- SLR, DSLR, CCD and webcam cameras may be mounted in the 2" focuser
using a standard 2" to T-Thread camera adapter and appropriate T-ring to
camera adapter. 35mm film cameras or most DSLR's will show full disk.
Monochrome cameras are preferred over color models, for their greater
resolution and sensitivity at H-alpha.
We recommend the Moonglow Technologies Interference Eliminator with
DSLR cameras to eliminate 'Newtons Ring' interference patterns.
- Bino-Viewers can be used with the SolaREDi telescope. Barlows or nega-
tive lenses are not necessary, as the focus travel of the telescope has
already been increased by the application of a TeleVue powermate.
- DayStar recommends 12-30mm Radians, Plossl’s and Panoptic eyepieces.
Note about digital imaging:
Hydrogen Alpha is a very narrow or mono-
chromatic wavelength of light. Many cameras which use a color CCD chip
have sensors for blue, green and red. The pixel sensors which are sensitive
to blue and green have no data in Halpha, so a color CCD chip will give
1/4 of the resolution that a monochrome chip of the same size does. Also
be aware that image processing algorithms often average pixels, which
reduces image quality in addition to reduced resolution. While color CCD
imaging such as DSLR is convenient and accessible to the public, it includes
a number of unavoidable inherent limitations.
Daystar recommends MONOCHROME CCD imaging
whenever possible for best results.
Standard features of the SolaREDi telescope include:
1375mm F/23 doublet telescope with
2" Moonlite crayford focuser with 4.5" drawtube with dual rate knob,
an internal 'visual hot mirror' reflective Energy rejection filter,
an internally configured TeleVue 4X Televue Powermate barlow lens,
a DayStar Filters sub-angstrom bandpass Hydrogen Alpha filter assembly
and TeleVue 'Sol-Searcher' solar finder.
Mounting:
The SolaREDi combination mounting foot may be threaded
directly to a ¼ x 20 standard camera tripod mount, or using industry stan-
dard "Vixen" style dovetail mounting accessories. With heavier 2" eyepieces
or equipment, we discourage camera foot mounting. Users may consider
a tracking mount for best results. The included Moonlite focuser may be
rotated with adjustments to the allen screws found in front of the red
focuser section.
Focus considerations:
We designed the SolaREDi with a wide variety of
focus options and focus range. In conjunction with the 4X powermate, the
actual focus travel is magnified by 5 times. Therefore, only minor move-
ments in focus on the knob are required to accomplish large changes visu-
ally. Most eyepieces and cameras focus with the tube extended approxi-
mately 2.5- 3" out.
Tune for Hydrogen Alpha:
Temperature affects the tuning of your SolaREDi
alpha telescope. Your SolaREDi telescope has a minimum operative temper-
ature range printed on the attached label. When the SolaREDi is cold, short-
er wavelengths are allowed to pass through. When it is warmer, longer
wavelengths are allowed to pass through. To accommodate a 40°F (22°C)
climate range, the SolaREDi can tune its wavelength to pass Hydrogen Alpha
light.
To tune your SolaREDi, slowly twist the red tilt adjustment screw (located on
the side of the drawtube barrel) while looking through the eyepiece. You
should notice a change in surface texture on the disk of the Sun as the filter
tunes on and off of the Hydrogen Alpha wavelength. You will want to tune
to a position which offers best surface contrast across the entire disk. This
position will offer your best view of prominences, spicule and surface detail.
