Solar Observing Equipment

Ok lads and Lasses!

Give me the low down! We can rule out €5000 Solarmaxes right here!!

What do you recommend. I know next to nothing. Am I correct in that the white light Baader films are only good for sunspots? But a full apeture homemade filter for my 12in Dob would mean great high mag detail of sunspots and granularity?? Baader Solar continuim filters in combo with astrosolar sheet????Complemented by a PST for H-Alpha and Prominences and flares?? Which PST. <1 <.05 Solarmax 40 Doublestacked ???? Can these be ordered from the states being small scopes . Can one save money with the exchange rate even with customs duty and shipping. Do they ship internationally or is their an embargo on international shipping and one has no choice but to order from a dealer in europe.

Lots of ????? and I know nothing. Educate me please

Hi Keith

Not sure if you can build a filter for a 12" scope, Baader sheets are A4 in size, though I think they sell it by the roll, though that is expensive. What most people with large scopes tend to do is build an off axis mask, say six inches in diameter and place that over the open end of the tube, this will increase the focal length of the scope making the sun appear sharper and reduces the turbulence. Search the net and I'm sure you'll find some plans.

PSTs will ship from the states, but always add about 25% to the cost for taxes and duties.