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Posts Made By: Tom Masterson

June 5, 2004 05:51 AM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Absolutely Amazing (long)

Posted By Tom Masterson
Garry:

Yes, and this is only the begining! Even after you get "used to" the views, there will be days when the Sun puts on a show that will blow you away.

Even after several years of use, my filter still amazes me. I STILL look and say, oh wow, look at that! AWESOME!!! I even mutter this outloud when by myself.

WELCOME!

Clear, sunny and ACTIVE skies!

Tom M

July 21, 2004 01:57 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Sky 90 and Solar viewing

Posted By Tom Masterson
Howard:

I'd vote for the doublestacked Maxscope. You gain more visual "punch" by adding a second etalon over going to a next larger sized one. Since the MaxScope is optimised for h-alpha it will give the best views.

Now, what would change my vote is if you wanted a portable refractor for night use also. Then I'd vote for the Sky 90 and doublestacked 60 filter.

Tom M

August 2, 2004 04:33 AM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

What's the best product for Detailed Viewing?

Posted By Tom Masterson
Robert:

Just like night-time scopes, aperture wins although with these h-alpha systems so does bandpass. For the best system you need to combine both - the largest filter you can afford and a second etalon or high resolution module. Coronado would be happy to advise you.

Now keep in mind that even a 90mm scope will rarely be used at similar powers as a night scope. When viewing the planets with my 94mm refractor 200x isn't unreasonable, but when viewing the sun with my 90mm filter I rarely go over 100x. At least for me seeing is much more limitng in the daytime.

A binoviewer will improve the image in a larger aperture scope/filter in part because it is so much more relaxing (provided binoviewers work for you) The h-alpha sun with both eyes is incredible.

Ok, there it is, complete and unadulterated opinion - worth every penny you paid for it. Please take with a small grain of salt since your mileage may vary.

Tom M

August 5, 2004 02:01 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Still Not Convinced I need to Double Stack - Convi

Posted By Tom Masterson
Barry:

Go here: http://www.bbso.njit.edu/cgi-bin/LatestImages

Compare the two h-alpha images. The one marked - BBSO full disk H-alpha image is what your image should look like now. The one marked - BBSO contrast enhanced full disk H-alpha image, is what a doublestacked image would look like. Doublestacking isn't so much about narrowing the bandpass of the filter, its about rejecting the out-of-band noise in the image. Even though the bandpass goes narrower by a small amount the contrast goes WAY up. Of course the single etalon image is nothing to sneeze at!

This comparision is a simple visual way to get a feel for it without putting two system side by side. Now whether its worth the $$$$, only your pocket book knows for sure.

Tom M


August 25, 2004 01:10 AM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

PST central obstruction?

Posted By Tom Masterson
Russell:

The PST is similar in design to the MaxScope 70 - or Helios 1 in that the etalon is down inside the tube, between corrective lenses, instead of infront of the objective. This allows the etalon to be smaller - and less costly - than a full 40mm front mounted etalon would be. This also explains why a second, front mounted etalon for doublestacking is more expensive. Cost scales rather quickly with etalon size.

Although I can't say for sure, I'd assume the design is the same for the PST etalon as it is for other Coronado scopes so I bet it contains a central spacer.

I too was shocked at the performance of the PST - and I'm a 90mm filter owner. To me it shows that Coronado is always striving to improve on its designs as time goes by. The cost/performance of the PST blows me away. And how they did it for <$500!!!??? Hummm... maybe captured Alien technology is being used?

Clear, sunny, high contrast and narrowband skies.

Tom M

October 9, 2004 08:02 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Hmmm... maybe I need to consider a smaller mount?

Posted By Tom Masterson
Paul:

I too am playing with a new PST. I need a slightly larger mount for mine. Trade?

Tom M

October 19, 2004 02:06 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Anyone using an internal etalon?

Posted By Tom Masterson
Malcolm:

It will knock your socks off!

A good visual demonstration of what the differences look like is here: http://www.bbso.njit.edu/cgi-bin/LatestImages (you may have to cut and paste)

The first image marked: BBSO full disk H-alpha image should look like your single etalon view. Just below that is the image: BBSO contrast enhanced full disk H-alpha image and this show roughly what the adition of the high resolution module will offer - much higher disk contrast. Of course prominences not shown in the images will look great too.

Tom M

October 26, 2004 01:52 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

K-Line Filter?

Posted By Tom Masterson
Gary:

I too was a H.O.T.S. and made a point of looking through the Calcium-K prototype. I was holding my breath as I approached the eyepiece because these filters have a reputation for being a "young-person's" filter. Many people past their 40's in age are unable to see the image because the eye loses sensitivity to this wavelength as it ages.

Ok, that said, I have good news, and good news. The good news is, I COULD see the image, easily - and I'm 50 - and the other good news is, it was AWESOME!

Time to start putting pennies in the jar for one of these when they come out!

Tom Masterson

December 9, 2004 02:46 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

What Can I Really See in a PST

Posted By Tom Masterson
David:

The PST will do a great job of showing you all the major solar events and features, just like the bigger filters. Even though I own a custom 90mm filter, I LOVE my PST. I take it with me where ever I go.

Because of its smaller aperture, the PST can't reach the higher powers my larger filter can, but the views are still excellent. One way to look at the purchase of one of these instruments is they hold ther resale value VERY well. If you get one and find its not for you, it can be sold with little or no loss.

For the dollar, the PST has a very high WOW factor.

Think of it like a small pocket APO for night work. You wouldn't expect it to show DSOs like a bigger scope but the views it would show would be great, sharp and contrasty.

Look at some of the photos in the PST section of the Coronado website and you'll see its capable of showing some neat stuff. I give the PST 2 thumbs WAY up!

Tom Masterson


December 20, 2004 06:57 AM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Scintillations

Posted By Tom Masterson
Kim:

I can't say I've experienced what you are describing. Not sure what would cause it. I can't think of any reason to suspect the filter.

It could be something that happens to your eye when going from a bright scene to a dark one. Once they adjust it goes away. Dunno.

Tom M

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