looking for a solar filter

[hobbit]

Can anyone recommend a hydrogen alpha solar filter to add onto a 120x900mm refractor?

Thanks.

[Stardrifter_WA]

You could look at the Daystar Quark eyepiece, which is about the cheapest option for a Hydrogen Alpha filter. They will work on refractors from f/4 to f/9. You will also need a Energy Reduction Filter, of which there are two types, a 2" IR/UV Cut off filter that fits to a 2" diagonal or a full aperture. The full aperture isn't cheap though and is about USD 750. I am currently waiting on a full aperture filter for my AT65EDQ and that was USD 350.

The quark are USD 995, which will make around AUD 1200 + freight, clearance and tax. The price will fluctuate due to the dollar conversion. The next cheapest filter from Daystar is USD 2100.

There are waiting times for these items, although OPT had some stock when I ordered two weeks ago.

See the following links:

http://www.icstars.com/Store/daystar-solar-filters/quark.html

http://www.icstars.com/Store/daystar-solar-filters/energy-rejection-filters.html

http://www.daystarfilters.com/downloads/ERFOrderForm.pdf

I have just received my Quark eyepieces, both the Prominence and Chromosphere models, but haven't had a chance to try them yet. Hopefully, I will get a chance to try them out this weekend.

Cheers Peter

[cjb]

Dear Peter,

I've been looking at getting a quark Ha (when I have some spare cash:rolleyes:) as I already have a nice small 60mm f7 refractor to use it in. I've read heaps about the quark (mainly from imagers) and it seems like a really nice bit of gear. Please post your thoughts on the quarks when you get a chance - especially the difference between the two models. I hope you really enjoy them :).

Cheers,

Chris

[hobbit]

Peter, when you say energy filter, do you mean something like this?
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Solar-Filters/Orion-Solar-Filter----br--4-5--Newt---120mm-Refractor/1017/productview.aspx

[Merlin66]

No.
You need either a red filter (Baader D-ERF) or at least a UV-IR filter for the Quark.
Other alternatives would include the Coronado SM60/ SM90. These are NOT cheap.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Hi Hobbit,

As Merlin has said no, that isn't the same.

That is a White Light solar filter, which I also have for my WO 110 FLT. White light solar filters are completely different and cannot be used with the Quark, as they don't let the required bandpass through for the Quark to operate correctly. Whereas, an Energy Reduction Filter is required to cut out the damaging UV/IR, so that it doesn't damage the Qaurk. But be aware, that the Energy Reduction Filter cannot be used on its own and is only meant to be used with a Hydrogen Alpha Filter to cut down the harmful UV/IR, to prevent damage to the Ha filter.

If you want to view white light also, have a look at these filters, as they are well priced. Although they cost more, I use the Thousand Oaks Glass filters, but the film is a cheaper alternative, but where the Sun is concerned, I wouldn't use film, as it is too easily damaged, in my view, so I went for the better Thousand Oaks white light filter instead. It was worth it..

http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/solar.html

I hope that makes it a bit more clear.

Cheers Peter

[hobbit]

Thanks both. After looking at the pricing though I'm thinking I might as well just get a dedicated scope. The Lunt LS50 is looking very nice.