How it works:
Light fro m t he tele scope enters th e blo cking filter (at left), where
wavelengths near H alph a are tran smitted whil e the re st are reflected
back out. Red H alpha light then p asses through the tele centric barlow
lens elements to achieve a slower focal ratio, m ore parallel light beam.
The Etalon p asses a very narrow rang e of light wavelength s, but it is
sensitive to t emperature and lig ht an gle. In the Quark, the Etalon is
heated to a pproximately 100-150°F to co ntrol the wavelength passed,
and the telecentric barlow controls the angle of light entering the Etalon.
Care and cleaning:
While not in use, we re commend that users store the Quark with its end
caps on, in a climate controlled e
nvironment. The optical filter life
expectancy is extended up to 2-3 times by climate controlled storage.
Do not touch the internal, optical elements of the filter a ssembly. While
the exterio r glass surface coatings a re d urable, they are ea
sily
scratched. A few specks of dust will have no effect on the quality of th e
image, and may be g ently blown off with a sque eze bulb. Do NOT use
compressed air can s to blow dust off any optical surfa ces. S mall
amounts of residual 'film' will not affect visual performance. Fingerprints,
smudges and smears must be cleaned off. Preferred cleaning met hod is
to return the Quark to the DayStar Filters la boratory for prope r factory
cleaning.
Do not unscrew, open or separate your Quark filter assembly. The optical
elements are held under pressure by design and will become damaged if
opened. Opening the opti cal filter asse mbly will void your wa rranty. The
safest cleaning method is to moisten a very soft, lint-free tissue, cloth or
"Qtip" with a pure acetone, methan ol, or Iso propyl Alcohol (reagent
grade) and gently whisk away the stain. Do not apply solutions directly to
the glass surface. Stroke from the center of the ape rture outward only.
After each cleaning stroke, use a fresh applicator. The fewer strokes, the
better! The metal hou sing and othe r non optical parts are a nodized
surfaces and can be cleaned with Windex.
