Search found 3970 matches

by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 6:09 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image
Replies: 17
Views: 642

High Resolution H alpha full disk Sol'Ex image

Dominique Boutigny's results with his Sol'Ex SHG are among the best I've seen. Stacking of 15 images from Solex_ser_recon (15 SER video's over a 10 min period) with Autostakkert and post-processing with Astrosurface. 66/400 telescope - ND8 filter - ASI 178MM camera and 6 nm Halpha pre-filter at the ...
by Merlin66
Tue Mar 08, 2022 4:29 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: The Quark is here, more questions
Replies: 74
Views: 8004

Re: The Quark is here, more questions

Tareq, Your Q4.... This is totally incorrect! An Urban Myth. I have it in writing from Manufacturers of rear element refractors - Petzval designs etc. (Televue, Williams Optics, Takahashi) that their telescopes are 100% safe to use with Herschel wedges with NO additional ERF protection. If you have ...
by Merlin66
Mon Mar 07, 2022 5:59 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2336

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu, Thanks for that. The spectral coverage looks like 176A/ frame If your slit is roughly 50 micron ( a visually narrow gap) then due to the anamorphic ratio and the magnification ratio Collimator/Imager =x4 the effective slit gap will be about 140micron - which is extremely large!!! This has the e...
by Merlin66
Sun Mar 06, 2022 4:29 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Orion advert for Coronado PST?????
Replies: 3
Views: 1234

Orion advert for Coronado PST?????

https://www.telescope.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&siteCode=US&keyword=55712 This compact 40mm f/10 refractor houses a special filter called an etalon, which transmits only the primary wavelength of light emitted by hydrogen (656.3nm) in the solar chromosphere, where all the ...
by Merlin66
Sat Mar 05, 2022 10:25 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2336

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu,
Interesting arrangement!
You don't mention your slit gap, imaging lens detail or camera.
If you add your data to the SimSpec spreadsheet it will give you a good idea of probable performance.
SimSpec V4.3_stu.xls
(78.5 KiB) Downloaded 59 times
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:45 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: First post after years of learning and reading here
Replies: 20
Views: 668

Re: First post after years of learning and reading here

Great result!
You're of to a good start, keep them coming.
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:42 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Thoughts about PST tuning mechanism?
Replies: 6
Views: 308

Re: Thoughts about PST tuning mechanism?

The response I referred to was provided by the designer and manufacturer of the PST system (Lunt).
Ken
by Merlin66
Thu Mar 03, 2022 10:41 pm
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy
Replies: 24
Views: 2336

Re: Dipping my Toe into Spectroscopy

Stu, Welcome to spectroscopy! What design of spectrograph have you gone for? Your spectral image looks a little sharpened/ processed??? I use and recommend BASS Project ( https://groups.io/g/BassSpectro) for all the necessary spectral processing. It will allow you to stitch together your spectral im...
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:49 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Kanzelhoehe Solar Observatory CaK.
Replies: 12
Views: 581

Re: Kanzelhoehe Solar Observatory CaK.

They use a Lyot Ha filter and a Lunt CaK filter......
https://www.kso.ac.at/instrumente/instrumente_en.php
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 27, 2022 7:20 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?
Replies: 88
Views: 2801

Re: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?

James,
My extreme narrowband CaK images taken with the MiniSHG are not replicated on the solar sites.
Likewise for the other “non standard “ wavelengths and H alpha.
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 21, 2022 3:09 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun in Ca-K - first light
Replies: 15
Views: 569

Re: Sun in Ca-K - first light

Rob,
I find the CaK filter works best at f10 or higher.
Nice result for a first light.
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 20, 2022 8:05 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: First day solar viewing and first post
Replies: 11
Views: 398

Re: First day solar viewing and first post

Good on you mate!
You're off to a good start.
Which camera are you using?
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 20, 2022 7:19 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?
Replies: 88
Views: 2801

Re: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?

Bob Yoesle published details some time ago.
BUT…..
Like Rainer and my self who have rigged up remote for focuser and tilt systems they’re success would depend on positive remote access and control.
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 19, 2022 9:29 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?
Replies: 88
Views: 2801

Re: Online remote telescope services. Has anyone here used one?

James, I made investigations for Spectroscopy and Solar imaging with iTelescope (based here in Australia) No idea about spectroscopy (“how to you spell that….”) They said they were looking at solar imaging, but no definite plans. I don’t think they understand the issues of making solar Ha scopes aut...
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 18, 2022 5:07 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 18
Views: 658

Re: CaK 17th Feb 2022

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your support. My wife has gone to live with them and is effectively in isolation for the next seven days. Getting daily supplies delivered in a small rural village is proving challenging. One is still in hospital and the doctors are saying he'll probably stay a week....
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 17, 2022 10:25 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 18
Views: 658

Re: CaK 17th Feb 2022

Thanks everybody! Appreciate SPOD!!! I may be out of business for a while....there are senior (>90 year old) members of the family who have been hit by Covid. One is now in hospital for the second time. Not looking good. We will become the nominated carers and this means temporarily (???!) moving 20...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 17, 2022 10:01 am
Forum: SPoD Archive
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 1
Views: 517

CaK 17th Feb 2022

A selection of close-ups showing the current AR activity. https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-synoptic-map There's a new small spot appearing in the south east..... Vixen Custom90,DIY CaK filter and ASI 1600 Full disk MiniSHG, ED80, ASI 178 showing the extent of the filaments and a "protus...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 17, 2022 10:01 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK 17th Feb 2022
Replies: 18
Views: 658

CaK 17th Feb 2022

A selection of close-ups showing the current AR activity. https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-synoptic-map There's a new small spot appearing in the south east..... Vixen Custom90,DIY CaK filter and ASI 1600 Full disk MiniSHG, ED80, ASI 178 showing the extent of the filaments and a "protus...
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 07, 2022 7:49 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: "Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022
Replies: 10
Views: 485

Re: "Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022

Thanks guys, appreciate your support.
It shows there are some interesting developments in the Ca II wavelengths.
by Merlin66
Mon Feb 07, 2022 7:19 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022
Replies: 9
Views: 401

Re: Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022

Thanks to everyone, appreciate your support.
An interesting comparison between CaK and CaH.
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 10:17 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022
Replies: 9
Views: 401

Solar CaK and CaH 7th Feb 2022

Similar AR's visible from yesterday but some very dramatic proms now visible.
MiniSHG images in Ca II K3 and Ca II H3.
CaK full disk
CaK full disk
085125_cak.jpg (202.95 KiB) Viewed 400 times
CaK proms
CaK proms
085125_CaK-prom.jpg (119.58 KiB) Viewed 400 times
CaH full disk
CaH full disk
085246_cah.jpg (180.56 KiB) Viewed 400 times
CaH proms
CaH proms
085246_cah_prom.jpg (87.55 KiB) Viewed 400 times
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 10:16 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun February 5, 2022 - CaH
Replies: 15
Views: 431

Re: Sun February 5, 2022 - CaH

Franco,
Good catch, well done!
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 3:00 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sun FD in H-Alpha and CaK 5th of February 2022
Replies: 8
Views: 402

Re: Sun FD in H-Alpha and CaK 5th of February 2022

Arne,
Great results, well done!
by Merlin66
Sun Feb 06, 2022 2:56 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sol from the 5th of February 2022.
Replies: 11
Views: 455

Re: Sol from the 5th of February 2022.

Eroel,
Fantastic results, well presented!
Well done.
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 05, 2022 11:44 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: "Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022
Replies: 10
Views: 485

"Sparkling diamonds" CaK on the 6th Feb 2022

The solar disk is still dominated by the central active areas, AR2939 and AR2940. Over in the north west the last remnants of AR 2938/36 are disappearing and the latest AR2941 is coming into view in the north east. There's a small un-named AR down in the south west; a neat couple of small spots surr...
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 05, 2022 6:17 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Old PST safety
Replies: 11
Views: 1335

Re: Old PST safety

I agree with Mark, just enjoy what you have, and when you’re ready to move along the learning curve you can consider various options for the future. Unfortunately all are expensive!!!
by Merlin66
Sat Feb 05, 2022 4:54 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: WL Active Regions 05-02-22 ,Solar Newtonian
Replies: 13
Views: 531

Re: WL Active Regions 05-02-22 ,Solar Newtonian

Martin,
You got some good results there, notwithstanding the weather issues.
Well done mate.
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 04, 2022 10:55 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: WL activity 5th Feb 2022
Replies: 6
Views: 385

WL activity 5th Feb 2022

Plenty of activity visible -time to get those Baader film filters into action! AR 2936/38 about to leave us in the west, AR2939 dominates the central area with the smattering of small spots (AR2940) just above. The new AR 2941 coming in from the eastern limb is showing great promise! I think it's fa...
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 04, 2022 10:40 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK activity 4th Feb 2022
Replies: 12
Views: 440

Re: CaK activity 4th Feb 2022

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your support.
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 04, 2022 12:33 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Applying a slight tilt to filters?
Replies: 3
Views: 1778

Applying a slight tilt to filters?

Anyone found a solution to applying a slight tilt (ghost removal) to filters? I have a 2" filter in a 2" focuser which needs a tilt...... So far I've been "cross threading" the filter and applying some BluTac to hold in in place. Seems to do the job, but doesn't look too safe. An...
by Merlin66
Fri Feb 04, 2022 12:29 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK activity 4th Feb 2022
Replies: 12
Views: 440

CaK activity 4th Feb 2022

The active areas, showing very well formed sunspots, AR2936/38/39 and 2940 make a very nice layout. There's another large unnamed AR just coming into view in the north east - multiple spots... I used both the MiniSHG (see the proms) and the DIY Cak Filter on the Custom Vixen 90 (for the detail) Enjo...
by Merlin66
Thu Feb 03, 2022 7:50 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Experimenting calcium imaging with small refractors
Replies: 53
Views: 21333

Re: Experimenting calcium imaging with small refractors

What ever you consider, the f10 requirement I think is mandatory for any of the CaK filters.
by Merlin66
Wed Feb 02, 2022 8:44 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Experimenting calcium imaging with small refractors
Replies: 53
Views: 21333

Re: Experimenting calcium imaging with small refractors

Stephen,
I regularly use an ED80 stopped down to 60mm to give an f10 beam to the CaK filter.
Check out some of my results on the forum.
It certainly seems to work well for me.
My other alternative is my Custom Vixen 90/ 1000 which also works very well in CaK
by Merlin66
Tue Feb 01, 2022 3:54 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Cheapest solar Ha solution
Replies: 59
Views: 1917

Re: Cheapest solar Ha solution

The Lunt 40mm Ha scope looks like offering an interesting introduction to Ha.
https://luntsolarsystems.com/product/lu ... telescope/
by Merlin66
Mon Jan 31, 2022 3:40 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red
Replies: 13
Views: 579

Re: Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red

Peter,
You are correct. I could have taken many more images....next time.
I just wanted to show the relative changes between the K3, K2 and K1 regions of the Ca II K line.
Sorry, I had overlooked your earlier work.
by Merlin66
Sun Jan 30, 2022 12:05 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter
Replies: 22
Views: 5064

Re: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter

Thanks for that.
The image was then a stack of 40 x 10ms exposures =0.4 sec? gain=314
(The log file only shows 344 frames???)
by Merlin66
Sun Jan 30, 2022 4:23 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Found the next challenge! CN wavelength
Replies: 15
Views: 1763

Re: Found the next challenge! CN wavelength

Peter,
Thanks.
I'd already found the Sheeley references.
There are very few CN band images around for comparison.
by Merlin66
Sat Jan 29, 2022 11:49 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter
Replies: 22
Views: 5064

Re: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter

I use a 2" Baader Blue CCD filter (https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/b ... blue).html ) with a 2" Astronomik L1 UV-IR filter as a ERF on the DIY CaK filter setup.
Can we get back on track and limit this discussion to Lunt filters and double stacking.
Thanks
by Merlin66
Sat Jan 29, 2022 5:34 am
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Prom visibility across the CaK bandwidth
Replies: 7
Views: 1987

Prom visibility across the CaK bandwidth

The GIF shows the Proms as we move from the outer K1v (blue) wing, through the K2v then the core at K3 and out into the red wing. (There are some compression artefacts due to the reduction in the file size :( ) The distance from K1v to K1r is approx 1A The individual images (unprocessed) show the fi...
by Merlin66
Sat Jan 29, 2022 5:34 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Prom visibility across the CaK bandwidth
Replies: 7
Views: 397

Prom visibility across the CaK bandwidth

The GIF shows the Proms as we move from the outer K1v (blue) wing, through the K2v then the core at K3 and out into the red wing. (There are some compression artefacts due to the reduction in the file size :( ) The distance from K1v to K1r is approx 1A The individual images (unprocessed) show the fi...
by Merlin66
Sat Jan 29, 2022 4:16 am
Forum: Solar Radio, Magnetometry and Spectroscopy
Topic: Found the next challenge! CN wavelength
Replies: 15
Views: 1763

Re: Found the next challenge! CN wavelength

Peter,
Thanks for the additional references.
The use of an old Lyot filter shows similarities to the narrowband MiniSHG results.
by Merlin66
Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:30 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter
Replies: 22
Views: 5064

Re: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter

Oleg,
The Quark offering is a CaH filter, not CaK and is 5A bandwidth - double that of the Lunt.
https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/pr ... ilter.html
by Merlin66
Fri Jan 28, 2022 7:36 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red
Replies: 13
Views: 579

Re: Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red

Alexandra, All the images were obtained from one MiniSHG 18 sec 16 bit SER video. Matt and I have been playing with the INTI software to make it more robust in the selection of target lines. This allows more precise wavelength selection across the target line. I'm also preparing a similar animation ...
by Merlin66
Fri Jan 28, 2022 1:39 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red
Replies: 13
Views: 579

Re: Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red

Thanks for the feedback!
I will process a similar series but showing the Proms in action and where the brightest proms can be found.
by Merlin66
Thu Jan 27, 2022 7:29 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red
Replies: 13
Views: 579

Walkthrough the CaK wavelength violet to red

I've prepared a GIF which walks through the CaK wavelength at a resolution of 0.18A. Starts way out in the K1violet wing (1A), creeps in until the K2v region, just outside the core (0.2 offset) then the core CWL and then the same points moving outwards into the red wing. I'm looking at ways and mean...
by Merlin66
Thu Jan 27, 2022 6:52 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter
Replies: 22
Views: 5064

Re: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter

I would be interested in seeing a photo of the filter setup. Also, if you could, at the next opportunity, collect an image in DS mode targeting any proms, recording the scope/ camera/ exposure/ stack and any other parameters. With the SHG I can map the solar surface and the visibility of the proms a...
by Merlin66
Thu Jan 27, 2022 3:29 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter
Replies: 22
Views: 5064

Re: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter

OK.
Do you use two B1800 filters? If so how do you join and align them.
Do you remove any of the secondary filter elements?
Photos?
by Merlin66
Wed Jan 26, 2022 10:22 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Double Stack Lunt CaK filter
Replies: 22
Views: 5064

Double Stack Lunt CaK filter

Has anyone tried double stacking a Lunt CaK filter to reduce the bandwidth to around 1.2A?
(Using an old PST yellow filter doesn’t count - only current Lunt filters)
by Merlin66
Tue Jan 25, 2022 3:16 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: CaK activity 25Jan 2022
Replies: 11
Views: 405

Re: CaK activity 25Jan 2022

Thanks to everyone, appreciate the feedback!
Going back to the 90mm f11 for the CaK gives better resolution (in my very average conditions) but the MiniSHG is much quicker for the run of the mill full disks and proms albeit at a smaller scale.