solar filters

ving (David) · #1 21-07-2005, 05:06 PM

hi guys,

been thinking of purchasing a solar filter (prolly baader) and was wondering what if any would be the advantage of a full aperature filter as opposed to an of axis say 80mm filter on my 8"er?

thnx for replies in advance

vindictive666 (John) · #2 21-07-2005, 05:24 PM

hello ving

this is the message i got back from matthew

Hello John

Yes we have a solar film to suit

30cmx30cm: $45.00AUD
Postage: $10.00AUD

If you get stuck with the making of your solar film please don't hesitate
to contact us.

Telescopes Australia

Regards,

Matthew Lovell
Telescopes and Astronomy
PO BOX 292
OHALLORAN HILL SA 5158
08 8381 3188
telescopes@bigpond.com

i bought a 30cm x 30cm sheet and used mike's instructions on how to make one. full aperture as much as possible on my 12 incher (dob) it was just a smidge under not enough to worry about 30 x 30 works great on a 10incher and lower

hope this helps (off axis not needed in my opinion) it works a treat on mine

h0ughy (David) · #3 21-07-2005, 07:19 PM

I have a full filter on my 12" lx200, I find it fine. i did use a off axis filter for the transit of venus, and there was a level difference in the brightness, but not much. Just get a full filter and be done with it

. as to what it is made out of that is up to you. each type has it pros and cons. dearest is not neccessarily the best, and the cheapest can be exactly that. Strike a happy medium!

ving (David) · #4 21-07-2005, 07:22 PM

but is there a disadvantage?

iceman (Mike) · #5 21-07-2005, 07:23 PM

Don't worry about a glass one Ving, they're much more expensive and no better than the mylar film like vindictive and I used.

Go the full aperture too - when I enquired about the same subject, a very knowledgeable folk convinced me that when the seeing is good, you want all the resolving power you can get (ie: the biggest aperture). Stopping down really isn't going to help that much in bad seeing.

ving (David) · #6 21-07-2005, 07:29 PM

ok, thanks guys

ving (David) · #7 21-07-2005, 07:31 PM

oh and hows that pst houghy?

get good views with it?

h0ughy (David) · #8 21-07-2005, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ving

but is there a disadvantage?

yeah, its addictive!

the glass is heavier and the film is lighter, the film can rip, the glass can break or scratch. the glass comes in a snug fitting, the film can have a snug fit but you have to make it that way.

the film has a different hue to it, and sometimes can offer great contrast for detail. the glass can offer golden tones and nice even views. either way you cant miss the view is great!

h0ughy (David) · #9 21-07-2005, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ving

oh and hows that pst houghy?

get good views with it?

its very nice and cosy, great views of most features!

Dennis · #10 21-07-2005, 09:43 PM

Hi Ving

I have a 1000 Oaks glass filter and unfortunately it produces ghosting in my 4" refractor. I switched to Baader Solar Film and it is absolutely brilliant stuff.

There are two flavours of Baader that I am aware of:

1. Visual Baader Solar Film which is great for eyeballing and photography.
2. Photo only Baader Solar Film which MUST NOT be used visually as it lets far too much radiation through.

Hope that helps

Dennis

h0ughy (David) · #11 21-07-2005, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis

Hi Ving

I have a 1000 Oaks glass filter and unfortumately it produces ghosting in my 4" refractor. I switched to Baader Solar Film and it is absolutely brilliant stuff.

There are two flavours of Baader that I am aware of:

1.

the ghost filter, that the one you use when you haven't got a filter and

2 the one you look through on the scope

sorry Dennis, you seem to have been interupted mid stream