Similar to their standard Quark, Daystar Filters designed the Combo Quark H-Alpha Eyepiece Solar Filter for use with f/15 to f/30 refractors, Schmidt-Cassegrain, or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes. For those who use off-axis energy rejection filters (ERFs) a 2° off-axis snout adapter is included for proper light-path alignment to ensure the correct filtration and produce the best images.
This all-in-one hydrogen-alpha filter is engineered to eliminate unnecessary components which reduced the size and weight, and enabled it to fit in a compact form factor that simply inserts into 1.25" or 2" diagonals and accepts 1.25" eyepieces. This design enables the use of nighttime telescopes for solar viewing. It is tuned specifically for viewing prominences. Prominences, a detail of the chromosphere projected against the blackness of space behind the sun, are seen with improved contrast due to the filter's narrower bandpass versus a wider bandpass filter tuned for conventional chromosphere surface viewing.
While there are no OTA aperture limitations, Daystar recommends the use of front-mount energy rejection filters. On Schmidt OTAs aperture-reducing off-axis ERFs are recommended, while Maksutov or refractors can be used with full-apertures ERFs. The filter is powered via a micro-USB port, and Daystar includes a power cord and an AC adapter to meet the high-power requirements of 5 VDC 1.5A. To enable its use at home and abroad, a set of international outlet plugs is provided with adapters for the US, UK, EU, and Australia.
Filter Properties
- Hydrogen-alpha bandpass
- Integrated 25mm blocking filter
- 19mm clear etalon aperture
- Tuned to 0.8-0.6Å for viewing prominences
- Tuning knob allows for ±0.5Å wing shift for Doppler-shift compensation
- Markers at every 0.1Å for reference and repeatability
- Internal baffles increase contrast
- Optical coatings designed specifically for 656nm H-alpha wavelength
- LED indicators for power, warming, ready, and fault
Use and Handling
- 2° off axis 1.25" front adapter for use with off axis Schmidt and Maksutov energy rejection filters
- Fits 1.25" diagonals and drawtubes
- Accepts 1.25" eyepieces
- Brass compression ring to protect eyepiece from scratches
Recommended OTA Specifications
- No aperture limitation
- For use with f/15-f/30 refractors, or Schmidt and Maksutov-Cassegrain OTAs
- Maksutov OTAs with a focal ratio of up to f/15 can be used at full aperture, but must use a front-mount ERF to prevent overheating the OTA
- Schmidt OTAs must use an off-axis aperture reduction ERF
- Full-disk viewing on refractors up to 1800mm focal length
- Not for use with full aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain OTAs - damage to secondary mirror may result
Power
- 5 VDC, 1.5A micro-USB port
- 90-240 VAC wall adapter
- Set of international outlet plugs for US, UK, EU, and Australia
