solar filter help

sasup (Stacey) · #1 03-01-2010, 02:13 PM

I was hoping someone would be able to help with buying a solar filter? I would love to know what is out there and pros and cons of each. I will be using a 12 lightbridge dob. I have looked up filters in the search but just could not find info on new products and costs. Thanks

Sorry just saw I posted in wrong section;please move to filters

Merlin66 (Ken) · #2 03-01-2010, 04:30 PM

The cheapest and effective white light solar filter I've found is the Baader Solar Film.
Available in large sheets which can be easily cut to make a full aperture filter for the 12".
Very safe and effective, if correctly placed on the tube. Remember to also cover the finder!!
With open tube scopes you'd also be safer draping a light plastic tarp over the tube to prevent stray sunlight from burning anything while setting up and aligning.

sasup (Stacey) · #3 03-01-2010, 05:29 PM

good stuff thanks so much. Do you know where I can get some to try??

Merlin66 (Ken) · #4 03-01-2010, 05:44 PM

http://www.aoe.com.au/solarobserving.html
There may be others....Google is your friend.

Ken

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #5 04-01-2010, 02:55 AM

I just ordered 2 filters, one for the finders scope and the other for my 12" DOB, decided to go for the glass type for the 12" with a 4.5" offset hole.

Dont know when they will arrive, ordered them just before christmas so they may not arrived for a while.