6
6
in operating conditions (such as barometric pressure that can
change with elevation changes.) The adjustable tuner is located
right at the end of the optical tube assembly where it merges to the
rectangular body of the PST, and is easily recognized by the knurled
rubber ring (see Pg. 5). The minute spectral adjustment of the
etalon fi lter is accomplished by simply rotating this knurled ring in
either direction. In most instances the fi lter adjustment will not be
required – the PST is delivered properly tuned by Meade engineers.
The judgment about occasional adjustment is made based on
overall image quality and the ability to see the image details with a
satisfactory contrast.
NOTE:
The maximum possible extent of a (relatively tight)
rotation of the adjustable tuner is approximately 130°. No excessive
force should be applied in an attempt to rotate the knurled ring
further than mechanically allowed. The best achievable contrast
of the image will be found within the limits of adjustment, and,
once such image is obtained, no further improvement of the image
quality can be gained by forcing the tuner.
In search for a better solar image, the astronomer should fi rst fi nd
the “sweet spot” by appropriately focusing the telescope using the
focusing knob. Once the PST is appropriately focused, the edge
of the solar disk will appear sharp. However, if, for example, the
prominences are not seen after the telescope has been focused,
the tuning lever for the internal etalon may be of help. In this case
the knurled ring of the adjustable tuner should be appropriately
turned until the sought contrast of the Sun’s chromosphere is
apparent.
Surface details will generally require one setting, while
prominences will require a different setting for maximum detail.
Tuning PST Double Stack 40 with RichView tuning
- With a
double stack system, follow this procedure for best results: After
the PST telescope is pointed at the Sun and the image has been
focused, rotate the knurled ring on the telescope in either direction
slowly while looking at the image in the eyepiece to get the most
detail and contrast. Now adjust the tilt of the external Etalon on
the front of the telescope with the T-Max wheel to achieve the
brightest image while eliminating any refl ections. Finally, adjust
the RichView tuning ring on the external Etalon to get the most
detail and contrast for the feature you are viewing. Because double
stacked systems operate at a very narrow band pass of only 0.5
Angstroms or less, more tuning is needed for different areas and
features on the Sun.
Double Stacking
- This greatly increases contrast by narrowing
the bandpass to <0.5Å and gives a spectacular 3D effect showing
increased surface detail. The PST 40 telescope can be double
stacked by adding an additional PST Etalon with T-Max (Product
#SME-40). Contact your Coronado dealer or Meade Instruments
directly for pricing.
PST Personal Solar Telescope
Aperture - 40mm
Focal Length - 400mm
f/Ratio - f/10.0
Bandwidth (Single Stacked)- <1.0 Å
Bandwidth (Double Stacked)- <0.5 Å
Thermal Stability - 0.005 Å/°C
Blocking - Full blocking >10
-5
from EUV to far IR
RichView™ tuning ring
for internal Etalon
Tmax™ tilt wheel
RichView™ tuning ring
External Etalon unit
PST
®
Focusing Knob
PST
®
Personal Solar Telescope
Double Stacked
