The Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project is proudly sponsored by the following fine companies:

Transit of Mercury in the Spicule Layer. Phil took this great image with his Quantum 6 Scope, Solar Spectrum etalon and PGR Camera.
Welcome to Solar Chat! The best forum for Solar Astronomy
Moving forward from solar cycle 24 to 25
HELP QUARK
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
HELP QUARK
Hi,
As a few know I have a QUARK and looks like I will have some Sun today and I would like to know if I focus with an eyepiece, will the focus for a camera be the same or at least near ?
Thanks
As a few know I have a QUARK and looks like I will have some Sun today and I would like to know if I focus with an eyepiece, will the focus for a camera be the same or at least near ?
Thanks
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Re: HELP QUARK
It will be close in my experience, but not exact. I've had variation of up to about 1cm either way with different positions of my sensor for focus, relative to an eyepiece. Depends on how deep the nose goes, etc.
Very best,
Very best,
Re: HELP QUARK
Rainer,
it is not varying that much. Think I have some difference of 5 mm more out-focus on the 80mm f/6. (did not measure on the 120, but the difference is also small)
Rgrds,
Paul
it is not varying that much. Think I have some difference of 5 mm more out-focus on the 80mm f/6. (did not measure on the 120, but the difference is also small)
Rgrds,
Paul
Re: HELP QUARK
The fuzz are spicules if I recall 
Some examples:


I focus on a surface feature with the camera at a high (near clipping off the right of the histogram) exposure value. I let the seeing show me what it's doing for a few seconds. If I see a sharp pencil drawing look, then I'm focused enough and I don't further change it for the time being, otherwise you can chase the seeing with focus all day. Then I change my exposure values for the limb/prominences (totally clipping the surface) to capture the spicules & proms as a separate exposure from the surface. I capture 300 frames of the proms/limb at one exposure value (usually 10ms, 99 gamma, and whatever gain it takes to see the proms, usually 150~180 at F35), then quickly change exposure to 10ms, 0 gamma, and reduced gain for the surface in the same position (often 50~80 gain at F35). I make a composite of the two later in post.
Very best,

Some examples:


I focus on a surface feature with the camera at a high (near clipping off the right of the histogram) exposure value. I let the seeing show me what it's doing for a few seconds. If I see a sharp pencil drawing look, then I'm focused enough and I don't further change it for the time being, otherwise you can chase the seeing with focus all day. Then I change my exposure values for the limb/prominences (totally clipping the surface) to capture the spicules & proms as a separate exposure from the surface. I capture 300 frames of the proms/limb at one exposure value (usually 10ms, 99 gamma, and whatever gain it takes to see the proms, usually 150~180 at F35), then quickly change exposure to 10ms, 0 gamma, and reduced gain for the surface in the same position (often 50~80 gain at F35). I make a composite of the two later in post.
Very best,
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Marty and Paul,
Thanks. I found focus yesterday by first using an eye piece and then sticking in the quark with an eye piece and then I exchanged the eye piece with the camera. Unfortunately the Sky conditions did not allow to get into perfect focus.
I was able to see the fur on the limb. What is it called correctly ?
The video I made did not come out as I had some wrong settings. That happens when one does not use it for a long time and one forgets how to set the software
Look at the image of the sky conditions
Perhaps today it is better so I can keep testing it.
Thanks. I found focus yesterday by first using an eye piece and then sticking in the quark with an eye piece and then I exchanged the eye piece with the camera. Unfortunately the Sky conditions did not allow to get into perfect focus.
I was able to see the fur on the limb. What is it called correctly ?
The video I made did not come out as I had some wrong settings. That happens when one does not use it for a long time and one forgets how to set the software

Look at the image of the sky conditions

regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Marty,MalVeauX wrote: ↑Thu May 10, 2018 2:52 pmThe fuzz are spicules if I recall
Some examples:
I focus on a surface feature with the camera at a high (near clipping off the right of the histogram) exposure value. I let the seeing show me what it's doing for a few seconds. If I see a sharp pencil drawing look, then I'm focused enough and I don't further change it for the time being, otherwise you can chase the seeing with focus all day. Then I change my exposure values for the limb/prominences (totally clipping the surface) to capture the spicules & proms as a separate exposure from the surface. I capture 300 frames of the proms/limb at one exposure value (usually 10ms, 99 gamma, and whatever gain it takes to see the proms, usually 150~180 at F35), then quickly change exposure to 10ms, 0 gamma, and reduced gain for the surface in the same position (often 50~80 gain at F35). I make a composite of the two later in post.
Very best,
Thanks for the info how you do it
Rainer
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
HI,
Well I found out how to focus my QUARK but the Sky thinks my QUARK is obsolete
Well I found out how to focus my QUARK but the Sky thinks my QUARK is obsolete





regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- Merlin66
- Librarian
- Posts: 3367
- Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 1:23 pm
- Location: St Leonards, Australia
- Contact:
Re: HELP QUARK
The furry edge is the spiculation layer.
"Astronomical Spectroscopy - The Final Frontier" - to boldly go where few amateurs have gone before
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ast ... scopy/info
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs" and
"Imaging Sunlight - using a digital spectroheliograph" - Springer
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ast ... scopy/info
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs" and
"Imaging Sunlight - using a digital spectroheliograph" - Springer
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi,
Continuing with this story well yesterday I manged to find th approx focus point but of course the details on the Sun where impossible so I just made a short test image. Looks like today I have a bit more of Sun.
But what I do not like are those very fine newton rings. I am using the Quark on a FS 78 with a Lumenera Infinity 2-1RM
Here is the very first Light image of the QUARK and the following days I need Sun and patience. It is a PITA not having an electric focuser on this sort of focal length 630 x 4.3 = 2700 mm
Continuing with this story well yesterday I manged to find th approx focus point but of course the details on the Sun where impossible so I just made a short test image. Looks like today I have a bit more of Sun.
But what I do not like are those very fine newton rings. I am using the Quark on a FS 78 with a Lumenera Infinity 2-1RM
Here is the very first Light image of the QUARK and the following days I need Sun and patience. It is a PITA not having an electric focuser on this sort of focal length 630 x 4.3 = 2700 mm

regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- Merlin66
- Librarian
- Posts: 3367
- Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 1:23 pm
- Location: St Leonards, Australia
- Contact:
Re: HELP QUARK
Rainer,
I’ve fitted the simple SW electronic focus motor to all myscopes -works very well for me.
I’ve fitted the simple SW electronic focus motor to all myscopes -works very well for me.
"Astronomical Spectroscopy - The Final Frontier" - to boldly go where few amateurs have gone before
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ast ... scopy/info
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs" and
"Imaging Sunlight - using a digital spectroheliograph" - Springer
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ast ... scopy/info
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs" and
"Imaging Sunlight - using a digital spectroheliograph" - Springer
Re: HELP QUARK
Hello Rainer,
electric focusers are not that difficult to build, and there are plenty of good designs to make a controller (inlcuded ascom) using arduinos with motorshields or steppermotor driver. The most difficult thing for me was making an attachment to the focuser. (I am a software man, not very handy in building stuff, maybe I need a 3D printer). I have used https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduin ... erpro2diy/ There is now also a version if you prefer DC motors https://sourceforge.net/projects/mydcfo ... dcfocuser/ (these work better than some crap I bought to automate my C8 with Crayford focuser)
The newton rings are easy to deal with. What I found is the higher the f/num the more chance of Newton rings. So a reducer after the Quark sometimes helps. Or just a little tilt. And there is also a software solution using Fast Fourier Transforms in Photoshop, Gimp or AstroImageJ.
To focus in difficult conditions I use the histogram. Aim at the solar limb, and you see a dip in the histogram. Then change focus and the dip will go up/down. When it is at its lowest point, you should be in focus.
But: was your Quark heated? Even wih bad atmosphere, there should be some detail visible. The image looks very pale.
Regards,
Paul
electric focusers are not that difficult to build, and there are plenty of good designs to make a controller (inlcuded ascom) using arduinos with motorshields or steppermotor driver. The most difficult thing for me was making an attachment to the focuser. (I am a software man, not very handy in building stuff, maybe I need a 3D printer). I have used https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduin ... erpro2diy/ There is now also a version if you prefer DC motors https://sourceforge.net/projects/mydcfo ... dcfocuser/ (these work better than some crap I bought to automate my C8 with Crayford focuser)
The newton rings are easy to deal with. What I found is the higher the f/num the more chance of Newton rings. So a reducer after the Quark sometimes helps. Or just a little tilt. And there is also a software solution using Fast Fourier Transforms in Photoshop, Gimp or AstroImageJ.
To focus in difficult conditions I use the histogram. Aim at the solar limb, and you see a dip in the histogram. Then change focus and the dip will go up/down. When it is at its lowest point, you should be in focus.
But: was your Quark heated? Even wih bad atmosphere, there should be some detail visible. The image looks very pale.
Regards,
Paul
- Montana
- Way More Fun to Share It!!
- Posts: 20996
- Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:25 pm
- Location: Cheshire, UK
Re: HELP QUARK
Yes I would be more concerned with the lack of surface detail than the NR at this moment!
Alexandra
Alexandra
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Ken,
I expressed myself unfortunately. What I wanted to say is that I still would ahve to put one of my focusers on the scope. I have all my scopes with own made focusers just the 2 telescopes I have at home are still not fitted with them
Look here how my focusers look like. I also have a motorized rotator on each telescope in the Observatory.
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Alexandra,
Same here I did not put enough Information. With that sort of Sky conditions I had I was happy to see the limb on the Sun and make Focus tests

Yesterday it was better but still very high thin clouds which kill all sort of Details.
As I said I need a really clear sky but at the Moment I am happy being able to Focus. Yesterday I even saw a M shaped prominence but still bad sky conditions. I also saw some Details on the Sun surface as some Filaments but of course not the same as with my Observatory set up.
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Paul,PDB wrote: ↑Tue May 15, 2018 6:31 amHello Rainer,
electric focusers are not that difficult to build, and there are plenty of good designs to make a controller (inlcuded ascom) using arduinos with motorshields or steppermotor driver. The most difficult thing for me was making an attachment to the focuser. (I am a software man, not very handy in building stuff, maybe I need a 3D printer). I have used https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduin ... erpro2diy/ There is now also a version if you prefer DC motors https://sourceforge.net/projects/mydcfo ... dcfocuser/ (these work better than some crap I bought to automate my C8 with Crayford focuser)
The newton rings are easy to deal with. What I found is the higher the f/num the more chance of Newton rings. So a reducer after the Quark sometimes helps. Or just a little tilt. And there is also a software solution using Fast Fourier Transforms in Photoshop, Gimp or AstroImageJ.
To focus in difficult conditions I use the histogram. Aim at the solar limb, and you see a dip in the histogram. Then change focus and the dip will go up/down. When it is at its lowest point, you should be in focus.
But: was your Quark heated? Even wih bad atmosphere, there should be some detail visible. The image looks very pale.
Regards,
Paul
Yes the QUARK was heated and yes, yesterday I started to see Details on the suns surface and also at the limb some hints of Spicules. The weather is really not cooperating and when I ahve Chance to get the into into the QUARK it starts at an altitude of about 29° so I know those are also not the best conditions as poiunting onto the zenith as I can in my Observatory.
On Thursday 17th I will be in the Observatory for a few days and test it on my FSQ 85 up to the zenith.
¿ where do I find that and how does that work in Photoshop ? I have PS CS6Fast Fourier Transforms in Photoshop
The image acquisition Software i have Lucam Recorder has a function where I can use the contrast for focusing. I choose a window and there I look at the highest value and there it should be in focus.
Rainer
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Rainer,
here is a thread on CN https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/5944 ... om-images/
I find this one very detailed but complicated
In another thread (unfortunately in Dutch) you can see it can be done simpler https://www.astroforum.nl/forum/astrofo ... -oplossing just look at the pictures of the FFT and invere FFT
So you need a Fast Fourier Transformation filter
-> do the de FFT on the image -> search for the errors usually seen fairly clear as defaults in the pattern.
Just wipe them out an do an inverse FFT. After some training you can obtain very good results.
P.
here is a thread on CN https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/5944 ... om-images/
I find this one very detailed but complicated
In another thread (unfortunately in Dutch) you can see it can be done simpler https://www.astroforum.nl/forum/astrofo ... -oplossing just look at the pictures of the FFT and invere FFT
So you need a Fast Fourier Transformation filter
-> do the de FFT on the image -> search for the errors usually seen fairly clear as defaults in the pattern.
Just wipe them out an do an inverse FFT. After some training you can obtain very good results.
P.
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Paul,PDB wrote: ↑Tue May 15, 2018 4:21 pmHi Rainer,
here is a thread on CN https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/5944 ... om-images/
I find this one very detailed but complicated
In another thread (unfortunately in Dutch) you can see it can be done simpler https://www.astroforum.nl/forum/astrofo ... -oplossing just look at the pictures of the FFT and invere FFT
So you need a Fast Fourier Transformation filter
-> do the de FFT on the image -> search for the errors usually seen fairly clear as defaults in the pattern.
Just wipe them out an do an inverse FFT. After some training you can obtain very good results.
P.
Will try to replicate it.
Question, would something like a little optical window with a tilt in the optical path take away the Newton Rings ?
Just guessing

Last edited by rsfoto on Tue May 15, 2018 8:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Paul,PDB wrote: ↑Tue May 15, 2018 4:56 pmWat works is a prism in the optical path (that is also mentioned in the Dutch explanation). I did some tests with a ZWO ADC and that also works. Actually what that does, since you only work in 1 frequency) it tilts the focal plane instead of the camera. Same effect.
P
AH, I understand and so a parallell optical surface would only shift the rings a bit to the side.
I will test if the thread of the C-Mount Adapter allows a tiny tilt by putting a shim on one side and tightening it and so the camera is tilted. Hopefully I get some Sun today

That ZWO ADC is quite big, I have 3 ZWO cameras on the way to me. I guess I will get them in a few weeks.
Rainer
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Re: HELP QUARK
Wat works is a prism in the optical path (that is also mentioned in the Dutch explanation). I did some tests with a ZWO ADC and that also works. Actually what that does, since you only work in 1 frequency) it tilts the focal plane instead of the camera. Same effect.
P
P
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi,
Yesterday 14th I got this with this skies. I think I am getting closer
Today's forecast looks good but this can change quickly in Mexico City
Yesterday 14th I got this with this skies. I think I am getting closer

Today's forecast looks good but this can change quickly in Mexico City
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Paul,
I downloaded Fiji and tried on an image but I just can not get the rings out of it. Quite difficult.
Look at the screen shot of the test image and the FFT result. I do not know where to exactly mark the lines. I did take the 2 little slightly diagonal lines but no, does not work
and here the original image in TIF
I downloaded Fiji and tried on an image but I just can not get the rings out of it. Quite difficult.
Look at the screen shot of the test image and the FFT result. I do not know where to exactly mark the lines. I did take the 2 little slightly diagonal lines but no, does not work

and here the original image in TIF
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Re: HELP QUARK
Hi Rainer,
took the liberty to download your image with the NR's
Tried to do it in GIMP (Fiji can sometimes be cumbersome to do something) and had some problems too. The image was saved in RGB (could be because of the dowload) When I converted it to grey it worked better. (Never had good results with color images, I only used it on monochrome)
So this is what I did and the result. Not perfect yet (still some issues in the bacground, but the disc looks ok. Probably a spike still needs to get blackened) Regards,
Paul
took the liberty to download your image with the NR's
Tried to do it in GIMP (Fiji can sometimes be cumbersome to do something) and had some problems too. The image was saved in RGB (could be because of the dowload) When I converted it to grey it worked better. (Never had good results with color images, I only used it on monochrome)
So this is what I did and the result. Not perfect yet (still some issues in the bacground, but the disc looks ok. Probably a spike still needs to get blackened) Regards,
Paul
- rsfoto
- Almost There...
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Re: HELP QUARK
Thank you Paul,
Yhe attached Image is a bit small and I cant see the difference between my original and the FFT processed Image.
Today afternoon I will show you what Fiji ImageJ makes. Also will download GIMP and see how it works,
About the Image being colour yes you are right. The fact is that I am applying a false colur mask in realtime when streaming my videos and it is saved as an RGB Image. I noticed that when ImageJ gave me some advice about processing colour channel 1. I then converted the image into B&W and it ran but with weird results.
I will post one later on.
Rainer
Yhe attached Image is a bit small and I cant see the difference between my original and the FFT processed Image.
Today afternoon I will show you what Fiji ImageJ makes. Also will download GIMP and see how it works,
About the Image being colour yes you are right. The fact is that I am applying a false colur mask in realtime when streaming my videos and it is saved as an RGB Image. I noticed that when ImageJ gave me some advice about processing colour channel 1. I then converted the image into B&W and it ran but with weird results.
I will post one later on.
Rainer
regards Rainer
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Observatorio Real de 14 San Luis Potosi Mexico
Re: HELP QUARK
Just a thought, but if you're shooting through window glass, I'm wondering if that will play a role in this?
Very best,
Last edited by MalVeauX on Wed May 16, 2018 4:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.