Sun HA 19 Sept (+ Frankenscope!)

[Macavity]

Finally got around to assembling and testing the full-blown
Lunt50/ST120 Frankenscope! (Stopped down to 86mm f/7)

For reference the un-barlowed native Lun50 at f=350mm:

And now the Frankenscope - Barlowed 2x (f ~ 1200mm):

 

Sadly I made a *mess* of the Flat Production -  It would have been
a tad less noisy!  The ST120 is certainly no "ED APO" (lol) but not 
totally without merit? It can be set up almost as easily as Barlowing
the Lunt 50. You just (effectively) swap the objective lens instead! 

[saac]

Lovely detail there Chris, am I right in seeing some detail on the limb as well.  I'm also admiring your focus I've never managed to get the sun as sharp. 

Jim

[Davey-T]

Top job Chris, thought you said you were no good at D.I.Y

Dave

[MarsG76]

Awesome detail.

 

[Macavity]

Ah, DIY... I have a certain reticence to mess with anything that
*costs* as much as (even entry level) H-Alpha scopes! Plus the
HORROR of that Lunt50 falling off the end of the ST120...  

OK then... another go (cursing myself re. the screwed up flat!)
This attempts to emphasize the edge detail... Spicules ahoy? 

[Paul73]

I'd say that you have a success on your hands.

I'm not sure that I would be brave enough.......

Paul

[Peter Drew]

A good result which will only get better. 87mm aperture, like glue, is not to be "sniffed" at.   

[johnfosteruk]

Very nice Chris. You'll sort out the flats I'm sure. The only way is up. 

[Pete Presland]

Nice end result, not sure I would be brave enough either.

[james_screech]

An interesting combination, great images. Are you going to write up the DIY project?

[Macavity]

Certainly Happy to put a few indicators! (watch this space?)
Usual caveats: "imaging only", potential risk to equipment etc.

In a way it looks more intimidating (bigger!) than necessary?
-- Due to Skywatcher's METAL Dew shield! The Mk.II version
envisages using a shorter  section of this for holding the ERF! 
But my enthusiasm (health) to *hand saw* the even thicker
(than an ST102!) Aluminium Tube is somewhat limited! lol

Seriously: If anyone has suggestions re. "sawing" Aluminium
Tube... both Safely & Easily, I am all (modest DIY) ears...