A new DS module

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gabrieli
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A new DS module

Post by gabrieli »

I tried another double stack “ module” today which showed more promise than the PST/Quark
combination I’ve played with over the last 3 sessions.

The new module (used at 2700mm, f30) consists of a

35 nm H a filter + 2X Powermate + Lunt 50C filter + Quark Combo + Blackfly S (2.3Mp)+ 0.5X reducer

I got the Lunt filter a few years ago to double stack with my Lunt 60 filter on smaller refractors.

I initially included a tilter but I found that this combination didn’t show newton’s rings.
The Powermate is sturdy enough to support the rest of the optical train although the load on the Lunt filter concerned me because when you adjust the tilt on this filter it actually tilts the barrel below the adjustment wheel plus everything else attached to it around a sprung “hinge”. I thought the tilting was done internally.
Since the sun is very high up in the sky, the module hangs at a very steep angle minimizing any
sagging along the optical train.

This new (for me) combination shows a much cleaner image than with the PST/Quark combination
which suffers from ghosts and shadows although the effect on the image of tilting the Lunt 50C is minimal.
Another benefit of this new DS module is a marked improvement in image brightness.
50a.png
50a.png (511.51 KiB) Viewed 574 times
50b.png
50b.png (269.85 KiB) Viewed 574 times
150.png
150.png (248.89 KiB) Viewed 574 times
450.png
450.png (528.24 KiB) Viewed 574 times

The PST/Quark coupling is still useable with a bit more fussing to minimize unevenness and move ghosts off the field.


PST.png
PST.png (498.65 KiB) Viewed 574 times
2PST.png
2PST.png (245.6 KiB) Viewed 574 times
3PST.png
3PST.png (251.8 KiB) Viewed 574 times
Last edited by gabrieli on Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:15 am, edited 3 times in total.


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Bob Yoesle
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Re: A new DS module

Post by Bob Yoesle »

Wow - Most excellent results!!!
:bow


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Re: A new DS module

Post by MapleRidge »

Hi Lou...

That new combo looks really good!

Brian


Brian Colville

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
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Re: A new DS module

Post by gabrieli »

Thanks, Brian and Bob.

The inspiration for this "module" came from someone's design that used this same principle to assemble a triple stack module.
I would really want know how dark the image is in using it. The PST/Quark module is marginally useful mainly because of the slower shutter speed and high gain used.

The LS50C/Quark Combo combination will likely be the workhorse for some important reasons, mainly that the image brightness is superior to that of the PST/Quark module resulting in faster shutter speeds and more even illumination and also it just works with minimal fiddling.

For smaller scopes that can't physically support the weight of the LS50C/Quark module, I would use the PST/Quark module.

I do have an LS60F that I want to try in place of the LS50C to see if cuts the bandwidth any narrower.

I should put in a good word for Precise Parts who produced the T plate and 2" nose for both sides of the LS50C and LS60F.

Lou


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Re: A new DS module

Post by MAURITS »

Excellent results Lou.


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Maurits

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Re: A new DS module

Post by Montana »

You always produce such beautiful images Lou :bow :hamster:

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Re: A new DS module

Post by torsinadoc »

Fascinating and great results! Thanks for sharing


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Re: A new DS module

Post by marktownley »

Very promising Lou, Precise Parts are very good, i've used them a number of times.


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Re: A new DS module

Post by MapleRidge »

I too have had great service and well made products form Precise Parts too.

Only limitation seems to be limited to machining dimensions based on what they have specs for...not doing random pieces that you supply dimensions for. At least my experience with them.

Brian


Brian Colville

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
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Re: A new DS module

Post by allhoest »

You have a winner.
CS
Alex


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