Mods to ED80 - PST double stack

[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.

[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.

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.

[Saturnine]

Don't tempt me to go down the DS path, though an BF10 is not out of the equation. Looks a very nice set up Ken. May we see some pretty pictures sometime of the prom and chromosphere detail now visible with the scope.

[Merlin66]

Unfortunately for your wallet, DS is the way to go to maximise the detail visible in Ha. Certainly pulls out the surface detail with enhanced contrast.

[Merlin66]

OK, the "hot" MSI laptop finally arrived back.....
Now on my third SSD drive:eyepop:
I still need to re-install all the camera drivers and software.
Hopefully will be up and running very sooooon.

[Merlin66]

Through broken cloud, poor seeing
ASI 174MM + FC+AS3!+Registax5
Also with x2.5 PM

My solar observatory is now over ten years old; 80l grey tub, gaffa tape hinged lid, held open with fence wire finished with a dark sheet. Works very well for me.

[h0ughy]

Aaahh the shroud , nice bit if kit. Do you have a small fan in there as well. What are the peanut butter lids for?

[Merlin66]

The Vegemite lids allow me to adjust the tilt on the front etalon from the eyepiece position.

[traveller]

Now that's "remote" control to a new level!
Bo

[Merlin66]

:thumbsup:;)