Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
- wannabeastronomer
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Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Hi, after an 8 year break from using my astronomy kit I’ve now got the time to dust it off and I’m in the process of re-learning how to put it all together and set it up. I hadn’t owned my kit for long before mothballing it and so with the help of forums and YouTube I’m now at the stage where I can polar align. The most pressing thing I’m unsure of is the PST mod kit I bought from Astro Engineering. It appears that they have gone out of business so I can’t contact them to check if I have all the components necessary for safe solar viewing and, although their YouTube channel has a clip demonstrating the mod, the individual pieces and assembly isn’t included. If anyone also bought one of these kits or has knowledge of them, I would appreciate any advice on getting it up and running safely. The parts I have are: PST with tube removed, PST to 2” adapter, 2” extension tube, modified (shortened?) 80mm refactor and an ERF (not shown in photos). I have attached photos of the parts below. Any advice would be very much appreciated, thanks.
Sky-Watcher Equinox 120ED + Antares finder + Thousand Oaks White Light Filter - Coronado PST on a AE modded Revelation 80mm - NEQ6 Pro - Baader 3.5mm modular & 8 - 24mm zoom - SkyWire Control Cable
All the gear and no idea
All the gear and no idea
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Off-ball question.
How's Donny these days?
How's Donny these days?
Just call me Geoff....
I do what I do because I can, and because I want to.
It doesn't mean I know what I'm doing
I do what I do because I can, and because I want to.
It doesn't mean I know what I'm doing
- wannabeastronomer
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Cloudy
Sky-Watcher Equinox 120ED + Antares finder + Thousand Oaks White Light Filter - Coronado PST on a AE modded Revelation 80mm - NEQ6 Pro - Baader 3.5mm modular & 8 - 24mm zoom - SkyWire Control Cable
All the gear and no idea
All the gear and no idea
- Altocumulus
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Ditto NE Scotland - in spite of what ClearOutside's telling me!
Just call me Geoff....
I do what I do because I can, and because I want to.
It doesn't mean I know what I'm doing
I do what I do because I can, and because I want to.
It doesn't mean I know what I'm doing
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
We have member Solsearcher (Mike), who is having some problems logging in (we are working on fixing that for him). In the meantime he asked that I post this:
A member , wannabeastronomer posted a question in the solar discussion
area about an Astro Engineering PST mod kit . I am not familiar with this
kit but I am very familiar with PST mods and I do not see any etalon in the
images . I want to caution him about this but I can not log in , please
bring this to his attention .
Thank you
Mike
Gordon
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.
- Lady Fraktor
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Here is a quick run down of parts required for adapting a PST to 80mm refractor.
Please make sure the etalon is in place before looking through!
Article #2 will be similar to yours.
https://www.dd1us.de/Downloads/Modifica ... %200v7.pdf
Please make sure the etalon is in place before looking through!
Article #2 will be similar to yours.
https://www.dd1us.de/Downloads/Modifica ... %200v7.pdf
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
- wannabeastronomer
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Solsearcher, Lady Fraktor: may thanks for the info. I forgot to subscribe to my thread and didn't realise you had posted until I logged in today
Sky-Watcher Equinox 120ED + Antares finder + Thousand Oaks White Light Filter - Coronado PST on a AE modded Revelation 80mm - NEQ6 Pro - Baader 3.5mm modular & 8 - 24mm zoom - SkyWire Control Cable
All the gear and no idea
All the gear and no idea
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Excuse my ignorance - but just what is this mod supposed to do? I own a PST and so am interested in all things PST.
"To be good is not enough when you dream of being great"
Orion 203mm/f4.9/1000mm, converted TASCO 114mm/f9/1000mm to steam punk, Meade 114mm/f9/1000, Coronado PST, Orion EQ-G, Ioptron Mini-Tower and iEQ30, Canon 70D, ASI120MM,ASI294MC, Ioptron SkyHunter
Orion 203mm/f4.9/1000mm, converted TASCO 114mm/f9/1000mm to steam punk, Meade 114mm/f9/1000, Coronado PST, Orion EQ-G, Ioptron Mini-Tower and iEQ30, Canon 70D, ASI120MM,ASI294MC, Ioptron SkyHunter
- smp
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Just download the document at the link in post #6 above.
It appears to be a nice explanation of the person's experiments and experiences.
smp
Stephen
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Telescopes: Questar 3.5 Standard SN 18-11421; Stellina (EAA)
Solar: Thousand Oaks white light filter; Daystar Quark (chromosphere) Hα filter
Mounts: Explore Scientific Twilight I; Majestic heavy duty tripod
Local Club: New Hampshire Astronomical Society
- - - - -
Telescopes: Questar 3.5 Standard SN 18-11421; Stellina (EAA)
Solar: Thousand Oaks white light filter; Daystar Quark (chromosphere) Hα filter
Mounts: Explore Scientific Twilight I; Majestic heavy duty tripod
Local Club: New Hampshire Astronomical Society
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
It allows you to convert the PST to a larger
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Just a reminder.
ANY modifications to a solar telescope can be dangerous. Please use caution!!!
ANY modifications to a solar telescope can be dangerous. Please use caution!!!
Gordon
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
I have done a few PST mods and have been pleased with the results . The PST is a 40 mm
Key elements (1) MOST IMPORTANT a suitable ERF (energy rejection filter) and (2) the donor scope should be
Stage 1 mod ; In this application the optical tube is removed from the etalon of the PST (this also removes the ERF !!)
The donor scope must have an ERF installed , full
What remains of the PST is the etalon , fcuser and blocking filter , all built into the black box . The "key" to making this work is the placement of the etalon in the light path , it must be 200 mm ahead of the focal point to work . If your donor scope is not short enough to accommodate this you will have to cut the tube . Now finally you will have to "mate" the donor optical tube to the PST and this could require having an adapter made .
The stage II mod uses the etalon only and the builder supplies the focuser as well as blocking filter . This allows you to use larger blocking filters for increased field of view as well as using an improved focuser .
I have had no issues with my modded scopes and I have been using them for over 8 years now .
Solar scopes (Coronado Ha) 60mm double stack , 90mm double stack , 150mm single stack .
W/L scope Williams Optic Megrez 110mm / Lunt herschel wedge .
Night scope Celestron 9.25 XLT
Mounts HEQ6 , HEQ5 , Losmandy G8
W/L scope Williams Optic Megrez 110mm / Lunt herschel wedge .
Night scope Celestron 9.25 XLT
Mounts HEQ6 , HEQ5 , Losmandy G8
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Re: Astro Engineering’s PST mod kit
Thank you for the extra input Mike, greatly appreciated.
This thread is going to be closed now.
If you do not fully understand how to do a conversion like this make sure you consult with someone with experience.
Replacement eyeballs are still not available yet.
Enjoy your safe solar viewing in the meantime.
This thread is going to be closed now.
If you do not fully understand how to do a conversion like this make sure you consult with someone with experience.
Replacement eyeballs are still not available yet.
Enjoy your safe solar viewing in the meantime.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people