Large Aperture Tests Pt 2 - Quantum - 24 May

[MapleRidge]

Hi all...

My second test of the recently collimated C9.25Edge was wit the Daystar Quantum 0.45A SE filter that I have had for years, but tend to avoid using due to the long time to get the tuning stabilized. With the increase in solar activity on the horizon I wanted to evaluate this filter as well. Like the Quark test, I used the same pre-filters and the 2.7x telecentric.

After the tuning was stable (based on the control software readout), I wasn't happy with the preview images...lacing the contrast and detail I expected after the modded scope and Quark views. The image below is what the "on band' tuning produced:

AR2824_25x_C9-DSQ-OB.jpg (184.7 KiB) Viewed 196 times

So, the tests begin. I set the software to push the tuning 1A into the red and waited for it to stabilize. As the tuning adjusted the Ha details started to look much better. The image below is the results after stabilizing at 1A into the red wing:

AR2824_25x_C9-DSQ-1A_RW.jpg (787.56 KiB) Viewed 196 times

The next image was taken after the filter was re-tuned 1A into the blue wing (from centre):

AR2824_25x_C9-DSQ-1A_BW.jpg (236.1 KiB) Viewed 196 times

From the images, it looks to me as though the 'centre' setting for the filter is off on the blue side...though I don't recall this being an issue back a few years ago when I used it very often. Perhaps 1A into the red is too far to call it the centre band, but the tuning/stabilizing is so slow to quantify for this first test. wanted to run the images using the 4x Powermate but could not find it anywhere, just to compare any differences in the effective focal ratio.

I'd be interest to know what other have to say about the tuning and ways to test it out more, or if it needs to have a Daystar service call?


Thanks,
Brian

[christian viladrich]

Hi Brian,
Maybe something like 0.8A into the red could be worth trying next time. Don't hesitate to wait 20 min for thermal stabilisation.
Another way to do it indoor is to use an Ha lamp :
http://astrosurf.com/viladrich/astro/in ... sting.html

[Montana]

It certainly looks better into the red. I too would investigate that region further

Alexandra

[ffellah]

Good test Brian, it was definitely worth it.

Franco

[MapleRidge]

Christian, Alexandra, and Franco...

Thanks for your comments and suggestions. The Red wing certainly looks better, but unable to tune any further to see if the ideal spot is in the range I have to work with.

Christian, I will setup another test at +0.8A and see how it looks.

Brian

[JochenM]

Interesting test result, Brian. Tuning it further into the red does look promising.