Search found 241 matches

by Astrograph
Wed Jun 08, 2022 10:08 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: What is wrong with my Baader TZ4
Replies: 26
Views: 3210

Re: What is wrong with my Baader TZ4

Tilt with rear mounted filter systems is a common problem because the image train is always very long. That on its own will magnify problems. This is not helped by the fact that many of the focusers out there have poor load capacity and resistance to tilt. I check all the scopes I sell and the amoun...
by Astrograph
Tue Jun 07, 2022 12:27 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: What is wrong with my Baader TZ4
Replies: 26
Views: 3210

Re: What is wrong with my Baader TZ4

Hi Everyone, Alexandra has just contacted me about this. I originally supplied this TZ-4 to another client whom Alexandra purchased it from. As both are clients we will look into the issue. I would point out to everyone that if you have a problem with something, talk to your supplier first before an...
by Astrograph
Fri Aug 14, 2020 11:44 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solar Spectrum and direct connection to a refractor
Replies: 25
Views: 4199

Re: Solar Spectrum and direct connection to a refractor

You cannot use a 'spacer' to increase the focal ratio with a telecentric. The 2.7x Airylab telecentric can only be increased to 3.5x using an additional lens set which is specially made for the 2.7x. The HaT telecentric was designed so it is just attached directly on the back of the Edge 800. With a...
by Astrograph
Tue Jul 21, 2020 12:11 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!
Replies: 26
Views: 10577

Re: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!

It will depend on the version of ASI174. The Mini version of the 174 is USB 2 only as its sold mostly for guiding. There is a USB3 version.
by Astrograph
Fri Jun 26, 2020 10:01 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!
Replies: 26
Views: 10577

Re: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!

I assume you mean ZWO! If you have a problem with three different cameras then its most likely a computer problem. In FireCapture there is a graphic that shows RAM and HDD usage. If the RAM buffer becomes full then capture will be affected. If the HDD is the problem FireCapture would normally crash....
by Astrograph
Wed Jun 24, 2020 1:27 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!
Replies: 26
Views: 10577

Re: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!

If its a delay in seeing an adjustment then check your frame rate. If you were capturing at 1 FPS as opposed to 50 FPS then you will see a delay
by Astrograph
Wed Jun 24, 2020 10:53 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!
Replies: 26
Views: 10577

Re: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!

As I said, you have to measure it. Thinking more about it I am almost certain that for the Grasshopper I used a C to T2 adapter http://astrograph.net/epages/www_astrograph_net.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/www_astrograph_net/Products/AGTST2-CS and a 10mm T2 extension. This positions the sensor (which ...
by Astrograph
Tue Jun 23, 2020 2:04 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!
Replies: 26
Views: 10577

Re: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!

OK, but where was the sensor on the Grasshopper? Look at an eyepiece and note where the field stop is. Put it in the LS50 and focus. Note where the field stop would be inside the clamp. That is where the sensor needs to be. Does not matter which camera. You can't just suck it and see, you need to wo...
by Astrograph
Tue Jun 23, 2020 1:09 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!
Replies: 26
Views: 10577

Re: ASI 174MM and Firecapture - endless issues - looking for alternatives!

Out of the box, a Lunt 50 is only setup for visual. The scope has very little backfocus. The way to fix the problem and allow use with the FLIR is to replace the T2 clamp on the blocking filter with a shorter one allowing the sensor to get closer. Its a long time since I setup an LS50 for a customer...
by Astrograph
Sat Jun 06, 2020 4:39 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solar Spectrum and direct connection to a refractor
Replies: 25
Views: 4199

Re: Solar Spectrum and direct connection to a refractor

I don't think its been confirmed yet but for the refractor you need a telecentric to get it up to F30. Really the easiest way is to use the Baader TZ-4. You will also probably need an extension tube on the back focuser.

One other thing I don't see mentioned is an ERF on the 150.
by Astrograph
Sat Jun 06, 2020 4:28 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: new refractor
Replies: 4
Views: 1498

Re: new refractor

The Tecnosky and TS 102/1100 are the same scope made by United Optics. There is no ED version as it is an Achromat. It is quite a long telescope and would not be suitable for an M Uno. If you are looking to stock to a fairly low budget then I would suggest the Tecnosky or TS 102/714 ED Doublet. This...
by Astrograph
Sat Jun 06, 2020 4:20 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Benchtop Ritchey Chretien Collimating with an astronomy imaging camera.
Replies: 9
Views: 3529

Re: Benchtop Ritchey Chretien Collimating with an astronomy imaging camera.

Just a note for people trying to use this collimation method on similar scopes. The GSO RC6 is the simplest version and has limited collimation adjustment. To collimate a Cassegrain format telescope the basic steps are actually as follows; Step 1 - The first thing you must do is collimate the image ...
by Astrograph
Fri May 08, 2020 9:23 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5277

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

I would speak to an ophthalmologist if unsure. Your eye does not 'see' anything. Proteins react to different amounts of energy and send signals in the retina. There are so many other obstacles with viewing calcium (like coatings on eyepieces) that its better to just treat it as an imaging wavelength.
by Astrograph
Mon May 04, 2020 4:35 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Just to try and clarify here. Not all blocking filters are the same and you get what you pay for. The Coronado standard filters don't have IR blocking and seem to deteriorate just through normal use. Lunt blocking filters on the whole seem better quality but if left in an unfriendly environment will...
by Astrograph
Mon May 04, 2020 12:01 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

For the Coronado this is true, its a cheap fix and the replacements are better than the originals which I don't think have IR blocking. I better one still made in europe is about £150. Lunt ones are not so cheap.
by Astrograph
Mon May 04, 2020 9:42 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

It is only replaced free if within warranty and then subject to the scope having been stored properly. Solar kit should be kept in somewhere of even temperature and low humidity, i.e. not a garden shed! Out of warranty the blocking filter is one of the most expensive parts as it is a very narrow ban...
by Astrograph
Sun May 03, 2020 4:54 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Meade filed for Chapter 11 in December (again) and is probably just trying to generate cash by selling through all product. They are currently selling off lots of products.
by Astrograph
Sat May 02, 2020 3:22 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: More Cheap Lunt Solar
Replies: 1
Views: 1368

Re: More Cheap Lunt Solar

Ooops, bit of an error here. The prices should have been

Lunt LS50 with B600 Filter Was £1321 Now £1033
Lunt LS50 Stack Was £1357 Now £1061.50
Lunt LS50/B600 with LS50 Stack Was £2678 Now £2089

That was nearly expensive!
by Astrograph
Sat May 02, 2020 11:29 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 12031

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

Solar Spectrum is based in the US. An SS based scope is only modular because it uses a conventional scope. If you want to use it just for solar or even Ha there is nothing to stop you. The fact remains the core scope and the filter are better quality than an off the shelf Solar Telescope and price w...
by Astrograph
Fri May 01, 2020 6:15 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 12031

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

Your Celestron 102 would work well. You would just use it with a 3x telecentric. The only caveat is the quality of the focuser on the Celestron. Because of the length of the optical train there can be a danger of tilt with lightweight focusers. This will cause a system to go off band.
by Astrograph
Fri May 01, 2020 12:03 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack
Replies: 68
Views: 12031

Re: Lunt LS100Tha Double Stack

Just to throw my two pence worth in for some balance and perspective. I like solar but as a dealer I am not a great lover of the quality / consistency / flexibility vs price of dedicated Solar Telescopes. As such, while we offer them, I tend to suggest that people consider a rear mounted filter from...
by Astrograph
Fri May 01, 2020 11:40 am
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: More Cheap Lunt Solar
Replies: 0
Views: 2339

More Cheap Lunt Solar

Hot on the heels of the discounted Lunt Calcium, we can also offer the Lunt LS50 and stackable filter at the following prices Lunt LS50 with B600 Filter Was £1321 Now £939 Lunt LS50 Stack Was £1357 Now £965 Lunt LS50/B600 with LS50 Stack Was £2678 Now £1899 Shipped free Scopes do not include a dovet...
by Astrograph
Fri May 01, 2020 11:40 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: More Cheap Lunt Solar
Replies: 1
Views: 1368

More Cheap Lunt Solar

Hot on the heels of the discounted Lunt Calcium, we can also offer the Lunt LS50 and stackable filter at the following prices Lunt LS50 with B600 Filter Was £1321 Now £939 Lunt LS50 Stack Was £1357 Now £965 Lunt LS50/B600 with LS50 Stack Was £2678 Now £1899 Shipped free Scopes do not include a dovet...
by Astrograph
Thu Apr 30, 2020 11:28 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5277

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

That is logical Christian. This is more a personal test of my own to satisfy curiosity.
by Astrograph
Thu Apr 30, 2020 10:08 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5277

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

CaK on your C11? Are you using a full cover on the scope with an offset hole? I hope it also has an ERF in it as otherwise that could be very bad for the secondary. SCT's are notoriously bad at passing blue wavelengths due to the corrector plate coating. They don't make the best scopes for imaging a...
by Astrograph
Thu Apr 30, 2020 9:57 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Buying a scope from USA
Replies: 19
Views: 3973

Re: Buying a scope from USA

The pressure tuned version does not really suffer from any problems. The only one I have seen is where users have unscrewed the tuner completely! Basically the pressure tuner lets you adjust wavelength without sacrificing the bandpass. With a tilt system that is a by product of tilting the etalon. T...
by Astrograph
Thu Apr 30, 2020 9:51 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Highbury Mark, that's a shock. It will be a nice combo. I just hope it offers you the increase in resolution you are after. RKBerta, My comment about the TV-85 plus Quark was not right. I forgot the TV-85 was an F7 scope and was think it was F6.3 like the TV-76 is. In the context of your 80mm F6 the...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 4:58 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Mark, I missed one of your earlier posts. I remember the chat at Astrofest. On the subject of a good clear FOV. Visually you should be a lot more demanding of this than for imaging. With a camera sensor if the central part of the filter is good then it does not impact images. With visual, I for one ...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 4:29 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Buying a scope from USA
Replies: 19
Views: 3973

Re: Buying a scope from USA

My business is Astrograph.net. We list the common Lunt models on line but rarely does anyone buy a model online without consulting us first so typically something different is ordered. As this thread suggests, its not so simple to get the right advice! I can assure you that the non PT model will not...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 3:12 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5277

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

Well, to be honest my current knowledge is limited by testing the Calcium Quark, Lunt CaK Modules and planetary imaging of Venus which is best done at around 350nm, plus the result of lab scope testing. - Below 450nm most coatings are dropping off and limiting transmission. At 450nm transmission is ...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 1:00 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Solarscope is Manx Precision Optics. You can't mass produce these things at the quality they are. When you mass produce you get Lunt, Coronado and Daystar. Meaning you are more likely to see non uniformity. As with mass market optics there is a huge variation is quality. You can get lucky and get so...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 12:42 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5277

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

Hey Alexandra, surely your only in your twenties?? :D I'm not an Ophthalmologist (but have a customer who is so maybe I will ask about this) but the human eye typically has a range of 380-740nm. The bottom of that covers the Calcium wavelengths. It should be understood that we don't see colour. Our ...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:48 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5277

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

Calcium K is only for imaging. Unless you are young or have had a cataract operation you cannot see it. In any case it is in the UV band so staring at it is not a great idea! Calcium H as offered by Daystar can be seen but its a less interesting wavelength. That filter is also 5A compared to 2.4A fo...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:40 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Buying a scope from USA
Replies: 19
Views: 3973

Re: Buying a scope from USA

OK, so as a Lunt Dealer I can tell you that the non PT LS60 with an FT is available on its own. The DS60 DS is not although the DS50 is. As a system its a bad idea so whoever recommended it does not know what they are talking about. The non PT version of the LS60 cannot be used with a front DS modul...
by Astrograph
Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:15 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha
Replies: 57
Views: 9910

Re: Solarscope 70mm double stacked with Lunt 60fha

Hi Mark, As has been suggested it depends what you are ultimately trying to achieve. If you want more resolution and contrast then the answer to the first is aperture. In the UK up to about 130mm is the practical limit for consistent seeing. In my experience the difference between a 100mm and 80mm s...
by Astrograph
Sat Apr 25, 2020 5:49 pm
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 2
Views: 2335

Re: Lunt Calcium Offers

Cheers Mark,

I'd be back more often but its been manic

Only B600 and 3400 left now.....

Some 19mm and 25mm Solar Spectrum back in stock now too. The sun must be shining :)
by Astrograph
Fri Apr 24, 2020 11:28 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Which camera to choose for full disk imaging
Replies: 4
Views: 3001

Re: Which camera to choose for full disk imaging

I usually use 115 to give the suns disc in mm. I can't remember where I got that from now! I would caution against the use of reducers. Firstly they will require more in focus which a solarmax might not have. The main reason though is that reducers (like the common 1.25" 0.5x) do not provide mu...
by Astrograph
Fri Apr 24, 2020 10:57 am
Forum: Solar Astronomy Shop and Swap
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 2
Views: 2335

Lunt Calcium Offers

Offers from Lunt Solar! Some excellent Calcium-K offers from Lunt have just arrived B600 2" Straight CaK Module was £1071 Now £758 B1800 2" Straight CaK Module was £1853 Now £1309 B3400 2" Straight CaK Module was £2906 Now £1929 You just these module in the focuser and thats it. No ER...
by Astrograph
Fri Apr 24, 2020 10:57 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt Calcium Offers
Replies: 19
Views: 5277

Lunt Calcium Offers

Offers from Lunt Solar! Some excellent Calcium-K offers from Lunt have just arrived B600 2" Straight CaK Module was £1071 Now £758 B1800 2" Straight CaK Module was £1853 Now £1309 B3400 2" Straight CaK Module was £2906 Now £1929 You just these module in the focuser and thats it. No ER...
by Astrograph
Thu Feb 20, 2020 11:25 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Can I double stack Quark + Lunt LS50THa?
Replies: 6
Views: 7102

Re: Can I double stack Quark + Lunt LS50THa?

You can make it work sometimes and sometimes not. It depends on how lucky you are with the two filters being compatible with each other. I did once combine a Quark and a Quantum to see what it was like. The contrast in the bit of the sun I could see was amazing but it was not a practical solution. I...
by Astrograph
Thu Feb 20, 2020 11:18 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Not uniform contrast with my Daystar Quark
Replies: 29
Views: 18811

Re: Not uniform contrast with my Daystar Quark

I remember many years ago, when I was still selling Quarks, looking through a Prominence Quark at 7.30am and seeing the most spectacular '3D like' view of a Prom stretching from the limb and quite a way into the chromosphere. It changed my opinion about what you 'could' get from the Prominence Quark...
by Astrograph
Fri Jul 06, 2018 4:46 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Lunt or Quark?
Replies: 6
Views: 4801

Re: Lunt or Quark?

As has already been said, the Lunt will offer you easy full disk views, the Quark will be close up. Bear in mind you might have a few attempts at getting a Quark that is acceptably uniform. A Solarscope (as in the brand) will be 10x better quality than the Lunt (or a Coronado). If spending Solarscop...
by Astrograph
Fri Jul 06, 2018 4:10 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Can i use the Daystar Quantum 0,5 withe only Baader UV/IR?
Replies: 4
Views: 3976

Re: Can i use the Daystar Quantum 0,5 withe only Baader UV/IR?

The Baader UV/IR on paper blocks more UV but in practice does not seem to be good for use as a basic internal ERF. Many years ago we suggested this filter and one day put a polariser behind it to tame the light level a little. The scope was a 100mm. The polariser did nothing. When checked its coatin...
by Astrograph
Sat May 12, 2018 1:06 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: C11 out for a third time and it gets better and better!
Replies: 21
Views: 3561

Re: C11 out for a third time and it gets better and better!

Great Images Alexandra. It must be all thanks to those screws ;) !
by Astrograph
Sat May 12, 2018 12:38 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: The ultimate solar imagers filter?? The ultimate visual?
Replies: 2
Views: 3099

Re: The ultimate solar imagers filter?? The ultimate visual?

There you go folks, you now have the inside info one what makes these filters special. And to make them a little more special there are then some dedicated accessories. - All the filters come with SC threads that feature T2 inserts so you have two, well supported ways to attach them. No need to orde...
by Astrograph
Fri May 11, 2018 10:40 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Baader Triband SCT
Replies: 19
Views: 9804

Re: Baader Triband SCT

But its pretty. It has colour and arrows and stuff.....

Do you think when they did the three colour TRI part of the logo it was the same person? Purple for Calcium. Yep. Red for Ha. Yep. Yellow for Continuum, err. Ah but of course, the Sun's yellow :)
by Astrograph
Fri May 11, 2018 1:53 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Baader Triband SCT
Replies: 19
Views: 9804

Re: Baader Triband SCT

An easy mistake as the scope is not black.
by Astrograph
Fri May 11, 2018 12:09 pm
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: The ultimate solar imagers filter?? The ultimate visual?
Replies: 2
Views: 3099

The ultimate solar imagers filter?? The ultimate visual?

Solar Spectrum filters tend to go unnoticed, probably because you can never buy one normally without waiting for a very long time! Well a few have quietly slipped out of the factory and are waiting patiently for new homes. For the imagers among you, we have access to 6 (six - in case you missed it) ...
by Astrograph
Fri May 11, 2018 11:47 am
Forum: Commercial Solar Filters/Cameras/Hardware
Topic: Baader Triband SCT
Replies: 19
Views: 9804

Re: Baader Triband SCT

Speaking as both an Airylab and Baader Solar reseller, I can assure you that Frederics (Airylab) product is nothing to do with Baaders and its a lot harder to do all this than is being suggested. Low PV maybe but not L4+. It is also easy to see the difference visually between an L4 Glass ERF and an ...
by Astrograph
Wed May 02, 2018 3:25 pm
Forum: This is SolarChat !!
Topic: Does a reducer work to achieve F10?
Replies: 20
Views: 3854

Re: Does a reducer work to achieve F10?

PST etalon with its collimating lens on the back of an F10 scope should allow it to work correctly. Obviously a front ERF is needed on the Mak.