In 2024 I updated the Astrodymium Ring System to Version 6 (V6).
V6 refers to any version that starts with a 6, so that could be 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, etc.
This redesign changed the ring geometry, which made the older ZWO EAF mount (for V4.0–V5.9) no longer fit the new rings.
Because of this, customers with V4.0-V5.9 rings must use the original EAF mount, while customers with V6 rings must use the V6 EAF mount.
The updated geometry was necessary to strengthen the rings and to support the new, significantly improved thumbscrew design.
Production timeline:
• V4.0-V5.9 → 2021 to early 2024
• V6 → mid-2024 onward
Summary of the differences:
- V6 rings are a few mm thicker
- V6 rings use a standard telescope ring design - the thumbscrews can rotate and won't fall out when the rings need to be opened
- V6 has significantly larger thumbscrews
- V6 rings are compatible with the Gemini EAF with a separate add on (needs to be purchased from astrodymium.com)
- V6 rings are compatible with the Gemini EAF with a separate add on (needs to be purchased from astrodymium.com)
- V6 comes with an accessory rail that has 4 threads, instead of the 3 that are on the older version (The extra threaded hole allows an additional 15mm of adjustment on either side of the rail, which makes it possible to move a guidescope to the very edge.)
