Photometry - Optec SSP3

[SnakeyJ]

Just been offered some equipment, including an Optec SSP3 though not sure the photometer is really for me without a fixed observatory at the moment.     I was thinking I might by the equipment and pass this on

Are these still being used, and could anyone suggest a fair s/h price?

[JeremyS]

Hello Jake,

a few people continue to do photoelectric photometry with the Optec SSP3, but it's declined as people have switched to CCD photometry of variable stars as it's much easier. 

There is a discussion on the SSP3 on the AAVSO web site: https://www.aavso.org/ssp3. And they have a PEP page here: https://www.aavso.org/content/aavso-photoelectric-photometry-pep-program

The BAA variable Star section has some articles from a few years ago, incluiding a seried from a PEP observer in Ryde, IoW: http://www.britastro.org/vss/pepryde5.html

The SSP3 was state of the art and was quite expensive when it first came out.I have no idea how much these instruments are worth.

Go well!

Jeremy

[SnakeyJ]

Hello Jake,

a few people continue to do photoelectric photometry with the Optec SSP3, but it's declined as people have switched to CCD photometry of variable stars as it's much easier. 

There is a discussion on the SSP3 on the AAVSO web site: https://www.aavso.org/ssp3. And they have a PEP page here: https://www.aavso.org/content/aavso-photoelectric-photometry-pep-program

The BAA variable Star section has some articles from a few years ago, incluiding a seried from a PEP observer in Ryde, IoW: http://www.britastro.org/vss/pepryde5.html

The SSP3 was state of the art and was quite expensive when it first came out.I have no idea how much these instruments are worth.

Go well!

Jeremy

Jeremy,

Thanks for your response here, I think this accords with what I've been finding but some very useful pointers and information at the AAVSO and Britastro sites.  I believe the equipment is Kevin's and I will go and have a look and talk with him.

Many thanks - Jake