Search found 3970 matches

by Merlin66
Sat Dec 23, 2023 8:58 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Sol’ex kit has arrived
Replies: 26
Views: 1994

Re: Sol’ex kit has arrived

You can get a good estimate of the SHG performance by using the SimSpec SHG spreadsheet.
The resolution is related to the optics camera and grating parameters.
SimSpec SHG V1_5a.xlsx
(34.13 KiB) Downloaded 38 times
by Merlin66
Thu Dec 21, 2023 3:11 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Sol’ex kit has arrived
Replies: 26
Views: 1994

Re: Sol’ex kit has arrived

Michael,
Not all Uv-IR filters are suitable (or ideal) for the SHG.
The "standard" astro Uv-IR filter will probably block below 400nm. This prevents imaging the CaK/H lines around 393nm.
I found the Astronomik L1 filter allowed access to the Ca II lines.
by Merlin66
Fri Jun 02, 2023 12:08 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: DayStar Quantum - South England
Replies: 21
Views: 2231

DayStar Quantum - South England

One of my contacts in the Southampton area, UK has had a DayStar Quantum donated to their society.
They have no experience with a Quantum and are looking for some help and advice.
If you are UK based and in a position to help let me know.
ken
by Merlin66
Mon May 15, 2023 10:43 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: first test shot solex and AT115 apo
Replies: 18
Views: 1827

Re: first test shot solex and AT115 apo

Rainer,
Start with the focus of left and right edge then any vertical lines and finally the wiggles in and on the absorption line.
Ken
by Merlin66
Mon May 15, 2023 12:05 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: first test shot solex and AT115 apo
Replies: 18
Views: 1827

Re: first test shot solex and AT115 apo

Rainer,
Looks more like the telescope focus is a little off rather than the collimator.
Try to get a tighter edge on the top/bottom of the spectral image.
by Merlin66
Sun May 14, 2023 12:39 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: first test shot solex and AT115 apo
Replies: 18
Views: 1827

Re: first test shot solex and AT115 apo

Rainer,
Your zero order testing.
This will not show any impact of the telescope out of focus on your SHG.
The slit is being flooded by the solar image independent of the telescope focus.
It does show that your collimator is close to focus position.
by Merlin66
Wed May 10, 2023 5:09 am
Forum: SPoD Archive
Topic: May Solarchat Zoom 14th May 2023
Replies: 45
Views: 5034

Re: May Solarchat Zoom 14th May 2023

Doug, I think you should mention the paradigm shift which occurred in the 1990's. In 1992 Phillippe Rousselle applied a linear CCD to his spectroheliograph - the birth of the digital SHG! Later, in 2002 Daniel Defourneau used an early webcam and a software package he developed to produce some of the...
by Merlin66
Sun Mar 19, 2023 12:35 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Chapter 3 of Idea of a Cooling Aid assistance for cameras
Replies: 9
Views: 1652

Re: Chapter 3 of Idea of a Cooling Aid assistance for cameras

I'm still waiting on the components arriving from eBay......
Hopefully soon.
Ken
by Merlin66
Sat Mar 04, 2023 11:55 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Fan cooler for ZWO cameras??
Replies: 21
Views: 3589

Re: Fan cooler for ZWO cameras??

Ok
I've ordered a 40mm Peltier module, a 50 x 50mm heat sink and a 50mm fan.
With some help from Rainer.
Let's see what happens...............
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 01, 2023 9:32 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Updated chrome on fused quartz slits specifications document
Replies: 4
Views: 1333

Re: Updated chrome on fused quartz slits specifications document

I use the quartz 9micron plate on my MiniSHG.
It’s sandwiched between two T2 threaded spacers.
Works very well for me.
Highly recommended.
Ken
by Merlin66
Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:31 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Fan cooler for ZWO cameras??
Replies: 21
Views: 3589

Re: Fan cooler for ZWO cameras??

I’m up to a camera temperature of 42 degrees……
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 26, 2023 11:37 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???
Replies: 25
Views: 4572

Re: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???

OK, The QHY533M has a 1Gb DDR3 but only available as a cooled camera (astro imaging?!) at us$1159 The ASI 533M has 256Mb DDR3 at us$799 The Player One 533M has 256Mb DDR3 at us$799 (extra us$50 ) for the air cooler. Pays your money, make a choice........... (I may just stick with the ASI 1600MM - wo...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:43 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Fan cooler for ZWO cameras??
Replies: 21
Views: 3589

Fan cooler for ZWO cameras??

Not solar scopes or etalons etc but a request for a 3D printed fan housing which could easily be fitted to the rear of the ASI cameras. There's already four tapped holes available (M4?) and small 12V computer fan would probably do the job. Here in Oz on a 32deg day the camera was reporting a tempera...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 23, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters
Replies: 8
Views: 1457

Re: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters

Mark,
I agree!
I’m surprised no other users have commented.
I set the same info to Celestron, and they
have not responded.
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 23, 2023 6:46 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???
Replies: 25
Views: 4572

Re: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???

Are you seeing any artefacts on narrow band H alpha imagining????
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:08 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters
Replies: 8
Views: 1457

Re: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters

For comparison I temporarily mounted the 8"sct Eclipsmart filter on my SW120/1000 refractor. I then changed over to an 80mm clear Baader Solar film filter. Then finally added my Baader Cool Herschel wedge. All SER videos taken within minutes of each other, all processed the same way in AS3! Fin...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:32 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???
Replies: 25
Views: 4572

Re: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???

The problem was the artefacts seen with the ASI 183mm camera, and whether or not these would be an issue with the ASI 533.
I think Peter's image may suggest they are not an issue!
Ken
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:29 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: CaK Filter Degradation (Blooming)
Replies: 20
Views: 2289

Re: CaK Filter Degradation (Blooming)

Touch wood. With my DIY Cak filter assembly I have a 2" Baader Blue CCD well in front of the others, about 80mm. The the Omega 365 cut filter and the Omega 40nm 364nm, the Omega 2A 379.3A and then the yellow filter from a CaK Coronado PST. Seems to work 100% for me for the past few years. I alw...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:10 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???
Replies: 25
Views: 4572

Re: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???

Doug,
Thanks for that, overlooked Peter....
I'm assuming the electronics are very similar between the ZWO and the QHY cameras.
Ken
by Merlin66
Wed Feb 22, 2023 1:45 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???
Replies: 25
Views: 4572

ZWO ASI 533MM for solar (Ha) imaging???

Is anyone using the ASI 533MM for solar imaging?
What's the feedback?
Does the ASI 533 suffer from the same Ha artefacts as the ol' ASI 183???
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 19, 2023 2:14 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 19th Feb Solar CaK activity
Replies: 8
Views: 352

19th Feb Solar CaK activity

Very average seeing today, but did manage to get a few CaK images.
(Reduced to 1000pixel and JPG for ease of transfer - zoom in on the larger sunspots to see the majic!)
Ken
104616_rot.jpg
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104952_col_rot.jpg
104952_col_rot.jpg (202.51 KiB) Viewed 352 times
105706_col_rot.jpg
105706_col_rot.jpg (468.72 KiB) Viewed 352 times
105934_col_rot.jpg
105934_col_rot.jpg (302.48 KiB) Viewed 352 times
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 19, 2023 2:09 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Dr Peter Zetner
Replies: 32
Views: 1593

Re: Dr Peter Zetner

Bumma!
We loose another favourite friend.
I worked closely with Peter on spectroscopy projects as well as in the translating of the recent Solar Astronomy book.
Sadly he will be missed by many, forgotten by few. RIP.
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:42 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters
Replies: 8
Views: 1457

Re: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters

Don’t know how popular they are, can’t seem to find any feedback from users.
Celestron are not supplying any usable data……
Ken
I hope to have a sample in the next week or so.
Stay tuned
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 16, 2023 4:14 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 15th Feb Solar CaK
Replies: 12
Views: 393

Re: 15th Feb Solar CaK

Thanks guys!
I really do think the conditions up here at 220mtr are better than at the coast ;)
Hopefully over the next few weeks we'll get enough clear and usable days to verify that with all the solar filters and the MiniSHG.
38 deg C here today.......
by Merlin66
Wed Feb 15, 2023 10:48 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters
Replies: 8
Views: 1457

Celestron Eclipsmart solar filters

Celestron is offering these white light solar filters: https://www.celestron.com/collection...-solar-filters They claim compliance with ISO standards - which only apply to naked eye "sunglasses" type filters! There's no mention of transmission curves or surface accuracy of these filters. T...
by Merlin66
Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:05 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 15th Feb Solar CaK
Replies: 12
Views: 393

15th Feb Solar CaK

Trying all my solar scopes/ filters in Junortoun - 220mtr Today is Cak Vixen 90 + DIY CaK filter +ASI 1600MM Conditions a bit steadier than previous. I've included a SDO "finder chart" Many lumps and bridges obvious in the penumbra/umbra regions. Bright flare like dots/ knots surround the ...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:07 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 381

Re: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

James, My thoughts are with you. Before this move we were 2.5 drive away from Mum and it took a whole day there and back - once or twice a week. It became too much and we ended up full time carers 24/7 living in the spare bedroom - no internet, spectrographs, telescopes, nada.......... Now 12 months...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:00 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Update to the SimSpec SHG V1.5
Replies: 1
Views: 17805

Update to the SimSpec SHG V1.5

I've updated my SimSpec SHG spreadsheet. SimSpec SHGV1.5 has been revised and upgraded. The new layout is more "pleasing to the eye" and hopefully easier to use. The camera listing has been revised to reflect the growing list of available CMOS cameras. Thanks to Doug Smith for his valuable...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:50 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: SHG cak
Replies: 4
Views: 1123

Re: SHG cak

Alexandra,
The dark lines are large extended snake like filaments visible in CaK.
The current solar activity is giving rise to some exciting images!!!
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:46 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: CaK Filter Degradation (Blooming)
Replies: 20
Views: 2289

Re: CaK Filter Degradation (Blooming)

To my experienced but untrained eye that looks like the damage seen on failed PST ITF elements. Could be moisture related but I'm thinking UV deterioration of the filter structure. (I have a DIY CaK filter built some years ago with three Omega Bob narrowband filters acting as ERF's coupled with a Ca...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:32 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 381

Re: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

Thanks guys, It's good to be back! It's been a very hard and difficult year but thankfully we're nearing the end. We've managed to find a care home for Sue's mother and now live close by and visit regularly. It was a wake up call about ageing and health related issues. It's certainly not easy. All t...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 11, 2023 2:08 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 381

Re: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

Franco, Thanks mate! I was spoiled with the setup at St Leonards, the mount was just outside the office door - took 30sec to set things up. I now have to lug all the cables, computer, telescope, and camera outside and find some shade - Oh and fight of the new dog who wants to help The mount seems to...
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 10, 2023 11:10 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 381

New first light CaK 10th Feb 2023

These are single SHG images taken with the MiniSHG, 9 micron quartz slit, ED80 and ASI 178.
First images for over a year!!
Not perfect, but do show the enormous prom in CaK.
Onwards and Upwards.
Ken
104944_rot_proms.jpg
104944_rot_proms.jpg (129.57 KiB) Viewed 381 times
104944_rot_Cak_col.jpg
104944_rot_Cak_col.jpg (268.57 KiB) Viewed 381 times
104944_rot_Cak.jpg
104944_rot_Cak.jpg (267.12 KiB) Viewed 381 times
by Merlin66
Tue Feb 07, 2023 5:28 am
Forum: Solar Prominence/Filament Classification Project
Topic: Further research and thinking
Replies: 11
Views: 1664

Re: Further research and thinking

I've been out of action for the past year.............just came across this thread. The definitive work on Filaments and Prominences was a Monograph "Solar Prominences" by Einar Tandberg-Hanssen, High Altitude Observatory, Boulder, Colo. Published by D Reidel in 1974. The books 153 pages, ...
by Merlin66
Sun Aug 14, 2022 12:21 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: CaK, Lunt or Daystar?
Replies: 10
Views: 1863

Re: CaK, Lunt or Daystar?

A viable alternative that not only gives CaK imaging but all other solar wavelengths is to use a Mini Spectroheliograph.
Much, much cheaper than the commercial filters and much more capable.
Check out the Sol'Ex website for details.
http://www.astrosurf.com/solex/sol-ex-p ... on-en.html
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 23, 2022 9:25 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunday Springtime Sunshine 20th March
Replies: 34
Views: 1259

Re: Sunday Springtime Sunshine 20th March

Like Martin S I’ve now added a motor to the etalon tuner, in fact there’s one on the DS unit as well.
These can be controlled from within the office. Makes things 110% easier.
Highly recommended.
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 21, 2022 7:23 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?
Replies: 28
Views: 17820

Re: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?

Thanks,
I may need Peter Z’s help with the details…….
I do see a significant difference in the CaK image taken with the SHG and the others taken with a “2.4A “ Lunt filter.
They Lunt clearly shows the sunspot detail as per the continuum, rather the flocculation of the narrow bandwidth.
by Merlin66
Sun Mar 20, 2022 9:32 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?
Replies: 28
Views: 17820

Re: What is the cheapest mod to view details of the sun up close?

Bob, I’m not sure how the PSF curve of the slit spectroheliograph working at 10 micron slit width and typical x3 sampling (2.4 micron pixel) and giving a 0.06A/pixel dispersion, approx 0.18A resolution compares. The curve I think would sit much further into the absorption curve, that seems to be the...
by Merlin66
Sat Mar 19, 2022 10:53 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: AR2965 final days
Replies: 15
Views: 579

Re: AR2965 final days

Well done mate!
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 14, 2022 12:21 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2329

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Guys,
The Star Analyser grating and similar basic spectrographs will not work as a spectroheliograph.
You need a slit spectrograph with a very narrow entrance slit gap (around 10 micron), a 2400 l/mm reflection grating and a fast CMOS mono camera which has small pixels (around 2.4 Micron)
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 14, 2022 12:16 am
Forum: Solar Software
Topic: How to mask out the solar disc in prom animation?
Replies: 16
Views: 3138

Re: How to mask out the solar disc in prom animation?

Have you looked at Sylvain's Corono?
This does the black disk etc.
http://sweiller.free.fr/Softwares/Corono/corono.html
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 10, 2022 12:09 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: "New" Quantum page
Replies: 29
Views: 4148

Re: "New" Quantum page

Whooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll build you a Spectroheliograph (including camera ;) ) for a 50% discount on Daystar pricing.
Bandwidth 0.2A, accurate wavelength selection within 0.06A
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:52 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction
Replies: 4
Views: 1405

Re: Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction

Bresser Europe have replied: """you are right, the manufacturer Lunt Solar Systems has told us that the "Blue Glass" has now a coating. It is available in our online-shop: https://www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Spare-parts/LUNT-Blue-Glass-20mm-for-B400-to-B1800-blocking-filters...
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 5:26 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 638

Re: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Kevin,
Bang per buck for solar imaging - at any wavelength, it beats any collection of $$$$$ narrowband filters.
We can help you along the way.............
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 5:10 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: From Valery. Kherson, UKRAINE. NEWS
Replies: 238
Views: 15128

Re: From Valery. Kherson, UKRAINE. NEWS

image.jpg
image.jpg (22.75 KiB) Viewed 1564 times
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 3:33 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction
Replies: 4
Views: 1405

Lunt "Blue Filter" -new design/ construction

I see comments on the European forums that the replacement Lunt Blue Filters (originally BG38?) are a "new design" which is coated to prevent the current failures.
I can't get this confirmed from suppliers.......
Can anyone confirm a recent change to this filter?????
by Merlin66
Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:03 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 638

Re: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Tareq, We're talking about the spectroheliograph. This is basically a combination of a spectrograph and a telescope. The solar disk is scanned by a very narrow slit gap and the resulting SER video used to produce a image of the Sun. The scan rate can vary from 120 sec to 9 sec, by using the slew con...
by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 11:57 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2329

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu, That's a good find! We've been looking for such a supplier for some time. The LG10 (10 micron x 10mm) looks perfect for the majority of spectroheliograph applications/instruments. The pricing is unfortunately very high!!! A cheaper and more flexible slit disk is the reflective multiple slit pla...
by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 8:24 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 638

Re: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Alexandra, et al,
I'm out of action for the foreseeable future.
We are acting as carers for mother in law (over 90) and her partner (still in hospital) as they have a slow recovery from Covid.
It's 24/7 and 200 Km from the scopes and office.