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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.
Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade - 0.7-0.9Å
Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade
Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade - 0.3-0.5Å
Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade
Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade - 0.7-0.9Å
Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade - 0.3-0.5Å

Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade

by Daystar Filters
SKU DAY-QSE-P
$5,195.00 - $8,995.00
$5,195.00
$5,195.00 - $8,995.00
$5,195.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Choice of 0.7-0.9Å or 0.3-0.5Å Tunable Hydrogen-Alpha Bandpass
  • SE (Standard Edition) Grade for Amateur and Academic Use
  • Live LCD Wavelength Readout with 0.1Å Accuracy
  • Digital Red/Blue Wing Shift Tuning for Doppler Studies
  • 12VDC Operation for Field Use
  • Serial Port for Computer Control
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Daystar Quantum H-alpha Solar Filter - SE Grade

    The Daystar Quantum SE brings precision Hydrogen-Alpha solar observation to any refractor, SCT, or Maksutov, in a choice of two tunable bandpasses: a brighter, more forgiving 0.7-0.9Å filter, or a 0.3-0.5Å filter for maximum contrast on the solar disk. Both share the same digital control system, with a live wavelength readout accurate to 0.1Å, and both run on 12VDC from the included 100-240V international adapter, making them ready for use anywhere in the world.

    Two Bandpass Options: 0.7-0.9Å and 0.3-0.5Å

    Both filters are tunable across their stated range, so the choice is about where that range sits rather than whether the filter can be adjusted. A narrower passband raises contrast on the solar disk; a wider one passes more light and is easier to use.

    • 0.7-0.9Å: the brighter, more versatile choice. The extra light throughput suits prominences on the limb, shorter exposures, smaller apertures, and visual observing in less than perfect seeing.
    • 0.3-0.5Å: the high-contrast choice. The narrower passband isolates the chromosphere more tightly, pulling out filaments, plage, spicules and fine active-region structure on the disk that a wider bandpass washes out.

    Observers who mainly image the solar disk tend to choose 0.3-0.5Å; observers who want one filter to do everything, including bright prominence views, tend to choose 0.7-0.9Å.

    Precision Digital Control with 0.1Å Accuracy

    This filter eliminates guesswork by displaying its exact wavelength output on a live LCD, accurate to 0.1Å. For dynamic events, red and blue wing shift buttons let you precisely tune the bandpass off the central H-alpha line. This capability is critical for Doppler studies, allowing you to observe the motion of plasma in solar flares and other active regions as it moves toward (blue shift) or away from (red shift) you.

    12VDC Field Operation and Computer Integration

    Designed for portability, the Quantum SE runs on 12VDC power, making it compatible with common field batteries for observing away from home. For stationary setups, a 100-240V power supply with interchangeable wall plates for the US, Europe, UK, and Australia is included. A built-in serial port also allows for computer control, giving you the ability to display the filter's status and wavelength on-screen for remote or automated imaging.

    SE Grade: Professional-Level Features for Visual Astronomy

    The Quantum SE (Standard Edition) grade is engineered for the majority of amateur and academic applications. It meets Daystar's stringent quality control for all visual and most photographic uses, delivering the high-contrast, detailed views the Quantum series is known for. It provides access to advanced features like digital tuning without the stringent optical homogeneity required for specialized professional research.

    Quantum SE vs. PE Grade: Choosing the Right Filter

    Daystar offers two tiers for its Quantum filters, and the choice depends entirely on your application.

    • Quantum PE (Professional Edition): The PE grade's advantage is its superior homogeneity and on-band transmittance values across the entire filter surface. This level of precision is required for professional research studies where quantifiable, uniform data is the primary goal.
    • Quantum SE (Standard Edition): The SE grade is the ideal choice for visual observers and most amateur astrophotographers. It incorporates the same core digital control system and tuning capabilities as the PE grade, delivering scientifically valuable and visually stunning results for a wide range of solar astronomy pursuits.

  • Should I choose the 0.7-0.9Å or the 0.3-0.5Å Quantum SE?

    Choose 0.7-0.9Å if you want one brighter, more forgiving filter for both disk and prominence viewing, or if you are working at a smaller aperture or in average seeing. Choose 0.3-0.5Å if your priority is maximum contrast on disk features such as filaments, plage and spicules. Both are tunable within their range and share the same electronics and controls.

    What is the difference between the Daystar Quantum SE and PE grade filters?

    The Quantum SE grade is designed for amateur and academic visual observation and some photography. The PE (Professional Edition) grade offers higher precision homogeneity and on-band transmittance required for professional research applications where perfectly uniform data across the sensor is critical.

    How do I power the Quantum SE filter in the field?

    The filter operates on 12VDC, making it fully compatible with standard field batteries and portable power supplies. It also includes a universal 100-240V power adapter with international wall plates for home use.

    How can I use the Quantum SE filter's wing shift to observe a solar flare with my 100mm refractor?

    When observing a flare, which involves high-velocity plasma, you can use the red and blue wing shift buttons to tune the filter's bandpass off the central H-alpha line. This allows you to see Doppler-shifted material moving towards you (blue-shifted) or away from you (red-shifted), revealing the flare's dynamic structure through your telescope.

    What does the "on-band" green light on the Quantum SE filter signify?

    The green indicator light confirms that the filter's internal etalon has reached its precise operational temperature and is transmitting the correct Hydrogen-alpha wavelength. This simple feature on the Quantum SE ensures you are ready to observe without any guesswork.

    Can I control the Quantum SE filter with a computer?

    Yes, the Quantum SE filter includes a serial port that allows for computer control. This enables you to view the filter's wavelength readout on-screen and potentially automate tuning for Doppler studies or remote imaging sessions.

  • Filter Type Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Filter
    Grade SE (Standard Edition)
    Bandwidth 0.7Å - 0.9Å or 0.3Å - 0.5Å (tunable, by variant)
    Tuning Digital Red/Blue Wing Shift
    Wavelength Readout Live LCD
    Readout Accuracy 0.1Å
    Power Requirement 12VDC
    Computer Connectivity Serial Port
    Compatibility Refractors, SCTs, Maksutovs
  • Daystar Filters Warranty