Ready To Catch Some Rays

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

My thanks to those who gave advice in my earlier post.

I picked up some Baader Solar Film today and made up the filter cell tonight. The cell is wedged onto the dust cover step down wall and the whole lot is taped down to ensure safety. I hope the skies clear soon so I can test it out.

The 80mm refractor is also sporting a new solar filter but the optics are not really up to the task at night, so I don't have high expectations for solar viewing either.

The bonus is that there is plenty left over to knock up a pair of filters for my binoculars.

Bring on the Venus Transit.

[Forgey (Paula)]

Nice Stu! I'm planning on doing the same thing with mine. Just got to get some film.

[lepton3 (Ivan)]

Gee, I don't want to be alarmist Shark, but I hope that isn't only masking tape holding that filter in place!?!?

I think you should stick that down with something a bit more permanent than tape with adhesive that was intentionally made to be easily removed!

Some sort of screw on collar like you have on the front would be ideal, but if that can't be arranged then maybe epoxy glue as an alternative.

Take care.

-Ivan

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

Fair point Ivan. I will buy some super sticky black gaff tape to hold the cover in place. This tape is used to hold damaged race car panels in place, so it should do the job.

I will improve the filter cell connection by drilling and tapping in a thread to allow three screws to clamp against the step down wall. For good measure I will lash it down with black gaff tape as well.

[lepton3 (Ivan)]

Originally Posted by Shark Bait

I will improve the filter cell connection by drilling and tapping in a thread to allow three screws to clamp against the step down wall. For good measure I will lash it down with black gaff tape as well.

Now you're talking.

I too am looking forward to the Venus transit!

-Ivan

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

I have just improved the solar filter cell connection to the dust cover step down rim. It is locked in position with three 1/8" x 12mm bolts. I picked up some 'Gorilla' gaff tape to secure the dust cover to the OTA. It is proabably overkill but I will fix some gaff tape to the filter cell and dust cover as well. Thanks for your input Ivan.

Hi Forgey.

If you are thinking of using this design for your cell, the plastic plumbing components were purchased from Tradelink Plumbing supplies for $10.