Search found 26 matches

by twhite
Sat Nov 10, 2018 11:04 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Finally getting to PST Stage 2 Mod
Replies: 1
Views: 2597

Finally getting to PST Stage 2 Mod

After several years and quite a bit of intervening life, I've finally assembled the parts to begin my Stage 2 PST mod. My donor scope is a Celestron C102HD (102mm f/10). I have a Lunt 100mm ERF coming (thanks, Jack!). I have my donor PST (pre-Meade) and a BF-15 (also pre-Meade, with the Maier ITF). ...
by twhite
Sun May 14, 2017 6:01 am
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: Wanted: Neutral Density filters, 1" unmounted and 24mm mounted
Replies: 0
Views: 10538

Wanted: Neutral Density filters, 1" unmounted and 24mm mounted

I am modifying and modernizing an older Japanese-made Herschel wedge that I have and am interested in finding neutral density filters to use with it in older scopes. The wedge was made for the Japanese 24mm/0.965" standard, so it's kind of hard to find proper-sized filters now. It's still fun t...
by twhite
Sat May 02, 2015 11:32 pm
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: Wanted: PST Objective (found), D-ERF filter, BF15 or BF10
Replies: 2
Views: 3287

Re: Wanted: PST Objective (found), D-ERF filter, BF15 or BF1

PST objective found -- thank you, Walter! Still looking for an ERF of ~100mm diameter -- Baader, Lunt, whatever. Also adding -- I'm looking for a (prefereably pre-Meade) Coronado BF15 (preferred) or BF10. If you have one that has succumbed to rust, that's fine -- I'll take it. Reply by PM. Thanks fo...
by twhite
Thu Apr 16, 2015 5:56 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST swap mod?
Replies: 16
Views: 4226

Re: PST swap mod?

(Heavily edited post) Ken, I've gone back and done more research and we're on the same page. You're right in that the blocking filter (the trimmer filter) can't be modded except by a larger filter, and that the original PST like mine had coatings that mimic the function of the ITF. I was confused. B...
by twhite
Thu Apr 16, 2015 5:09 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST swap mod?
Replies: 16
Views: 4226

Re: PST swap mod?

Ken, So I was under the impression that the final blocking filter in the PST *was* the ITF, just like it is in the BFx diagonals. Am I wrong about that? I thought I had seen something documented about folks who had taken the ITF/holder part of a PST and swapped it with one from a larger BF and had t...
by twhite
Thu Apr 16, 2015 2:39 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST swap mod?
Replies: 16
Views: 4226

Re: PST swap mod?

One other thing that came to mind while I was typing the above. I realize that most of the stage 2 modders use a BF15 or larger diagonal, which I assume is due to the focal length of the optical train involved. The PST I got is a fairly early pre-Meade scope, using what amounts to a BF5 at the eyepi...
by twhite
Thu Apr 16, 2015 2:30 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST swap mod?
Replies: 16
Views: 4226

Re: PST swap mod?

Not adding -- subtracting is my understanding. The site I looked at showed the modder removing a 75mm section from his OTA to make the PST mod come in to focus. This is also why I'm making sure I have clarity with respect to exactly what the requirement is -- if it's shorter than the focal length or...
by twhite
Thu Apr 16, 2015 12:43 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST swap mod?
Replies: 16
Views: 4226

Re: PST swap mod?

Ken, Thanks for the comment. If you're using a TS102, did you have to shorten the OTA to make it work? I assume you did. Still wondering if the -200mm means 200mm shorter than the focal length or 200mm shorter than prime focus? And my understanding of prime focus being that point at which an in-focu...
by twhite
Wed Apr 15, 2015 7:36 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST swap mod?
Replies: 16
Views: 4226

Re: PST swap mod?

Very good. I'll start gathering the various pieces and parts and get to work. Will keep things posted here. Another question -- what negative effects will I see if the spacing from the objective to the etalon is incorrect? I understand that the etalon needs to be 200mm inside prime focus of the opti...
by twhite
Wed Apr 15, 2015 4:04 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: PST swap mod?
Replies: 16
Views: 4226

PST swap mod?

Modders, I recently picked up an early PST with a rusted objective and ITF but a good etalon, etc. Have an idea I'd like to run past you modding gurus. I'm wondering if it would be possible and practical to build a setup where I could 'switch' between using the PST essentially 'stock' and what would...
by twhite
Wed Apr 15, 2015 3:48 am
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: Wanted: PST Objective (found), D-ERF filter, BF15 or BF10
Replies: 2
Views: 3287

Wanted: PST Objective (found), D-ERF filter, BF15 or BF10

Picked up a PST with a rusted objective and ITF but a good etalon. Have a replacement ITF coming. Would like to find a non-rusted PST objective from someone who has done a mod and no longer needs it. I'd also like to find someone who may be 'upgrading' their system and might have a D-ERF they'd like...
by twhite
Sun Nov 02, 2014 8:07 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF component nomenclature -- and Success!
Replies: 6
Views: 2245

Re: Coronado BF component nomenclature -- and Success!

That I do not know. I suggest you contact Maier Photonics and ask if he'll do a custom size for you. It would probably be cheaper than a new BF30 in any case...
by twhite
Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:57 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF component nomenclature -- and Success!
Replies: 6
Views: 2245

Re: Coronado BF component nomenclature -- and Success!

Can the this itf repair be used safely for visual? Bob Yes, it's completely safe for visual use. That's what it was designed for. The ITF that Maier makes is better than the original Coronado or Meade replacement, as it's done on KG3 (red) glass rather than clear, so there is additional energy reje...
by twhite
Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:04 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Solarmax 60 help
Replies: 14
Views: 2915

Re: Solarmax 60 help

Do *not* remove the epoxy! The lack of epoxied edges on the original filter is probably why it failed in the first place -- it allowed moisture to get between the two pieces of glass that comprise the filter along with the coatings. You'll also notice that the Maier replacement filter is on red RG3 ...
by twhite
Wed Oct 22, 2014 4:25 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Solarmax 60 help
Replies: 14
Views: 2915

Re: Solarmax 60 help

Mike -- on mine the nosepiece would *not* unscrew. You will need to remove the retaining ring from the front of the nosepiece. If you have an optical spanner wrench, it would be optimal -- however, if you use a small flat-bladed screwdriver *carefully* and rotate the ring from the front, bracing one...
by twhite
Tue Oct 21, 2014 5:41 am
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: Wanted : Coronado Solarmax 90 filter, SM90 type I or II
Replies: 13
Views: 5976

Re: Wanted : Coronado Solarmax 90 filter, SM90 type I or II

OP -- there is a SM90II DS scope on CN for sale right now for US$4400. It is a US sale only, however, and I'm not sure if you're in the US.

http://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds ... tacked-90/
by twhite
Fri Oct 17, 2014 10:48 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Requesting local contacts for Solar outreach people
Replies: 18
Views: 3216

Re: Requesting local contacts for Solar outreach people

Steven, You can use me as a point of contact for any requests from NE Oklahoma/NW Arkansas and potentially SW Missouri depending on location. There are a fair number of us in the Tulsa metro area who have solar gear and are already doing outreach astronomy on a regular basis. I have personally been ...
by twhite
Fri Oct 17, 2014 5:35 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Solarmax 60 help
Replies: 14
Views: 2915

Re: Solarmax 60 help

I reassembled all the parts last night and replaced the silicone attaching points. I set up the SM60 this morning side by side with a new PST and the views were almost identical!! The PST was a bit brighter but the SM60 showed filaments. Am I lucky or what I'm sure it could be better but its usable...
by twhite
Fri Oct 17, 2014 12:29 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF15 dimensions
Replies: 8
Views: 2229

Re: Coronado BF15 dimensions

Nope. Turned out I'm an idiot. I replaced the wrong filter. The way I read the descriptions, I thought I needed to replace the rearmost filter in the path, which I did. I needed to replace the *other* filter in the diagonal. Now I have excellent images again. :-) I wrote a description in another pos...
by twhite
Thu Oct 16, 2014 8:07 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF component nomenclature -- and Success!
Replies: 6
Views: 2245

Coronado BF component nomenclature -- and Success!

So after some background communications between myself and several others, and a very false start on my part, I have now successfully repaired my Coronado BF10 and it's working brilliantly. There is a bit of a breakdown in communication regarding the replacement and the nomenclature of the filters i...
by twhite
Thu Oct 16, 2014 6:35 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF15 dimensions
Replies: 8
Views: 2229

Re: Coronado BF15 dimensions

If you have an nighttime Ha filter screw this on the end of the BF, alternatively use a uv/ir cut filter in addition. I have both. Chris suggested an ND filter on the eyepiece to determine if it was a transmission problem. I'll try both tomorrow and see if it makes any difference. Thanks for the su...
by twhite
Thu Oct 16, 2014 3:14 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Demounting SM60 DS front etalon and using with another scope
Replies: 5
Views: 1860

Re: Demounting SM60 DS front etalon and using with another s

That's good to know. There may be hope yet, then. I've got to deal with this ITF issue first... first cut at it didn't go well. :-/
by twhite
Wed Oct 15, 2014 6:01 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF15 dimensions
Replies: 8
Views: 2229

Re: Coronado BF15 dimensions

We've been using the Maeir replacement filter here for a couple years here on SolarChat!. It fits perfectly in the PST, BF10 and the BF15 as they all use the same size ITF. I have ordered 12 of those filters and gave them away to various CBSAP supporters for replacements. Be careful because they ar...
by twhite
Tue Oct 14, 2014 6:09 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Demounting SM60 DS front etalon and using with another scope
Replies: 5
Views: 1860

Demounting SM60 DS front etalon and using with another scope

All, I travel quite a bit, and occasionally will take a portable scope with me (usually a Brandon 80mm f/6 triplet). I can't think of a reason why this shouldn't work, but -- is there a reason why I could not remove the front etalon from my original SM60 DS and use it along with its BF10 (once I get...
by twhite
Wed Oct 08, 2014 3:45 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF15 dimensions
Replies: 8
Views: 2229

Re: Coronado BF15 dimensions

We've been using the Maeir replacement filter here for a couple years here on SolarChat!. It fits perfectly in the PST, BF10 and the BF15 as they all use the same size ITF. I have ordered 12 of those filters and gave them away to various CBSAP supporters for replacements. Be careful because they ar...
by twhite
Tue Oct 07, 2014 9:26 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Coronado BF15 dimensions
Replies: 8
Views: 2229

Coronado BF15 dimensions

Greetings, all. New user to this board, though I've been doing some reading for the past week or so. I need a favor from someone who owns a Coronado BF15. My pre-Meade BF10's ITF completely succumbed to rust this year, and after being pointed in the right direction and some research in various forum...