Bill Grass
Prince Regent
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 11652
Loc: Denham Springs, LA
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I tested out the 2 filters I received from Al over the last 2 or 3 nights that I've been out with my scope. I received a MV-20 and a notch 560. Here are my observations:
I compared the MV-20 to my Orion V-block in my AR-5 while looking at Saturn. As expected, the V-block pretty much eliminated the false color (of which there wasn't much in the first place) but created that slightly yellowish tint on the planet. I switched it with the MV-20, and Saturn looked more like its natural self, but more false color came through. I compared the MV-20 with just the eyepiece view, and the MV-20 may have filtered out a tiny bit of the purple. Honestly I couldn't really see that much of a difference between using the MV-20 & the unfiltered view.
I tested the notch 560 on Saturn and the Orion Nebula. I most recently did this last night using my ED80. On Saturn, the filter turned everything to a shade of purple. I couldn't make out any particular details on Saturn. It just looked like the whole view was dimmer & definitely more purple. (I'm not talking about chromatic aberration purple, but everything in the FOV taking on a purple tint.) On the Orion Nebula, I compared the notch 560 to my Orion Ultrablock filter & the unfiltered view. The Ultrablock dimmed the stars & gave a bluish-greenish hue to everything, bringing out the nebulosity drastically. The Nebula through the notch 560 seemed to regain its natural color (or lack of) but with just a slight purple hue to the stars; it wasn't nearly as noticeable as it was with Saturn. The nebulosity looked pretty much the same, but there may have been the slightest bit more detail through the notch 560.
Al, once again I appreciate you sending those filters for me to test! It was a lot of fun experimenting with them. I'm anxious to hear the results of the other testers. Are there any other targets you'd like for me to see while using the filters? Is there anything in particular I should be looking for on what I've already observed? I'll be happy to do some more observations & help you out however I can.
Thanks! 
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I have these 2 also. Good report, Bill, it should help my expectations before actual usage. I will be able to compare the MV20 to my Baader Contrast filter but I don't have anything to compare the 560 with...looking forward to checking them out (someday...).
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Bill Grass
Prince Regent
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 11652
Loc: Denham Springs, LA
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Thanks, Tom! I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions.
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Stacy
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/15/02
Posts: 2076
Loc: The Great Northwest
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Hi,
I tried the PC1 (Planetary Contrast) filter from Sirius Optics on Saturn the other night. This is a unique filter that drops everything but RGB. The seeing wasn’t too great, but I live near Seattle and there weren’t any clouds. So for around here the seeing was good!
Scope was an AR-5 f/9.3 achromatic refractor. I wasn’t able to push the magnification too far so about 130x was the max (Celestron 9mm plossl from the kit).
Without the filter: I got the typical achromatic colors (non-focused violet). The division came in and out and very slight banding on the planet, coloring was a distraction.
Overall, the image wasn’t too good and I suspect some tweaking of the scope (possibly focuser collimation as I put it on in a hurry) is needed. Of course the seeing was a factor as well.
With the filter: Violet was greatly reduced. Division still came and went but two bands were easily visible.
Overall the filter “cleaned up” the image nicely and the color was more natural. I don’t think it “added” any detail but it made the detail that was there easier to see. Definitely a more pleasing view.
I look forward to trying this filter in my Newt and SCT. With the larger aperture, magnification and absence of false color, it will be interesting to see the difference.
Regards,
Stacy
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NS11-GPS-XLT, XT-8, 120ST, AEX-10X50
www.darksky.org
Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.
- HG Wells
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi Bill,
Saturn is the most difficult when it comes to contrast enhancement. Try it on Jupiter when you have a chance.
The MV20 was developed by request of a couple manufacturers.
It removes less of the violet than other MV type of filters.
The scan shows that the violet removal is more gradual. It also shows a reduction in the greenish yellow region. This reduces the yellow hue that so many of the MV filter produces.
A good number of people find even small amounts of the violet fringe objectional, so this filter isn't for everyone. Its a great filter for the C102 and the AT1010.
Al M
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Al, since my 80 has a longer focal length, it should have less effect than on the planets and moon. I can't wait to see how this and the contrast filter do side by side.
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Bill Grass
Prince Regent
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 11652
Loc: Denham Springs, LA
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Quote:
Hi Bill,
Saturn is the most difficult when it comes to contrast enhancement. Try it on Jupiter when you have a chance.
I'll surely do that! Thanks, Al.
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Bill Grass
Prince Regent
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 11652
Loc: Denham Springs, LA
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I tried the notch 560 on Jupiter last night. Very purple, but the dark cloud bands did appear to stand out a little more. I think I could make out the slightest bit more detail in the bands with the filter. It's fun experimenting with this!
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi Bill,
It looks like you'll get an NPC. This is the best!
Al M
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rboe
Numbfinger
Reged: 03/16/02
Posts: 39738
Loc: Phx, AZ
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Bill;
I was able to use the Notch 560 on the moon and saturn with my pronto to excellent effect. Focus seemed to be sharper, didn't dull the view as much my Orion Ultra Block. I just used the OU 12.5 ortho eye piece. Even at such a low power, the wind and clouds were a problem and the image was being perturbed - so I didn't push it further. So, no details on Saturn. Even more wind tonight (less clouds though) so no experimenting with other scopes.
Ron
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Ron
NS11GPS
Pronto
16" dob
15X70 Obies
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Bill Grass
Prince Regent
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 11652
Loc: Denham Springs, LA
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Cool, Al!!
Ron, I'll try the 560 on the moon. I haven't done that yet!
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I would just like to try them.  Last time it was clear here I had a 102 fever...
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rboe
Numbfinger
Reged: 03/16/02
Posts: 39738
Loc: Phx, AZ
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I've heard of equipment and apeture fever before; even buck fever. But 102 seems a bit hard core Tom. Better buy a big dob to cure that!
Hope you and your family lick that bug. Being under the weather that long is really the pits.
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Ron
NS11GPS
Pronto
16" dob
15X70 Obies
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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102 fever is a different syndrome than aperature fever, it's cured by a good 4" apo. Giant dobs are as useful as snake oil in that case.
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