First I bought some Baader AstroSolar Safety Film which cost about £20. I have been looking at designs for a filter as well as the instructions that come with the Baader Film... then before embarking on a major construction job I had a thought...Hobbycraft...I wonder if they have anything that might make it easier to mount the filter onto the scope. I took a tape measure with me to Hobbycraft and spotted an array of different frame boxes. There I found a round cardboard box with a lid and top. It was exactly the right size to put over the front of an ED80! I bought one along with some double sided tape for £4 altogether and set off to build my Solar Filter.
This is what I did... First, the box.. http://direct.hobbycraft.co.uk/products-Paper-Mache-Medium-Circular-Box-With-Frame-Lid_16338.htm
Use a sharp knife to cut out the rings...
Use double sided tape to stick the Baader Film to the lid and bottom of the box. It is best to lay the film onto the tissue paper provided and then place the top ring onto the film. Trim the excess film with scissors, then place it carefully on top of the box unit.
Put the cover on top of the completed unit. It fits perfectly onto my 80ED Pro scope!
Next, paint it to match the scope...
Now I look forward to some great images of the Sun!
3 comments:
:) Sweet. I just taped the film to the inside of the dust cap, over the aperture reduction hole.
But this way I can still make use of the hole for viewing the full moon. :)
cs
jeanette dunphy
Hi!
Nice work you´ve done with your filter!
I´m also going to make my own solar filter to my Celestron Astromaster 70. But I wonder, did you originally have a plastic shield in front of your telescope? I´m not sure where to actually put my filter.. Outside the shield? Or can I just take it off and use the filter without the shield..? Do you have any tips?
Karoline
Hi Steve,
That's a great idea you've had,I've been searching high and low on the best way to make one for my ED80 and you've done it for me. thanks for sharing....John
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