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© Baader Planetarium GmbH | 2021
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Manual: SunDancer II
Choosing a Star Diagonal
In principle, the SunDancer II can be
used on any telescope that is suitable
for solar projection. When using a D-
ERF energy protection filter, catadi-
optric systems can also be used, as
well as Newtonian telescopes stopped
down to a suitable focal ratio. Make
sure that the secondary mirror does
not cause any additional obstruction
and mount the D-ERF off-centre.
The focus position when using the 2"
sleeve corresponds approximately to
that with a normal eyepiece.
On most telescopes, a star diagonal
is necessary for comfortable viewing. Mirrors are preferable to prisms, as the sunlight
does not then pass through the glass of the prism heating it up. For best quality, we
recommend Baader BBHS® star diagonals with astro-sitall mirror material (glass cera-
mic with zero expansion coefficient) and 1/10 l surface finish.
You can use both 1¼" and 2" star diagonals but it is mandatory to mount the mirror
in front of the SunDancer (i.e. between the SunDancer and the telescope's focuser).
Power Supply
If operating the SunDancer II from the mains, it is
recommended that the power is supplied via the
included Baader OTP II 19W: Outdoor Telescope Po-
wer Supply 19W with right-angle plug
(# 2457615)
. It
supplies 12.8V at 1.5A.
If no power outlet is available, the SunDancer II can
be operated with an optional battery pack for mobile
use. The Celestron PowerTank Lithium LT 12V DC/
USB 5V/ 73,3Wh
(# 821038)
has proven itself. Please
note the correct polarity: The positive pole is on the
inside (tip positive).
Tip for experienced DIY builders:
A sufficiently
strong 12V power source can, if necessary, supply
both the mount and the SunDancer II via an optional Y-cable, which makes for a very
tidy setup.
Caution:
Do not reverse the polarity of the power supply. If possible, use the
supplied power supply or cables with reverse polarity protection. Damage
caused by reverse polarity is not covered by the warranty.
The hand control can be used inside of the
yellow utility bag, where it is protected from
direct sunlight.
The SunDancer II at a 8" Triband SC
where the D-ERF is part of the Schmidt corrector plate.
Observing with the SunDancer II
The parts of the SunDancer II
1. SunDancer II
2. Micrometer screw for quick finetuning of the Etalon
3. Three locking screws for the eyepiece
4. Locking screw for fine focuser
5. Connection cable to hand control
6. Hand control (temperature control box)
7. Connection cable to SunDancer II
8. Connection port for 12V power cable (on the back;
power supply is not shown)
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2
3
4
5
6
7
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Connecting to the telescope
1. Do not point the telescope at the sun yet. First put a light-proof cover in front of all
optics that are not used (finder, guide scopes etc).
2. If necessary, install the D-ERF energy protection filter in front of the telescope.
3. Remove the dust cap from the 1¼" socket of the SunDancer II.
Caution:
If you use a 2" eyepiece clamp and point the SunDancer II at the sun with
the 1¼" dust cap still on, the plastic will evaporate and may deposit on the optics
of the telescope or on the blocking filter and destroy them!
4. Place the SunDancer II in the eyepiece clamp or the star diagonal (1¼" or 2") of
the telescope and secure it.
5. Connect the temperature control box to the SunDancer II via the 8-pin plug con-
nection.
6. Connect the temperature control box to the 12V power supply or an optional bat-
tery pack. Note the correct polarity: the positive pole is on the inside (tip positive).
The supplied power cable and that of the Celestron LiFePO
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PowerTanks are
correctly polarised and not interchangeable.
7. Pay attention to the cable management: make sure that nobody can get caught
on the cables and that the cables are not be under tension when the telescope
moves. You can store the power supply unit and control box in the supplied yellow
utility bag shown on page 10. Attach the bag to the mount in such a way that the
cables cannot interfere or come under tension. The optional Celestron PowerTank
can be connected to the tripod legs so that it does not interfere. The control box
should not be in direct sunlight.
