Orion 10" Solar Filter won't fit

[cyberblitz]

I bought a 10" Orion Solar Filter for my 10" Skywatcher but it doesn't fit.

The OTA diameter is about 11.1", the Solar Filter frame inner diameter is 12.1" (The actual Solar Filter Glass diameter is 11.1"). That's a gap of 1/2" between the filter and OTA all the way around. What gives??

I don't understand why they sell a Solar filter for a 10" Newtonian when it doesn't fit a 10" Newtonian!

Does anyone else have any explanation to this??

[cyberblitz]

Has no one had any experience like this?

[dpastern]

Have you tried contacting Orion? Your Skywatcher may have thicker sidewalls than what Orion designed their filter for.

Dave

[dpastern]

btw your signature should probably read:

Libera te tutemet ex inferis

to be more grammatically correct from my research.

Dave

[BeanerSA]

Is it this one?
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-solar-filter-10-inch-sct-7715/
Designed to fit SCT scopes?

[cyberblitz]

Nope, it was this one:
https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-solar-filter-10-inch-newtonian-7790/

[cyberblitz]

The Filter was too big not too small. It seems Orion telescopes have wider OTAs than Skywatcher, despite the tubes coming from the same factory, so I was told.

[cyberblitz]

This debate goes on and on.

[cyberblitz]

Is it possible the filter is sized for telescopes with baffles? My telescope does not have baffles

[billdan]

Looking at the photo on the Bintel link, replacing the thumb screws with longer ones from Bunnings should work.

[cyberblitz]

This wouldn't work. The filter is suppose to fit snug, the thumb screws are only there for added security and not be used alone. Look at this YouTube video from Orion demonstrating how they should fit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeB07wb6nZk&spfreload=10

[Merlin66]

If you're unhappy with the filter, return it to the supplier either for a better fitting one, or a refund.

[cyberblitz]

Already have. But I wondered if there was something I was missing.

[raymo]

That is not correct cyberblitz, the filter does not have to be a snug fit;that would not be practical, as scopes of the same aperture can have quite different tube outside diameters.The screws are quite sufficient on their own.
If you listen to the video again you will hear him say that you might have a gap, in which case you nip up the screws.
raymo

[cyberblitz]

But I'm sure the gap isn't suppose to accept your fingers, the gap was that big. I wouldn't feel too comfortable just relying on screws, especially ones needing to bridge a half inch gap.

[astro744]

You probably have this one, (12.13", model #07790)

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Telescope-Eyepiece-Filters/1213-ID-Orion-Full-Aperture-Solar-Filter/c/3/sc/48/p/7790.uts?ensembleId=4

but need this one, (11.63", model #07715)

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Telescope-Eyepiece-Filters/1163-ID-Orion-Full-Aperture-Solar-Filter/c/3/sc/48/p/7715.uts?ensembleId=4

See below on above links for full listing.

Bintel have both listed side by side and the 7715 is described as being for 10" SCT. Looks like Skywatcher has slightly smaller OTA than other 10" Newt which are typically around 12" OTA.

https://www.bintel.com.au/product-category/adapters-accessories/solarfilters/page/2/

You will still have to tighten the three nylon screws for best fit and/or add a bit of Velcro (the loop side only not the hooks to the OTA) to give a more snug fit. Note still use the three screws as the filter may work its way off if relying on a snug fit only. Or put an elastic band between the safety screws and secondary spider screws. I have a three vane spider so it lines up. Make sure you cover your finder on the front lens side to prevent heat entering your finder and on the eyepiece end to avoid temptation to look.

Always double check filter is in position and all possible openings outside the OTA are covered (essential for 'scopes without a solid tube). Line the Sun up using the smallest possible shadow on the ground behind the OTA and use a low power eyepiece at first.

Safety first and always is paramount when observing the Sun!

[raymo]

The snug fit is almost irrelevant- the screws are what matter. Snug fits become less snug with use, like many polar scope covers that won't stay on. Several solar filter manufacturers make perfectly good filters that fit scopes
between 4 and 5" or 6 and 7," or 8 and 9" for example, which is very
useful for owners of odd sized scopes such as the Celestron 9.25" SCT.
I wouldn't dream of using a solar filter that relied solely on being a snug fit,
but would happily use one secured only by screws.
raymo

[cyberblitz]

Even with all the screws wound in, I still couldn't fix it in place. The distance was too great