solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

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solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by Bojan »

So I have the 90mm solarmax 2 with a straight through blocking filter.

I bought the right feathertouch focuser and adapted and well ... The feathertouch fits great onto the scope however the blocking filter doesn't screw on anywhere.

It doesn't screw onto the front of a 2" diagonal, or anything similar. Anyone have any experience with this or ideas on how to mount it safely ?

Thanks !
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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Hmm... It's too big to fit into the FeatherTouch? I have a BF15 diagonal type one. I am not familiar with how the straight-through is made.

James


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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by Bojan »

DeepSolar64 wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 4:55 am Hmm... It's too big to fit into the FeatherTouch? I have a BF15 diagonal type one. I am not familiar with how the straight-through is made.

James
The blocking filter is considerable smaller than the front of the focuser. It's the exact same diameter as the end of a 2" diagonal, but on the blocking filter the threads are female.

I got quoted about 300$ for a custom adapter, it would take a lot of time to measure threads and program CNC machine.
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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Ok, Mr. Townley, it's time you chime in. You are good on stuff like this! :-)


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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by Rusted »

Just for clarity:

What is the diameter of the exterior of the blocking filter?

Is it not a 2" push fit ?

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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by Bojan »

Rusted wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 4:53 pm Just for clarity:

What is the diameter of the exterior of the blocking filter?

Is it not a 2" push fit ?


blocking filter.jpg
It is same diameter as the nose of a 2" diagonal, but unsure how that helps to get a diagonal or eyepeices behind it


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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by Rusted »

Once you have a standard dimension you open up all the possibilities of standard adapters, extenders and filter holders.
You haven't shown the complete unit. So it is difficult to see whether the entire length is 2" push fit. I think I can see a raised section.
Nor have you mentioned whether the focuser has a standard 2" push fit draw tube. One must presume it has.

Your starting point might be to discover what Coronado screws into that thread in the blocking filter.
Or [preferably] the one on the tail end? Is there one?

A millimeter rule, ruler or tape measure will give you a quick and rough idea of the female thread's diameter.
Or take it to a tool shop and borrow a vernier caliper from the display. You can buy a usable vernier caliper for small change.
Be gentle or you will damage the thread!

Once you have the thread diameter you start searching the astro websites for anything which will screw into it.

Those of us who mod telescopes usually have a drawer full of adapters and extenders. They cost a fortune but are essential to progress.

BTW: Your equipment will hold its value better if you avoid piling it on an untidy surface.
It also makes photography and identification of detail much easier. So other forum members can better help you.
For photography use a plain, neutral background. Normal, fawn, cardboard used for packaging [boxes] are ideal and cost nothing.
Frame the subject you want us to identify in good light. Not the rest of the room. ;)


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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by marktownley »

Won't it just screw onto the front of a 2" diagonal? Or, sit inside the EP holder of a 2" diagonal?


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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by Bojan »

So I thought I was making some progress however no dice.

First picture is the BF, the adapter that attaches it to the helical focuser and the diagonal.

If you cannibalize the helical focuser you can make a nice long train that holds the BF30, adapter, cannibalized helical, and the diagonal. It's not great as I'm not sure the one thumb screw can hold the diagonal and the intended binoviewers.

However frustratingly, the silver piece is a 2" push size, and fits neatly into a 2" focuser or diagonal. However the black piece from the helical focuser does not. it must be a mm bigger.

Contacting Meade has been less than fruitful. I purchased some calipers and thread gauges to try and figure out the exact threads and then find an adapter.
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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by OlegLviv »

Bojan hello!
Where is your ITF bloking filter?
Do you know why this BF dont have itf bloking filter inside?
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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by Bojan »

With the BF30 the itf is inside the BF. The diagonal just has a red/ir filter if memory serves


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Re: solarmax 2 90 straight through blocking filter won't fit feathertouch

Post by marktownley »

What do you need the small black threaded ring for?


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