote computer controlled rotation.

At right is a picture of the upper and lower disks, disassembled, showing the five radial ball bearings mounted on the larger lower disk. Three bearings, opposed by 120 degrees, are mounted in the lower disk and support the upper rotating disk. The other two laterally mounted bearings are also mounted on the lower disk, and simulate the 4 Crayford focuser bearings, but only two are actually needed (see both bearing configurations pictured at left). The heavily spring loaded Crayford rod housing (pictured above, below large black crank knob) pushes against the smaller upper disk and is rotated by the large black crank knob on top, or motor controlled. This rotator is slippery smooth to operate and provides zero flexure in rotation under any load, period. Beyond the five radial ball bearings, there are special shaft pressure points that are redundantly loaded using bronze bushings and Teflon pads, for extreme rigidity and operational stability. The CYCLOID can be fitted with any docking ring to mount the larger disk to your scope, and any focuser/imaging train output ring can be simply mounted to the smaller rotating disk. The thick disks are machine milled from a solid 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum plate. Disks are not lathe-turned, they are produced like the record platters on our [now discontinued] hi-end audio turntables (see vsengr.com). The disks are rotary milled using a vertical mill and hi-precision rotary table that produces a final cut with zero-tolerance rotational accuracy. The rotating disks are [then] bench tested for rotational errors to high industry standards of fifty/millionths of an inch.

Crayford Disk Rotators can literally dock to any type of scope. You can bolt the 12" diameter disk directly to your Cassegrain's existing visual back for a rock-solid, built-in installation. Or you could even use the 12" disk for the actual visual back on your scope. Then simply dock your focuser to the rotator's rotating disk. When I say that these CYCLOID Rotators are custom installed, I mean just that. I will work with you to create the lowest profile, most rigid installation possible. You can even mount Newtonian radius blocks on the rotator's 12" stationary disk (see picture below & INSTALLATIONS link for more pictures of Steve Bell's super Newtonian scope). Note the inverted rotator picture below and the two Robo-Focus stepper motors for remote computer controlled focus and rotation. These large diameter disks offer a super rigid mounting and operation that other rotators only dream of. And the profile of the stationary and rotating disk together is [still] only 1-inch. Sometimes I even thread the back of the rotator's 12" disk itself so it simply screws onto the threaded visual back of a Celestron or Meade SCT. Then the actual profile consumed by the rotator becomes 1/2-inch - Whoa! The possibilities are endless.

At this point in time, remote computer rotation of the Robo-Focus stepper motor controlled CYCLOID (Item CDR123) by popular software like CCDSoft, MaximDL, etc. is not available via a specifically dedicated rotation subroutine, but rotation can easily be remotely controlled using this software's focusing subroutines, or aftermarket ones like FocusAide, etc. CYCLOID activation would be just like any motor controlled focuser except, instead of moving the focusing tube in and out, you would be rotating the CYCLOID's disk clockwise or counter-clockwise via remote computer control.

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