SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

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Merlin66
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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by Merlin66 »

James,
Using the SM60II etalon adds a new dimension to the tuning of the DS.
The original SM60 etalons were both null tuned to the red wing, is meant that once they were tuned together they effectively became a “solid” narrow band filter. Any tilt tuning of the pair seemed to maintain the CWL of each etalon and allow you to go from the red wing to the blue wing.
With the SM60II the Rich View tuning moves the CWL towards the red wing, while the the tilt moves towards the blue.
I found I had to Rich View tune the SM60II to the red wing ( to better match the SM60). Then any tilt of the pair was close to maintaining the CWL at a narrower bandwidth.
I do find in use that there is a need to tweak the front SM60 to ensure they are both on band.
To help me do this I’ve added a small motor to the Tmax tuner (thanks to Martin S. For the concept) which so far seems to be working for me. (Photos to follow)
Hope this helps.
Original SM60 DS
Original SM60 DS
IMG_1544s.jpg (242.23 KiB) Viewed 1500 times
SW motor tilt control SM60II
SW motor tilt control SM60II
Vegemite_motor_tuner02.JPG (221.19 KiB) Viewed 1500 times
SM60_SM60II DS
SM60_SM60II DS
P1090813.JPG (176 KiB) Viewed 1500 times
added micromotor front SM60
added micromotor front SM60
P1090831.JPG (156 KiB) Viewed 1500 times


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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Merlin,
Your use of motors for tuning is a wonderful idea! How actually do you control those motors? That little black box looks like a wired remote.

James


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by Merlin66 »

KISS......
I make use of the Skywatcher/Orion electronic motors and controllers. Cheap and effective. Use them belt geared for all the focusers (six at the last count!)
The nominal 9V SW controller also drives the micromotor (variable speed).
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-6V-12V-5 ... 2176783025

For Ha imaging I have three controllers sitting on the desk:
Fine focusing ("In/ out") - SW motor+ belt drive
Tuning of the SM6 II ("Open/Close") -SW motor+Vegemite lid
Tuning of the SM60 ("Open/Close") -micromotor+SW controller

I set and don't touch the Rich View Tuning on the SM60II
Hope that helps.


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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by Highbury Mark »

Ingenious.
I struggle to reach the DS tuning control on my Ha scope.


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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Highbury Mark wrote: Fri Jan 01, 2021 2:37 pm Ingenious.
I struggle to reach the DS tuning control on my Ha scope.
It's the same with my SMII90. Tweak and look and tweak again. I can reach only the tuning knob on the rear etalon while looking through the eyepiece. The SMII60 is much shorter so I can look through the eyepiece as I am adjusting the tuning.

James


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
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Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by Merlin66 »

James,
Sounds like you need to buy some Vegemite!
I've used the Vegemite lid drive for over ten years....well worth trying. Certainly makes life much easier.....


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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Vegemite! Yes, I need to try that. I hear it's an acquired taste though. Here it's called Marmite.

And make a motorized drive using the lid for the 90.

James


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by Merlin66 »

James,
The Pommie Marmite is a poor copy of our Vegemite ;)
You'll find fitting a drive well worth the effort.


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http://astronomicalspectroscopy.com
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs" and
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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Merlin,

:lol: Whole Foods has Vegemite locally and it can also be ordered on Amazon. Our local Ingle's store has Marmite. I'll have to try a Vegemite sandwich! And save the yellow lid!

I had to look the stuff up. It's not exactly a common spread here.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss ... s=Vegemite

I think the subject of Marmite came up with Alexandra some time back. If I remember right, she likes the stuff. Now I gotta try it. I know to expect something different. :idea:

James


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by marktownley »

DeepSolar64 wrote: Sat Jan 02, 2021 4:56 am I'll have to try a Vegemite sandwich!
Vegemite on toast with butter is my favourite, I also like Marmite. A spoonful in a winter stew works well too.


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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by Merlin66 »

I may be Scots by birth, I’m Australian by choice. 🇦🇺


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http://astronomicalspectroscopy.com
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs" and
"Imaging Sunlight - using a digital spectroheliograph" - Springer
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Re: SM2 to SM3 stacking question answered

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Merlin66 wrote: Sat Jan 02, 2021 7:49 am I may be Scots by birth, I’m Australian by choice. 🇦🇺
Colin Hay of the 80’s rock band said the same thing. He was also born in Scotland but moved early in life to Australia. He loves the land “ down under “!!


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

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