Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I've been out three times now with my new Lunt 60, pressure tuner model. The first time was amazing. Great detail, easy operation, everything you could ask for. In short order, I had tuned the instrument such that abundant detail was visible on the disk.
The next two times have been disappointing. The second time, I had a lot of trouble getting detail to pop out and the third time I actually couldn't, visually. I could focus - the disk edge and sunspots were focused softly but focused. But no matter what I did with the tuner knob, no H-a detail emerged. I released the pressure and re-tightened. I wound back and forth slowly. Nothing. However, hooking up a camera and lowering gamma, I could get some detail to emerge, though it was far from a pleasing image.
My questions:
1) How large an effect will seeing have on this? More in a moment.
2) How large an effect will temperature have? PV = nRT, after all.
3) How important is temperature equilibration?
4) Should the pressure be released after each observing session? The manual says no but manuals often don't have the best practices, in my opinion.
Now, my sense is that I have nothing to worry about. In my last session, the seeing was atrocious and, I assume, that explains the difficulty in tuning (and focusing...or really seeing much of anything). I also assume significant changes may need to be made on the tuner with large differences in temperature.
But I'm coming up on 30 days and just wonder if it the scope is behaving as expected. I sort of think yes, but the little paranoid gland deep in my brain begs me to ask.
Is it possible that the seeing can be bad enough to render H-a detail invisible in a properly functioning scope?
Thanks.
The next two times have been disappointing. The second time, I had a lot of trouble getting detail to pop out and the third time I actually couldn't, visually. I could focus - the disk edge and sunspots were focused softly but focused. But no matter what I did with the tuner knob, no H-a detail emerged. I released the pressure and re-tightened. I wound back and forth slowly. Nothing. However, hooking up a camera and lowering gamma, I could get some detail to emerge, though it was far from a pleasing image.
My questions:
1) How large an effect will seeing have on this? More in a moment.
2) How large an effect will temperature have? PV = nRT, after all.
3) How important is temperature equilibration?
4) Should the pressure be released after each observing session? The manual says no but manuals often don't have the best practices, in my opinion.
Now, my sense is that I have nothing to worry about. In my last session, the seeing was atrocious and, I assume, that explains the difficulty in tuning (and focusing...or really seeing much of anything). I also assume significant changes may need to be made on the tuner with large differences in temperature.
But I'm coming up on 30 days and just wonder if it the scope is behaving as expected. I sort of think yes, but the little paranoid gland deep in my brain begs me to ask.
Is it possible that the seeing can be bad enough to render H-a detail invisible in a properly functioning scope?
Thanks.
- robert
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
My questions:
1) How large an effect will seeing have on this? More in a moment.
Massive effect
2) How large an effect will temperature have? PV = nRT, after all.
Very little
3) How important is temperature equilibration?
Not important
4) Should the pressure be released after each observing session? The manual says no but manuals often don't have the best practices, in my opinion.
Makes no difference
My answers to your questions from my experience with a Lunt 60 PT.
Robert
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ED80. ED100. Celestron-150mm-PST mod. C8 edge. ES127
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ED80. ED100. Celestron-150mm-PST mod. C8 edge. ES127
LS60PT-LS60F-B1200. B600-Cak. PGR-Ch3-IMX265
- swisswalter
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hi Paul
my experience is a little bit different:
My questions:
1) How large an effect will seeing have on this? More in a moment.
a lot but not as baad that you can't see Ha details
2) How large an effect will temperature have? PV = nRT, after all.
not very much
3) How important is temperature equilibration?
important, you can watch the improvement
4) Should the pressure be released after each observing session? The manual says no but manuals often don't have the best practices, in my opinion.
yes , it should be released before each new session
my experience is a little bit different:
My questions:
1) How large an effect will seeing have on this? More in a moment.
a lot but not as baad that you can't see Ha details
2) How large an effect will temperature have? PV = nRT, after all.
not very much
3) How important is temperature equilibration?
important, you can watch the improvement
4) Should the pressure be released after each observing session? The manual says no but manuals often don't have the best practices, in my opinion.
yes , it should be released before each new session
Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I don't think that these pressure tuners are the be all and end all of tuning ,not as easy as they are made out to be, I have a problem in obtaining an even illumination over the frame, it is always overexposed at some part of the frame view. The seeing has to be also very good to get any reasonable results, maybe I am asking too much of the equipment or aiming too high
Lunt LS60THa / B1200 / LS60Fha / DMK51AOU2 / DMK21AOU2 / Revelation 6 & 8" RC / Opticon Minitower 11 & Startracker / Mad Red Setter and understanding Wife
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Thanks for your thoughts and comments.
It had to have been the seeing as I had a very nice outing today and yesterday. I am still getting used to the PT, but I could see a lot of detail these last two days.
It had to have been the seeing as I had a very nice outing today and yesterday. I am still getting used to the PT, but I could see a lot of detail these last two days.
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hi Paul
You seem to have many of your questions answered.
Seeing is king. I have had no issues with temperature variations at all. I PT once every 4th or 5th session.
Enjoy!
You seem to have many of your questions answered.
Seeing is king. I have had no issues with temperature variations at all. I PT once every 4th or 5th session.
Enjoy!
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Paul,
I just recently got a new Lunt 152. The first time I used it I like you saw abundant Ha detail (after taking the tuner off the equalize pressure and then turn it in to tune in the Ha band) But each subsequent time I could not tune it in at all, even in good seeing!
After talking to Rikki and Alan at Lunt a few times they felt that probably the O-rings in the tuner were not holding pressure any longer. Perhaps that has happened to you too? Replacing the O-rings is an easy fix.
take care
Mike
I just recently got a new Lunt 152. The first time I used it I like you saw abundant Ha detail (after taking the tuner off the equalize pressure and then turn it in to tune in the Ha band) But each subsequent time I could not tune it in at all, even in good seeing!
After talking to Rikki and Alan at Lunt a few times they felt that probably the O-rings in the tuner were not holding pressure any longer. Perhaps that has happened to you too? Replacing the O-rings is an easy fix.
take care
Mike
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Paul...
If you manage to get the PT tuned and there is a leak in the PT, it will drift off band...speed will depend up how bad the leak is.
If you tune it and leave it for some time and the tuning appears to have changed slow turn the PT cap to compress and see if it returns to where you had it set before...if this fixed the view then a leak is pretty much the cause.
If adjusting the focus makes the difference you may be fighting the seeing...focus looks good, but suddenly the seeing changes (to the better or worse) and you wind up changing focus.
My DSII unit for the LS80 developed a leak inside the body, so it is currently at Lunt being serviced. If would leak off in less than a minute...so quite obvious.
Hope you get yours up and running they way it should.
Brian
If you manage to get the PT tuned and there is a leak in the PT, it will drift off band...speed will depend up how bad the leak is.
If you tune it and leave it for some time and the tuning appears to have changed slow turn the PT cap to compress and see if it returns to where you had it set before...if this fixed the view then a leak is pretty much the cause.
If adjusting the focus makes the difference you may be fighting the seeing...focus looks good, but suddenly the seeing changes (to the better or worse) and you wind up changing focus.
My DSII unit for the LS80 developed a leak inside the body, so it is currently at Lunt being serviced. If would leak off in less than a minute...so quite obvious.
Hope you get yours up and running they way it should.
Brian
Brian Colville
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ASI1600MM, ASI432MM, ASI294MM Pro, ASI174MM, ASI462MM
Maple Ridge Observatory
Cambray, ON Canada
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/185395281@N08/albums
10'x15 Roll-off Roof Observatory
Takahashi EM400 Mount carrying:
C14 + Lunt 80ED
Deep Sky Work - ASI294MM Pro+EFW 7x36/Canon 60D (Ha mod), ONAG
Planetary Work - SBIG CFW10, ASI462MM
2.2m Diameter Dome
iOptron CEM70G Mount carrying:
Orion EON 130ED, f7 OTA for Day & Night Use
Ha Setup: Lunt LS80PT/LS75FHa/B1200Ha + Home Brew Lunt Double Stack/B1800Ha on the Orion OTA + Daystar Quantum
WL, G-Band & CaK Setup: Lunt Wedge & Lunt B1800CaK, Baader K-Line and Altair 2nm G-Band filter
ASI1600MM, ASI432MM, ASI294MM Pro, ASI174MM, ASI462MM
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Thanks all. I see I haven't commented since the earlier comments and meant to. Things aren't as bad as it seemed when I first posted. I had a day of truly horrific seeing to the point I couldn't really see anything. I've since had better seeing and am relatively happy.
However, I think there is a chance that I'm seeing leak type behavior described by Mike. I'm going to test this more specifically next chance (perhaps this weekend). I'd be relieved if it was as simple a fix as swapping O-rings. I'd be more relieved if it just isn't doing it.
But the scope provides a good image in good seeing. Now I'm thinking of double stacking. When will it end?
However, I think there is a chance that I'm seeing leak type behavior described by Mike. I'm going to test this more specifically next chance (perhaps this weekend). I'd be relieved if it was as simple a fix as swapping O-rings. I'd be more relieved if it just isn't doing it.
But the scope provides a good image in good seeing. Now I'm thinking of double stacking. When will it end?
- swisswalter
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hi Paul
there is no end to the story ;-)
First get good results with the existing gear, then move on. One step after the other, it saves you money
there is no end to the story ;-)
First get good results with the existing gear, then move on. One step after the other, it saves you money
Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I think it works fine in single-stack mode. I really do think the problem I encountered, which prompted my original post, was really bad seeing. I've had a number of good days since. And before. I want to test the leak possibility as I never do quite find the ideal tuning but I think that is still a matter of inexperience. However, I didn't even know it was possible so I simply want to check.
Anyway, enough about equipment. Here is the sun. This was shot about a week before the original post. So, the scope works fine when the conditions are good.
Anyway, enough about equipment. Here is the sun. This was shot about a week before the original post. So, the scope works fine when the conditions are good.
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
looks good!
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
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- swisswalter
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hi Paul
indeed a fine mosaic. Maybe there is a gost at 5 o'clock
indeed a fine mosaic. Maybe there is a gost at 5 o'clock
Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
My LS60 would drift of tune .I believe the pressure leaked out the large threads on the tuner. I wraped the thread with gas pipe (White tape) and the Scope has been perfect .Clear Sky's Dan
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hey Dan,
Rikki will send you a set of free replacement rings if you ask.
Rikki will send you a set of free replacement rings if you ask.
Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA USA
Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
http://www.solarastronomy.org
Atlanta, GA USA
Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
http://www.solarastronomy.org
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
An answer for pauljones question 4.
I bought a Lunt LS60THa Pressure Tuned scope last month and the manual that came with it should be up to date .
I don't know if the manual is a Lunt production or produced by the European Distributor.
It has the name of Lunt-Solar-Systems- Exclusive European Distributors, Optus GmbH, Germany.
It is only two sheets of A4 .
A line on page three, in the second paragraph, Tuning reads........
" When not in use we recommend that you release the pressure by simply backing off the black handle from the cylinder body."
I think it makes sense to take the strain off the seals when not in use.
Long term trapped wind is no good for people or telescopes.
I bought a Lunt LS60THa Pressure Tuned scope last month and the manual that came with it should be up to date .
I don't know if the manual is a Lunt production or produced by the European Distributor.
It has the name of Lunt-Solar-Systems- Exclusive European Distributors, Optus GmbH, Germany.
It is only two sheets of A4 .
A line on page three, in the second paragraph, Tuning reads........
" When not in use we recommend that you release the pressure by simply backing off the black handle from the cylinder body."
I think it makes sense to take the strain off the seals when not in use.
Long term trapped wind is no good for people or telescopes.
- swisswalter
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hi sunshine and Paul
I had never a problem letting the etalon under pressure
I had never a problem letting the etalon under pressure
Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch
from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I thought I would have a look at the American and European Lunt Websites for their recommendations about releasing the pressure.
At least one of the sites had links to the manuals about a month ago.
Unfortunately it looks as though they have withdrawn or omitted the links.
It would have been nice to have had the official line from those in the know.
Cheers all.
At least one of the sites had links to the manuals about a month ago.
Unfortunately it looks as though they have withdrawn or omitted the links.
It would have been nice to have had the official line from those in the know.
Cheers all.
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I don't work for Lunt but I release and depressurize the cylinder every time I set it up and I store the scopes with the cylinder in whatever position I was using it in.
The maximum change is only 3 psi from minimum to maximum so I don't think there is any danger of damaging seals by leaving it pressurized.
I own every scope Lunt makes except the 230mm and I have never had a cylinder go bad.
The maximum change is only 3 psi from minimum to maximum so I don't think there is any danger of damaging seals by leaving it pressurized.
I own every scope Lunt makes except the 230mm and I have never had a cylinder go bad.
Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA USA
Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
http://www.solarastronomy.org
Atlanta, GA USA
Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
http://www.solarastronomy.org
- Bill Edelen
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I almost never repressueise. I only do this if my adjustment range changes.Ricci said this is ok.I once had to store my sope for 4 months and when I took it out of case it needed no tuning adjustments. ...just my 2¢
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Personally I always wind out the tuner when I pack it away. No reason or science.
I've also smeared a wee dab of silicon grease on the O-Rings (red rubber grease would work as well) as they were a bit dry leaving the factory. And a slight smar of lithium grease on the main regulator threads..the brass had a fair bit of "stiction" in it and this helped no end.
I've also smeared a wee dab of silicon grease on the O-Rings (red rubber grease would work as well) as they were a bit dry leaving the factory. And a slight smar of lithium grease on the main regulator threads..the brass had a fair bit of "stiction" in it and this helped no end.
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I had problems such as you have had when my LS60 arrived.
I wasn't happy with the view through the scope. I griped and moaned until I finally dropped it off at Lunt in Tucson while on vacation. I don't know what Brian did in the 30 minutes he had the scope, but the effect was dramatic... I think. Some friends say it was always good, others agree that something good happened in Tucson.
The Head Nerd recommended that the tuner be backed off when not in use, so I do that.
Most folks don't think temps have an effect on seeing. My scope seems to work better if I leave it out in the Sun for a few minutes before observing. Any mechanical reason? Nope. It just seems to work better that way.
A dab of silicone grease seemed to make the tuner smoother. So I check that once in a while.
However, I would bet my old OIII filter that you have simply been a victim of bad thermal effects, i.e. bad seeing.
At 8:00 this morning the solar disk was a maze of detail, but by 11:00 I could hardly make out even moderate features that had been prominent earlier. If that view was the best the scope would do, I would have dumped it soon after I received it. But I think it was Mark and SwissWalter who told me to relax, learn the quirks of daytime observing and keep at it. I followed their sound advice. Glad I did.
By the way, nice image you did. Congrats.
Forrest
I wasn't happy with the view through the scope. I griped and moaned until I finally dropped it off at Lunt in Tucson while on vacation. I don't know what Brian did in the 30 minutes he had the scope, but the effect was dramatic... I think. Some friends say it was always good, others agree that something good happened in Tucson.
The Head Nerd recommended that the tuner be backed off when not in use, so I do that.
Most folks don't think temps have an effect on seeing. My scope seems to work better if I leave it out in the Sun for a few minutes before observing. Any mechanical reason? Nope. It just seems to work better that way.
A dab of silicone grease seemed to make the tuner smoother. So I check that once in a while.
However, I would bet my old OIII filter that you have simply been a victim of bad thermal effects, i.e. bad seeing.
At 8:00 this morning the solar disk was a maze of detail, but by 11:00 I could hardly make out even moderate features that had been prominent earlier. If that view was the best the scope would do, I would have dumped it soon after I received it. But I think it was Mark and SwissWalter who told me to relax, learn the quirks of daytime observing and keep at it. I followed their sound advice. Glad I did.
By the way, nice image you did. Congrats.
Forrest
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hi Guys,
I am having the same trouble with my beloved Lunt Ha 60 PT. It used to work well. I moved house (early last year) so couldn't use it for two summers.
Took it out recently (to get ready to watch the Mercury transit), I noticed some fungus or something smearing the B1200. Thankfully Bresser who are the european distributors for Lunt sent me a replacement filter with instructions (on how to replace this small piece of glass) from Faye Roman at Lunt. Very helpful. Can focus it very well. But I can't see the chromo or the Prominences.
Still no luck with the scope though.
I have unscrewed the PT completely and put it back on. when I start screwing it in somewhere near the middle, I feel the pressure tuner is resisting the turns as if the pressure is building up.
Tried this several times with no luck.
However the weather in UK at this time of the year is only good for cloud watchers. I had about 2 hours of hazy sunshine low in the sky last couple of days. Hazy meaning it's not blue sky but a wafer thin cloud cover surrounds the Sun. I have been told by Lunt that this shouldn't be an obstacle to see prominences etc. I am not having any luck.
Any thoughts of my fellow Lunt owners here about my plight would be gratefully received.
Thanks.
I am having the same trouble with my beloved Lunt Ha 60 PT. It used to work well. I moved house (early last year) so couldn't use it for two summers.
Took it out recently (to get ready to watch the Mercury transit), I noticed some fungus or something smearing the B1200. Thankfully Bresser who are the european distributors for Lunt sent me a replacement filter with instructions (on how to replace this small piece of glass) from Faye Roman at Lunt. Very helpful. Can focus it very well. But I can't see the chromo or the Prominences.
Still no luck with the scope though.
I have unscrewed the PT completely and put it back on. when I start screwing it in somewhere near the middle, I feel the pressure tuner is resisting the turns as if the pressure is building up.
Tried this several times with no luck.
However the weather in UK at this time of the year is only good for cloud watchers. I had about 2 hours of hazy sunshine low in the sky last couple of days. Hazy meaning it's not blue sky but a wafer thin cloud cover surrounds the Sun. I have been told by Lunt that this shouldn't be an obstacle to see prominences etc. I am not having any luck.
Any thoughts of my fellow Lunt owners here about my plight would be gratefully received.
Thanks.
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I’m having a similar problem with my brand new Lunt 60 pt. I’m in contact with Faye trying to work it out. I checked the blocking filter and it looks fine to me. Unscrewed the pt but still no details when I pressurized it again. I’ll keep you posted if we figure it out.
James
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
The sun really is totally blank at the moment, look for a day when there are some proms to aim at to get the tuning close to where it should be...
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Thanks Mark for the assurance. I guess since I cut my teeth on the Quark which seems so easy to use and the higher magnification brings out more details ,I was expecting similar results. I also tried out a pst mod with a ST80 at f/10 and was able to tell when the sweet spot was on band. So I have some experience with what to expect.
I still haven’t had a chance to test it out but Faye is sending out some new O-rings. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
I still haven’t had a chance to test it out but Faye is sending out some new O-rings. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
James
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Hello All,
I would like to add my own method of setting / checking the tuner. I mostly work with a camera (ASI174) and a laptop where in the recording software I can see the histogram in real-time. Now we know the H-Alpha spectral line in the Sun is an absorption line. As the tuner sweeps the transmission of the etalon across the wavelength axis and we cross the H-Alpha line we will notice the image gets darker (as we enter the absorption line) reach a minimum (at center) and get brighter as we exit the line. This can be nicely seen in the histogram. So I twist the tuner knob until the histogram is at its lowest. That's the spot when the talon is centered to the middle of the H-Alpha line. Twisting the knob back/forth it is quite easy to find the best spot. Over time (>1hrs) there might be change. I.e. when I re-do the knob-twisting I find a better spot as guided by the histogram that is a little turn away. Once that is set I might run some images with the camera, and when I like later remove the camera for visual observation. If the contrast setting of the camera is high it becomes obvious that the filter is not homogeneous. There will be areas of different detail and contrast across the Sun's disk. The contrast of the camera can be very harsh, and I can make any tunable scope look bad with it. Visually the change is much less pronounced. Looking for a filtered solar-scope that does not have such variations would imply a 10x price uplift. So I'm OK to live with the quality I get.
Clear Skies,
Gert
I would like to add my own method of setting / checking the tuner. I mostly work with a camera (ASI174) and a laptop where in the recording software I can see the histogram in real-time. Now we know the H-Alpha spectral line in the Sun is an absorption line. As the tuner sweeps the transmission of the etalon across the wavelength axis and we cross the H-Alpha line we will notice the image gets darker (as we enter the absorption line) reach a minimum (at center) and get brighter as we exit the line. This can be nicely seen in the histogram. So I twist the tuner knob until the histogram is at its lowest. That's the spot when the talon is centered to the middle of the H-Alpha line. Twisting the knob back/forth it is quite easy to find the best spot. Over time (>1hrs) there might be change. I.e. when I re-do the knob-twisting I find a better spot as guided by the histogram that is a little turn away. Once that is set I might run some images with the camera, and when I like later remove the camera for visual observation. If the contrast setting of the camera is high it becomes obvious that the filter is not homogeneous. There will be areas of different detail and contrast across the Sun's disk. The contrast of the camera can be very harsh, and I can make any tunable scope look bad with it. Visually the change is much less pronounced. Looking for a filtered solar-scope that does not have such variations would imply a 10x price uplift. So I'm OK to live with the quality I get.
Clear Skies,
Gert
Gert Gottschalk, Ph.D.
Tri-Valley Stargazers, Eastbay Astronomical Society, WFS Berlin
Tri-Valley Stargazers, Eastbay Astronomical Society, WFS Berlin
- hopskipson
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Just an update, my brand new scope had a decontacted etalon that was replaced. It’s on its way back to me. I’m just a little concerned with shipping across the country again. Fingers crossed .
James
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Fingers crossed indeed!
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Here's the latest update on my LS60:
I received my scope last week and have it out now. The weather is not optimal 42*F and very windy with many clouds and only a few breaks of sun. I did wrap a dew strap around the blocking filter and a dish towel around that to try to keep it warm. The limited time out I can see a nice sized prom and some surface detail but nothing significant. Can't see the AR. Looked on Gong and the AR seems to be fading a bit. There doesn't seem to be much contrast with this scope. I would say that the scope is fixed but I'm hoping that the weather is inhibiting optimal performance. I find the pressure tuner to be kind of clumsy to get proper tuning. It seems to be really hard to get the entire disk on band. I know a lot of people knock the Quark, but I find the tuning to be much easier. Just find the proper setting and leave it alone. Also since I need a dew heater to keep the blocking filter warm, I need some external power source. Maybe it is my lack of experience with this system and the conditions that are making it extremely uncomfortable to be out today.
Does anyone have suggestions or comments on technique? I tried a ND filter but that didn't help. Does anyone use any other filters or polarizing filters to increase contrast?
Thanks
I received my scope last week and have it out now. The weather is not optimal 42*F and very windy with many clouds and only a few breaks of sun. I did wrap a dew strap around the blocking filter and a dish towel around that to try to keep it warm. The limited time out I can see a nice sized prom and some surface detail but nothing significant. Can't see the AR. Looked on Gong and the AR seems to be fading a bit. There doesn't seem to be much contrast with this scope. I would say that the scope is fixed but I'm hoping that the weather is inhibiting optimal performance. I find the pressure tuner to be kind of clumsy to get proper tuning. It seems to be really hard to get the entire disk on band. I know a lot of people knock the Quark, but I find the tuning to be much easier. Just find the proper setting and leave it alone. Also since I need a dew heater to keep the blocking filter warm, I need some external power source. Maybe it is my lack of experience with this system and the conditions that are making it extremely uncomfortable to be out today.
Does anyone have suggestions or comments on technique? I tried a ND filter but that didn't help. Does anyone use any other filters or polarizing filters to increase contrast?
Thanks
James
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
- marktownley
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Things sound fairly normal tbh - you're observing a quiet sun in the dead of winter. Give it a month or two, the sun will be higher and we should have a bit more activity fingers crossed. Call me a 'fair weather' solar astronomer but I only tend to head out when the weather is better. Really, the only proper way to increase contrast is to double stack, or, a blanket over the head to cut out extraneous light can help to.
Mark
Mark
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Thanks Mark.
Brought the blocking filter inside and let it warm up with the dew heater on. About 2 hours later even with lousy seeing the contrast was much better. Was just able to make out the AR and a small filament. I wouldn't normally be out on a day like this, but with the scope just coming back from repair I wanted to put my mind at ease that it was working.
Brought the blocking filter inside and let it warm up with the dew heater on. About 2 hours later even with lousy seeing the contrast was much better. Was just able to make out the AR and a small filament. I wouldn't normally be out on a day like this, but with the scope just coming back from repair I wanted to put my mind at ease that it was working.
James
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
These pretzels are making me thirsty! (C.C.)
The Quark introduced me to this wonderful side of the hobby and the sun hasn’t disappointed yet.
Solar Equipment: Solar Spectrum RG-18 0.3A, Coronado Solarmax 90mm etalon Isle of Man SN-001, Tuscon SN-380 and Meade SM2, Lunt LS80 DS, Quark Chromosphere, Lunt 2" wedge, 2-Lunt CaK II 1200, Baader 3.8 and 5.0 solar film in 208mm cells, and 3D printed Sol'Ex SHG, Lunt 40mm
Coming Soon: Solar Spectrum CaK II <1A filter
- daslolo
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Call Brian and ask him! This knowledge is gold. Or they just put it in a machine that costs 1 million dollarForrestLockhart wrote: ↑Fri Jul 11, 2014 9:28 pm I don't know what Brian did in the 30 minutes he had the scope, but the effect was dramatic... I think. Some friends say it was always good, others agree that something good happened in Tucson.
PST on its way to modding heaven
Quark + Orion 120mm + beloptik
LX65 8" ACF
Quark + Orion 120mm + beloptik
LX65 8" ACF
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Pressure tuning seems a nightmare. You pay a lot of money for a scope hoping it will last a long time and there seems to be problems within a short time
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
It is not a nightmare. It really works well and allows you to get a large area tuned equally without the banding which is unavoidable using tilt tuning because of the geometry.
The best technology for evenly filtered full disk images in my expeience.
Best regards
Robert
The best technology for evenly filtered full disk images in my expeience.
Best regards
Robert
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ED80. ED100. Celestron-150mm-PST mod. C8 edge. ES127
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Why whats the problems you're having?shetowl2020 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:06 pm Pressure tuning seems a nightmare. You pay a lot of money for a scope hoping it will last a long time and there seems to be problems within a short time
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
Not got a scope yet, many people have said they have to replace the seals frequently even after a short time
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Re: Lunt 60 Pressure tuning question(s)
I've owned my LS50 (pressure tuned) for about 10 months or so now. I honestly can't see how those seals (I assume you're referring to the rubber o-ring(s) inside the pressure tuner knob?) could even wear (quickly). And hypothetically, even if you would have to replace them every few years or so; it's literally a small rubber o-ring costing only a few bucks (and really easy to replace).
So bottomline, I wouldn't worry about it.
So bottomline, I wouldn't worry about it.