The ENERGY REDUCTION FILTER (MONEY PIT) Dilemma
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- Опубліковано 1 кві 2022
- #DaystarQuark #Solar #AltairAstro
After the investment of the Daystar Quark Hydrogen-Alpha eyepiece, I thought the time has ended in buying any additional equipment for Solar viewing!! How wrong can I be???
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ua-cam.com/channels/t5E.html...
The QUARK Solar eyepiece reviewed is available at all good Astro Retailers:
www.365astronomy.com/daystar-...
www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/...
www.firstlightoptics.com/days...
The QUARK Solar eyepiece for Mak & Sct telescopes!!!REMEMBER OFF-AXIS ERF is needed when using the Quark on the MAK & SCT
www.firstlightoptics.com/days...
A MUST ITEM FOR EVERY QUARK Eyepiece!!
www.firstlightoptics.com/uv-i...
The links the products and projects used in this video:
Altair Astro ERF:
www.altairastro.com/altair-11...
ENS OPTICAL (for secondhand Astro gear)
ensoptical.co.uk/
MDF 25mm-6mm wood:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1547987447...
Quick Drying MDF Acrylic Primer Undercoat 250ml:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362837862707
M16 Nylon bolts:
www.amazon.co.uk/NYLON-PLASTI...
Baader Solar film:
www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/...
Dremel adjustable cutting circle tool:
www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-678-A...
145mm hole cutter to fit the Altair Astro 4"-4.5" ERF:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
115mm hole cutter to fit the Skywatcher 102mm Startravel Refractor:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Hole cutter tools for various sizes:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B... - Наука та технологія
It’s ridiculous. All things considered solar is $$$$$$$. I often hear people encouraging solar imaging saying things like “we need to promote it.” The distributors certainly don’t make it easy. None of this stuff is worth the asking price. It’s just the accepted market value. Reminds me of the markup of furniture. Consider the irony. It’s cheaper to photograph stars millions of lightyears away than our own star lol. Thanks for the research. I went the dedicated route. Neither is cheap.
You make some good points . I guess the manufacturer’s would say it has to endure high temperatures which makes it far harder to engineer and process.
Somehow the Manufacturers over react in making it seem difficult that the only option is to pay for the product and buyers accepting that the product is expensive to make. Personally we the consumers should demand for lower prices and make this Hobby more affordable. Hydrogen-Alpha technology has been around a good 40 years, things should be getting cheaper and more affordable, hence the Altair Astro ERF is the only cheapest filter I could find without going the DIY route.
Totally argee there Garnett, It is ridiculous considering Hydrogen-Alpha technology has been with us for a good 40 years, since this new Solar imaging technology was first introduced, Hence why I called it out in the video!!!
Solar Astronomy is so bloody expensive and there should be reduction in prices, considering the cost of living is hitting hard on good working people, I hate how this hobby is becoming a hobby for the rich, This is unacceptable and damn right wrong!!
I believe that Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Astronomy should be made cheaper and at least make it much more affordable and can be enjoyed at all levels of the Astro Community, hence the Quark from Daystar is best budget solution and even that product is still far too expensive, nobody has a spare $1000 to play around, and to be honest I've had to save my hard earned cash to get the Quark for a good 4 years.
Again this Hobby is a Money-Pit and needs to stop!!! More of these so-called people who encourage "we need to promote it" are the lucky people who have alot of cash and can afford such equipment easily. Personally it's wrong if people who want cheaper products, UA-camr Astro product reviewers need to start saying that this equipment is stupidly expenisve , call it out and be honest to their viewers. But unfornately these bigger channels are not trustworthy in the real Astro community, as these channels have alot of sponsorship money and free goodies thrown at them, so they aren't going to say the bad things or the truth what lies within the equipment.
Here MP ASTRO, I will remain true to the word and be loyal to my viewers, take it or leave it,
The truth needs to be said!!!
@@MPAstro absolutely. I love your honesty. You would enjoy my video about how poorly made the modern Celestron 8SE is. I wont hold back either. They look for shortcuts and ways to mass produce tools that should remain precision instruments.. especially at their prices. We really need someone like 3M to produce adapters and spacers. If we’re going to play the “sacrifice quality for volume” game I only hope big companies catch on and bury these guys. I believe everyone should make a profit but yeah most of this is borderline rape. How many systems go directly the mount out of the box? The days of undersized dovetail rails should be over. Nope. You buy an expensive telescope and then you have to outfit it with hardware just to be able to balance it. It’s like buying a work glove with two finger holes missing. It’s ok to use three but a job requiring your whole hand is out of the question. I’ve thought in great lengths of why solar is so expensive. I briefly thought maybe it’s because there isn’t enough demand that prices must be high to stay afloat. Then I discovered how the big names are selling multi-thousand dollar units to research labs. Many exceeding twenty thousand. Let’s be real. There’s absolutely nothing about it that constitutes passing that to the consumer. I bought the new modular Lunt 80MT. I purchased it as an Fpl53 doublet with intentions of buying the h-a module later. At least in this scenario they are making it possible to upgrade as you can afford to. That was very appealing to me for reasons you mention. It’s very pricey tho. All things considered I guess it’s on par with the average price of things. All that aside I hope you go for Mercury this month. My latitude allows for about a 14 minute window of opportunity lol. I have to try tho. I have the black diamond now also. Seeing you trick yours out inspired me to buy one and I couldn’t be happier. I might end up borrowing your hardware setup and I’ll give you credit if I do. That vixen is a bit clumsy for such a large scope. I really hope the world leaders get their heads out of their backsides soon. Hard to imagine we’ve been on this Earth thousands of years and still consider war as an option. It doesn’t lend much to faith in our species.
@Garnett Leary, Mate you spoken like a true legend!! You have same ethos has what I have. Hence the reason why our channels will never be big on UA-cam, as we speak the truth, nobody likes the truth, but we need to stand, fight and get our voices heard!! Yes I totally agree that the 8SE as stupid flimsy dovetail and needs to be improved, thank you for calling Celestron out.
Bigger companies need to get a grip, I've noticed that Skywatcher products are also failing on their quality and yet the industry have the cheek to raise costs on products and let standards fall behind.
I've noticed that Skywatcher have launched the brand new Evolux ED series of telescopes, personally I feel that these scopes are overated nonsense, they too heavy, they have slower optics and you need a 0.9x FF/FR just to get them below the F6 mark, yet the only selling point on those scopes is the optics and have a dual finderscope brackets, no guidescopes, no field flatteners, or mirror diagnol or eyepieces.
The RVO ED Horizon series offer the same optical FPL-53 ED glass with faster optics, come with a complete package with a guidescope, field flattener, and case, and now they are Zygo-testing their products to ensure the minimum standard of Strethl ratio of 0.95 or above, much better value of telescope package, and now they finally listened to my advice on a 0.8x FF/FR which is so needed for the 72ED and 60ED.
Yet again just because Skywatcher is a popular brand, it's a just an accuse to increase prices, Yet the RVO is still better quality telescope within the range.
However all the telescope brands in the world get the same optics and parts from China, and regardless of quality, it's basically the same telescope just re-branded, All telescopes are made in China and top brands are doing exactly the same, no difference other than paying for the name and nothing else. Again it's the real Astro Observers and imagers calling this out!! People who know the hobby for years and years with Astro experience.
Well martin I wish you all the success in your astronomy, Thank you for your video.S and sharing you're astronomy with us.
Thank you kindly
Hey Martin, thanks for another great video. Your time, effort & research is very much appreciated! I enjoy all your vidoes because they are 'real world' but I enjoyed this one especially because solar observing is something I'd like to get into. It's true that all the kit added up can come to several thousand Pounds but, IMHO, for that outlay one is getting some very specialised equipment which offers great rewards in the solar views available. Thanks again and keep up the great work!
Many thanks!
wow thats alot work you did there but thanks for sharing how to make these adptors. Iam sure alot people will find this handy
Yep These ERFs are so expensive, I cannot believe how manufacturers never thought of these adaptors
❤ awesome video.
Many thanks
No problem
I already have the yellow-tint 2" ERF that I mount in front of the quark but behind the rest of the imaging train but am hoping that a more advanced D-ERF will improve the quality of my images. Thanks for covering this topic!
The best people to ask is Altair Astro, they make these filters and they have improved the coatings, so I would expect a better improvement over yellow tint ERFs
Thanks for the great video. I was thinking the same thing when I was watching other videos. I was wondering if you think this should also be used with a solar wedge?
Hi Martin and thank you for sharing your work. I just got back from a starcamp where I had an amazing time. Some guys were using Quarks on solar and I was fascinated by it. I have an Astrozap solar filter for my Z61 but not really used it much at all. Great subject for the summer months when the nights are too short for good night targets. Clear skies
Sounds great! That you had a great starcamp, something I haven't done yet!! Yes I think you think Z61 could really do with quark to be honest, it will open a new Astro adventure, especially now the nights are getting shorter, this will be the best time start investing a quark!!
@@MPAstro you should definitely seek one out as they are great. Meeting up with like minded people and as always learning from others and helping out where you can. The dark sky was a real bonus and I got a lovely image of the Dark Shark which I will be sharing soon. Of course a bit of luck needed for clear skies.
Going to look at Quarks for my Z61 though. Cheers mate
@@Astrobloke Hi Astrobloke Glad you enjoyed Astrocamp Uk (Plug there) ;) 2 clear nights in a row were amazing, just meant it was damn cold lol
Very good video and views of the Sun!
Thanks for watching RC Maniak!! Alot of good info here, the Solar Quark saga is not over, I have more tricks up my sleeves!! So watch this SPACE!!
Hi again Martin. Far be it from me to make suggestions but I really think that your solar footage toward the end of your video is such great and unsual quality that it deserves its own YT video. In a long video like the one you have it's easy, IMHO, for such great footage as that to get 'lost' by the viewer or simply not seen as not everyone is going to watch the length of your videso, again IMHO.
So if I were you, I would be still keep all your great images and videos in your long videos but I would also make separate much shorter videos showing the images and vidoes that you capture. You could then link that footage to your longer videos saying "watch here to see how I did this" etc. Doing it that way, I think much more people would get to see your great results and ultimately drive more people to watch your channel generally. With the amount of time, research and effort you put into your vidoes I think you deserve that. Clear Skies m8 and thanks again for all the great work.
That's a good idea HollomanUFOLanding. At the moment I want to focus on pushing out the practical Astronomy projects, as I have so many outstanding, I need to push these and get ahead of the game, before some other UA-camr comes with that idea. I've noticed quite alot of channels just copycat my ideas and pass as their own in their channels. But hey that's UA-cam for you and sometimes it can be quite annoying, hence why I keep my work a secret until I'm ready to publish it out.
I do get alot of questions from viewers hence why I need to be careful as some of them are only out there to steal your ideas, but HollomanUFOLanding you can see where I'm coming from??
The images and video footages video content I will take your advice on board, as I totally agree that my channel is totally lacking in that department, and most viewers don't prefer long videos, and some these cool images do often get missed out.
At the moment I have new project modification on Mak 180 video completed and I will be pushing out this video this weekend, However I just completed the recording for another video with more Solar imaging stuff, so I will be editing that one, so defo HollomanUFOLanding please look forward to that one in Early June.
@@MPAstro Cheers Martin. I have subscribed so will look out for your new vid this weekend. That one will be close to my heart as I am getting a Mak180 Skywatcher, most recent date for delivery I've been told is August 2022, so fingers crossed. In the meantime I'm using my Celestron SCTs. Clear Skies to you!
With the amount of mods I've done to Mak 180, I still have another one in mind, which I'm in the process in planning it. So far the 180 Mak has been one amazing scope and I cannot believe that Skywatcher haven't thought about making 10" or 12" models, these are so superior for planetary images than the Schmidt counterparts. The sharpness through the Mak in the views is the real game changer for me.
@@MPAstro Here's a kind of personal request - could you do one of your videos on plate solving please? I've tried to use plate solving but I can't really understand it. Have you used it? I was just thinking with your excellent presentation skills that a video from you on plate solving would be great.
I've never had to plate solve, a new skill to learn myself. Will look into this but never really come across this before to be honest HollomanUFOLanding??
Hi Martin, just bought the Daystar Quark Chromosphere from ENS second hand for 800 quid. Cheapest price I've seen on the internet so thanks for the heads up :) I am really looking forward to trying this beast out :)
Thanks John for watching!! I've guesssed you bought the last one from ENS Optical!! Finally I'm glad someone who has listened to my advice, and took the earliest opportunity. Now you'll be ready for the Solar Activity, so far it's been quite busy laterly, loads of good views on the sun's surface!! You'll gonna love the Quark!! Congrats and have alot of fun with it!!
@@MPAstro I have been thinking about getting this for a while as I've been using a solar filter on my refractor and seeing the perfect disk of the sun and the sunspots is amazing so I can only imagine what it'll be like with the Quark :) I've been watching your videos for a while and when you said there is one on ENS for 800 I went to the website and it was still there! So immediately bought. Perfect timing as I don't think there will be a deal like that for a long time. Is there any kind of filter I need to use with the Quark?
@@JohnHoward_ What aperture is your Refractor?? If you have 80mm or less the best filter is the Baader IR/UV Filter, this filter acts like a cheaper ERF and will protect the Quark. See link for one:
www.firstlightoptics.com/uv-ir-filters/baader-uvir-cut-filter.html
Anything bigger than 80mm, Then you'll need the Altair Astro ERF. It is a must have!! You want to protect your telescope and Quark!! Believe me when that Optical tube gets hot, I MEAN IT GETS VERY HOT!!!
Hi Martin, very helpful and interesting video. I am at 56:17 mins as I type. Can your spacers be used as aperture masks if you adjust the central diameter of your spacer? Still seems quite a bit of work. Malveaux, on cloudynights uses lots of aperture masks to get image sampling perferrt! for solar imaging!
You could use them as aperture masks, to be honest I've never thought about that idea before, though if I can?? I could think of another way that these spacers can have a variable adjuster, I cannot see why not!!
Hi Martin, thanks for sharing your experiences! When I reached out to a local retailer, I got the advice to reduce the aperture to approx. 85-90 mm in combination with a UV/IR cut filter instead of using an ERF. Do you think this could be an option? Thanks and CS, Stephen
You can reduce the lens aperture that way. With a good quality IR/UV Filter from Baader you can go as high as 120mm Aperture but it's at the limits of damaging the scope and the Quark.
Finally I am going for Daystar Quark Chrmosphere too! Just ordered Baader ERF 110 mm so now have to sort out how to make a filter cell for my TS 102 ED. How is your Quark and Baader ERF going today, still happy ?
Still working 100% no issues whatsoever!! Go for it the Daystar Quark Chromosphere is truly a good all rounder, you'll soon realise what you have been missing, Hydrodren-Alpha, is a new experince of viewing the sun, and you'll not be dissapointed!!
I’ve been using my Quark with a 71 triplet with a UV/IR cut filter and had zero issues with heat. When I touch the OTA it doesn’t feel hot - not even warm. That said I would use an ERF near the threshold as like you I wouldn’t be trusting. Great video btw.
Thanks for sharing. The 71 Triplet you have, will have better constructed metal tube and will resist the heat better. If it was my Skywatcher 102mm, the sunlight will burn the baffles out inside the tube. Quality pays a long way, You pay for what you get, and your Triplet is real proof of why quality needs to be an very high standard.
Thanks Martin. I didn't realise that but it stands to reason. It has made me more paranoid though - will be pointing the scope away from the sun light at frequent intervals just in case. Have enjoyed watching your videos on solar imaging - the detail you provide is excellent.
My Altair Astro 66mm ED has a solid tube, where I use a Baader IR/UV filter on a Diagonal Mirror with the Quark. I can have the telescope pointed towards the sun all day, not problem!!! I wouldn't worry too much, as long you got a good quality IR/UV filter to protect the QUARK. But yeah the ERF defo gives 100% complete protection on telescope body and on the Quark itself.
I have the Astronomik UV/IR cut filter but it does worry me that one day it might break and then damage my expensive Quark. I am just working through the settings dial on the Quark to see what difference it makes. I can get high contrast and lots of detail but currently struggling to get even illumination.
I have a quark chromosphere and a 110mm telescope, I’ve looked at the sun with an optolong UV/IR filter, however I’m worried about the quality of it vs the Baader, do you think if I add the baader into the image train it’ll be safer? Yes I am adding an extra piece of glass but it’ll be much safer…?
If in doubt I would get the Baader ERF, has the quality of glass is way superior than the Quark one, I do not blame you, even myself have seen the cheap Yellow glass, and to be honest I wouldn't trust it neither. I defo get the Altair Astro Baader ERF, purely as the Altair Astro uses the Baader glass anyway, plus you can mount it on your 110mm telescope.
I followed your video step by step and it fell off and broke thanks martin!! Lol only joking 😂😂 great video martin 👍
Well I need to go slower and make my videos even longer, so you can take your time Lol Sam, you got me there!!
😂😂 love ya videos mate
Not a problem Sam, got more coming, when my weather and skies decide to clear up!! Welcome to the world of REAL Astronomy. Bigger Astro Channels are just staged nonsense and lie to their viewers!!
Hi Martin, Another great video and you should definately get to Astrocamp UK the friendliest UK star party. Not sure the best bang for the buck as a new Quark is over 1K and and then there is the need for scopes at a price. The complete bundle they supply for under 1K is good value but then tied to that provided scope as quark not removable. I personnally prefer the Lunt as instant filter adjustements without the 20min wait and the filter is less likely to fail too. I do like the detail that the quarks get on large appatures that i have seen.
Put it this way, I know the Quark is over 1k, totally get it, it's expensive, but you will definitely outgrow an smaller Solar telescope, there is only so much you can do with smaller instruments, with smaller solar telescopes, you have wider FOV and full disc imaging with the DSLR camera, however for close-ups you'll need very small chip cameras to zoom in sun surface detail, and using very high power on small aperture telescope is very difficult indeed, however the Quark can be used on variety of telescope equipment and you can do both widefield and close-ups with it's adjustable control to view prominences and Chromosphere detail, in the long run the Quark will save you a money in the long run. But at the end of the day it's your choice, I can only recommend which I have considered the dedicated solar telescope route, be the Quark is defo a keeper for me!!
@@MPAstro Agree , Not sure i woud like to use my nice triplets as solar scopes !!!
How's the arm going Martin? Good to see your vids
All good Nik, Just need more clear skies!! To test out some more projects!!
The arm is OK, I now have Arthitis on my wrist, which there is nothing the Surgeon can do anymore, So now I've got to take my time, and think about alternative career after I leave the Services, served for 24 years in the Army.
@@MPAstro All the best mate
That appears to be a 102mm refractor. I find that you dont need to spend £300 + for an erf for this size scope. I use a cheaper baader erf before the quark on a william optics dialectric wedge. This is just as safe and cheaper. I image and visually for a few years now with now issues. Anything larger than 102mm say 150mm refractor then maybe of use with a front fitted erf.
With my Star Shoot G3 I can focus in close. I then try to focus on an object on the other side of my home and cannot focus. Have you seen that happen?
You might need a extension tube for the telescope?? Which kind of scope is it? Refractor or Newtonian??
Be careful to never leave that plastic in a car as it will deform and change shape on a sunny day. Its printed in a plastic called PLA which loses its shape at 55c. Its shocking a £500+ filter has been supplied using that plastic as a holder, the same machine they printed it with can print better plastics so just wow! At best its PETG which will still give up at 65c. It should have been printed in ABS, ASA, Nylon non of which are available in metallic colours like that.
That's what I thought about this printed plastic mounting, somehow Altair Astro designed it this way, at the moment it's OK, but I will keep you informed if this happens!! Something you can ask Altair Astro this question?? Very good point indeed??
Somehow Altair Astro have still not got back in touch with me regarding the longer bolts, So far my wife bought this for my Birthday present, and spending a ton of money with very lack of customer service or support is unacceptable!!