First light with a Coronado 70mm Solarmax III double stacked

[Caddman]

The Coronado Solarmax III were on sale. I purchased the double stacked version with a 15mm blocking filter.
I broke it out for the first time today.
Seeing was poor. I had trouble pulling out surface texture at first. However, I found two promanances using a 2X barlow and 12mm eyepiece. They were at about 4 and 5 o'clock on the disk. One prominence appeared very faint. I could barely make it out. The other was a little more pronounced.
Overall, the contrast was great once I figured out how to deal with the reflection in the scope.
Eventually, I plan to image with this scope.
I'm new to solar. So, any advise from members familiar with the scope would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Glenn

[Lowjiber]

Welcome new solar-head. Sounds like a good first light experience. Thanks for sharing.

I'm pretty sure that another solar-head, gcisko, has that same scope. He's been imaging with it quite a bit lately, and won TSS' Picture of the Day about a week ago.

If you decide to start imaging, I strongly recommend a monochrome camera. If I can help, send me a PM.

Clear Skies

[Caddman]

If you decide to start imaging, I strongly recommend a monochrome camera. If I can help, send me a PM.

Clear Skies

Thanks. I have a ZWO ASI183 mono camera. I figure that will get me started.

[Lady Fraktor]

Congratulations on the new telescope, I have been interested in the new SolarMax III refractors for a while.

[Tillibobs]

Congratulations on your first light, you'll soon get the hang of things. Afew years ago I had a double stacked Coronado60 but unfortunately I discovered that the double stack attachment doesn't bounce on hard surfaces. I dropped it when taking it off the OTA.
Please don't hesitate to contact John or myself if you run into any problems imaging as I'm sure we've been there.

Keith

[Altocumulus]

Ouch!

[Greenman]

Congrats on the first light, I find the sun tempting to, but for a while still I will be on the dark side

[Solsearcher]

Congratulations on your new scope !! Take Keith's advise and leave the second etalon in place . For tuning tips start out with the external etalon backed right off (rotated fully clockwise looking from the eyepiece end) and focus to obtain a sharp limb . Tune the internal etalon first to obtain the best view and detail , now tune the external etalon using the Richview tuning ring and you should see the detail and depth of the view increase and start to pop out . If you are getting reflections or double images use the tilt tuner to shift any reflection . Once dialed in you shouldn't have to change much other than to tweak your settings . Your camera will have enough exposure range to highlight proms or surface with out having to change the scope settings . Tuning 2 etalons can be tricky at first but no big deal once you are on to it .