Search found 100 matches

by solarchatted
Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:25 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

This is one of the images in July 2022...

I think it is better, but I still have to learn a lot, I guess.

You never cease and for Solar, this is the best Forum ever.
by solarchatted
Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:19 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

I know I did a few 'stupid' things initially... 🤦‍♂️ and sorry I never came back to this thread. A lot of things happened as I always mention, I am on Astronomy a very sporadic one! pff Just a short update: July 2022 - I think - I have taken off the 'secondary' SCT focuser I used initially to make m...
by solarchatted
Sun Feb 12, 2023 2:11 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Baader 'New' 7.5nm Solar Continuum Filter - Marketing Guff
Replies: 23
Views: 3908

Re: Baader 'New' 7.5nm Solar Continuum Filter - Marketing Guff

Just stumbled upon this thread, after I saw Baader selling (or trying to sell) another addition to the mix. I am no expert on photometry ... etc. but I have a hunch. In my humble view, the 7.5nm - as opposed to the older 10nm (which I bought many years ago and not used much, will try again now I hav...
by solarchatted
Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:10 am
Forum: SPoD Archive
Topic: ISS Solar Transit 14th June 2020
Replies: 16
Views: 1003

Re: ISS Solar Transit 14th June 2020

Beautiful !!
by solarchatted
Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:06 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Just some of my first images using a QHY5III174M mini
Replies: 4
Views: 489

Just some of my first images using a QHY5III174M mini

Hello Thanks to this forums and in particular marktownley, merlin66 etc. I managed to make my own [affordable to me] Solar scope [https://solarchatforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=25892] and now I finally managed to get a QHY5III174M mini. Here are some images, but I still need to have a few tests. I have ...
by solarchatted
Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:41 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod
Replies: 8
Views: 2834

Re: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod

Merlin66 wrote: Thu Apr 23, 2020 8:14 am I get some Newton Rings issues with the ASI 174MM on narrow band H alpha.
I need a T2 tilter to resolve.
Oh yes, I remember to have read about that, some users get rings and a tilter is needed.
by solarchatted
Thu Apr 23, 2020 8:59 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod
Replies: 8
Views: 2834

Re: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod

I am wondering if it is worth getting dual axis or just that single axis at astroboot!

Probably just single as it would be mostly solar or posibly moon.

Once set Polar alignment .

Yes, will go with that.
M
by solarchatted
Thu Apr 23, 2020 8:50 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod
Replies: 8
Views: 2834

Re: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod

Heya! Congrats on the grandson! DMK are 10 year old technology now, and software support is limited, they're usb2 also. Unless it is being virtually given away I wouldn't touch it. Theres a couple of motors for the bresser mount and the EQ2 on astroboot that might be able to use? https://www.astrob...
by solarchatted
Thu Apr 23, 2020 7:24 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod
Replies: 8
Views: 2834

Re: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod

Hi all [experts] and sorry for not being here much, participating. Got a Grand Son now - sharing the 'work' + #LockDown is in fashion these days - only get out now if weather + Grand Son sleeping coincide :lol: ! Yes, the 174M probably THE best choice and also useful for Moon, Planets, etc. Since I ...
by solarchatted
Wed Apr 22, 2020 3:05 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod
Replies: 8
Views: 2834

DMK 41AU02.AS vs 174M with AR90/900 mod

Hi
Should I use DMK 41AU02.AS or 174M with my modified AR90/900 ?
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=25892&p=239816&hili ... 00#p239816

Thanks
by solarchatted
Sun Oct 06, 2019 2:03 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Lovely big prom today | Sept 15th 2019
Replies: 17
Views: 2125

Re: Lovely big prom today | Sept 15th 2019

[/quote][/i] ... But again, at the end of the day, real world results, the 290 is more sensitive than the IMX178 and there's no need to bin and then use a barlow to get the sampling right with the focal-ratio. So I sold my IMX178 after using these three sensors. If I get another large small pixel se...
by solarchatted
Sun Sep 22, 2019 12:27 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Lovely big prom today | Sept 15th 2019
Replies: 17
Views: 2125

Re: Lovely big prom today | Sept 15th 2019

I have checked out the 290M too sometime ago and I am guessing it really matches your setup. I moved over to the 290 from the IMX178 sensor for small pixel work,... Very best, Thank you for confirming it. I have been meaning to get a 290M for years, not just for solar - even thou I am no expert I a...
by solarchatted
Wed Sep 18, 2019 10:32 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Lovely big prom today | Sept 15th 2019
Replies: 17
Views: 2125

Re: Lovely big prom today | Sept 15th 2019

Lovely details!
I have checked out the 290M too sometime ago and I am guessing it really matches your setup.
by solarchatted
Wed Sep 18, 2019 10:30 am
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Sol from the 15th of September 2019.
Replies: 12
Views: 1660

Re: Sol from the 15th of September 2019.

Beautiful details!
by solarchatted
Wed Sep 18, 2019 10:28 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Tilt adaptor would be better of course, but at present it seems that simply raising gain to over shine camera, then tilt the PST eyepiece holder with the 3 thumbscrew modified Chinese 1.25" to 2" adaptor does the job. I tried last time at the end of my learning session and it did clear the...
by solarchatted
Sun Sep 08, 2019 9:35 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Strangely enough, my home made PST eyepiece adaptor can be use as a tilt adjuster! Having modified the Chinese 2" to 1.25" adaptor - taken out the internal metal ring and drilled another hole/threaded and replaced thumbscrews with nylon ones at 120° I can now just tilt the needed side and ...
by solarchatted
Wed Sep 04, 2019 4:37 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Thanks for the useful inputs - I like to learn and I agree, there is no difference in going to small using ROI - at least with my camera set Binning to get to 4.8µm - the 178M is quite efficient/reactive to light at I believe 75% QE. This morning I had a quick section, knowing it would cloudy up and...
by solarchatted
Mon Aug 26, 2019 3:07 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

1. I am now wondering which camera will be best with my setup - best as in pixel matching camera lenses: 174M 290M 178M [mine] or what? 2. which Barlow ? Just the Expensive PowerMate x2.5 ? I see that the cheap Chinese x5 Barlow I used nearly did the job [metal one, not plastic] 3. Filters? I tried...
by solarchatted
Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:17 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

1. I noticed a bit of a shine on top right of image - the next in particular. 2. would a tiny 40mm fan create too much turbulence - to fit on top of the tube in between front lenses and D-ERF ? They are separate at about 20cm, maybe a little more Maybe the D-ERF is shining to the back of the front l...
by solarchatted
Sun Aug 25, 2019 3:25 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

This is not exactly a great image - I actually managed to achieve something very similar just with the PST! Taken this morning using AR90/900 with AR102 focuser + PST SCT mod [see other posts] + D-ERF [kindly sold to me by marktownley] Binning 2x - Altair 178M [if necessary, a 174M -I cannot afford ...
by solarchatted
Sat Aug 24, 2019 11:26 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

By the way, I have finally managed to test live with The Sun still in between clouds! It works and I must say, I should have cut it less than the 22cm I did [after I measured], while initially I wanted to cut 15.5-16cm - I was right! I had to add about 6-7cm extension! In other words when I calculat...
by solarchatted
Sat Aug 24, 2019 11:19 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Will drill holes, good idea of course and get hot currents off the chamber in between lenses and D-ERF - thanks!
by solarchatted
Wed Aug 21, 2019 10:23 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

I have dismounted the lenses and focuser to prepare for cutting. The D-ERF filter fits nicely just behind the front lenses as there is a step after the step where lenses sit - so 90mm lenses and 70mm D-ERF view. I will try that first and see what happens - if it masks too much, after I cut the tube....
by solarchatted
Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:20 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Hi all Today I stepped up again. I had the brilliant idea of using my AR102ST focuser onto the AR90-900 and replace the awful plastic 1.25" focuser with a metal properly made one and 2" - although it only has 45mm focus adjustment and I had to add 35mm extension to focus - original focuser...
by solarchatted
Sat Aug 10, 2019 4:31 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Well ... I will test lenses properly when I get the time, the weather and the Moon or stars and also measure its focus using the AR90/900 with its own focuser from the end of the tube to edge of camera 178M - to avoid mistakes - the 178M has about 10-12mm inside to reach CMOS - not much. Going back ...
by solarchatted
Sat Aug 10, 2019 2:54 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Mine is fit like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lens6b-en.svg But upon checking it now, the front seems to NOT be equal on both sides! I cannot check right now as I had to clear table, but possibly tomorrow morning. Is it possible front lens is not convex equally on this telescope? MAuro
by solarchatted
Wed Aug 07, 2019 1:50 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

I guessed I was too near! I do not know how to calculate minimum distance for focusing, but I went outside picking something more distant and focus went better, then I picked up nearest hill - a few hundreds metres away and it does focus. I also discovered what an amount of rubbish these lenses are!...
by solarchatted
Wed Aug 07, 2019 1:33 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

I recently [ after I did take those images] removed the front lenses to make sure there was a internal ring near the front and there is one and the 75mm [80mm] ERF should fit fine. My problem is, i am not 100% sure I re-fit the front lenses correctly, even thou I did place them on a clean surface al...
by solarchatted
Sun Jul 28, 2019 3:01 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

When I mentioned to replace the BF within the PST original 6mm [mine is I think], I believe I read somewhere a long time ago, someone else drilling the 6mm hole to 10mm or so and replace filter. Do you mean this Andover? https://www.andovercorp.com/ The filter is actually 171$ today. Thanks for your...
by solarchatted
Sat Jul 27, 2019 8:56 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Heya. I would make sure the ERF is as high up the tube as possible so it intercepts as much of the exit beam from the objective as possible. Aim more like 2/3 up the tube. The -200mm is so important, I get you're just trying stuff but fundamentally just aim for -200mm in the first place. Just measu...
by solarchatted
Fri Jul 26, 2019 2:18 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Next will be the ERF [maybe 2nd 3rd week of August] - probably the 75mm [80mm] Lunt and fit inside at about 28.5cm from edge of tube - focuser side. I am getting some 80mm O-rings and already made a nylon pressed-in plate to hold the ERF in place over the internal original telescope metal plate with...
by solarchatted
Fri Jul 26, 2019 2:06 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Merlin66 wrote: Fri Jul 26, 2019 8:24 am Please,please, listen to the experienced advice your are being given.
Your safety and that of others following this thread is paramount.
We do not support any unsafe modding of the PST or any other commercial solar scope.
Agreed.
by solarchatted
Thu Jul 25, 2019 4:00 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Hi The AR90 looks a good choice as available new. I never came across it when looking for a OTA. I would first use it with the 2" UV-IR placed up the tube where its just under fully illuminated. Andrew I usually have 2" UV/IR fit onto the AOK adaptor ~5cm before the Etalon + RED [I know, ...
by solarchatted
Thu Jul 25, 2019 3:46 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

News! Got the AR90/900mm F/10 Bresser Refractor - everything is plastic but the tube ! Even the focuser is plastic - I mean the whole focuser block held by 3x 8mm Parker screws - that is what you get for just around £. 100 Anyway, dismounted the original plastic focuser and I was left with ~85mm hol...
by solarchatted
Mon Jul 22, 2019 3:17 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Just curious, but regarding the BF10 [probably for the future], why not try and find just the 10mm BF glass and drill the PST 5mm to 10mm and replace it?

Is that possible? I mean find a BF10 - just the glass?
by solarchatted
Mon Jul 22, 2019 3:11 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Read this post about PST safety www.diane-neisius.de/coronado_pst/index_E.html Yes, I remember that article thanks for link - that was what made me use the 2" 'standard IR/UV in front of Etalon on the SCT mod I have in the meantime and added a std red filter that 'never' heated up when I teste...
by solarchatted
Mon Jul 22, 2019 2:21 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Hi
Thank all for the further info.
I have ordered a Bresser AR90/900 - let's see what happens.

I will need to find exactly how much to cut! Brrrr - no mistakes allowed here !!

Mauro
by solarchatted
Sun Jul 21, 2019 1:44 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

[/quote] The use of the Meade 4000 filter still concerns me. It's an absorptive filter, it will crack at some point! [/quote] Thanks for the info ... and regarding the RED filter, I only meant within this mod - i.e. the PST tube is in front of it - the IR/UV + RED is fit on the 35mm extension after ...
by solarchatted
Sun Jul 21, 2019 1:37 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

This is my latest PST-SCT v2 - it is better, unfortunately no good weather today!
by solarchatted
Sun Jul 21, 2019 10:44 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Hi I am back to something that works ... I keep it on this thread as it has been gathering info to help others too. This morning I set-up for re-testing my SCT mod and it works great - actually better [etalon seems better after I removed lenses once and put them back without doing anything - weird!]...
by solarchatted
Mon Jul 15, 2019 11:52 am
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

The front AOK adaptor is just a means of mounting the PST etalon to the donor scope. The rear adaptor will need addition spacers to bring the the final focus to a position 200mm behind the PST etalon assembly. OK, thanks. In the meantime -after wasting 3 hours trying to find the PST gold tube - [it...
by solarchatted
Sun Jul 14, 2019 2:48 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

One thing I am not sure [regarding donor scopes]. If I get a F10 and cut it, do I still use the Etalon unit with AOK adaptors + original PST eyepiece holder as I did or not? See previous image I am guessing all I need is to set the Etalon unit [with its lenses] ~200mm in-focus - which I guess it is ...
by solarchatted
Sun Jul 14, 2019 2:43 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Well, what an informative and helpful forum. You are really great guys. So much work for this and I am back thinking that my easiest bet is a good Donor scope then, like the afore-mentioned Bresser Messier AR-90/900 OTA [far less expensive] or Bresser Messier AR-102/1000 Hex-Focus [2" focuser b...
by solarchatted
Sun Jul 14, 2019 2:33 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Hi, DO NOT use absorbtive colour filters as ERFs AFTER an objective as they absorb heat. They are only safe mounted in front of an objective. Dielectric filters are safer after an objective as they reflect most of the energy they are not designed to let through... agenaastro.com/blue-fireball-m48-m...
by solarchatted
Sat Jul 13, 2019 2:14 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

As well as the above important comment from Mark, remember you don’t need a focuser in front of the PST etalon. Once the etalon is correctly positioned at the -200mm in front of the prime focus it should not be moved. Any focusing behind the etalon to accommodate the eyepiece/ camera can be achieve...
by solarchatted
Sat Jul 13, 2019 2:03 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Meade 4000 RED #25 Whhhhooooaaaaaaa!!!! DANGEROUS! This is absorptive filter, not dielectric. Stop using it, and don't use the PST mod until you have proper filtration / ERFs. This filter WILL crack and given you are using visually worries more. I checked and it does not heat up much, it is slightl...
by solarchatted
Sat Jul 13, 2019 2:00 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Starry Jack wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2019 4:45 pm What make is your AR152?
The original Explorer Scientific - not the other versions that usually have a different focuser attachment - if I am not wrong.
by solarchatted
Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:48 pm
Forum: Solar Scope Modifications
Topic: Planning my first PST mod and need some help
Replies: 86
Views: 52291

Re: Planning my first PST mod and need some help

Hi again Just to keep updated - for others too, that have no previous knowledge/studied Optics and need help understanding. Yes, it is the obvious ... the Etalon was off ... I managed to push-fit Etalon/Tuner [including AOK Swiss adaptor with 2" IR/UV + Meade 4000 RED #25 Filter at the end of t...