PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

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longtech
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PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by longtech »

Hello modders...

I'm interested in building up a larger solar refractor but don't have a PST...I do however have an SM60 Solarmax II DS with BF15 and would like to use the internal etalon in lieu of the PST etalon.

I know it won't be a direct drop-in replacement so I'm ready to design and fabricate any adapters or couplings I might need...also prepared to add optical elements as needed.

The donor scope is an APM 152/1200 Doublet APO that is already getting the tube cut down by 70mm for another Frankenhack.

Is it do-able???

...or am I just crazy???

Any assistance...even psychiatric referrals appreciated.

Thx
-SP


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by marktownley »

In theory is do able, but the problem you will have is finding the correct collimating lenses and given the SM60 has a central obstruction too I would say realistically no.


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by Merlin66 »

SP,
The internal etalon assembly of the SM60 II is very similar to the PST design.
I haven't see any previous mod of this unit, so there would be a bit of trial and error in the positioning of the etalon to the "Majic" number.
A stage 2 mod would probably give a good outcome.


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by swisswalter »

Hi SP

good luck on the mod. that will be most interesting


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by longtech »

Well I'm not averse to trying and failing so I'm going to go ahead and go for it.

Ken,
would you please send me a copy of your much revered "Type 2" document?

...my address is: pizzo(AT)red(DOT)com

Thank you.


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by Merlin66 »

Copy sent.
Any questions, let me know.
Ken


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by xb39 »

Hi,
sorry for my ignorance but what are the "mod1" and "mod2" modifications exactely? The search function is not really helpful...
maybe you could also send me some information re. both mods. (email: kranz dot stefan at t-online dot de)

Many thanks in advance!


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by Merlin66 »

Stefan,
A Stage 1 PST mod is where the "gold" tube of the PST is replaced with a larger objective and ERF (Energy Rejection Filter).
The Stage 2 Mod is when the PST etalon assembly is removed from the PST and mounted in a donor refractor/ ERF combo, usually with an upgraded (larger) blocking filter.
(There's also a Stage 0.5 (!) where the black box of the PST is replaced by a new focuser and blocking filter).
I'll send a copy of the write-up.
Ken


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by xb39 »

Ken,
Thanks for the explanation and the document. :-)


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by longtech »

Thx Ken...the doc looks great...everything I hoped for.

I will keep you and the group up to date on my efforts.

-SP


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by Merlin66 »

The PST mod is still under-rated!
Just look at some of the very successful results from mods done over the past few years, some with very large apertures(!).
Since I did the early mods in 2007/8 there have been at least 200 successful PST mods.
Recently there has been interest in doing similar mods using the internal etalon from the Lunt 60.
Majic!!!!


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Re: PST type 1 or 2 mod with an SM60 internal???

Post by longtech »

I could not agree more...some of the large aperture PST-Mod images I've seen here on SC are among the best Ha images I've seen anywhere.

Regarding other etalons for modding, I have a 152DSII I plan to try on the same refractor.


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