Living with the Solarmax 60 II

[C6rrules]

Well it’s got foibles . There’s the unlovable sliding focuser tube held by two plastic screws. Hmm takes a bit of getting used to . The helical focuser is ok , but seems to be 1:20. 
Arrived in a delicious black case , going to be fun taking that though the airport.

The etalon adjustment is dead easy going from zero to a light touch of pressure as the plates are moved . Don’t overdo it . I marked a small pencil line of excellent position . 

The supplied 18mm Coronado ep gives a stunning view . At higher mags there is unexpected softness to the views . There is also a band of excellence which without solar tracking crosses the disc.
After closing the aperture, err , BLOWN away . 
I was for years using a 35mm Lunt and loved the views . But , here’s the bang for bucks ! 
Compare looking at a tennis ball with a football . With a 13mm ep , the view fills the field with dark filaments , the chromospheric net , bright spots and oh those proms ! That’s what you pay for !

I’m just and observer , the dark art is beyond me . If you love solar and a simple manual tuning , go Solarmax!

clearer skies ! Nick

 

 

Edited June 17 by C6rrules

[Mark at Beaufort]

Very nice Nick. I have had my PST for 20 years and I bought a double stack from someone on SGL 5/6 years ago. 

I think I should upgrade like you have.