[SJAAboard] our solar scope's H-alpha filter - Vs Colorado

[Nelsonastro at aol.com]

SJAA Directors:
 
  I would agree with Turner's experience with the Daystar.   It
is an excellent instrument and I had great fun borrowing it
when I first joined SJAA.  It is more of an 'intermediate' 
instrument.  I think worth $250 fix (IMO). [thanks Gary]
 
Technical comments
  The Daystar that the SJAA has uses tuning that depends
on very slight mechanical tilt.  It does not depend on a
heater.  I had absolutely no trouble with cooler days. It
just takes a bit longer to heat the filter up to a stable
configuration.   Should be possible to add insulation  around
the etalon if you want to use it on particularly cold
winter days (does Colorado PST also have this problem?)
 
  Colorado PST.  I too am not that impressed by the
performance as far as wavelength Vs field position.
The PST is definitely "beginner" level.  Compare
to the next item...
 
  Colorado $2600 version.  This is the version that the
PAS is now using at Foothill in their regular Saturday
program.  Completely different technology than Day-
star (they had the professional heated etalon before
with a special objective H-alpha scope).  This is an
excellent product and gives nice consistent center
wavelengths across the field!  This is very important
IMO because then you don't have to constantly
twiddle the knob to adjust wavelength (like PST)
as you view across the surface or around the limb.
 
 I probably have about 30-60 hours of observing
in H-alpha.  Most of that with high end Daystar.
I only glance through PSTs now - and head for the
nearest bigger Colorado.
 
  PAS runs a big Colorado every Saturday from
10 AM to noon at Foothill Observatory for those
who would want a look.
 
Steven
 
 
 



**************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.     
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489