First light with Lunt 60 - possibly faulty?

[Snaxmuppet]

Just set up with the Lunt 60 but after 30 mins of trying I can't get an image worth looking at. I have tried a number of eyepieces and the results are the same...I see the sun disc but it is not in focus and there is what looks like a disc reflection cutting across half of the view. No matter now slowly I use the etalon adjuster (it is the pressure system) it makes no difference.

I suspect that the scope itself is not right...

If anyone can help before I pack it all away again and return it to FLO I would appreciate it.

[MarsG76]

It's not a fault, I've seen this effect... what you're trying to focus on is not the actual disc, but a internal reflection of the disc... you're not aimed at the sun, but are slightly off. It looks like a dimmer version of the sun disc out of focus.

[Ibbo!]

try undoing the pressure tuner all the way out then retightening to repressure the etalon

if that does not help get in touch with FLO

[alanjgreen]

I have not seen a view the same as you describe, but you could try this...

1. put a 15mm or longer fl eyepiece into the scope, this will make the magnification less and more likely you can get a clear image

2. I generally try to get a "rough focus" before I turn the tuner. center the sun and adjust the focuser until the sides of the sun are at the "most defined" (i.e. not out of focus)

3. now unscrew the pressure tuner (black knob) all the way off - this will let air into the scope so the pressure tuner is able to move the etalon - you should hear the "gasp" as air enters the tuner

4. screw the tuner back into place and whilst looking through the eyepiece, if the tuner is working then surface detail should appear (and may disappear if you over tune!)

the worrying thing is the "reflection" you mention, unless you have a double stack system there should be no reflection.

See how you go with the above and report back

Alan

[alanjgreen]

Marsg76 (above) could be correct. I suggest you reduce magnification so you can see a wider view.

With my double stack system, I see three suns (two are reflections from the 2nd etalon), Its been so long since I used single stack that I cannot remember if you get a reflection there too

[Snaxmuppet]

Thx for such quick replies... the scope is still set up so I will try those things but tbh I have already tried most of them... I too thought it was a relection I was trying to focus on so I shall look at that. I am using a 25mm to give me a full disc. I am trying to get a sharp edge of the disc but can't get a focused edge at all. I did remove the etalon plunger initially to equalise pressure but no pop or gush. and the plunger makes no difference to the view at all.

I'll try again. Thanks.

[Ant]

I to have had the effect that MarsG76 mentions, not with a LUNT. Its quite off putting till you realize that your object isn't in the FOV.  Took me a while to suss it out.

Hopefully that is the case and easily sorted.

Ant

[Snaxmuppet]

OK... sorted.

Sub was in FOV and I was looking at the sun and not a reflection. The diagonal/blocking filter was pushed all the way in to the focuser. I assumed that is how it was meant to be but I was wrong. I fixed the diagonal further out in the focuser and YAY! In focus! Switched to my zoom EP and as a first view all I can say is WOW!! WOW! WOW!

Great proms to left and right side, filaments, everything. Etalon working as I bring different parts into the bandwidth. Love it!

Thanks everyone. Although no one actually mentioned adjusting the diagonal in the focuser but it was your suggestions that I should play around more that inspired me... particularly suggesting the wider FOV and focusing first before adjusting the etalon.

Now... to get some images!

Thanks again everyone... I am now a solar observer (beginner grade!)

[Davey-T]

Glad it's sorted, and you've even got some Sun  I recall dimly that it mentions in my LS60 instructions about pulling the bf out of the focuser a bit 35mm ?

Dave

[alanjgreen]

great news snaxmuppet.

sorry i forgot about the diagonal sliding in and out. I use binoviewers with my lunt so I do not have to slide it in and out as the binos increase the focus point anyway!

Happy viewing! (we just need something big to come around the corner)

Alan

[laudropb]

Glad you have it all sorted out. Enjoy your new toy.

[Snaxmuppet]

No probs. Yes, perhaps it is in the manual... have to admit that I have done the typical male thing of not reading it very thoroughly. Read about the etalon and that was about it! Must go back and read later.

Got some images. Just getting some more than I might post the results. Don't expect much... absolute beginner at all things imaging!

[Snaxmuppet]

They say... no picture - didn't happen... so here is my first image from the Lunt 60 thanks to your help today.

Needless to say... I am very excited!

[Pig]

Its good to see you got it sorted, its a pity I didn't read your post earlier as I would have suggested this. I too was very surprised to have to pull the diagonal out to achieve initial focus when I first got mine.

The long length of the diagonal draw tube is the clue... but as with all these things its obvious after the event