staffop Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 OK, first scope, major lack of clear skies for last 4 weeks, so thought about solar viewing. I have a 102 skywatcher refractor and understand any effective filter needs to cover the main aperture. I did a quick search and the only thing i could find was this http://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/astrozap-baader-solar-filter.htmlUnfortunately though my aperture isn't covered.Any recommendations on alternatives which won't break the bank please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 If your dew shield outside diameter is within the ranges of one of those filters (the two figures given in mm) it should fit OK. The scopes specified are examples of scopes that the filter with that size range will fit but the filters are not exclusive to that scope.Otherwise you could make your own by buying a sheet of the Baader Solar film:http://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/baader-astrosolar-safety-film-nd-50.htmlThen following these guidelines:bauanleitung-objektivfilter-en.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeSkywatcher Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 http://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/baader-astrosolar-safety-film-nd-50.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael8554 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 You say your aperture isn't covered, but the filters on the FLO link quote the outside diameter of the OTA, which is always larger than the aperture.For instance, the 102 Mak uses a 110 to 120mm filter.So measure yours and pick the one that fits.Unless you meant to say your OTA diameter isn't covered...Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ward Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Just ring FLO in the morning , they have your 'scope in stock and I'm sure they'll do a quick check for you ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floater Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I have a 102 refractor, with dew shield attached, and bought my filter from FLO, so they definitely will be able to supply one for you.But it hasn't been used at all lately ... clouds have filtered the sunlight already. Filtered it too much for any kind of viewing, in fact!If you call FLO they will just ask you to measure the diameter at the front of your scope, where you will be attaching the filter. Pretty sure mine is the 110-120. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staffop Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 Thanks all, was being daft and didn't appreciate they were talking about the diameter of the tube rather than the lens - doh! Is the one on FLO all i'd need? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floater Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Yup.The usual safety precautions apply - make sure it's battened down tight and if you feel it necessary cover, or remove, any finderscope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronin Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 As mentioned just above - remove the finder scope.People put the solar filter on the main scope, then go and find and centre the sun using the finder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damnut Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Hi Staffop,It is also recommended to secure the filter to the OTA with some tape, you only have one set of eyes. Simple precautions = safe viewing.Good advice from Ronin & Floater always remove the finder the results of looking at the sun through that can be equally devastating, also can give your head a nasty burn!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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