Solar H alpha with eBay filters

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:30 am

BTW, you need to post that panorama using the Stephen method. That Pic rocks! :rockon:

BTW, Stephen, If you are lurking, thanks you soooooo much for moving the thread. The main thread gets so busy Peters effort could be lost in a matter of a day or two and that really would be a shame.

Thanks Man

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:44 am

Dude those pics SWEEEEEEEET! Don't sweat too much on details. They will come in time and the excellent mentors found here. As Merlin says "onward and upward from here!"

p_zetner · Post by **p_zetner** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 5:42 am

Thanks again Joe!

Here's a re-work of the panorama - I like it better.

The CaK shot was done a little differently. Omega filter pair placed between a (negative 150mm) collimating lens and a positive (120mm) refocuser, both Edmund achromats. It was done with 80mm f6 refractor. Full solar disk on the 2/3" ccd.

Attached files

Post by **marktownley** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:29 am

Thats working pretty well Peter. When you get into it more try some flat fielding, that will even things out considerably...

swisswalter · Post by **swisswalter** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:39 am

Hi Peter

very good job with this filters. I like your setup.

The results you showed so far match exactly my findings. I'm sure we can do better.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 2:24 pm

Peter,
Very glad to see your results using the Ebay Omega filters. As pointed out, there are a number of ways to approach and solve this problem. I'm happy to see that my first attempt is leading to others using this approach. Keep up the great work.

All the Best,
- Dave Groski

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:16 pm

Peter,

Gotta run to a meeting but I want to point you to the flattening tutorials in the tutorial section of the forum. These out of focus disk flats have yet to work well for me but they may help with your images. I'm having better luck with making a Fitswork solar flat. I will explain later.

Cheers

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:19 pm

Dave,

Your a grreat sport, Thanks.

Joe

colinsk · Post by **colinsk** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:54 pm

Thanks, Joe.

I've attached drawings for the telecentric system used for these pix. The barlow magnification factor was about 2.2. Three Edmund Optics achromats were arranged as shown. The Gerd Neumann filter holder was used to attach the filters using kinematic lens mounts (eBay). Photos in next post.

This was very helpful!

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:52 pm

Peter,

Gotta run to a meeting but I want to point you to the flattening tutorials in the tutorial section of the forum. These out of focus disk flats have yet to work well for me but they may help with your images. I'm having better luck with making a Fitswork solar flat. I will explain later.

Cheers

Hi peter,
The solar flat tutorial in the tutorial section worked fine for large scale images like you have presented. I could not get them to work for full disk images. I had better luck using Create a Solar Flat function in Fits works. I then saved the flat, took it to Photoshop and added it as a new layer over the original image. I then used multiply and other lighting effects and sharpen at 50% transparency until I had an effect I liked. I then adjusted transparency to where the image looked best. Soo far that has worked best on my full disk white light and calk stuff. Hopeful others with Ha talent will add more.

Joe

Link if you don't have it:
www.fitswork.de/software/softw_en.php

p_zetner · Post by **p_zetner** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 3:44 am

Here's a full disk image taken yesterday. The dated image is a photomerge of about six images with some flat fielding. The undated image (sharpened and curves) shows the high contrast "sweet spot" doesn't cover the entire field of view. I moved the scope around to get different regions of the solar disk inside the sweet spot - hence the photomerge.

Omega filter pair placed between a (negative 150mm) collimating lens and a positive (120mm) refocuser, both Edmund achromats. It was done with 80mm f6 refractor.

Cheers.

Attached files

p_zetner · Post by **p_zetner** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 4:13 am

Here's a prom shot in breathtaking, 3D, synthetic technicolour!

Attached files

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 4:17 am

Keep it up, every image gets better. Yer kicking ass bro! :rockon:

:

I am certian there will be a learning curve that goes with these filters for best image result. Right now Peter, U-R the GURU!

Joe

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 4:25 am

Mark T,

If you pass by here, could you do us a favor and do a cut and paste of the pic/post of your monocular device and give us a lil discription of how to build it and what to expect from it?

It would be cool to have different versions and approaches to using these filters that might fit various pocketbooks.

Cheers,

Joe

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 4:31 am

Dave G or Colin K,

Would you favor us with a repost of the link to the Groski files such that we have all options available on one thread?

Best,

Joe

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 4:37 am

BTW, Mark,Dave and Colin,

There is a PLEASE that goes with that. There is an old Jarhead in me that forgets the word. My apologies.

Joe

swisswalter · Post by **swisswalter** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 6:26 am

Hi Peter

great results

Post by **marktownley** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 11:34 am

Mark T,

If you pass by here, could you do us a favor and do a cut and paste of the pic/post of your monocular device and give us a lil discription of how to build it and what to expect from it?

It would be cool to have different versions and approaches to using these filters that might fit various pocketbooks.

Cheers,

Joe

I don't have any pictures; all I did was pretty straight forward. Took a 6x30 finder scope, blue tacked the Omega etalon on the objective, put the blocker from my BF10 in the base of the ep, put baader 7nm Ha filter also over objective and looked at the sun. Wiggled the etalon till I could see blotchiness on solar disk and could just make out some proms. The view was, as you might expect, looking at 6x magnification. Not really a long term usable thing, more of a play around one afternoon...

colinsk · Post by **colinsk** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 3:30 pm

BTW, Mark,Dave and Colin,

There is a PLEASE that goes with that. There is an old Jarhead in me that forgets the word. My apologies.

Joe

This is all I have:

http://www.considine.net/dgroski/

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 3:47 pm

Mark,

Thanks, that might be just enough to get sombody started on a monocular. I remember someone had made a mono out of a binocular using the Cromix sun device. Such a thing-using what you have given us in your brief could be an option for visual users. I will try and find the old pic of the cromix-sun mono.

I had thought about adapting a rifle scope for visual as many of them contain a telecentric lens group. Just a thought.

Thanks again,

Joe

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 3:48 pm

[quote]BTW, Mark,Dave and Colin,

There is a PLEASE that goes with that. There is an old Jarhead in me that forgets the word. My apologies.

Joe

This is all I have:

http://www.considine.net/dgroski/

That's all we need!

Thanks Colin

:

p_zetner · Post by **p_zetner** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 7:35 pm

More results using the Omega filter pair:

http://www.pbase.com/p_zetner/solarphotos

Cheers.

Post by **marktownley** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 11:27 pm

More results using the Omega filter pair:

http://www.pbase.com/p_zetner/solarphotos

Cheers.

You're getting the best results i've seen so far with the Omega filters - congratz! 8)

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 2:01 am

:

: You are my Omega GURU! :rockon:

colinsk · Post by **colinsk** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 3:15 am

Really nice!

p_zetner · Post by **p_zetner** » Sat Aug 25, 2012 6:40 pm

I'm slowly expanding the equipment section of my photogallery. Feel free to browse.

http://www.pbase.com/p_zetner/opticsdesign1

Cheers.

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sat Aug 25, 2012 7:38 pm

WOW, Peter thanks for the detailed instruction! You truly represent the sprit of community sharing!

Thank You!

Joe

shindog · Post by **shindog** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 3:08 am

Just joined the SolarChat forum. My first post!

I too just ordered the H-alpha pair from OmegaBob, and started doing a little searching on Dave Groski's SolarScope, which led me here. WOW -- this place is EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Imagine I'll be doing a lot more listening than posting here, at least for a while.

Looking forward to learning all about this new (for me) aspect of the astronomy hobby.

-- Shindog

swisswalter · Post by **swisswalter** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:06 pm

Hi Mark (shindog)

welcome to that wonderful TOS free site. Have sun, have fun

shindog · Post by **shindog** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:23 pm

Thx. I figure any site that has "Silly Rules" is my cup-o-tea.

--Shindog

swisswalter · Post by **swisswalter** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:25 pm

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 12:25 am

Welcome Shindog. Good hunting!

shindog · Post by **shindog** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 12:48 pm

With regards to the donor scope for an eBay / OmegaBob H alpha project...

Dave Groski's article specs a 60mm f/16.7 objective. Having a 80mm 800mm on hand, would this be an acceptable testbed (while continuing to scrounge for the specified optic)- if one first masked /stopped down to 48mm? Obvious loss of light-gathering ability, etc...

Thanks
--Shindog

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 2:56 pm

Yes, this is the method I used/use. It works.

Wah · Post by **Wah** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 11:20 pm

May I know if a blocking filter is neceasary after using this Omega filter pair?

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Wed Nov 14, 2012 2:30 am

Hi Wah!,

No the blocking filter is the 2nd one of the pair. You will need an ERF on the objective.

Wah · Post by **Wah** » Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:31 pm

It seems the 0.1nm filter pair is sold out, will there be more in the future?

colinbm · Post by **colinbm** » Thu Nov 15, 2012 1:27 am

There should be.
Col

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Thu Nov 15, 2012 5:15 am

WHA! I think Peter used two .15 Ha with excellent results. Probably about the same price. Check the thread but I think that is correct.

Wah · Post by **Wah** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 1:57 pm

I can find the filters have been relisted now!

Valery · Post by **Valery** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 4:50 pm

I can find the filters have been relisted now!

Hello!

Can you, please, give the direct link for these filters?

Peter, may I have a few questions about your solar telescope?

1. What is the diameter of your 0.15nm filters?
2. What is the transmittance peak?
3. What is the central wave length of transmittance?
4. How much do they cost?
5. Does the peak of transmittance shifts with temperature during observing session?
6. Do you need to adjust the tilt of these filters from one observing session to another?

Thanks,

Valery.

swisswalter · Post by **swisswalter** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:51 pm

Hi Valery

welcome to that wonderful TOS free site. Have sun, have fun

Post by **marktownley** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 6:28 pm

[quote]I can find the filters have been relisted now!

Hello!

Can you, please, give the direct link for these filters?

Peter, may I have a few questions about your solar telescope?

1. What is the diameter of your 0.15nm filters?
2. What is the transmittance peak?
3. What is the central wave length of transmittance?
4. How much do they cost?
5. Does the peak of transmittance shifts with temperature during observing session?
6. Do you need to adjust the tilt of these filters from one observing session to another?

Thanks,

Valery.

Hi valery,

welcome!

Answers based on my experience of these filters:

1) 25.4mm
2) varies from filter to filter
3) varies from filter to filter
4) not sure, would have to look on ebay, they seem to vary between batches
5) yes
6) yes

IMHO a PST mod is much more effective and a better way forward...

mark

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 6:53 pm

Valery, WELCOME! Here is the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Optical-Interfe ... 8808341%26

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 7:00 pm

The filters Peter used are not currently available as mark pointed out. I will see if I can find the old link so you would know what to look for.

Mark is right but these are fun to play with..

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 7:05 pm

BTW, Valery is a well recognized and experienced telescope builder/vendor from the Ukraine and will be an asset here. He has already developed a large aperture Ha system that has a an awesome fully illuminated filter. We hope to see some interesting developments from you Valery and thank you for taking the time to contribute and visit with us.

(I may have suggested he visit with us. :whitsle: )

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 7:18 pm

This is from my Ebay history I think they are 25mm diameter. I am certian he will repost them soon or you can email Bob Johnson and ask if he has more. He often does. Valery You have his ebay store address. His email address is at the bottom of the left hand side menu.

Optical Interference Filter 656.3 H Alpha 0.15nm Band-Pass for Double Pass

Photos not available for this variation

Item condition:New
Ended:Nov 10, 2012 07:19:18 PST
Price:US $130.00 [ History:10 sold]
No additional import charges at delivery!
This item will be shipped through the Global Shipping Program and includes international tracking. Learn more
Shipping:$5.00 Standard Shipping | See details
Item location:Brattleboro, Vt., United States

The filter set I linked you to is Bob's Ha pair. One of them is the .15nm filter and the other is a dichroic interference wedge tuned to Ha. Basically the etalon.

Valery · Post by **Valery** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 11:32 pm

BTW, Valery is a well recognized and experienced telescope builder/vendor from the Ukraine and will be an asset here. He has already developed a large aperture Ha system that has a an awesome fully illuminated filter. We hope to see some interesting developments from you Valery and thank you for taking the time to contribute and visit with us.

(I may have suggested he visit with us. :whitsle: )

Hi sullij1,

(Sorry, I don't know your real name).

I think you overestimated my achievements in solar telescopes building.

I just tried to make a 150mm F/5 solar H-a telescope affordable for those, who can't afford a 152mm Lunt telescope. It seems that the scope I made does work as were planned. Full disk in excellent 0.7A H-a, excellent sharpness and resolution. Visual contrast is OK, but it fully depends of filters I used. Photographically (b/w CCD) the contrast is very good and allows to take very detailed pictures quite easily.
This scope can be upgraded to 0.5A within one or two minutes by adding one more 0.7A etalon and some more adjustment.

Now I need to finish the development of the mechanical parts - to make this scope truly universal solar machine. This will take a month or two. So, for new warm season I will be ready to offer to solar observers community my upgrade kit.

Here you can see some my photos taken recently with this 150mm F/5 0.7A solar telescope. I am not any kind of master in photography and my learning curve is quite short - it begins in the middle of October. So, don't criticize my works too much.

http://www.astronomy.ru/forum/index.php ... lbum;in=52

Valery Deryuzhin.
ARIES Co., Ukraine

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:07 am

Valery, my name is Joe and your work is excellent and appreciated.

Your optical prowess with Aries has been observed and respected on such product as the Astro-Physics 10 Inch (25.4cm) f14.6 Maksutov, the Chromacor and the SAFIX corrector for spherical aberration. To mention just a few.

I don't underestimate you sir.

"Please" continue to help the less well heeled among us garner better solar equipment. Thank you for accepting my invitation.

sullij1 · Post by **sullij1** » Mon Nov 19, 2012 1:39 am

Valery,
Based on some of the questions you had on CN you may find these threads interesting:

http://solarchat.natca.net/index.php/en ... ternatives

And CaK

http://solarchat.natca.net/index.php/en ... 0&start=60
http://solarchat.natca.net/index.php/en ... 600-module
http://solarchat.natca.net/index.php/en ... -4nm-cal-k
http://solarchat.natca.net/index.php/en ... ctually-do
http://solarchat.natca.net/index.php/en ... er-arrives
http://solarchat.natca.net/index.php/en ... ine-filter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Optical-Filter- ... 4849f82ecf

Omega also sells a CaK / 80A pair by request, if you’re interested. Again I think these are around 4nm FWHM. Merlin 66 and Mark Townley can give you information on those. I just acquired them and have not a lot of time to play with them yet.

Also you may want to post you Ha scope information in the Commercial Solar filters/Hardware section.

I will also find an up load site for your raw avi data (if that is what it is) and post it later. (can sombody help me here?) I would like a crack at processing some of the raw data from your new Ha scope. The comb (if that is what you call it) looks similar to the Omega comb when Omega’s are done right. (your filters are better)

Hope that helps get you going on some of the stuff we discuss on a term of service free (TOS Free) site.
Best regards,

Joe