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5. Maintenance
5.1 Durability of AstroSolar
®
Film
Patented AstroSolar
®
Film is metalized with a coating technique
similar to metal coatings applied onto telescope mirrors - but on
both sides of the film! Even a bad rub or removed spot on one
side of AstroSolar
®
would still only let 50% of the light go
through the film because the counter side coating stays intact.
This proprietary metallization process is noticeably more
resistant than common industrial metallization processes. The
art is to uniformly metalize the second side without deteriorating
the first side at all. Other makers always had to use two layers
of film in order to provide two metalized coating layers of equal
optical density.
Cell mounted AstroSolar
®
Film does not age nor oxidize during
storage when protected properly. We have cell mounted
AstroSolar
®
filters in use since 25 years
–
still providing
excellent image quality because the complete filter assembly is
stored safely in a sealed and dry box after each observing
session.
Even the very durable metalized surfaces of AstroSolar
®
(especially the one facing the sky) may become scratched or
age due to accidental touches and by collecting dirt or pollen
when being left on the telescope uncovered over longer periods
of time. Especially pollen grains do contain a large degree of
ethereal oils which work like a weak acid, dissolving the metal
coating over time like they do with multicoatings on lens
surfaces. Pollen grains as well as likewise acidic finger prints
may need to be removed most carefully with the help of mild
Baader Optical Wonder Fluid. A certain amount of dust is no
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4.3
Now you can lift off the safety strap if you want to remove
the filter, but the Velcro counterpart always stays at the
tube for quick and easy fastening of the filter onto your
optics.
4.4
Repeat 4.1 to 4.3 for the other two safety straps.
Enjoy observing or imaging the sun
with your Baader Solar Filter!
