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@@darkskygeek And just to prove it, I once again threw some 304 stainless in some boiling vinegar and it came out the same way it went in . Strange. Utility knife blades come out a deep dark grey but 304 knurled thumb screws don't budge. I'll give it another go over the next few days, It's been so long I may have simply not left it in long enough.
@@SmeeUncleJoe It's because what you're doing with the vinegar is essentially placing a layer of oxide on the steel. Like rust. Stainless doesn't react the same way due to its rust resistance. Can probably still do it, but it's going to take a lot longer to get the same effect you'd get on different steel.
@@XShadowAngel Well what we were actually talking about or maybe i didn't mention it was that I had put a very deep matte grey on some utility knife blades that were advertised as stainless and I have no doubt they were stainless. I was making an optical slit with them as my first little diffraction toy. It worked great and fast but this knurled screw barrel did not. It was labelled as 304 stainless. I can't remember how long i boiled or soaked though. thanks as this reminds me I was going to soak overnight and see.
Thank you so much Julien for your support. I'm really pleased that you're happy with this Pro version. I'd like to take this opportunity to announce to all your followers, and in particular those who will be visiting Paris at that time, that I'll be present at the Rencontres du Ciel et de l'Espace, which will be held from November 09 to 11, 2024, at stand 26 (lower level). The Sol'ex will be prominently featured on the stand, and will also be honored with various conferences. So if you'd like to come and say hello, or if you've got a bit of space in your luggage, don't hesitate to drop by the stand - I'd be delighted to chat with you ;)
Great overview! Small addition: StarEx or Solex are designed for short-focus telescopes which give tiny stellar image. Of course it can be used with larger telescopes, just the overall efficiency and possibly spectral resolution (when using wider slit) are lower. They are truely remarkable devices!
Thanks, I’ve been wanting to dig into more science with my AP it’s difficult to sort out what equipment to choose. I have a 3D printer but in the category of not wanting to try and print it myself.
I saw Cuiv's video on testing filters and got interested. I just watched your video and am now hooked!!! I am interested in the StarEx LR (to start). I want to evaluate my filters and dip my toe into nighttime spectroscopy. I see where I can order the StarEx LR 3D print kit ( from Azur3D) When I go to Shelyak, I can only order the StarEx HR kit. Does that kit have the parts necessary to make the StarEx LR?
@@PhotoGuyOmaha For narrowband filters, you will also need a HR spectrograph. Take a look at my filter testing videos. If I remember correctly, I covered that.
I bought that pro version 3D-printed kit from Azur3DPrint and the optical kit from Shelyak for Sol'Ex specifically, probably I'll try to eventually reconfigure it as Star'Ex. Azur3DPrint quality is really nice.
No, it cannot. However, there is a new product on the market: it is called Sunscan. It is an open-source smart spectroheliograph. More information at www.sunscan.net/. I suppose Azur3DPrint may soon sell it too. CS!
The Askar 80 PHQ is a fantastic scope for spectroscopy, I strongly recommend that. The Quatro’s F/ ratio is too low to work well with a high resolution spectrograph (and most spectrographs in general) CS!
@@boletaso I strongly recommend to start with high resolution spectroscopy. Low resolution spectroscopy is much much more challenging (calibration is significantly more difficult than with high resolution). And with the HR kit, use your Askar 80 PHQ. You will great results!
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* Agena Astro: bit.ly/487tmnj
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* Amazon: bit.ly/darkskygeek-amazon-affiliate-link
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* Send a donation via PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=49UXY8F6VVYFA
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If you want to blacken stainless steel , boil it in vinegar. Not jet black result but a very dark, matte grey.
Excellent tip! Thanks!
@@darkskygeek And just to prove it, I once again threw some 304 stainless in some boiling vinegar and it came out the same way it went in . Strange. Utility knife blades come out a deep dark grey but 304 knurled thumb screws don't budge. I'll give it another go over the next few days, It's been so long I may have simply not left it in long enough.
@@SmeeUncleJoe It's because what you're doing with the vinegar is essentially placing a layer of oxide on the steel. Like rust.
Stainless doesn't react the same way due to its rust resistance. Can probably still do it, but it's going to take a lot longer to get the same effect you'd get on different steel.
@@XShadowAngel Well what we were actually talking about or maybe i didn't mention it was that I had put a very deep matte grey on some utility knife blades that were advertised as stainless and I have no doubt they were stainless. I was making an optical slit with them as my first little diffraction toy. It worked great and fast but this knurled screw barrel did not. It was labelled as 304 stainless. I can't remember how long i boiled or soaked though. thanks as this reminds me I was going to soak overnight and see.
Thank you so much Julien for your support. I'm really pleased that you're happy with this Pro version. I'd like to take this opportunity to announce to all your followers, and in particular those who will be visiting Paris at that time, that I'll be present at the Rencontres du Ciel et de l'Espace, which will be held from November 09 to 11, 2024, at stand 26 (lower level). The Sol'ex will be prominently featured on the stand, and will also be honored with various conferences. So if you'd like to come and say hello, or if you've got a bit of space in your luggage, don't hesitate to drop by the stand - I'd be delighted to chat with you ;)
Just got my Star'ex pro as well and working on assembly... I have the same plan to build a low res version as well
Thank you so very much for sharing this VALUABLE information!!
Great overview!
Small addition: StarEx or Solex are designed for short-focus telescopes which give tiny stellar image. Of course it can be used with larger telescopes, just the overall efficiency and possibly spectral resolution (when using wider slit) are lower. They are truely remarkable devices!
With reducer, I have a 280mm aperture fl1670mm f6.3 scope, is there some adaptation required for star'ex hr kit for this scope?
Excellente vidéo merci ;-)
Thanks, I’ve been wanting to dig into more science with my AP it’s difficult to sort out what equipment to choose. I have a 3D printer but in the category of not wanting to try and print it myself.
I saw Cuiv's video on testing filters and got interested. I just watched your video and am now hooked!!! I am interested in the StarEx LR (to start). I want to evaluate my filters and dip my toe into nighttime spectroscopy. I see where I can order the StarEx LR 3D print kit ( from Azur3D) When I go to Shelyak, I can only order the StarEx HR kit. Does that kit have the parts necessary to make the StarEx LR?
No, you need to find the LR kit on the Shelyak website. If needed, contact them via email.
@@darkskygeek Thank you. I assume the LR is what I need to test filters, right?
@@PhotoGuyOmaha For narrowband filters, you will also need a HR spectrograph. Take a look at my filter testing videos. If I remember correctly, I covered that.
Amazing! I looked this kit is about $300. Is that right?
Yup, although with 20% off and with shipping, it should be about $260.
I bought that pro version 3D-printed kit from Azur3DPrint and the optical kit from Shelyak for Sol'Ex specifically, probably I'll try to eventually reconfigure it as Star'Ex. Azur3DPrint quality is really nice.
Contact Vincent and ask him if he can sell you the guiding module only. Let him know Dark Sky Geek sent you 😉 Clear skies!
Can the Star or Sol Ex spectrograph be used with smart telescopes like Seestar 50/30?
No, it cannot. However, there is a new product on the market: it is called Sunscan. It is an open-source smart spectroheliograph. More information at www.sunscan.net/. I suppose Azur3DPrint may soon sell it too. CS!
I have an 80phq and a Skywatcher Quattro 200p + ASI2600mm, which scope will be better for spectroscopy ?
The Askar 80 PHQ is a fantastic scope for spectroscopy, I strongly recommend that. The Quatro’s F/ ratio is too low to work well with a high resolution spectrograph (and most spectrographs in general) CS!
@@darkskygeek Then the kit is the best kit for my setup is the LR one am I right ?
@@boletaso I strongly recommend to start with high resolution spectroscopy. Low resolution spectroscopy is much much more challenging (calibration is significantly more difficult than with high resolution). And with the HR kit, use your Askar 80 PHQ. You will great results!
@@darkskygeek Another question, can I use the sol'ex with my 80phq or do I need another refractor ?
@@boletaso You don't need another refractor. Your Askar 80 PHQ will work perfectly well!
And the videos are in English?
Yes, why not? 😁 Note that on RUclips, you can display subtitles in a different language if English is not your cup of tea. CS!
@@darkskygeek previous videos were in French (of Christian Buil, I mean) and English subtitles were not available.
Oh! You were referring to Christian’s videos? Yes, they are in French with English subtitles.
@@darkskygeek thanks! Keep up the good work !