15 replies to this topic

[alwaysreview]

Hi,

I got first solar imaging with AT60ED, Daystar Quark Chromosphere model (4.3 barlow), 1.25" 0.5x GSO Focal reducer, and ASI174MM. See image in below link

https://www.astrobin.../full/yiu5z6/0/

I see that the quark works best at F30+ whereas my setup is less than F30 (6x4.3 = 25.8). Would aperture reduction make the contrast better?

Edited by alwaysreview, 10 March 2025 - 02:45 PM.

[bigdob24]

This image is off, need to work on tuning. 
Have a look at GONG images for the day and tune until you bring out all the details you see there

Dan

[gstrumol]

First, welcome to CN and your first post!

 

What Dan is referring to can be illustrated here:

 

(click to enlarge)

 

The GONG image from this morning is on the right; yours is on the left with the color removed. You can see you're missing a good bit.

 

Since you have a Quark, I'd guess the problem is that you are on the wrong setting. You need to run through everyone of them (first time) to see what you get. When you change a setting, you have to wait until the light turns green again (maybe 10 min or so) before examining the image.

[alwaysreview]

Oh, wow. Thank you for the reference! I will try every click this weekend and post it here! Thank you

[hopskipson]

You are also right that an aperture mask will help with contrast by narrowing the bandpass.

[alwaysreview]

You are also right that an aperture mask will help with contrast by narrowing the bandpass.

Understood. I will try to make DIY aperture mask as well!

[CHASLX200]

NO CUE HOW A QAURK WORKS or what kind of scope is best.

[hopskipson]

NO CUE HOW A QAURK WORKS or what kind of scope is best.

The Quark uses a mica based etalon at the focuser end of the scope. It needs parallel light so it has a Telecentric to provide that. To get on band it has a heating element that heats the etalon. To get to the desired bandpass you need to have a focal ratio between 30-35. The Quark’s Telecentric magnifying power is 4.2 so a F/7-9 scope is ideal

[CHASLX200]

I guess that means no low power views.

[hopskipson]

I guess that means no low power views.

No, you can use a short focal length scope. Something like a ST80 @ 500mm focal length, masked to 60-70mm and a 25 mm eyepiece for a full disk.

With a Quark you change telescopes to adjust magnification whereas with a dedicated solar scope you change eyepieces. With the quark you can increase your aperture not so with a dedicated solar telescope.

[C0rs4ir_]

I guess that means no low power views.

Actually yes. Trying to get low power with a Quark is like trying to get wide field views with a sct. Its not designed for it.

Edited by C0rs4ir_, 13 March 2025 - 07:39 AM.

[gstrumol]

Actually yes. Trying to get low power with a Quark is like trying to get wide field views with a sct. Its not designed for it.

That's true for the ones that have a 4.3X Barlow built in. But isn't there one that doesn't have the Barlow?

[C0rs4ir_]

That's true for the ones that have a 4.3X Barlow built in. But isn't there one that doesn't have the Barlow?

Yes but still you need at least f/30 to have good performance of the etalon. You can work with less, but at the cost of contrast.

 

http://www.astrosurf...mica-spaced.jpg

Edited by C0rs4ir_, 13 March 2025 - 12:07 PM.

[TareqPhoto]

I have the Quark without built in Telecentric Barlow, i can use it nicely even not at f/30, but my seeing is different.

[alwaysreview]

Sad news. I accidentally put quark on 12V power supply and it fried the unit. I pulled it the second I saw smoke coming out of the microusb port but I lost the LED light and it seems completely dead.

 

I just sent email to daystar asking for how much would it cost to fix it..

[TareqPhoto]

Sad news. I accidentally put quark on 12V power supply and it fried the unit. I pulled it the second I saw smoke coming out of the microusb port but I lost the LED light and it seems completely dead.

 

I just sent email to daystar asking for how much would it cost to fix it..

Sorry to hear about that, i hate when those accidents happens also.

Anyway, i hope Daystar will answer you soon for the repair or fix, meanwhile test it by using a dew heater, maybe that can do the job somehow, i once tested my Quark while it was off because my weather is hot or warm and i was on band even the Quark was off, so try to buy a dew heater that has controller of different temps and try before you send it or until you wait Daystar response..