Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

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RichardJ
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Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by RichardJ »

Dear fellow solar observers,

Last November after doing some morning solar observing I took the eyepiece out of my diagonal and looked down at the blocking filter and noticed some dark spots over the light of the solar image coming though the diagonal. I took the diagonal and draw tube out and looked at the sun and saw numerous dark spots. Looking through the rest of the telescope with the diagonal removed showed clean spotless optics.

So I contacted Lunt and shipped the diagonal to them for inspection. They replied that they could find nothing wrong with the diagonal or blocking filter. OK. So I asked them to please check again and to clean the surfaces and send the unit back to me. I received it yesterday and the problem is still there (see attached image taken this morning. Happy to provide more images if needed). I am pretty confident it is a problem with the blocking filter. I checked the diagonal and blocking filter on my 30mm Lunt scope in the same way and the optics and coatings are lovely and clean with no spots. Also, the diagonal on the 60mm scope has not been used for anything else. I value my eyesight too much. The scope was purchased in 2012.

Has anyone encountered this problem before? Does anyone know what is the cause?

I'd like to get my facts straight before approaching Lunt to get a replacement.

Thanks for all your help.

RichardJ
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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by RichardJ »

I was 'brave' and took off the plate holding the mirror on the diagonal. The mirror and blue filter are clear. I shined a torch through the red blocking filter. The spots are on the filter (see attached image). So I think I have located the problem.

If you have a Lunt scope you may want to check your scope.

Richard J
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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by edobosz »

Well done Richard. I have only had issues with the blue filter that was easy to clean. Not sure about this filter but now you can tell Lunt where the problem was.
Ted


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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by RichardJ »

Thanks Ted. I have sent an email with pictures to Andy Lunt.

regards,

Richard.


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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by marktownley »

Yes, be interesting to see what Andy says, let us know.


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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by RichardJ »

marktownley wrote:Yes, be interesting to see what Andy says, let us know.
Hi Mark,

Will do.

Richard.


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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by RichardJ »

It has been a long while since I have posted. I still observe each day (when clear) and take images. Saw the total solar eclipse from Salem under wonderful conditions.

Just an update.

Finally got my blocking filter fixed!

It took emails and a couple of telephone calls but It finally got replaced.
No spots!

Has anyone else had this problem or am I the only unlucky one?

RichardJ

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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by marktownley »

Nice to hear it turned out well in the end.


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Re: Problem with Lunt LS60THa/PT/B1200C - Help

Post by Montana »

Super pics :hamster: :bow glad you got it sorted :)
Alexandra


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