Wanderer Astro Ultimate Cable Master for RASA/HyperStar

Replaces loose cables in the light path with a PCB spider Spike-Free version features an S-shaped PCB only 3 to 4 mm wide Cross-Spike version uses an ultra-thin 1.6 mm PCB for symmetrical cross-shaped spikes Provides integrated USB and 12V power ports with up to 3A capacity Includes two bracket lengths for broad camera and back-focus compatibility Compatible with original Celestron dew shields and dew heater rings Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Warranty Wanderer Astro Ultimate Cable Master for RASA/HyperStar The Wanderer Astro Ultimate Cable Master replaces the problematic loose cables in your RASA or HyperStar's light path with a patented PCB spider. The Cross-Spike version uses an ultra-thin 1.6 mm PCB to produce symmetrical cross-shaped diffraction spikes, while the Spike-Free version's S-shaped PCB is only 3 to 4 mm wide for refractor-like, spike-free star images. Larger models for 11-inch and 14-inch systems integrate one USB 3.0 port and up to two USB 2.0 ports, with a 12V DC port on all models supporting up to 3A for powering your camera and accessories. A Patented PCB Spider to Eliminate Cable Obstruction One of the primary imaging challenges with Celestron RASA and HyperStar systems is managing the camera and power cables that must cross the optical path, which creates messy, unpredictable diffraction artifacts. The Wanderer Astro Ultimate Cable Master is an elegant, patented solution that completely replaces those loose cables with a printed circuit board (PCB) spanning the optical path that carries both data and power, giving cleaner diffraction patterns and improved image quality. Spike-Free vs. Cross-Spike: Choose Your Diffraction Pattern The Ultimate Cable Master is available in two distinct versions, allowing you to control the aesthetic of your star fields. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the clean look of a refractor or the classic look of a Newtonian. Cross-Spike Version: This version uses an ultra-thin 1.6 mm PCB with a front anti-reflection baffle. It is engineered to produce beautiful, symmetrical cross-shaped diffraction spikes. The spider is adjustable fore/aft and left/right, giving you precise control to perfectly align the spikes. From an optical standpoint, Wanderer Astro says this version introduces minimal obstruction and can deliver slightly sharper images. Spike-Free Version: Featuring a unique S-shaped PCB that is only 3 to 4 mm wide, this version is designed to produce refractor-like, spike-free stars. It is the ideal choice if you dislike diffraction spikes or frequently rotate your camera assembly. While it dramatically cleans up star shapes, some minor residual artifacts may remain on very bright stars due to factors like stress in the Schmidt corrector. Integrated Power and Data: Up to 3A and USB 3.0 Each Cable Master carries a set of power and data ports to the camera position. The port configuration varies by telescope size and version. RASA 11/36 & HyperStar 11/14 (Cross-Spike): 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, and 1x 12V power port. RASA 11/36 & HyperStar 11/14 (Spike-Free): 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, and 1x 12V power port. RASA/HyperStar 6 & 8 (Both Versions): 2x USB 2.0 and 1x 12V power port. 12V Power Port: Supports up to 3A. For the Spike-Free version, continuous use at 2A or less (85% camera cooling power or below) is recommended. Smart Integration: Dual Brackets and Dew Heater Compatibility Wanderer Astro designed the Ultimate Cable Master for seamless, non-destructive installation. The kit includes two different bracket lengths, to support different camera body lengths and the different back-focus requirements of RASA and HyperStar systems. A set of short USB and DC cables is also included to complete the connection from the PCB to your camera and accessories. The mounting system is fully compatible with the original Celestron dew shield, most third-party dew shields, and the Celestron dew heater ring, so you don't have to compromise on your dew prevention strategy. Sizing for RASA 6, 8, 11, and 36/14 Systems Select the model that matches your telescope. Models are available for the RASA/HyperStar 6, RASA/HyperStar 8, RASA/HyperStar 11, and RASA36/HyperStar 14 systems, each in Spike-Free and Cross-Spike versions. How does the Ultimate Cable Master Cross-Spike version affect stars on a RASA 11? The Cross-Spike version for the RASA 11 uses an ultra-thin 1.6 mm PCB with an anti-reflection baffle to create beautiful, symmetrical cross-shaped diffraction spikes. The spider's position can be adjusted fore/aft and left/right, allowing you to perfectly align the spikes for a classic Newtonian look. If I use the Spike-Free version on my HyperStar 8, will my stars look exactly like a refractor's? The Spike-Free version's 3 to 4 mm wide S-shaped PCB is designed to produce nearly spike-free, refractor-like stars, which is a significant improvement over dangling cables. However, Wanderer Astro notes that unlike a true refractor, some minor residual diffraction artifacts may still be visible on very bright stars due to factors like inherent stress in the Schmidt corrector plate. What's the difference in ports between the Wanderer Ultimate Cable Master for RASA 8 and RASA 11? The port configurations differ by telescope size: RASA/HyperStar 8 models include two USB 2.0 ports and one 12V power port. RASA/HyperStar 11 models feature one USB 3.0 port, one or two USB 2.0 ports (depending on version), and one 12V power port. Will installing the Ultimate Cable Master prevent me from using my Celestron dew heater ring? No. The bracket system uses a non-destructive installation design and is fully compatible with the original Celestron dew heater ring, as well as the original Celestron dew shield and most third-party dew shields. Why are two different bracket lengths included with the Wanderer Ultimate Cable Master? Two bracket lengths are included to provide flexibility for different setups. This accommodates various camera body lengths and also supports the different back-focus requirements between RASA and HyperStar optical systems. What is the continuous power recommendation for the 12V port on the Spike-Free Cable Master? The 12V port supports up to 3A. For the Spike-Free version, Wanderer Astro recommends a continuous load of 2A or less. Wanderer Astro relates this to 85% camera cooling power or below. Product Type PCB spider for power and data transmission Compatibility RASA and HyperStar 6 to 14 inch systems Variants RASA/HyperStar 6, 8, 11, and RASA36/HyperStar 14 sizes, in Spike-Free or Cross-Spike versions Spike-Free Version Design S-shaped PCB, 3 to 4 mm wide Cross-Spike Version Design Ultra-thin 1.6 mm PCB with front anti-reflection baffle Cross-Spike Adjustability Spider can be adjusted fore/aft and left/right to align spikes Ports (RASA 11/36, HyperStar 11/14, Cross-Spike) 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x 12V power Ports (RASA 11/36, HyperStar 11/14, Spike-Free) 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x 12V power Ports (RASA/HyperStar 6/8, Both Versions) 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x 12V power 12V Port Capacity Up to 3 A; 2 A or less recommended for continuous use on Spike-Free version Included Brackets Two bracket lengths to support different camera body lengths and RASA/HyperStar back focus Included Cables Short USB and DC cables Dew Control Compatibility Compatible with original Celestron dew shield, most third-party dew shields, and original Celestron dew heater ring Ultimate Cable Master PCB × 1 (Spike-Free or Cross-Spike, per version chosen) Brackets in two lengths × 1 set Short USB and DC cables × 1 set Wanderer Astro 2-Year Warranty