Red filter for imaging

[EricB]

Happy festive season to all!

I am looking for a red /deep red filter for imaging the moon to try to partly compensate for the predominently below average seeing at my place. Online, at our local astro shops, I have been able to find a red one as part of a LRGB set, but not individually. Can an imaging red filter be bought individually? If it can, what would be a good one? I would be very grateful if someone could point me in the right direction.

If you could tell me a good palce where I could get a cooling fan for a SW 10" dobs, it would be great too!

Eric

[2stroke]

Any computer stores sells 120mm 12volt fans, if you were near by i would give you one lol. This thread may help with your choice of filter http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=77869 personally build light shields and go for targets directly overhead. Where i live i find the highest point for my targets in starry night pro and layout my night of imaging from it, that way i get the best results i can from where i am. I won't bother with filters and if i really want something i can't get ill go to a dark site for it :)

[EricB]

Thanks Jay.

Re filter, you are absolutely right that the best way is to image when the object to be imaged is at its highest point. The reason why I am inquiring is that unfortunately, because of my job, I can't always be available when that occurs :shrug:. I often have to make do with evening observation/imaging. Furthermore, the Moon and Jupiter are not very high in the sky at the moment from Adelaide. So if a filter can help reduce poor seeing and improve my photos, even slightly, I would be happy to get one. Any suggestion in terms of brands/types?

Re cooling fan, is there any risk of vibrations from the fan affecting the imaging quality?

Cheers,

Eric

[Shiraz]

why not just use a #25 - from memory, Ivan has posted some good images taken this way. Probably best to get one with AR coating if you can - the last Meade eyepiece filter I bought was AR.

[EricB]

Thank you Ray. I have done a bit of web research and have found an Astrononik imaging filter that looks like it could do the job: http://www.astronomik.com/en/photographic-filters.html

I don't know if it's suitable for my DMK41. I might contact Adtronomik and ask them. Is anyone familiar with this filter?

Cheers,

Eric

[BlackWidow]

I would contact Michael Lovel at Adelaide telescope on 83813188. He is in Reynella and will have just about anything you need. I have purchased several filter from him including red. He is about the best place in Adelaide, the forgotten state.

Also Aztronics have the sort of fans that you find on Dobs. Computer fans or power supply fans. They will be cheaper than at a computer shop if the store is near you. I know they have a store in the city and one at enfield on main north road. You need a simple two wire fan and not a 3 wire as used in some computers.

Hope this helps
Mardy:thumbsup:

[EricB]

Thanks for the tips Mardy.

I know of Adelaide telescope, however, I have never dealt with them. i will give Michael a call. I'd rather deal locally when I can (does he have a shop or is his business only though his website? I am not very far for Renella).

I' ll pay Aztronics a visit. Any particular type of fan you would recomment for a 10" SW?

Cheers,

Eric

[2stroke]

1200rpm is about perfect if your not using a fan controller and using 12volts.

Eric have you got a shroud on the truss section to stop stray light? You could also flock the 2 sections and add a dew/light shield to the top as well.

[EricB]

Thanks Ray. I don't have a shroud and should certainly make myself one (or rather, ask my lovely wife to make it for me!).

Cheers,

Eric

[BlackWidow]

sorry Eric it took a while to reply. Been out all day painting my Daughters house.. I think someone else has suggested a fan size, but my DOB allready had a fan and a mount on the bottom. Have a look to see if yours has 4 screw holes allready and measure them from cnr to cnr..

As for Micheal he runs his business from home and on the net. He is more than happy for you to go to his house and see and collect items. He does not have any sort of store but has got just about anything you could think of. I purchased my 10" DOB from him and he was a great help. I have purchased all sorts of stuff at much better prices than any other telescope shop in Adelaide (if you can call them that LOL)


Regards
Mardy

[EricB]

Thanks Mardy for getting back to me. I have screw holes at the back of the tube. They are 7 cm apart.

I will call Michael next week (if he isn't on holidays).

Cheers,

Eric

[gbeal]

Eric,
did you find a suitable filter at all? I have just acquired a large selection, and I mean LARGE, of filters and camera gear. I am sure there would be something suitable in this pile of gear. PM me if you need something.
Gary

[deanm]

Folks - It's not Michael Lovell, it's Matt.

I've sourced a few items through him - a good bloke!

Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
PH: 08 8381 3188
Mobile: 0416 123 096

www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/

Dean

[BlackWidow]

Now you know I am getting old and forgetful :rofl:. Yep that is his name.. Don't worry about getting his name wrong. He's wife would have other names for him as well. Like Honey Bun and stuff like that....Yea Right! ;)

Good bloke with many names and cool stuff


Mardy

[EricB]

Thank you for the updated information Dean.

Happy New Year to you all and clearest skies!

Eric

[EricB]

Hi all!

I have read that astrophotographers use a red filter effectively to image the Moon. One mention of a red filter was made by our own Iceman (Mike Salway) on his webside in relation to his famous Crater Clavius photo. He explains: "I used my standard Planetary Imaging Equipment to capture the data – the 12″ Newt on an EQ6 with the DMK21AU04, 5x powermate and Astronomik Red filter." (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2009/01/30/from-the-vault-high-resolution-clavius-mosaic/). What a fantastic picture :eyepop:.

So Mike, if you happen to read this, could you tell us more about the characteristics of your Astronomik Red filter and how/when to use it? Is the filter part of the LRBG set? Or is it a special one?

Thanks.

Eric