PST Mod Complete

[SMS]

Hello Folks,

I tested my first solar scope mod today and I got very encouraging results. The ITF in my PST was on its last legs so I removed it and in its place I put a 25mm piece of Thorlabs Schott KG3 with a few drops of silicone to hold it secure. I did this for the IR blocking properties that KG 3 provides. I also put a 2" Baader UV/IR cut filter stacked on a Baader Red 610 Longpass filter as an ERF. I used a 52mm to 48mm step down ring to affix it to the PST.

We had 30 minutes of "almost sunshine" here at the Jersey Shore today and I found the view through the modded PST to be brighter than what it was originally and if this is even possible, somewhat narrower. I had a scope with my SM40 set up right next to it and the PST appeared to be closer in detail than it had been stock. Plages and filaments seemed more apparent in the modded scope. The SM40 on an Orion ED80 still smoked the PST but, again, it seemed closer. I can only guess that the "rust-less" view allows for higher contrast giving the illusion of a narrower bandpass.






Clear Skies,

Steve

[swisswalter]

Hi Steve

fine results

[marktownley]

Very good indeed! 8)

[SMS]

Thanks guys! Without the information that has been shared on this forum I would have just sent this back to Meade and paid to have it fixed. I feel much better when I can do something for myself. I can't wait to try this set up again under better skies.

Clear and Sunny Skies,

Steve

[swisswalter]

Hi Steve

looking forward to your first light under good conditions

[SMS]

Hi Folks,

I got some sun with mediocre seeing today but I was able to test out my PST mod. The image on the left is double stacked without the ERF that I put together and the image on the right is the modified version. I took each image through the right eyepiece holder of a BW Optik binoviewer in a Siebert PST OCA. The camera is a Canon 7D with a 50mm lens and a 40mm eyepiece. It is an awkward setup at best! I did not process either photo and other than sharpness and color it fairly approximates the eyepiece views. I definitely see more detail in single mode than I did before I replaced the ITF. The DS view appears to be a touch brighter as well.

Clear and Sunny Skies,

Steve

[marktownley]

Great first light Steve! Onwards and upwards!

[swisswalter]

Hi Steve

you certainly have Ha features , now comes the fine tuning