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

[Rich N]

We need to do a shootout between the SJAA's Daystar and a PST.

I've looked through the club's Daystar a few times.  I've looked through
several PSTs.  As I remember the view through the Daystar wasn't much different.  

I agree that if the club is going to have an H-Alpha scope it should give good
images and be very easy to use.  However, I'm not convinced the club needs an 
H-Alpha scope in the loaner program.  If someone wants to know what the sun looks like
through an H-Alpha scope there are several that show up at different daytime 
events and there is the solar scope at Foothill College.

Rich

> 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
> 
> 
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