spectro-aras.com

Some images of the kit upgrade for Lhires III spectrograph and results here:

http://www.astrosurf.com/buil/lhires3_kit/test.html

One of the interest is the integration of neon-argon calibration lamp in the system (with electric command). The density of calibration lines increase. For exemple, for this spectrum of planetary nebula NGC 2392 (up) the lines used from the spectral lamp (down), first Halpha region:



and Hbeta region:



(C11 + Lhires III with 1800 l/mm, R = 8800)

Christian

Hi Christian and all, I installed the upgrade kit and I was very impressed by the new guiding port. The image clarity and the 0.8x field enlargment give a big advantage with my scope. For example, the comet image in guide camera on 18 feb was a bit brighter than the one obtained with old guiding port on 12 jan. And yet the comet was more than 1.5 mag fainter. Indeed I used the same guiding exposure time for both sessions (0.5 sec). A screenshot during observations:



Another test on a faint target, the quasar APM 08279+5255. I had a previous attempt in december but I could not guide with Lhires III port because there are not suitable stars in the guide camera field, so I used a small optic in parallel (with the known problems due to differential mechanical flexures).

With the upgrade I could use a field star for guiding (about V 13.5). In the next screnshot, on the left a 12s exposure frame used for select the area containing both the target and the guide star, on the right the guiding window (2 sec exp time).



The resulting spectrum (filtered profile):



Concerning the very useful features remotely controllable, I report also here the solution I have adopted that involve a small relay module:

http://quasar.teoth.it/html/USB_relay/USB_relays.htm

The ability to control the spectroscope and telescope by means of the computer is a great advantage also for me (I have the equipment very close). Now I'm able to handle most operations from inside the house. Even just to avoid the cold weather is great!

I appreciated a lot the new upgrade!

Paolo

Wow Paolo ! APM 08279+5255 at mag 15 with a LHIRES is remarkable !

I thought I was doing quite well to catch it with the modified ALPY 200 and C11
on page 8 here http://www.threehillsobservatory.co.uk/ ... r_2014.pdf but I never would have thought it being in range of the
LHIRES 150 and 9.5 inch aperture

A great result
Robin

Hi Robin, I appreciated your comment! I saw your quasar observation with the modified Alpy and I think it's a fantastic result! You have perfectly captured the main profile shape with a single 600s exposure!

Paolo