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

[Gary Mitchell]

Jim Van Nuland wrote:

>   A bigger factor is the very narrow field of view, as mentioned by
> Gary.  Moreover, the supplied eyepiece is critical!  When I tried my own
> eyepieces, I got totally unacceptable scattered light.  I've used my own
> eyepieces with the club's Daystar, and had no difficulty.  I could use
> my 30mm Kellner for a 1-degree field, and do a close-up of a prominence
> with a 10mm Ortho.
> 
>   Contrast that against the fixed magnification of the PST.  Yes, it's
> easier to use, but lacks versatility.

Indeed.  The Daystar web site has pages that talk about how to choose a
filter vs a scope.  There are options: stopping down the scope, using a
barlow, or both, and on a variety of scopes.  You can't even think of
such things with a PST or even a Coronado.

Daystar has even better filters (narrower bandwidth, heaters, etc.) that
are aimed at professionals.  The Tscanner is a cheaper, non heated version
for the amateur.  The PST is well below that.  It's a lot like picking
out a scope based on quality and versatility.  We'll turn up our noses at
a Tasco, accept a moderate Newtonian Dob, and relish an expensive
Astrophysics.

What I'm hearing from some people is: the Tasco works, it produces an
acceptable image, and is very cheap.  Maybe, but I'm still not buying it.

This analogy might not be exact, but the point remains.

Gary