I want to make my own solar filter

[Jimtheslim]

Hi,

I like making things myself and saving money. How should I go about making a solar filter for my Skywatcher Skyliner 250p?

[romx]

I plan to make a dust cover fitting for mine, I intend to draw around my dust cap and add extra pieces then get a strip if cardboard and make a rim around the disc using the extra rectangle pieces bent over for more support and stability to it then cut a large enough circle in the center and put some solar filament on it (probably taped or glued)

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I think Baader Solar Film comes with handy "Blue Peter" style instructions for making a simple cardboard mounting for the film

[MarkyD]

35 minutes ago, michael.h.f.wilkinson said:

I think Baader Solar Film comes with handy "Blue Peter" style instructions for making a simple cardboard mounting for the film

Yes it does - I made mine for the 200P-DS from some layers of 50mm wide 300gsm card for the tube and two layers with the filter sandwiched between picture framing card

 

--

Mark

[Putaendo Patrick]

There are several good videos on Youtube, just search for "solar filter". For example, this using plastic pipe:

You can also use cardboard etc. If you have any film left-over, you can make a small one for your finderscope (if you have one)

[Jimtheslim]

I do like a good DIY project! Could I possibly just apply film to the inside of my dust cover and then open the small aperture when I want to observe? I guess I would have to work on some kind of fail-safe way of applying it so it couldn't slip.

[Moonshane]

you could do but you'd be better making one for your 90mm refractor of this were the case as you'd get 90mm aperture not 50mm. personally, I'd recommend buying a Lunt Wedge though as to me there's no comparison in the views. more expensive yes but a one-off investment.

[Jimtheslim]

21 minutes ago, Moonshane said:

you could do but you'd be better making one for your 90mm refractor of this were the case as you'd get 90mm aperture not 50mm. personally, I'd recommend buying a Lunt Wedge though as to me there's no comparison in the views. more expensive yes but a one-off investment.

I am looking to sell the frac to pay (retrospectively) toward the new dob. 

[Jimtheslim]

plus I didn't think that aperture would be of so much importance considering how bright the sun is, I guess I am wrong?

[Moonshane]

Aperture = resolution.