SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

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SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

As you may know I use an SM60 etalon on an ED80 for solar observing.

I also use a PST Mod on a 102/1100 Telescope Service (Kunming) refractor.

I have made adaptors to allow the SM60 to be mounted on the 102mm and it gives great double stacked performance, but with a limited FOV due to the long focal length.

Looking at the OTA of the ED80 I found by removing the focuser and replacing it with an adaptor plate (identical to the one on the rear of the 102) I could add the PST mod to the ED80 - this should, with the 600mm fl give double stack full disk observing.

The adaptor (thanks to Les!) is about to be fitted - probably early next week due the the long weekend and family commitments....
This will give the necessary f10 for the PST mod;with a SM60 front etalon on the ED80.

Keep you posted.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

Sounds good, keep us updated.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

OK
First light this morning with the SM60+PST Mod double stack on the ED80.
Majic!
It seems to work well - small filaprom, active area and impressive Proms easily visible.
The surface detail is as expected with a DS.
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So far I'm impressed - good full disks views with 15mm TV.
Just waiting on the return of my "hot" MSI computer - another SSD drive failure!!! -should be here Monday, then can try the ASI 174.
Stay tuned.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

Lovely setup Ken!


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by MapleRidge »

Hi Ken...

The new setup looks great, and hope to see some images from it when you get the imaging system running again.

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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

The weather and seeing has been terrible for the last few weeks.....
Finally between cloud managed to get a couple of images.
ASI 174MM full disk - FC, AS3!+registax5
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As above, with the x2.5PM

[The extension tif has been deactivated and can no longer be displayed.]

My solar observatory is now over ten years old and still going strong. 80l grey tub, gaffa tape hinge and fencing wire to hold lid open complimented with the dark sheet. Works very well.
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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

Nice setup and results Ken


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

Thanks Mark, but I think I still have a long way to go.
I’m struggling a bit to get the 102/500 ST102 to work with my Baader Cool wedge and the CaK filter stack.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

Merlin66 wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2018 7:21 am Thanks Mark, but I think I still have a long way to go.
I’m struggling a bit to get the 102/500 ST102 to work with my Baader Cool wedge and the CaK filter stack.

I would stop it down to 50mm for the CaK certainly...


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

I was hoping to use the Baader wedge +0.6ND on the 102/500 with the Omega CaK stack.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

what filters make up the omega cak stack?


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=23653

Weather permitting I'll do some more testing later today.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

If You're down at 50mm you wont need the wedge, I use my homebrew CaK stack up to 60mm without any ERF / wedge.

(assuming they're dielectric filters)


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

Mark,
Yes, dielectric filters.....
OK, I'll give a 55mm reduced aperture a go....


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

Back to the SM60/PST mod.....
I'm seriously thinking of replacing the helical focuser I use with a Lunt 60 Crayford focuser ( a gift from a friend)
The 10:1 gives 0.13mm per revolution and if I fit the SW electronic motor belt drive arrangement I should be able to significantly improve the focusing without the manual hassle and vibration.
Need to sketch up and machine a M50 adaptor for the Lunt focuser.......


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

Update:
Thanks to Les for machining a perfect adaptor plate I now have the Crayford focuser (and about to add a motor/ belt drive). I can now go from visual to imaging with the ASI 174 ( or with the x2.5 PM+tilter) without having to add/ subtract spacers etc etc.
I've also, after ten years, "upgraded" the solar observatory - the lid of the grey 80l tub is now hinged with plastic wire ties - much better than the Gaffa tape ;-)

However I now find a significant "hot spot" (seems more intrusive than previous?) in the centre of the field - on the optical axis. Doesn't vary much as the SM60/ PST are re-tuned....
I've tried adding a CPL before the PST etalon and rotating the PST etalon relative to the SM60 with no change in brightness or position.
I'm even thinking of adding a "central stop" to try to suppress it.......any other ideas?????


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

Sounds good Ken, that upgrade from gaffa tape to cable ties is a big one :D

Regards the hotspot. are you talking with or without the PM? I never got on with them and found it gave me a bright spot mid field like you describe. Others though get on with them great and have no problems.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by Merlin66 »

Seems to be more noticeable with the base SM60 +PST mod . I see it with the PM to a lesser degree.


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Re: SM60 -PST Mod double stack on ED80

Post by marktownley »

It not just the sweet spot? The PST etalon was designed to (just) cover the full disk at 400mm fl, running at 600mm fl you should see it in evidence when looking at fd's.


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