Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 07/11/2016 - 21:34
I have seen that several observers are using the spike-a-flat panels for flats. Can anyone give me an idea as to how this panel does with Ic filters? My EL panel is rather difficient in Ic-range emmission and I am thinking to switch.
In addition, does anyone use this panel for remote operations? If so, might I contact you offline to ask some questions?
Thanks, Ed
Hi Ed
I have one of these ELU panels. I do not use it unless in a pinch. I beleive that they are all deficient in Ic. Mine is. Just the nature of the beast. I suggest the Henden Panel. Use grain of wheat bulbs. make a ring at telescope, and secure a white panel. That is if you must use a Panel.
Tried almost everything and then some, I use the Twilight flats--they too have issues, but I seem to get the best results with them. You have to have a good proceedure and getting more than about 3 bands is a challenge.
Gary
Thanks, Gary. I guess I will stick with twilight flats for now .
Ed
I've installed an Alnitak FlatMan XL for panel flats on my 14", taken near first dawn twilight almost every observing night. At full panel power, Ic flats require exposures of about 13-15 seconds, which is longer than I'd like of course (V and Rc are ~2 seconds at ~ 1/2 power). The resulting flats are quite good.
I don't know about other panels--but at the attractive prices I've recently seen, if Ic exposures proved too long, I'd be tempted to open the panel up and try hacking it by adding a few (very cheap) infrared LEDs.