Celestron 100ed-r with solar filter.

[Chaz2b]

This is its first actual observation session , I used a Televue 2” diagonal with Televue 40mm, 32mm, 20mm and 15mm plossls. I also used an ES 10mm. Placed at the front is a Seymour Solar glass filter… securely attached!

The 40 got onto the sun very quickly, a lot of out travel was required for good focus, all the details of the sun spots were clearly visible and stable. Then I moved onto the 32, again good acquisition and focus, closer and as stable. The 20 and 15 got me closer and in focus but now I was having trouble keeping it stable, the mount is a Orion virtuoso 11, no need for counter weights but it starts to move in the wind so is noticable in shorter focal lengths.

when I tried the ES 10 I felt it was no better or worse than the tv15, just heavier. Finally I tried using the whole set up with my Televue binoviewer…not a chance!, couldn’t get focus, it kept dancing around..no it needs a more stable mount like my eq5.

well, I enjoyed the views and details, a slight view of granualation around the larger spot but not on the whole, did I see some promination?! Nah must be on the lens!

I tried taking some pictures hand held, but it really needs a proper eyepiece mount for any chance of success. I do have a neximage 5 camera so maybe I’ll try that next time. I’m on Zapain medication for my back and knees so viewing time is limited to endurance, I live in a first floor flat and taking the kit outside can get a little testing.

clear skies.

chaz

Oh! The joys of getting old, I forgot to take out the Herschel wedge with me! Doh!

Edited May 7, 2022 by Chaz2b

[paulastro]

A good report of your observations chaz.

Re the granulation.  I use a Baader Solar Continuum Filter with my 100ED Tecnosky for taking pics and visual, I can't remember a time I haven't seen granulation across the disc using it, and it also improves the views of sunspots and faculae.  I use a Baader film filter at the front end, butI would have thought it would be the same with your Seymour filter.

 

[Chaz2b]

The Seymour is orange and I have a Baader continuum filter, I tried it with the tv 85 I had and it kinda ruined the image, again I didn’t use it with the Herschel wedge, it’s a case of out of sight out of mind with me.

[paulastro]

On 07/05/2022 at 19:17, Chaz2b said:

The Seymour is orange and I have a Baader continuum filter, I tried it with the tv 85 I had and it kinda ruined the image, again I didn’t use it with the Herschel wedge, it’s a case of out of sight out of mind with me.

That's interesting.  I've never used a Seymour filter so I've no idea what they are like.  Can you tell me in what way the continuum filter ruined the image with the TV85?

[Stu]

10 minutes ago, paulastro said:

That's interesting.  I've never used a Seymour filter so I've no idea what they are like.  Can you tell me in what way the continuum filter ruined the image with the TV85?

I would imagine that the Seymour filter allowing orange light through, would then produce a very dim image when filtered again on the green of the Continuum filter.

The Continuum will work best with true white light as you get from a Wedge or Baader Astrosolar film.

[paulastro]

1 minute ago, Stu said:

I would imagine that the Seymour filter allowing orange light through, would then produce a very dim image when filtered again on the green of the Continuum filter.

The Continuum will work best with true white light as you get from a Wedge or Baader Astrosolar film.

Many thanks for that Stu.  I never thought of that, it seems obvious now you've explained it!  🙂.

 

[johninderby]

I tried a Seymour filter and indeed it wasn’t that bright an image. Think it is best only used without any other filter.

[paulastro]

Thank you John.

[Chaz2b]

Adding to what Stu has said, the Seymour filter gives off an orange hue, adding the green continuum filter dimmed and had a somewhat mushy look to it. I’ve used the continuum with the Herschel wedge and it was the scope size letting it down, 80mm, but now with 100mm Ed hopefully I should get better results.

I’m feeling a bit chuffed with having two C-Ed refractors, bit like finding hens teeth. I think the bresser might depart though!

Edited May 10, 2022 by Chaz2b

[johninderby]

The Seymour filter is a relatively thick plastic which is why I think it’s a bit dim.

Disappointing that Celestron didn’t promote the C-ED refractors more. Allways liked them. 👍🏻

[Chaz2b]

On 10/05/2022 at 18:11, johninderby said:

The Seymour filter is a relatively thick plastic which is why I think it’s a bit dim.

Disappointing that Celestron didn’t promote the C-ED refractors more. Allways liked them. 👍🏻

I’m using the glass filters not plastic so cannot comment on those.

chaz