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Merlin66
21-02-2006, 02:01 PM
Finally got the adjustable slits from the US but find they are not easy to integrate into the Mk1 Littrow design, however... managed to set the slit mounting blocks I have at correct gap and position. Now find I can better focus the webcam but the eyepiece for visual is just ( well not really!) being held by the locking screw.

I had the chance to set the spectro up with the ETX90 with a diffuser over the aperture ( a hankie!!) to get visual spectra of the sun. WOW it's unbelievable there must be literally hundreds and hundreds of lines visable!!!
I could even see lines between the D1/D2 sodium etc etc. Very exciting. :cool:
I'll set up the webcam to get some images, I need to accurately determine the field coverage and the resolution.
With my "new" OAG also trialing the set up to be able to get the slit into focus and guided to allow stellar exposures, ....coming soon.

In parallel building a Mk2 version using a 40mm f5 lens as collimator, 1200 lpm grating and a 50mm/ 135mm Olympus camera for both visual/ Starlight CCD. The mock up looks very promising and WILL allow the use of the new variable slit and ANY webcam/CCD.

sheeny
21-02-2006, 09:21 PM
Sounds interesting Merlin.

Looking forward to seeing some of your spectra!

Al.

[1ponders]
21-02-2006, 09:31 PM
I'm with Al. When do we see some spectra :cool:

Merlin66
27-02-2006, 11:05 AM
Tried again at the weekend.... no real success! Visually the solar spectrum is stunning! BUT still having issues getting the CCD ( both the webcam and the MX7) into the "correct" position to pick up the image. I'm making up some more spacer tubes to see if I can at least get the spectra image to focus! That would be a good starting point! May end up using the Oly 3030 as eyepiece projection! Also, using the laptop in bright sunshine is not the easiest of tasks!! Keep you posted.

Vermin
27-02-2006, 12:11 PM
I have have run into this problem at work when updating RTU firmware in the field, the solution - a thick green garbage bag, just remember what your mom said about putting plastic bags on your head and take care.