My PST / XLT 102 Mod

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Solarhound
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My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Solarhound »

This was one of a few sites I frequented for information about the PST mods . I started with the basic stage 1 mod and did not like it , The 5mm blocking filter restricted the field too much for my liking and I found it awkward for imaging .
ERF Cell
I used the Lunt 100mm ERF , it is reasonably priced at $350 but is only the glass with no cell . My solution was a trip to the hardware store where I found a PVC pipe fitting that the glass would fit The glass fit perfectly between the male and female section of the fitting so I made 2 o rings to place on either side of the glass . I then machined off the excess material for appearance and put a tapered bore in the other end so it would self lock to the scope tube and also allow for tipping .









Next I had to set the length , I did not want to cut the tube unless I had to . The scope has a 1000mm F/L so to find the magic 200mm into the path I measured 800mm from the objective, converted to inches this is 31 1/2" The supplied focuser with this scope made the distance too much bit I had a 2" low profile Antares 2 speed that would work and give me close to 1" of inward travel from the 200mm . I needed to make a bushing to take up the space between the focuser and the tube , one more PVC fitting was required . I made the bushing with a small shoulder on the outside and a step in the bottom so everything would be square . All I had to do to mount it was to drill and tap 3 holes into the focuser adapter to match the holes in the scope tube . So if I want I can return both scopes to original if I want to .












Next was the back half for this I found an Antares 2" twist lock eyepiece extension . With the nose piece removed the twist lock assembly will fit the PST etalon giving you a 2" ep holder at the end of the etalon . I added another 2" extension . I can slide these extensions in or out to rough focus and fine tune with the focuser , similar to how the SM 60 works . The removed nose piece from the extension was a larger thread and would not fit the etalon so I made an adapter ring to thread to the inside of the nose piece and threaded the outside to match the etalon















Ok I think I have the images figured out now . I hope this is helpful and would like to say thank you for all the great information provided in this informative site .

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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by sullij1 »

:bow: This is more than helpful. U R the man! Thank you for the detailed information on this mod. I like the way you used the black box for the finder. Very resourceful. :bow:


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by sullij1 »

BTW, Welcome. :)


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by marktownley »

Good to read how this scope has developed! Welcome!


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by swisswalter »

Hi Mike

great mod, thanks for sharing


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Merlin66 »

Very nice!
A professional result.
I used the same approach (the OTA to focuser adaptor) on the TS102 mod.
You can have white light observing with the Baader Herschel wedge and 10sec later be observing in Ha with the modded PST.
Well done!


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Bill E. »

:) :thanx:


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Pedro »

Very nice PST mod. Welcome to SolarChat

Pedro


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by robert »

Very nicely done, thanks for posting
Robert


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Solarhound »

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome .
Seeing the results of the stage 2 mod I can easily say it is well worth doing .


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by JohnM »

Which model Antares focuser did you use?
My new 102 just showed up from OPT. but the Antares focuser I thought I'd use is still too long.


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Solarhound »

Hello John

This is the focuser I used but with the SCT adapter and a home made bushing
http://agenaastro.com/antares-low-profi ... speed.html
http://agenaastro.com/antares-adapter-plate-sct-lp.html

The set screws were flush in the adapter that I purchased .

Nice ERF cell Langleif


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by JohnM »

Thanks, after looking at you photos again I could sort of see what you did.
The main body on all those focusers must be the same, I've been checking out some I have around.
You used that SCT adapter just to add some material to reach into the tube inside your home fabbed adapter?


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Solarhound »

The adapter added diameter and provided material to tap holes for the mounting screws . The final PVC sleeve to bring it up to the tube diameter is quite thin and machined to match the two diameters .


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by JohnM »

I think I'm just going to shorten the tube on mine, I have a box full of nice adapters for those focusers.
I've measured the focus point, it's too close to f10 to argue, so I'll cut it to allow an extra half inch of in focus.


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by dgcclubmaker »

Excellent write up! Quick question...does the Antares twist lock thread actually matchup to the back end of the pst etalon? Thanks!

Regards,
Ricky


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Re: My PST / XLT 102 Mod

Post by Solarhound »

Sorry for the late answer but yes the 2 pieces will thread together


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