25 replies to this topic

[C. Buil]

Just to give you a little idea of what it’s about, here’s a short video showing the use and application of SUNSCAN, the autonomous solar observatory:

 

https://youtu.be/Vgs5P-jLQbs

 

 

We have held numerous astronomy manifestation to gather feedback from potential users and finalize the development. This video reflects that process. Despite the language barrier, I think it’s easy to understand what it’s about!

 

The official presentation will be on November 9th in Paris. After this date, everything will be available: pricing, suppliers, kits, etc. Just like Sol’Ex, SUNSCAN is currently a DIY assembly project. You can even print some parts yourself, for example.

SUNSCAN is a new type of astronomical instrument that we believe is exciting to use.

 

Christian Buil for STAROS team

[Spectrum222]

Very neat technology, Christian!

 

I was wondering if the Staros team is planning a general version that could work with larger scopes to say... 100mm?

 

If one replaced the front lens with a speciality entrance system and slit, it could be like the Sol'Ex in a way, but adaptable to larger instruments which may allow higher resolution. I assume that front lens is like maybe 30mm? 

 

Darren

[steveward53]

Looks fantastic ... 

 

My one query is whether it is purely 'smartphone' compatable or is it possible to use with a laptop , if the former then it's sadly not for me but if it's useable with a computer then I'm seriously interested.

[LarryAlvarez]

I'm love my Sol'Ex now there's something new?  Incredible!  and it works without an EQ mount!   Wow!!! 

[hornjs]

Pretty cool indeed!

[gstrumol]

You still have to assemble it, no?

[eyeoftexas]

SUNSCAN is currently a DIY assembly project. You can even print some parts yourself, for example.

SUNSCAN is a new type of astronomical instrument that we believe is exciting to use.

 

Looks great.  Is there plans of making completed kits available for those who do not have the capacity to make it themselves?  I think having both options available. DIY and purchase completed, has made the PiFinder a hit.

[NuovaApe]

This doesn't look like solar astronomy to me.
People are smiling.

Instant gratification.

They're drinking water?!

 

Whoa. French people drinking water and not wine?

I don't believe this video is real.

 

No 20 metres of USB extender cables to trip over.

Tripods so small I'd trip over them and injure myself.

 

Ah - that's more like it.

Solar astronomy should be painful.

 

Pardon my flippant "humour".

It does look like a really good thing 

 

 

[C. Buil]

A quick answer.
Yes, we wanted to keep things as simple as possible, and we still drink wine around here - take a good look at the last image in the video!
There will be kits available: one for the mechanics (complete and assembled), another for the optics (all components). Links will be given just after the official presentation on December 9. You'll be able to buy them anywhere in the world, and the price is very reasonable (I think).
There will also be references for buying optics yourself (standard components), and of course all the STLs to print yourself if you wish.
The app only works on smartphones - Android + Apple (iPad, ...). It's a very deliberate choice. But you can also upload images (including raw ones) to your PC/Mac, via WifI. Everything is provided for in this respect.
But please be patient until December 9. And thanks for your encouragement!

 

Christian B

[C. Buil]

Sorry, November 9 !

[eyeoftexas]

A quick answer.
Yes, we wanted to keep things as simple as possible, and we still drink wine around here - take a good look at the last image in the video!
There will be kits available: one for the mechanics (complete and assembled), another for the optics (all components). Links will be given just after the official presentation on December 9. You'll be able to buy them anywhere in the world, and the price is very reasonable (I think).
There will also be references for buying optics yourself (standard components), and of course all the STLs to print yourself if you wish.
The app only works on smartphones - Android + Apple (iPad, ...). It's a very deliberate choice. But you can also upload images (including raw ones) to your PC/Mac, via WifI. Everything is provided for in this respect.
But please be patient until December 9. And thanks for your encouragement!

 

Christian B

Excellent. Looking forward to November 9 (and Christmas  )

[R Botero]

Great launch Team SUNSCAN!

Congratulations to all 

 

Roberto

[vineyard]

I remember seeing the Youtube video you posted Christian a while back about using the Solex just with a ZWO miniscope on a photo tripod and thinking that's so much more convenient.  And now if you're building in a Pi to do the software processing as well - brilliant.  Looking forward to the big unveil (and seeing the pricing!).  Bravo on the continued innovation to you and the whole team.  Sante!

[bob71741]

Did the SUNSCAN reveal happen yesterday (Nov 9th)? I do not see any postings here or on Solarchat about it-cancelled?

[vineyard]

Did the SUNSCAN reveal happen yesterday (Nov 9th)? I do not see any postings here or on Solarchat about it-cancelled?

Not sure - maybe someone from France will come along and say (I think it was being physically revealed at a show in Paris).  The optical kit for it seems to be up on Shelyak's website - nothing on Azur3D yet though (which is the company they've used for the Solex printing side).

 

https://www.shelyak....ograph/?lang=en

Edited by vineyard, 10 November 2024 - 08:42 AM.

[EboO]

During 9-10-11 november there's a french meeting at La Vilette, perhaps more informations will be posted at the end of this.

[BGazing]

Strange choice to put it on a mini photo tripod directly on the pavement. But perhaps with 25mm aperture ground turbulences are not resolved.  

Neat idea and makes much more sense (to me) than similar night-time devices.

[LarryAlvarez]

Did the SUNSCAN reveal happen yesterday (Nov 9th)? I do not see any postings here or on Solarchat about it-cancelled?

I saw this: Sunscan

[vineyard]

I saw this: Sunscan

So, so far the price seems to be EUR 430-516 for the optical kit, EUR 210 for the case, but that excludes the Pi and the camera (and what else?).  Looking like a total cost of EUR 800-1,000?

[fiston]

I was at the RCE on Saturday. Unfortunately, the room where the sunscan talk took place was full. The kit was available for sale at the Shelyak stand, and Azur3D, along with other vendors, were also present.

[Pjmjrastro]

Looks fantastic ... 

 

My one query is whether it is purely 'smartphone' compatable or is it possible to use with a laptop , if the former then it's sadly not for me but if it's useable with a computer then I'm seriously interested.

If you have an Apple smartphone and an Apple computer, iOS 18 has a new feature, iOS mirroring. It allows one to control their iPhone thru their computer. This might work for you.

https://support.appl...yMode=headless 

[steveward53]

If you have an Apple smartphone and an Apple computer, iOS 18 has a new feature, iOS mirroring. It allows one to control their iPhone thru their computer. This might work for you.

https://support.appl...yMode=headless 

I don't have , and never will have , an Apple anything ... 

[Pjmjrastro]

I don't have , and never will have , an Apple anything ... 

it’s cool. The technology is there, maybe someone else will pick up on it, if Apple hasn’t patented it.

[LarryAlvarez]

I'd like to get the STL's for it and give it a try on a 3d printer which I also need to get. 

[C. Buil]

The presentation given at RCE2024 (Paris) is now online (PDF). See the link at the top of the page: https://www.sunscan.net

The audience was French, so exceptionally, the text is in French, we're sorry, but there are many illustrations and the numerical values are easy to understand. We make a point of speaking English in most of our publications.

The conference room was too small, which is a real shame. A video capture will be released shortly.