Re: [Utah-astronomy] 2012 Annular Eclipse -observing it-
I've started collecting hardware and optics for a batch of 50mm white-light solar scopes. These will use Baader mylar, and I may install the filter material internally, immediately behind the objective, to protect it and guarantee that the scope can't accidentally be used on the sun without the filter. The scope will probably include an inexpensive eyepiece, and 1/4-20 tripod mounting block. You'll be able to use it on a tripod or telescope mount. At this point I'm undecided whether to use an inexpensive 1.25" star diagonal, or simply make the diagonal integral to the OTA. Image scale will be very similar to the PST. I will probably use a longer FL objective in order to allow using a longer FL eyepiece (better eye relief). I may also be able to supply a kit or partial kit, for the do-it-yourself ATM, at reduced cost. Plans are to start getting them into the hands of owners this winter, well in advance of the eclipse in May. Any leftovers will be donated to SLAS, if they want them. The small size will make it an excellent travel-scope for eclipse chasers. Note that these will also be very handy for the Venus transit, as well as an inexpensive scope you can keep stashed at the office for lunchtime peeks at the sun, without worrying about losing a pricey astro toy to theft. Let me know if you want to "subscribe" and reserve one. I'm trying to keep the cost at under $25 each but we'll see how generous the Scrounger gods are in coming months, maybe I can do better. I'm only charging what the materials cost me, nothing for labor. No down payment required. But if you want one, reserve it early because the entire production run may only be a dozen or two units. Or just one or two, if nobody wants one. In which case I'll have a bunch of 50mm objectives for the next swap meet, lol.
Sign me up! On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 7:44 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
I've started collecting hardware and optics for a batch of 50mm white-light solar scopes. These will use Baader mylar, and I may install the filter material internally, immediately behind the objective, to protect it and guarantee that the scope can't accidentally be used on the sun without the filter.
The scope will probably include an inexpensive eyepiece, and 1/4-20 tripod mounting block. You'll be able to use it on a tripod or telescope mount. At this point I'm undecided whether to use an inexpensive 1.25" star diagonal, or simply make the diagonal integral to the OTA.
Image scale will be very similar to the PST. I will probably use a longer FL objective in order to allow using a longer FL eyepiece (better eye relief).
I may also be able to supply a kit or partial kit, for the do-it-yourself ATM, at reduced cost.
Plans are to start getting them into the hands of owners this winter, well in advance of the eclipse in May. Any leftovers will be donated to SLAS, if they want them. The small size will make it an excellent travel-scope for eclipse chasers.
Note that these will also be very handy for the Venus transit, as well as an inexpensive scope you can keep stashed at the office for lunchtime peeks at the sun, without worrying about losing a pricey astro toy to theft.
Let me know if you want to "subscribe" and reserve one. I'm trying to keep the cost at under $25 each but we'll see how generous the Scrounger gods are in coming months, maybe I can do better. I'm only charging what the materials cost me, nothing for labor. No down payment required. But if you want one, reserve it early because the entire production run may only be a dozen or two units. Or just one or two, if nobody wants one. In which case I'll have a bunch of 50mm objectives for the next swap meet, lol.
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My office building has a little outside deck that faces south-east, I'd love to try to see some sunspots in the morning! I think I could put together $25 for a fun little homemade scope, please sign me up. What are you thinking of doing about focusing? Ian On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 8:11 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 9/13/11, Chrismo <djchrismo@gmail.com> wrote:
Sign me up!
You're on the list, thanks!
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On 9/13/11, Ian Glenn <root.ibg@gmail.com> wrote:
My office building has a little outside deck that faces south-east, I'd love to try to see some sunspots in the morning! I think I could put together $25 for a fun little homemade scope, please sign me up. What are you thinking of doing about focusing?
Up to five scopes reserved now, I'll put you on the list. Several focusing options, depending on what's available on the surplus market at the time I order. It could be a full rack-and-pinion (likely plastic to stay on budget), home-made Crayford, or simple "slide the eyepiece" like my own 50mm white-light solar scope. In the end, simplicity of use and cost, as well as availability, will drive the final focusing configuration. If I opt for something simple, individual owners will be able to retro-fit something fancier, if desired.
Friday is the cut-off day to reserve a solar scope, if you want one. I'm going to order the objectives over the weekend. Some have requested 2 scopes, that's perfectly OK. One person is thinking of donating theirs to a school after the eclipse.
BTW, I'm currently trying to negotiate a good deal on some surplus rack-and-pinion focusers for the solar scopes. They are plastic, but I'll rework them to make sure they function smoothly. A r&p will allow the easiest focusing, important for group viewing.
Chuck, do you need some cash up front? Also, I'd like 2 of the scopes, one for my friend all the way back in Athens, Ohio. On Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 7:52 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
BTW, I'm currently trying to negotiate a good deal on some surplus rack-and-pinion focusers for the solar scopes. They are plastic, but I'll rework them to make sure they function smoothly. A r&p will allow the easiest focusing, important for group viewing.
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Good news, I was successful in getting a deal on a batch of r&p focusers for the solar scopes.
Excellent! Will these rare scopes be signed and numbered? :) On Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 9:18 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Good news, I was successful in getting a deal on a batch of r&p focusers for the solar scopes.
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Please add me to your list for the scope. I think I can manage $25 :) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chuck Hards" <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 9:18:06 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] 2012 Annular Eclipse -observing it- Good news, I was successful in getting a deal on a batch of r&p focusers for the solar scopes. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
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