Baader solar filter

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chris shaw
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2003 5:16 pm
Location: Newton area

Baader solar filter

Post by chris shaw »

Recently I bought a Kendrick solar filter which uses the Baader astrosolar safety film.

I checked the Baader material against a halogen light and counted at least 50 tiny pinholes <1mm in size. What causes such pinholes? Granted the pinholes are extremely small but isn't it false advertising when the Baader planetarium website says - I quote - "AstroSolar™ is essentially free from pinholes, since - other than with even the most expensive glass filters - it is coated on both sides, so that the chance of two pinholes overlapping each other is extremely faint. Pinholes do appear, but to 1 out of 10000 only in optical density 2.5!" So why do I have 55 such ACTUAL pinholes?? Is this normal?

I am concerned with the quality of the filter as their website claims that pinholes are rare. Any one with similar experience???

Can I cover them with a marker felt pen or will the chemical in the marker cause damage to the coating? (I am thinking of using silver marker color)

Chris
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carlogambino
Posts: 222
Joined: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:10 pm
Location: The Void

Post by carlogambino »

I dont think this is normal, I have Baader astrosolar film myself, cant seem to detect any pinholes against a halogen light.
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MooEy
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Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2003 6:24 am

Post by MooEy »

just curious, did u try them on the sun? real pinholes are suppose to show up as little round circles in the eyepiece when the scope is pointed at the sun.

~MooEy~
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