LADS -Large Aperture Double Stack Ha telescope

[NickH 4]

WIll do Ken, have an SM90 coming soon :-)

[Merlin66 1,501]

Nick,

The usual f10 and 200mm limits apply.

[Merlin66 1,501]

Finally managed to get a few minutes clear skies ( pretty average seeing...) to finally evaluate the SM60 PST double stack.

The answer is YES, is does the job very well; minimum sweet spot issues and good bandwidth...

I did get some images with the DMK41. I'll process them tomorrow, but I'd honestly recommend this solution for a double stack.

[Merlin66 1,501]

Here's a first RAW -minimum processed DMK41 (1/90 sec) SM60+PST double stack image.

Shows promise.......

[Peter Drew 9,025]

Lovely image Ken, but apart from the colour, my visual image using a 80mm/PST single stack looks pretty much identical. Is double stacking primarily an advantage for imaging ?.

[Merlin66 1,501]

Definately has the potential to pull out more surface detail.

Comparing the single to the double stack there is far more surface resolution.

I need to do a one for one comparison between a 60mm DS and a 88mm single stack.....

[Peter Drew 9,025]

Indeed Ken. My problem is that I don't know anyone else within reach for comparison and can ony go by the posted images. My inept attempts at imaging with a DSLR bear no relationship to the visual! I'm planning to take a 125mm/PST combination to Kelling in the Autumn so there should be an opportunity then.

[NickH 4]

Lovely stuff Ken

[Merlin66 1,501]

If the seeing ever improves over here..I think there is an opportunity of getting some very good results.

[Merlin66 1,501]

Haven't managed any imaging in the last few days (weeks!?) but did get a few minutes visual with the SM60/ PST double stack.

It certainly is living up to expectations!!

This could be the solution for SolarMax, Solarview owners who want that extra surface detail. The views with the 10.4mm plossl were outstanding!!!

I'm impressed:D

[Photonist 10]

I can't help myself!!!!!!

The last time I got so excited was when I married Sue!!!

Nick, You GOTTA try this!! I''ve just replaced the 88mm ERF with the SM60+Tmax with the PST etalon as a double stack and the results are mind blowing!!

Honestly they are as good if not better that the results I regularly get from the two SM60 as a double stack.

Easy to tune, no issues with sweet spot and the surface definition...Woooooow

this is why I love this hobby!! I'll sit down now and have my pills!

I've have to say...why oh why didn't I try this before???? The results are fantastic. Highly recommended to anyone who can buy beg borrow or steal the components.

When I stop shaking I'll try and set up the DMK41 so you can all appreciate the spectacular results......

Merlin66,

Great to read about your excitement with this DS mod. I hope you are still as enthusiastic.

Are you satisfied with the Meade telescope you used for this mod or what would be the optimal specifications?

I have both etalons and a few achromats around. I have used the PST II mod with a 1200 mm scope stopped to 120 mm with quite good results (especially when using a Barlow) of course turbulence permitting.

Viljo

[Merlin66 1,501]

Viljo,

Yes, It works very well and still recommended. The Meade achromat is very good and works well at f10.

Well worth trying!

[NickH 4]

Nice...I still have to sort out an adapter for the SM60II on the Vixen A80, I have it on the WO66 working fine, but it's still a bungee job for the A80

[markt 46]

Here's a first RAW -minimum processed DMK41 (1/90 sec) SM60+PST double stack image.

Shows promise.......

Was this at prime focus Ken?