Solar filter for the 12 inch dob

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Dave Lillis
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Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2007 10:02 am
Location: Limerick city

Solar filter for the 12 inch dob

Post by Dave Lillis » Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:07 pm

Hi guys,
As some of you know, we made up a plan for the solar filter for the 12 inch dob. We got the solar film and I'm nearly finished putting the filter assembly together, I'm in the process of painting it to get it to match the rest of the scope.
Also, it's put together in a way where it would be easy to replace the Mylar if needed, without having to dismantle the entire thing.
I also made up 2 covers for it for storage, so the Mylar can't get damaged in an accident.
I also got a few more handles for the scope itself, to make it easier to lift.
I'll put up pics when it's done over the coming days
Dave L. on facebook, See my images in flickr
Carrying around my 20" obsession is going to kill me, but what a way to go. :)

Frank Ryan
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Location: Ballycasey, Co. Clare

Re: Solar filter for the 12 inch dob

Post by Frank Ryan » Tue Mar 17, 2015 1:26 am

Super stuff dude!

Tom Walsh
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Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:51 pm
Location: Cratloe Co Clare

Re: Solar filter for the 12 inch dob

Post by Tom Walsh » Tue Mar 17, 2015 12:52 pm

Looking forward to seeing the finished item.
Regards,

Tom Walsh.

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Dave Lillis
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Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2007 10:02 am
Location: Limerick city

Re: Solar filter for the 12 inch dob

Post by Dave Lillis » Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:32 pm

Guys,
It nearly killed me, but now the filter is finished !!! :)
I also cleaned the optics, there was a thick layer of dust on the mirror and after the cleaning, the coating looks good !
It's collimated and I ran the new filter on the Sun today at various magnifications, this filter gives a deep orange colour, and using the off axis adapter at times (not always) gave a better albeit dimmer view.
I'll put up pics of the filter and additions when I get a chance.
Last edited by Dave Lillis on Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Dave L. on facebook, See my images in flickr
Carrying around my 20" obsession is going to kill me, but what a way to go. :)

Simon Kenny
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Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:17 pm
Location: Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland

Re: Solar filter for the 12 inch dob

Post by Simon Kenny » Wed Mar 18, 2015 10:17 pm

Great stuff Dave. I've got the 10" almost completed - a few screws and that's it.

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