Two New Toys

[GeorgeIonas]

This week has I was able to try out my new toys, the TS-102 f/11 scope and Antlia's 5 angstrom CaK filter. This is also my first venture in into Cak imaging and processing the sun. So your advise will be most appreciated.

I purchased the Cak filter with Antlia's 3x and 5x Barlow lenses which as the instructions show they fit in between the blocking filter and the CaK filter. I could not get these to work without a large amount of flaring of the image to one side of the image frame. Using the 2x Tele Vue Power Mate with a 2" ERF in front of the Barlow and the CaK filter as per instructions worked well with no flaring. I also had to use a camera with a small CMOS chip (ZWO ASI120mm-S) as the CaK filter is only 12mm in diameter and using other cameras with a larger CMOS chip showed vignetting.

The only chance I had to use the TS-102 f/11 scope and Antlia's 5 angstrom CaK filter together was yesterday when I got a break in the clouds in the late afternoon unfortunately, the sun was only 15 degrees above the horizon.

George

[DavidP]

Congratulations, and very nice image.
I have the same scope, and to be honest, I’ve been shocked at how sharp it is. Every bit as sharp is my Takahashi FS 102. It obviously doesn’t have the color correction of the Takahashi, but that is irrelevant for narrow band imaging.
I’m looking forward to seeing your future images
The Ca filter is 5. A though. Right?

[Martin_S]

Hi George, nice image.

Martin

[Peterm]

Great set up and image.

[GeorgeIonas]

Hi David,
Yes, the CaK filter is 5 angstrom, I have corrected my post.

I too have a Takahashi FS-102 and I'll do a color comparison. The TS-102 f/11 that I got was the SD version not the ED version so that I can use it on the planets as well.

George

[DeepSolar64]

I have heard of the Antlia half nanometer CaK filter and it looks like it does very well. I think the Lunt module is about 2.5 angstroms or 1/4 nanometer bandpass and I wonder how the new Antlia 5A filter compares to it. I have a 30 angstrom ( 3nm ) CaK filter by Antlia but it shows much more photosphere which lowers the contrast significantly in the calcium band. How much is the Antlia 5 angstrom filter compared to the Lunt module? Probably several hundred dollar cheaper!

James

[KMH]

Very nice!

Kevin

[GeorgeIonas]

Hi James,

Here is Antila's price for the 5A filter. I also got their 3x and 5x Barlows but they tend to "flare" i.e overexpose the image on one side of the frame. So I use the 2x Tele Vue PowerMate with Antlia's 2" ERF.
George

[rigel123]

Nice one George, and I would say it compares pretty well with the Lunt based upon your image.

[DeepSolar64]

It looks to be about 300 bucks cheaper than the entry-level Lunt module.

[GeorgeIonas]

I'm happy with the results. The issue that I'm having is only when using Antlia's Barlow lenses, it could just be me as I said this is my first time imaging in CaK. I do not get the over exposed edge using other Barlow lenses. All-in-all I'm happy with the results that I'm getting.
As well as Antlia's CaK filter being $300 cheaper than a Lunt, I did not have to wait weeks or months to get one.
George

[marktownley]

Looks very promising. More images please!

[Alto]

Very sharp beautiful images. That's a much lower priced item than the Lunt module.

Looks like you've made a winning choice on these two new toys.

Doesn't, yet, seem to be available in the UK.

[arnedanielsen]

Congratulations on your new toy, George! I have the same scope and are very happy with it... performs very well in H-Alpha, Continuum, G-Band and CaK!

Great first session with some very nice results!

[GeorgeIonas]

Thank you Geoff and Arne for your kind comments. I'm really liking this scope and filter combination.
George