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SPECTROSCOPY INDEX - New

Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph on a C5 Part 1

The Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph is designed to be used with a Celestron C5 or C8 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope operating at f/10.

The Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph uses

The SA100 can be replaced with the Rainbow Optics (RO200) grating or the Rigel Systems RS-Spectroscope.

The output of the grating is viewed with a small telescope for visual use or different types of cameras are used to take images of the spectrum.

The cameras used are

The below photos were taken November 27, 2011 showing the Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph mounted on a Celestron C5 during bench testing. This configuration was use on a Mach1 mount for star testing.


Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph

The aluminum bar on the top of the C5 holds a calibration light in front of the C5 for spectrum calibration.


Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph

The first flip mirror is to roughly position the object near the slit.
The slit is located half way between the back of the first flip mirror and the first T-ring clamp.


Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph

In normal operation the light from the back of the slit goes straight through the second flip mirror to the collimation lens. The collimation lens is to the right of the back second T-ring clamp. The grating is mounted in a T-ring that has the black rubber seal on it. The black rubber seal is moved up against the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 lens.


Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph

In setup operation the light from the back of the slit is directed to a lens on the first flip mirror, a first 90 degree diagonal, a second 90 degree diagonal and to the eyepiece. This optical path views the back of the slit and is used for placing the star in the slit and for focusing the star in the slit. The slit is oriented parallel with the RA so that mount errors moves the star up and down the slit.


Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph


Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph


Versatile Low Resolution Spectrograph

The Meade Deep Sky Imager III™ (DSI Pro III) camera with Nikon 50mm f/1.4 lens is mounted at an angle to view the grating's first order spectrum.