Hi everyone,
to make an Herchel wedge you don't need a particular prism but you can use one of those that are inside 90° prism diagonals.
Here's a quick and dirty DIY Herchel Wedge that you can do simply by using one of those prism diagonal.
First you need a prism diagonal like this:
The you have to dismantle it and here is what you'll probably got:
Now, prepare to put things together but in a different way. The diagonal side has to be used to reflect light (it'll reflect only around 5% of it). The rest will be reflected on the back of the wedge.
Now you can use the bottom of the diagonal to "lock" the prism, like that:
And you're done Free... if you already have a diagonal prism
Certainly is not the best Herschel wedge of the planet. But it's good enough to test the difference between using the wedge vs Astrosolar or similar.
You can refine it by using a box. I used a flip box for that and that way performances are very very good:
But, I have a friend that makes some spectacular Herschel wedges with professional performances, very solid and incredibly cool in their "steampunk" look.
Here's a 1.25" version:
I used it in the past but now I have and use that beauty:
A 2" Herschel Wedge he made for me that is my preferred one. It has a 2" variable polar filter that you can tune simply by turning the round top of the wedge. Works like a charm.
Spending only a fraction of commercial ones.
I hope you like them
Andrea
Quick and dirty DIY Heschel Wedge
- marktownley
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Re: Quick and dirty DIY Heschel Wedge
Some fantastic solar DIY there Andrea! Thanks for sharing it with us!
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
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Re: Quick and dirty DIY Heschel Wedge
Thanks Mark.
One thing for those deciding to try it: remember to use some ND/polarized filter as 5% is still too much and is dangerous.
Usually I use variable polarized filter so that I can easily adapt to (almost) any weather condition... well the Sun must still be visible
One thing for those deciding to try it: remember to use some ND/polarized filter as 5% is still too much and is dangerous.
Usually I use variable polarized filter so that I can easily adapt to (almost) any weather condition... well the Sun must still be visible
Re: Quick and dirty DIY Heschel Wedge
Hi Andrea:
This a fantastic mod with off the shelf equipment. Thanks for sharing, Great idea.
best regards
Ciao
This a fantastic mod with off the shelf equipment. Thanks for sharing, Great idea.
best regards
Ciao
- swisswalter
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Re: Quick and dirty DIY Heschel Wedge
Hi Andrea
great mod. Thank you for sharing and have fun
great mod. Thank you for sharing and have fun
Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE
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from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa