Page 1 of 1

My solar projection setup

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 3:03 am
by Bigzmey
I have received a request for "how to" on my solar projection setup and happy to provide the details. I did not come up with idea. I was researching the topic, and among many sun funnels, boxes and buckets this one made by Skyguy on CN stroke me as a simple and elegant solution.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/6138 ... r-project/

The tricky part was to get the projector scope. They were made by several companies for the 8mm home movies film cameras. I found mine on eBay.

Image

Image

Once you get hold of one the rest is easy. You need a small telescope with focal length about 400mm (like Orion or Meade 80ST).

To get the sun image in focus you need an extension tube. I use a combination of 3x and 2x barlows with optical elements removed (for about 4" of extra focuser travel).

To connect the projector box I have scavenged 1.25" barrel of one of cheap EPs and adapted it to fit on the projector scope with duct tape (of cause!).

Image

Done!

Image

Re: My solar projection setup

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 5:24 am
by helicon
Wow Andrey that's really cool!

Re: My solar projection setup

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 6:29 am
by Altocumulus
Nifty!

Re: My solar projection setup

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 9:25 am
by Lowjiber
Super cool, Andrey! Thanks for the share.:)

Clear Skies

Re: My solar projection setup

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 5:04 pm
by StarBru
Thanks, Andrey! I was thinking of making a sun funnel until I saw your setup!

Re: My solar projection setup

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 7:44 pm
by Bigzmey
Thanks everyone! Despite Sun being close to solar minimum I have managed to catch a few sun spots in the last couple of months and shared some with family to. :)

If you use FL 400mm scope the sun disk just about fits the screen of the projector scope. Placing 2x barlow element at different points in the optical chain I can zoom in as necessary. Should be handy for the Mercury transit in November.

Re: My solar projection setup

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2023 11:11 pm
by messier 111
This system is very ingenious, thank you very much for the follow-up.