Equipment for Solar observations
The iOptron GEM 28 mount. This has more than enough capacity for the Lunt 80mm scope. It is computerised and can work as a GoTo mount for night time work as well. The main observatory is visible in the background. Equipment was chosen to be transportable so could be taken on a self-catering holiday.
This is the Lunt day/night telescope fitted with an H-alpha etalon mounted on an iOptron GEM28 mount. This can be used to photograph the chromosphere and prominences. The telescope can be modified by replacing the etalon with an alternative empty body to which a Herschel Wedge is attached. The scope can now be used in white light for photographing the photosphere. The Herschel Wedge can also be removed for night observing.
To use the computer outside a shade is needed. Also there needs to be the possibility of reaching the focus control while looking at the screen. After various trials, a collapsible mdf box was built that could be mounted on an old camera tripod. This allowed height adjustment and could be positioned close to the telescope tripod.