Search found 185 matches

by Solar B
Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:08 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: SM 60 II & III Tube Rings
Replies: 4
Views: 1172

Re: SM 60 II & III Tube Rings

Thats a good idea Mark ... I'm currently looking at the 80mm hinged pair as I know someone who

is selling a set to see if they are any larger ?

Thanks ... Brian
by Solar B
Sun Jul 12, 2020 7:55 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: SM 60 II & III Tube Rings
Replies: 4
Views: 1172

Re: SM 60 II & III Tube Rings

Hi Rainer

I have the non hinged Primaluce 80mm set and thought that each/either side of the rings would

equally take the extra small gap but the rings are too small and the OTA will not fit into one

or both of them at all even with felt removal .... which is a pity as they are superb !

Brian
by Solar B
Sun Jul 12, 2020 11:26 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: SM 60 II & III Tube Rings
Replies: 4
Views: 1172

SM 60 II & III Tube Rings

Hi Folks Does anyone know (apart from Meade) where I could obtain tube rings to fit an SM60 the diameter of the OTA is 81.5mm now I've looked into a couple of options and the primaluce Lab 80mm rings do not fit , the OTA appears to be a slightly awkward size so any help would be great , I may even b...
by Solar B
Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:21 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST Etalon Adjustment PIN
Replies: 6
Views: 2426

Re: PST Etalon Adjustment PIN

It's ok I'm a wassock as I hadn't pulled the plate forward πŸ™„

Brian
by Solar B
Tue Jun 09, 2020 6:54 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST Etalon Adjustment PIN
Replies: 6
Views: 2426

PST Etalon Adjustment PIN

Ah don’t know what I’ve done here ! But it’s one of those I wish I’d left alone ! I took of the rubber grip to expose the small screw and loosened it ... now the tilt will go a long way and won’t stop plus I can’t seem to be able to relocate the small screw into any location where it will take hold....
by Solar B
Mon Jun 08, 2020 3:12 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope SF70DS incoming
Replies: 66
Views: 12190

Re: Solarscope SF70DS incoming

Yes prominences do appear more 3 dimensional when DS I think but I'm just going with different things this summer , I'm using higher mags than I'd normally do to ! Thanks for the detail on the PST Alexandra ... I had seen it before under the rubber cover but didnt know what it was for , I may have a...
by Solar B
Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:20 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope SF70DS incoming
Replies: 66
Views: 12190

Re: Solarscope SF70DS incoming

I think that is a bit peculiar with regard to the solarscope in single stack ... I admit my only experience with them is in SS mode but here the view was perfect and all on band , of course the classic procedure is to tune the SS to most contrast before adding the DS unit , on a foot note I've reall...
by Solar B
Sun Jun 07, 2020 10:08 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Daystar Scout 60 Image Problem
Replies: 4
Views: 1346

Re: Daystar Scout 60 Image Problem

I didn't or hadn't realised that a solid etalon could de-contact

It's obviously always a risk with the much more fragile air spaced etalons

Brian
by Solar B
Tue Jun 02, 2020 10:16 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope SF70DS incoming
Replies: 66
Views: 12190

Re: Solarscope SF70DS incoming

πŸ’šπŸΈπŸŠπŸ’πŸπŸ‰πŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸŒ΅πŸŒΏπŸ€πŸƒπŸŒ΅πŸπŸˆβ›³πŸ”‹πŸ“—πŸ’ΉπŸŒ„

It's Tuesday

Brian
by Solar B
Mon Jun 01, 2020 8:05 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: 60mm SS ... Dark Image
Replies: 4
Views: 1154

Re: 60mm SS ... Dark Image

Nor I at least I'll be able to try its quark in other configurations

Presently it would make a great wee imaging scope if so inclined

Brian
by Solar B
Mon Jun 01, 2020 4:20 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: 60mm SS ... Dark Image
Replies: 4
Views: 1154

Re: 60mm SS ... Dark Image

marktownley wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2020 2:45 pm Is taking it apart an option?
It is Mark and I don't normally but it's coming to that ... I think it's a good wee scope

and I just know there is more to be squeezed out of it , mobile quark ect

Brian
by Solar B
Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:12 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: 60mm SS ... Dark Image
Replies: 4
Views: 1154

60mm SS ... Dark Image

Hi Folks I bought a used 60SS last Autumn and have quite liked it ... however I have found that it's only really usable with a 25-30mm EP & here the image becomes just bright enough but does display reasonably good surface detail , I read a lot now that many consider theirs to be too bright and ...
by Solar B
Mon Jun 01, 2020 9:13 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Daystar DS 60
Replies: 58
Views: 12375

Re: Daystar DS 60

Very interesting thread ... I've been thinking about removing the quark from my 60SS However mine displays quite a dark image compared to these , it does offer good surface detail when the seeing is ok ... the quark unit simply unscrews from the 80SS but would also require an adaptor of sorts. Brian
by Solar B
Fri May 22, 2020 6:21 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: just a few pictures and an animation
Replies: 14
Views: 1158

Re: just a few pictures and an animation

Wow amazing work me thinks ! all captured with a PST etalon at its heart πŸ‘

Incredibly sharp images 🌞

Brian
by Solar B
Tue May 19, 2020 3:21 pm
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Etalon info for beginners
Replies: 12
Views: 3862

Re: Etalon info for beginners

https://www.hpb.com/products/imaging-the-sun-using-a-digital-spectroheliograph-9783319248721 Is this the book Ken ? And thanks Bob ..... great to hear from you to πŸ‘ Oh and I had long since forgotten about that CN thread also ....... my relatively insignificant thread has turned into something quite ...
by Solar B
Sat May 16, 2020 11:30 pm
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Etalon info for beginners
Replies: 12
Views: 3862

Re: Etalon info for beginners

Thanks John

I had read Colinskis detailed reports before but had long since forgotten about

them πŸ‘΄

Brian
by Solar B
Sat May 16, 2020 6:05 pm
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Etalon info for beginners
Replies: 12
Views: 3862

Re: Etalon info for beginners

Many Thanks All

But I'm still looking for something that's perhaps a little less highbrow if possible ?

Brian
by Solar B
Sat May 16, 2020 9:14 am
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Etalon info for beginners
Replies: 12
Views: 3862

Re: Etalon info for beginners

Thanks Pedro

I have looked at Christians site before but I don't think it's necessarily for beginners though.

Brian
by Solar B
Sat May 16, 2020 8:48 am
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Etalon info for beginners
Replies: 12
Views: 3862

Etalon info for beginners

Hi Folks

I have been asked for a link to info on etalons in general ... say air spaced v solid or just

a general understanding of bandwidths and how etalons operate.

If anyone can advise on some info on here then that would be great πŸ‘

Would be good for me to read as well 🌞

Thanks .... Brian
by Solar B
Wed May 13, 2020 5:28 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Helical to Feather Touch SMII
Replies: 19
Views: 4742

Re: Helical to Feather Touch SMII

You havn't lived unless you've been through a few boa's πŸ˜…

Last time my mate was using a car oil filter wrench constrictor on his & my PST

Brian
by Solar B
Mon May 11, 2020 6:32 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Personal Solar Telescope Age
Replies: 5
Views: 1595

Re: Personal Solar Telescope Age

827A639A-5FC0-4C08-9157-31102C305382.jpeg
827A639A-5FC0-4C08-9157-31102C305382.jpeg (1.18 MiB) Viewed 1527 times
0A92040E-3D3B-4B5E-BDBE-71E5E8A6067F.jpeg
0A92040E-3D3B-4B5E-BDBE-71E5E8A6067F.jpeg (1.1 MiB) Viewed 1527 times
6703885E-6E92-484E-88A6-270106EE749F.jpeg
6703885E-6E92-484E-88A6-270106EE749F.jpeg (1.32 MiB) Viewed 1527 times
Shown is the EP holder & Spacer assembly

BF6mm on the left and the ITF (prone to
oxidation) on the right.

Brian
by Solar B
Sun May 10, 2020 9:32 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

Thanks Mark .. I doubt the etalon itself would reduce the transmission enough by bouncing it around having to cope with that kind of intensity ... I was thinking the erf could be by the BF like the PST but of course the SMs are all in a regular diagonal format .. I reckon I'll stick with the 60 in D...
by Solar B
Fri May 08, 2020 11:15 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5268

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

James I do think the calcium wavelengths are worth looking πŸ˜‰ into , however as always caution is advised. My own experience at 495nm is very limited .... approx 14 yrs ago I did have a Cak PST ... couldn't see a thing but it was amazingly good for imaging .... around the same time I obtained one of ...
by Solar B
Thu May 07, 2020 10:20 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

I see Pete tested it Mark (he used to image with an DSSF70 as I recall) beautiful scope !! Funnily I read this review only last week as was considering one Yeah the stand alone SMII 60/90s OTAs do not have the red rg630 erfs but must have a means of rejection , if you can check your 90s objective th...
by Solar B
Wed May 06, 2020 9:07 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: 100DS - Modified Quark using 2" 35nm ERF.
Replies: 9
Views: 3137

Re: 100DS - Modified Quark using 2" 35nm ERF.

Thanks Andrew That all sounds very interesting .... I have a 60mm DS and like its convenience and user friendly- ness over the quarks which I always found to be hard work at the EP. I understand now ...... your effectively stepping your 100mm with a reducer down to about a 930mm FL of the 60DS in or...
by Solar B
Wed May 06, 2020 7:55 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: 100DS - Modified Quark using 2" 35nm ERF.
Replies: 9
Views: 3137

Re: 100DS - Modified Quark using 2" 35nm ERF.

Yes some pics would be great plz

I'm not sure I understand the 60DS and macro lens reducer are you referring to the

Day Star 60mm DS ?

Brian
by Solar B
Wed May 06, 2020 4:35 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

I'm none the wiser Mark ? Yes I recall the original otas were brass , mine is the newer (cheaper) finish , so where abouts in the assembly is the ERF ... as they are obviously normally red or have a mirrored finish , you say yours is an older SMII or is it an SMI without ERF to the OTA so I take it ...
by Solar B
Wed May 06, 2020 8:35 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

I'd prefer some clarification on that ... there are clear objectives with ERFs by other manufacturers but I recall reading on CN 10 years ago or more that some of the factory DS Coronados did not have an ERF to the internal scope , around this time they were switching from 2 external to 1 internal &...
by Solar B
Tue May 05, 2020 10:59 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

The big gold scope looks great ... I think your gonna have a lot of fun with it. I'm most jealous again πŸ‘½ :mrgreen: Brian Hang on though I think you can only use the factory DS Coronados in DS mode (not SS) as the internal etalon does not have an ERF ... I'm sure this is the case with my SM60IIDS bu...
by Solar B
Mon May 04, 2020 11:36 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9881

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

True but I'm sure you already know Rupert

That rusty Coronado ITFs are only a $75 fix from Maier Photonics for a new one.

Actually last one I obtained a couple of years ago was $89 shipped 😎

Brian
by Solar B
Sun May 03, 2020 8:47 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: H-Alpha Double-Refractor 120 / 135 / 150mm Aperture ?
Replies: 43
Views: 24341

Re: H-Alpha Double-Refractor 120 / 135 / 150mm Aperture ?

Best of luck Achim ... I had a PST EP holder and spacer loosen in my hands this evening ,

the threadlock just fell to the floor .... and it is my original PST from 2005 πŸ˜ƒ

Brian
by Solar B
Sun May 03, 2020 6:06 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9881

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Oh dear oh dear ... it sounds worse than the current pandemic 😷

Brian
by Solar B
Sun May 03, 2020 5:07 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9881

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

James I wouldnt necessarily worry about the SMII series being discontinued ... it probably already was months ago in favour of the III series , I'm still using some "series I" kit and have been using an SM60IIDS for years without issue ... Truth be told its a very rare chance to obtain som...
by Solar B
Sun May 03, 2020 10:33 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9881

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

I think ultimately it does come down to what you can afford and logically handle ect. I have been seriously considering a SM90II as well but I can't afford to DS it (could with an SM60II) and it would also be at my mounts capacity. Ease of use is probably the biggest thing for me as I cannot be both...
by Solar B
Fri May 01, 2020 12:08 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

Marks right thats the only downside to the 90mms is that they are hefty brutes πŸ’€ but owning an SM60DS (I've one to) you'll probably already know that. At the other end of the scale a Daystar 80mm Solar scout would be highly portable and offer the required magnification plus almost the same ease of u...
by Solar B
Fri May 01, 2020 9:15 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

James I'm after one myself (80-90mm) albeit on a much smaller budget , I could stretch to an an SM90II SS but not a III SS ... I think the IIIs look amazing and much better than the LS100 which just looks like a regular scope (which of course it is) plus there are real advantages to an external etal...
by Solar B
Thu Apr 30, 2020 8:07 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 11995

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

What about the SMIII 90 πŸ’™ in DS configuration it's offers the ideal configuration of 2 externally mounted etalons ! .... It looks amazing to .... I'd love one 🌞 Having owned numerous Lunt 50 and 60s I have not been impressed with any of them plus I also think that with the new so-called modular syst...
by Solar B
Wed Apr 29, 2020 9:42 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9881

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Wow ..... congrats on the purchase Mark πŸ‘... I'm dead jealous :mrgreen:

I do look forward to both seeing and hearing about the SF70s

Brian
by Solar B
Wed Apr 29, 2020 1:39 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9881

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Hey that's great news that Solar scope are alive and well πŸ’›

I had a spoken to Helmut a few times during the transition stage and he's a top bloke.

Having owned an SV50 in the past I've always hankered after an SV60 ... now thats the

ultimate grab n go ha scope for the lazy astronomer πŸ‘½

Brian
by Solar B
Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:59 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9881

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Hello Mark ... I do hope your keeping safe and well. I agree with all that's already been said , however I'm quite a lazy astronomer and much prefer the grab n go option , you just can't beat taking a scope out of its case and your away , I'm good with the solar-scout options but cannot be bothered ...
by Solar B
Tue Apr 28, 2020 7:50 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Buying a scope from USA
Replies: 19
Views: 3966

Re: Buying a scope from USA

As Mark suggests I wouldnt wish to import an air spaced etalon from the states ect as de contacting is a real threat , having said that how do they all get to the UK in the first place !! however thats at the vendors / manufacturers risk ... I have imported BFs previously though. As for solid etalon...
by Solar B
Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:35 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: The versatile Lunt 50
Replies: 2
Views: 1517

Re: The versatile Lunt 50

It's certainly portable 😎
by Solar B
Tue Apr 21, 2020 8:56 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Daystar 127mm aperture fully integrated Solar Telescope
Replies: 8
Views: 6117

Re: Daystar 127mm aperture fully integrated Solar Telescope

I doubt they operate anything like a Quark Mark ... given that their temp and wing

shifting looks as if it can be precisely controlled like a Quantum.

I also note that theres a 2K price difference between the prom & chromo option.

Brian
by Solar B
Tue Apr 21, 2020 6:14 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Daystar 127mm aperture fully integrated Solar Telescope
Replies: 8
Views: 6117

Re: Daystar 127mm aperture fully integrated Solar Telescope

As it employs a Quantum grade solid etalon , it's unlikely to have the uniformity issues

that are normally associated with the Quarks , but yes its still quite expensive :shock:

Brian
by Solar B
Mon Apr 20, 2020 1:18 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: H-Alpha Double-Refractor 120 / 135 / 150mm Aperture ?
Replies: 43
Views: 24341

Re: H-Alpha Double-Refractor 120 / 135 / 150mm Aperture ?

Now your talking this looks like a great quality rig Achim :bow to

The PST BFs are actually 6mm it was only the very first ones from 04 that were 5mm.

I case you don't already know you may well have to apply some heat to your PSTs threadlock

with a good hairdryer to loosen it.

Brian
by Solar B
Fri Apr 17, 2020 11:59 am
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: Wanted ... 80mm grab n go HA scope
Replies: 0
Views: 4238

Wanted ... 80mm grab n go HA scope

Hi Folks

I'm looking for an 80mm type of grab n go ha scope (on a budget ) :beanie:

Not sure what's out there but an 80mm Solar Scout or Redi may foot the bill ?

It would have to be within Europe as I think importing would be a prohibitive cost

Thanks ... Brian
by Solar B
Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:04 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Not uniform contrast with my Daystar Quark
Replies: 29
Views: 18795

Re: Not uniform contrast with my Daystar Quark

From my perspective I'm amazed at the views Quarks can offer and I'm not a solid etalon fan but from what

I've seen its hard to imagine better views from a solid one (albeit the SE & PE range will be easier to use) , however my

preference is still to use a good air spaced one or two.

Brian
by Solar B
Sat Aug 12, 2017 10:49 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt drop the ITF in their Ha scopes??????
Replies: 2
Views: 3017

Re: Lunt drop the ITF in their Ha scopes??????

That CN quote from Rikki actually dates back to 2013 ... but I didn't know either !


Brian
by Solar B
Sat Aug 12, 2017 5:38 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST ERF
Replies: 2
Views: 3017

Re: PST ERF

Ah Right Thanks Ken

I hadn't realised that , that was the ITF ... I tried a UV/IR cut in the bf15 of the 60 yesterday (instead of the ITF) and did notice what I thought was a significant drop in contrast so reverted to the ITF ... but will try the PST DS with and without it.


Brian
by Solar B
Sat Aug 12, 2017 1:34 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST ERF
Replies: 2
Views: 3017

PST ERF

Hi Folks I have been using a DS SM60 II recently and have been impressed with the views , but especially their ease and brightness !! this is obviously because the internal etalon is devoid of an ERF. This has me thinking that any DS system say 60mm and under would benefit from only utilising one ER...