solar filter for 200p?

[Jed.]

Could anyone post a link for a good solar filter for the dob 200p, thanks

[Dave S]

Hi Jed

Your cheapest option is to construct one using Baader solar film.

Solar Filters - Baader AstroSolar Safety Film ND 5.0

As you have a large aperture i wouldn't make one to cover the entire aperture but instead make a plate to fit the aperture and cut out the centre portion of say half the diameter so you have a doughnut of cardboard/plastic and use the film to cover that.

Theres no reason that you can't make one to cover the whole aperture but the film is about A4 in size so at 210mm wide it will be a close fit.

There are detailed instructions supplied with thefilm and it is very easy to do.

Dave...

[dlp]

The end cap of the 200P has a hole with a lens cap. Simply tape the film over the back of the opening.

[Dave S]

Of course. It's a dob.

Well spotted that man.

Dave...

[Bizibilder]

You don't need aparture for the Sun so, as posted above, use a reducer - even if only cardboard! However it MUST be securely fixed in place as it would be very nasty indeed if it were to become displaced whilst in use. Remember the sun WILL blind you given half a chance!! (Sorry for the lecture but it is so easy to make a mistake!)

[dlp]

And don't forget some for your finder too - make a thin cardboard tube about 4" long, matched to the outside diameter of the finder so that it slips over comfortably. Then make a carboard hoop that just fits over the end of the cardboard tube. Cut enough solar film to allow you to slide the hoop over the film on the end of the tube and it should hold fast. Don't worry if it has some ripples in it, but careful you don't tear it, and then slide the tube over the end of the finder. ALWAYS remember to put this and the scope one on before pointing the scope at the sun. This is what might happen to your eye if you forget...

[Jed.]

thank's for the suggestions guy's and i'll take care when viewing the sun, i know the damage can be severe

[stev74]

I have a 200P and made an off axis solar filter cell for the Baader film. I also done a tutorial on how to make one, so if you decide to go for the film you might find it useful.

Here's the link - http://stargazerslounge.com/diy-astronomer/117725-making-off-axis-solar-filter.html

[Jed.]

thanks for the tutorial i'll definatly use that! just wondering as im new to this, is the large end cap ever used for any other observing or does the cap always come off when night viewing?

[Bizibilder]

It always comes off. The small hole is for reducing the aparture but, apart from the Sun, there is not much point!