C80ED Solar filter

[Bladeflyer]

As we're having such wonderfully clear nights....mmmm, maybe not.... I thought it was about time to have a think about solar viewing. After reading a lot on here, and some other forums, I came across an article on Astrochat where someone had mad a filter for their C80 using a soil pipe connector and Baader film, so I thought I'd give it a go.

So, off I popped to my local Wickes, and ordered an A4 sheet of film from FLO.

First Light Optics - Baader AstroSolar Safety Film ND 5.0

Single Socket Soil Pipe Connector - Soil & Vent - Guttering & Drainage -Building Materials - Wickes

As the original post stated, the pipe connector was a remarkably close fit. There is a ridge on the inside that sits on the c80's dewsheild so it stays in place nicely.

The original poster also added 3 nylon screws to hold the connector in place. Not having access to a tap set, I decided to go for a friction fit. All it needed for a good snug fit was 4 double thickness strips of insulation tape at 12,3,6,9 positions. This gave a really good fit that will not slip off on it's own.

For the end that was going to hold the filter, that needed a little work.

Firstly, I popped off the retaining ring and removed the rubber seal.

On the inside of the retaining ring, there is a ridge that needed removing. Mr Stanley made short work of this...

I then cut the solar film to rough size and placed it on a flat surface. I attached a few pieces of double sided tape to the top of the connector to temporarilly hold the film in place.

I then reinstalled the retaining ring...

And trimmed the excess. I finished by wrapping some tape around the connector and ring to make it more secure.

I haven't tried it yet though the scope, as I want to find a similar item that'll fit my 50mm finder.

Hope some of you find this useful.

Ian

[jnc71106]

Great just what I needed

Jake

[PH-R]

Great work, looking forward to seeing some pics now.

Best wishes,

Paul

[Gina]

WOW! Great stuff! Much neater than the cardboard "Blue Peter" filter I made for my 130mm scope!

[Bladeflyer]

Thanks guys! I have now made a filter for the finder! B&Q this time for a mini gutter adapter. Will try and add that write up over the weekend!

[rawhead]

Its just to small for the Skywatcher 80ED Pro

I've always thought the two scopes were practically the same

Back to Wickes for a refund....

Hey ho

Cheers

[JCJC]

Sorry, just seen this, try a short length of 4" pipe in the adapter or cut the end off a suitable connector (we did this). This will fit inside the dew shield. We cut our adapter down to the raised shoulder to help act as a stop. Not as nice as fitting over the shield but OK.

JCJC's Dad