Amateur Spectroscopy - Part II: A Closer Look At The Spectrograph

Dark Sky Geek
Dark Sky Geek
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Published 2023-04-02
In this video, we take a closer look at Star'Ex, my DIY 3D printed high resolution spectrograph. I explain how it works, and how to build it. I also share a few resources so that you can get started with this project, as well as answer a few of your questions and debunk some common misconception about amateur spectroscopy.

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References:
* Sol'Ex/Star'Ex website (English): www.astrosurf.com/solex/sol-ex-presentation-en.htm…
* Sol'Ex/Star'Ex mailing list (English): groups.io/g/Solex-English
* Christian Buil's YouTube channel (Astro-Spectro): youtube.com/@astro-spectro280
* Azur3DPrint (3D printing company located in France): www.azur3dprint.fr/

Music credits:
* Scott Holmes Music: Feeling Home
* The 126ers: See You On The Other Side

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:43 How does Star'Ex work?
03:58 Building the spectrograph
06:25 Myth #1: Amateurs can't do real science!
08:30 Myth #2: You need a big telescope!
11:45 Myth #3: You need a dark sky!
13:05 Myth #4: Spectroscopy is expensive!
13:54 Conclusion
All Comments (16)
  • @zara8289
    This is so awesome; definitely my next project! Can't wait to see the next video!
  • @jimao22
    Very nice videos, great job indeed! Right now I am in the process of doing my first 3D printed spectroscope - an UVEX4, but the next step is to do the spectroheliograph Sol'EX and the upgraded Star'EX, so I will search for your videos with great interest from now one.
  • @rickbria8420
    Excellent video! I am using a slitless SA100 Grism now, but hope to graduate to a slit system someday. Thanks for the information.
  • @azur3dprint171
    Like Mubrak Alzedi, very nice and clear explanation and thank you so much to talk about my shop 🙏🙏.
  • @MrFrost77
    Nice! I like your videos about spectroscopy a lot! and it definitely got me interested in this field :D
  • @barbaraharris6102
    Great videos. I have just started capturing spectra with a diffraction grating but would like to get to something more advanced.
  • @clarencemumphrey
    Awesome post!! Is there a hardware parts list? I can't find any in the links provided. Thanks for the great info.
  • @barmsoon
    Sheyliak 👍. French tech, let the makerz continue.
  • @MattVentureNL
    If I understood correctly the high res grating has a limited window/bandwidth, and to scan other wavelengths you rotate the grating wheel manually. If you would put a stepper on the grating wheel, could you sweep the wavelengths automatically to get a high res yet broader bandwidth? Maybe record as SER and with the setpoint for the grating stitch the spectra together?
  • @bodi6929
    Just ordered the 3D printed Star’Ex. Where can I get the neon bulb light attachment you have for calibration? Thank you!
  • @SmeeUncleJoe
    Is the slit supposed to be inline, ie parallel with the lines on the grating ? How much error can there be in that alignment ? Thanks.
  • @SmeeUncleJoe
    I already have Ken Harrison's Optio Slit Wheel for Paul Gerlach's LowSpec . Tony Rodda From the SolexGroup has said he made a modified version to accommodate the wheel and a stepper. I am unable to find his version online or contact him. Any suggestions ?