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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere Solar Filter
Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere Solar Filter

Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere Solar Filter

by Daystar Filters
SKU DAY-DSZCC
$1,295.00 - $1,295.00
$1,295.00
$1,295.00 - $1,295.00
$1,295.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Filter for Chromosphere Viewing
  • Optimized for Long Focal Ratio Telescopes (f/15+)
  • All-in-One, Eyepiece-Sized Design
  • Low-Power USB Operation
  • Requires Off-Axis ERF for SCT/Maks (Sold Separately)
1 in stock
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere Solar Filter

    The Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere Solar Filter is an all-in-one Hydrogen-Alpha "eyepiece" designed to reveal the Sun's dynamic surface. It converts long focal ratio telescopes like Schmidt-Cassegrains, Maksutovs, and refractors with focal ratios of f/15 or longer into dedicated solar instruments. This model is specifically qualified to show chromosphere detail, bringing features like plages and filaments into high contrast at the 656nm wavelength using a simple 5v USB power source.

    Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Observing for Long Focal Ratio Telescopes

    This Combo Quark is engineered specifically for telescopes with long focal ratios, from f/15 to f/30. This makes it a perfect match for most Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes, which natively operate at these focal ratios, as well as long refractors. The design leverages the native focal length of these instruments to achieve the correct telecentric beam for the internal Fabry-Perot etalon without additional optical components.

    All-in-One Design: Simplified H-Alpha Viewing at 656nm

    Daystar's all-in-one design integrates the adapters, snout, and hydrogen-alpha filter into a single, lightweight, eyepiece-sized unit. This eliminates the complexity and cost of assembling a separate filter system. The internal optics feature baffles to increase contrast and anti-reflection coatings optimized for the 656nm H-alpha wavelength, ensuring you see the highest-contrast view of the solar chromosphere.

    USB Power and Critical Safety Requirements

    The Quark's internal etalon requires precise heating, which is managed by a low-draw system powered by a standard 5v USB connection. This allows you to power the filter all day from a small portable battery pack or the included wall adapter. For safe operation on an SCT or Maksutov, you must use a telescope-specific, off-axis Energy Rejection Filter (ERF). Using the Quark on these designs without an ERF will cause permanent damage to your telescope's secondary mirror.

    Combo Quark Chromosphere vs. Prominence: Choosing Your Target

    Daystar offers two versions of the Combo Quark, qualified for different solar features. This Chromosphere model is the ideal choice if your primary interest is surface detail.

    • Chromosphere Model (This Product): Optimized for maximum contrast on features across the solar disk. You will see bright plages around sunspots, dark, snaking filaments, and the granular texture of the solar surface with exceptional clarity.
    • Prominence Model: This variant is optimized for the slightly different tuning needed to see features on the limb of the Sun. It excels at showing faint, eruptive prominences against the blackness of space, though surface detail will appear softer.

  • What is the difference between the Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere and Prominence models?

    The Chromosphere model is tuned for the highest contrast on the Sun's surface, making it ideal for viewing filaments, plages, and sunspot details. The Prominence model is tuned to best show the fainter details on the solar limb, such as loops and eruptions against the black background of space.

    Why do I need an ERF with the Combo Quark for my SCT?

    An Energy Rejection Filter (ERF) is a critical safety component that must be placed at the front of your Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov telescope. It reflects most of the Sun's heat and light before it enters the optical tube. Without an ERF, the concentrated energy would destroy your telescope's secondary mirror and potentially damage the Quark filter.

    Can I use the Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere on my f/7 refractor?

    No, this Combo Quark model is designed for telescopes with focal ratios of f/15 or longer. Using it on a faster f/7 refractor would require a 2x or greater Barlow lens to slow the light cone down to the required focal ratio for the filter to work correctly. For faster refractors, Daystar offers other Quark models designed for that purpose.

    How do I power the Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere in the field?

    The filter is powered via a standard USB port, requiring a 5v, 1.5amp source. You can use the included wall adapter or, for field use, a small, palm-sized USB battery pack. This low power consumption allows for a full day of observing from a typical portable power bank.

    What kind of solar details will the Combo Quark Chromosphere show on the Sun's surface?

    This model is optimized for surface detail. On an active day, you can expect to see filaments (dark, rope-like structures), plages (bright regions often surrounding sunspots), and the fine, mottled pattern of the solar granulation. It provides a dynamic, high-contrast view of the Sun's chromosphere.

    Does the Daystar Combo Quark Chromosphere have a specific FWHM bandpass rating?

    No, Daystar does not assign a specific Full-Width Half-Maximum (FWHM) bandpass to the Quark models. Instead, each unit is qualified based on its intended visual target—either prominence or chromosphere detail—to ensure it is optimized for that specific observing goal.

  • Product Type All-in-One Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Filter
    Target Wavelength 656nm (Hydrogen-Alpha)
    Primary Observing Target Solar Chromosphere (Surface Detail)
    Telescope Compatibility f/15 to f/30 SCTs, Maksutovs, and Refractors
    Power Requirement USB 5v 1.5amp
    Included Power Adapter 90-240VAC with international plug adapters
    Eyepiece Connection Brass compression ring
    ERF Requirement Required for SCT/Maks (Off-axis type, sold separately)
    Technology Daystar Filters Fabry Perot etalon
    Storage Included Twist-Case
  • Daystar Filters Warranty