Search found 132 matches

by Solarhound
Sat Jun 04, 2016 1:57 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Equipment recommendation for a possible comeback
Replies: 27
Views: 4696

Re: Equipment recommendation for a possible comeback

Ewan ; Please forgive me for posting incorrect info , I obviously have no idea how to properly use my Quark or it would be my first choice of solar imaging instruments that I use . I agree 100% with your recommendation the OP should have a Quark as well as the support equipment you mention , 152 F/5...
by Solarhound
Fri Jun 03, 2016 6:41 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Equipment recommendation for a possible comeback
Replies: 27
Views: 4696

Re: Equipment recommendation for a possible comeback

One thing that I often see overlooked in Quark discussions is the barlow required to obtain the f/r that solid heated etalons want . The OP clearly stated he is looking for an imaging rig and my experience tells me that the quark has limitations as far as imaging goes . Lunt and Coronado products do...
by Solarhound
Thu Dec 04, 2014 5:24 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: 2 Additions to my 100mm Skywatcher Mod
Replies: 6
Views: 2390

Re: 2 Additions to my 100mm Skywatcher Mod

Thank you all for the kind comments . It has been the fine modders on this site that have inspired me to do this and of course Stephens open mindedness for providing all of us with a place where mods can be freely discussed . If there are any Moonlight users out there that are considering remote eta...
by Solarhound
Wed Dec 03, 2014 7:27 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: 2 Additions to my 100mm Skywatcher Mod
Replies: 6
Views: 2390

2 Additions to my 100mm Skywatcher Mod

I had been looking for a Coronado SM90 II etalon for a while now and was lucky enough to find a gently used one . I made an adapter ring to fit the threads in the end of the retractable dew shield . I just removed the stop ring and installed the etalon so my mod is double stacked now . As you can om...
by Solarhound
Mon Dec 01, 2014 3:16 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: WE MADE IT!!
Replies: 17
Views: 2175

Re: WE MADE IT!!

Well Done Stephen !! and congratulations to the winners !! The real winners will be the students who will be fortunate enough to receive the out reach program next year .

Thank you again for all that you do

Mike
by Solarhound
Mon Nov 24, 2014 3:54 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Need more participation from forum members please.
Replies: 16
Views: 2059

Re: Need more participation from forum members please.

Hello Stephen I described the issue I had with donating with my credit card on another thread . The donation page would not accept a Canadian address and I could only scroll "States" , no Provinces were available even though I had entered Canada as my country . I bring this to your attenti...
by Solarhound
Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:31 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Attention Modders
Replies: 3
Views: 1813

Re: Attention Modders

Hello Stephen I met you at the Astro Cats show last spring up here in Ontario Canada , I am the fellow who purchased the Quark . I have just tried to make a donation but have hit a road block . I do not use paypal and tried making a donation with my Visa . All was going well until I got to my billin...
by Solarhound
Sun Oct 05, 2014 4:35 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Still fighting the QUARK
Replies: 36
Views: 6211

Re: Still fighting the QUARK

Hi Mike ; Here are the scopes that I have tried my Quark with , I like your spread sheet so add these to it if you like . This could be benificial for Quark owners to help them decide on a suitable scope . This is what I have tried ; Orion ST 80 80mm x 400mm F/5 + Quark = F/21.5 results poor for ima...
by Solarhound
Sat Oct 04, 2014 3:29 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Still fighting the QUARK
Replies: 36
Views: 6211

Re: Still fighting the QUARK

Hi Mike Great post and the images are among some of the best that I have seen from the Quark . I can relate to the title because I battle with my Quark every time I use it ! I was also sold by the initial advertising which stated that thie product will work with a range of refractors from F/4 to F/9...
by Solarhound
Sat Aug 23, 2014 10:13 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: New 150mm PST Mod Project
Replies: 13
Views: 4003

Re: New 150mm PST Mod Project

Thanks for the comments folks , it rides much smoother in the EQ6 . All I need now is some clear sky's One last thing to do on this mod and that is to add a second motor from Moonlight to adjust the etalon . I have ordered the motor and my hand control has 2 channels so if it all works I will have f...
by Solarhound
Sat Aug 23, 2014 10:02 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Stage 2 PST Mod first light.
Replies: 9
Views: 1127

Re: Stage 2 PST Mod first light.

Congratulations on a job well done Fraz !! It sure looks familiar .
by Solarhound
Sat Aug 16, 2014 3:55 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: New 150mm PST Mod Project
Replies: 13
Views: 4003

Re: New 150mm PST Mod Project

Thank you all for your positive comments . I have made a couple of changes to complete this project . First big change was to replace the original 127mm lens cell that was holding the dew shield to the main tube . This was plastic and the dew shield just slid on and was nothing that I wanted to trus...
by Solarhound
Wed Aug 06, 2014 9:32 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 150mm Istar / PST Mod round 2 images from Sunday Aug 4
Replies: 6
Views: 937

Re: 150mm Istar / PST Mod round 2 images from Sunday Aug 4

Thank you for the kind words everyone , I am quite pleased with my new Istar mod . As for my mount Fraz I am using a Losmandy GM8 . I stripped it down cleaned out all the old grease and soaked the bearings over night . Re assembled and re lubed , just basic maintainance that should have been done so...
by Solarhound
Tue Aug 05, 2014 6:48 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar activity Aug 3 th refractor 230mm H-Alpha
Replies: 15
Views: 1378

Re: Solar activity Aug 3 th refractor 230mm H-Alpha

incredible resolution , aperture definitely rules .
by Solarhound
Tue Aug 05, 2014 3:59 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 150mm Istar / PST Mod round 2 images from Sunday Aug 4
Replies: 6
Views: 937

150mm Istar / PST Mod round 2 images from Sunday Aug 4

My first attempt with this scope was not too successful because my mount was not up to the task of smoothly guiding this beast . I have now improved the mount and the captures were much better . Here are a few from Sunday 1500mm F/L DMK 31 Aug 4 bg2.jpg Aug 4 bg3.jpg Aug 4 bg4.jpg 2X 3000mm Aug 4 bg...
by Solarhound
Tue Aug 05, 2014 3:24 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunday Sun 3rd August *Animations Added*
Replies: 29
Views: 2186

Re: Sunday Sun 3rd August *Animations Added*

Fantastic results from a busy Sunday , well done as always Mark
by Solarhound
Tue Aug 05, 2014 3:12 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunday fun (3rd Aug)
Replies: 19
Views: 1323

Re: Sunday fun (3rd Aug)

I always look forward to seeing your fine images , congratulations on the pic of the day and plane transit !
by Solarhound
Wed Jul 30, 2014 7:27 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 29July: H alpha close-ups
Replies: 6
Views: 661

Re: 29July: H alpha close-ups

Great set images here lots of fine detail . Nice to see some new activity coming around , hope my sky clears soon .
by Solarhound
Wed Jul 30, 2014 7:20 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: July 24th Ha Session
Replies: 12
Views: 745

Re: July 24th Ha Session

Very nice detail there , thank you for another fine set of images !
by Solarhound
Wed Jul 30, 2014 7:14 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 30th July 127mm mod shots.
Replies: 7
Views: 652

Re: 30th July 127mm mod shots.

Excellent results form this mod , I was patiently waiting to see more images from this one . It seems strange why your ERF is giving you issues when mounted mid stream . I am using a 100mm Lunt ERF mid stream in my 150mm / PST mod and have no issues with reflections , even with it parallel to the ob...
by Solarhound
Mon Jul 28, 2014 6:00 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sundays Sunshots - 27th July
Replies: 11
Views: 845

Re: Sundays Sunshots - 27th July

Another fine display of great images Mark . Your tutorials and advice have been valuable tools for me , thank you !!
by Solarhound
Mon Jul 28, 2014 5:55 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: July 25th in Ha
Replies: 8
Views: 678

Re: July 25th in Ha

Excellent images Brian , love the prom detail !!
by Solarhound
Mon Jul 28, 2014 5:52 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 28th July 60mm FD/127mm mod shots
Replies: 13
Views: 1096

Re: 28th July 60mm FD/127mm mod shots

You never let me down and your images keep me working harder , thanks John
by Solarhound
Mon Jul 28, 2014 5:47 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solar Sunday (horror of horrors) and some short films
Replies: 25
Views: 1684

Re: Solar Sunday (horror of horrors) and some short films

Thank you for the interesting post . I m glad that your computer is now alive and well and that you were able to recover your fine images , excellent as always !!
by Solarhound
Mon Jul 28, 2014 5:36 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: 150mm Istar / PST Mod First Light
Replies: 7
Views: 2402

Re: 150mm Istar / PST Mod First Light

Thanks for the encouragement guys it is appreciated ! I would have never attempted these mods if I had not found this site and the many talented members here . I know that I have not commented on the many fine images I see here as much as I should and will try to do better , I want everyone to know ...
by Solarhound
Wed Jul 23, 2014 4:10 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: 150mm Istar / PST Mod First Light
Replies: 7
Views: 2402

150mm Istar / PST Mod First Light

I had this project completed Late Sunday and had a somewhat clear but hazy day for a first light . Temperatures peaked in the mid 90's and the air was thick with humidity , far from ideal but good enough for an initial trial run . Finding the sun was a challenge with the eyepiece only a few inches o...
by Solarhound
Wed Jul 23, 2014 3:32 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: New 150mm PST Mod Project
Replies: 13
Views: 4003

Re: New 150mm PST Mod Project

Thank you for the positive comments guys , having Solarchat mekes it easy to follow in others footsteps . I picked up the aluminium I needed to mount the lens cell on Saturday and had it all ready to go late Sunday . Here is a shot of the aperture mounted and a shot of the completed scope . The good...
by Solarhound
Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:49 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Tuesdays Take
Replies: 5
Views: 373

Re: Tuesdays Take

You always present an interesting display of fine images , you make it one of my favourite stops on the site .
by Solarhound
Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:41 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sunshine and Lightening
Replies: 13
Views: 1117

Re: Sunshine and Lightening

Beautiful as always
by Solarhound
Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:37 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: From July 21
Replies: 4
Views: 260

Re: From July 21

I love the detail in the mosaics , great job !!
by Solarhound
Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:35 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Ha images 22nd July
Replies: 15
Views: 1080

Re: Ha images 22nd July

Very nice indeed
by Solarhound
Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:34 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: 22nd July
Replies: 7
Views: 459

Re: 22nd July

Well done as always John ! Your images are usually posted before I am ready to set up and I will usually look for them to see what is going on up there .
by Solarhound
Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:12 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: New 150mm PST Mod Project
Replies: 13
Views: 4003

New 150mm PST Mod Project

This will be my 3rd PST mod . First I would like to thank the many talented people here for sharing their valuable information here and also a big Thank You to Stephen for this amazing site . This scope is actually 3 scopes combined . Starting at the aperture end I used an old Aopgee 127mm , the dew...
by Solarhound
Mon Jul 14, 2014 7:42 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Quark to PST Mod Comparison
Replies: 10
Views: 1439

Re: Quark to PST Mod Comparison

Thank you for the comments everyone . John W , I am more into imaging than visual and will usually use a Televue 32mm to bring the scope on target . This eyepiece will just contain the disk and no more . The view at the ep does show good detail but lacs contrast in my opinion . Using 1 1/4 eyepieces...
by Solarhound
Sun Jul 13, 2014 10:25 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Quark to PST Mod Comparison
Replies: 10
Views: 1439

Re: Quark to PST Mod Comparison

You guys are good !! I was hoping it would be a bit more of a challenge .
by Solarhound
Sun Jul 13, 2014 3:26 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Quark to PST Mod Comparison
Replies: 10
Views: 1439

Quark to PST Mod Comparison

I have had my Quark for a couple of months now and am starting to get a handle on using it . Working with this filter is not at all like working with my Coronado's . Both of the following images were taken at close to the same focal length . The mod image was shot through my 100mm Skywatcher Equinox...
by Solarhound
Sat Jun 28, 2014 7:48 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Quark and Solid Etalons
Replies: 3
Views: 598

Re: Quark and Solid Etalons

Thank you both for your reply's . I had recently read the link and it does provide good information on solid heated etalon's . Mount issues became apparent the first time I tried the Quark and I have calmed mine down now with a tune up and some vibration suppression pads . I believe that I can safel...
by Solarhound
Fri Jun 27, 2014 2:47 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Quark and Solid Etalons
Replies: 3
Views: 598

Quark and Solid Etalons

I added my thoughts to Gabrili's thread "Some Curious Notes on New Quark" I was under the illusion and was assuming that when Daystar offers a 2x model that it will operate at half if the magic F/30 - F/32 F/R . Mark Townley has suggested otherwise and I believe he is correct . I now belie...
by Solarhound
Thu Jun 26, 2014 6:33 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Some curious notes on new Quark
Replies: 19
Views: 2333

Re: Some curious notes on new Quark

I just had a look at mine and there is no security bolt . I believe mine is from the first production run and likely Daystar is now including this bolt to prevent people like me from taking it apart . The reflection from the ep end is accurate with no distortion , reflection from the other end does ...
by Solarhound
Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:15 pm
Forum: Solar Reference Library
Topic: Threads on Solarmax 60 mm External Etalon
Replies: 11
Views: 7360

Re: Threads on Solarmax 60 mm External Etalon

This thread was just brought to my attention so I have done this to varify the pitch of these threads , hope this clears any confusion .
p1.jpg
p2.jpg
by Solarhound
Tue Jun 03, 2014 4:24 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Appenzellersun, more QUARK results
Replies: 18
Views: 1199

Re: Appenzellersun, more QUARK results

Thank you for this demonstration Walter . I have found that when raising the temperature the quark will react fairly quickly bit if you want to come back down it is very slow to respond . The black housing of this piece can get quite warm on a hot day and makes it difficult to reduce temperature . I...
by Solarhound
Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:12 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Two Quarks and a CaK disc.
Replies: 14
Views: 845

Re: Two Quarks and a CaK disc.

Hello Brian I have tried my Quark in a variety of scopes , Orion st 80 x 400mm F/5 acro , Celestron 102 X 1000mm F/10 XLT , Williams Optic Megrez 110 x 655mm F/5.95 and a Skywatcher Equanox 100 x 900mm F/9 Of all these scopes I believe the Skywatcher gave me the best results but at 3780mm F/L due to...
by Solarhound
Mon Jun 02, 2014 9:40 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Two Quarks and a CaK disc.
Replies: 14
Views: 845

Re: Two Quarks and a CaK disc.

Hello Brian

Nice job here , I have a Quark and have been trying to find a scope it will be happy with . After seeing this post I found this ad locally and have just returned from buying this ST 102 . http://www.astrobuysell.com/propview.php?view=29972 This will be a test that will not break the bank
by Solarhound
Sun May 18, 2014 3:22 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Quark and 2" eps
Replies: 31
Views: 6967

Re: Quark and 2" eps

Pablito wrote:It's a price for complete adapter - anodized with clamping ring and two knobs :)
That is a very good price for a custom made complete annodized adapter Pablito .
by Solarhound
Sat May 17, 2014 6:01 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Solarscope Saturday
Replies: 26
Views: 2156

Re: Solarscope Saturday

Incredible image ............ wish I knew your secrets !!
by Solarhound
Sat May 17, 2014 2:54 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Quark and 2" eps
Replies: 31
Views: 6967

Re: Quark and 2" eps

I am happy this was helpful for you Pablito . Was the quote for having a complete 2" adapter made up or is it to make a ring similar to what I made to adapt a ready made visual back ? I used the visual back because it allready has the brass ring , is coated and reasonably priced at $20 can . $3...
by Solarhound
Sat May 17, 2014 1:18 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Quark and 2" eps
Replies: 31
Views: 6967

Re: Quark and 2" eps

Thank you Walter , I will let everyone know what things look like through a big chunk of glass as soon as I see the sun again .
by Solarhound
Sat May 17, 2014 1:08 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Quark and 2" eps
Replies: 31
Views: 6967

Re: Quark and 2" eps

This is what I made up today , my background has taught me to look for ways to reduce time . This is an Antares 2" visual back for an SCT . All that was required was for me to make up a threaded ring to adapt the visual back to the Quark . Looking forward to trying this out now and thank you fo...
by Solarhound
Fri May 16, 2014 4:44 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Quark and 2" eps
Replies: 31
Views: 6967

Re: Quark and 2" eps

Hello Pablito ; I believe that I read somewhere that Daystar is or will be offering a 2" adapter . In case I am incorrect I removed mine and measured it for you . I am a retired machinist and have a small lathe in my basement and will be making one for myself now . The thread on the adapter is ...
by Solarhound
Sat May 10, 2014 8:27 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: 20% Coronado Sale at Telescope House
Replies: 2
Views: 1167

Re: 20% Coronado Sale at Telescope House

Coronado has depleted their stock since the company sold last year and it would appear that the distributors are now doing the same , From what I have been hearing the "New Coronado" is a long way off from producing any new gear . notice that the sale only pertains to in stock items .