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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.
Shelyak Optical kit for Star'Ex HR spectrograph - complete set

Shelyak Optical kit for Star'Ex HR spectrograph - complete set

by Shelyak
SKU SHK-ES0038
$545.00 - $545.00
$545.00
$545.00 - $545.00
$545.00
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  • Achieve spectral resolutions from R=700 up to R=30,000
  • Covers the visible spectrum with a 400 nm to 700 nm wavelength range
  • Designed as the optical core for a DIY 3D-printed spectrograph
  • Features an internal focal reduction ratio of 125:80
  • Includes the latest GEN 2 slit for improved results
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty

  • Optical kit for Star'Ex HR spectrograph - complete set

    This optical kit for the Star'Ex HR spectrograph provides the core components for a high-resolution, 3D-printed instrument capable of achieving a spectral resolution from R=700 to R=30,000. It operates across the visible spectrum from 400 nm to 700 nm and features an internal reduction ratio of 125:80, allowing you to capture detailed spectral profiles of stars, nebulae, and other bright celestial objects.

    Build the R=30,000 Star'Ex HR Spectrograph

    This kit contains the essential optical elements to construct your own Star'Ex High Resolution (HR) spectrograph, a project designed by Christian Buil. It enables the detailed study of stellar spectra, revealing chemical compositions and radial velocities with a precision determined by your choice of slit width, reaching up to an impressive R=30,000.

    Variable Spectral Resolution from R=700 to R=30,000

    The Star'Ex HR's primary strength is its adaptability. By swapping slits, you can adjust the spectral resolution from R=700 for quick surveys of fainter objects to an extremely high R=30,000 for resolving fine details in the spectral lines of bright stars. The operational wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm ensures full coverage of the visible spectrum, from deep violet to red.

    A 125:80 Ratio Foundation for Your 3D-Printed Spectrograph

    Engineered as the heart of a DIY project, this kit is fully compatible with the 3D printing files available on Christian Buil’s website and mechanical kits from Azur3dPrint. The internal 125:80 reduction ratio is a key design parameter for matching your telescope's focal ratio to your imaging camera. Please note this is an opticals-only kit; it does not include any 3D-printed parts, mechanical hardware, adapters, or cameras.

  • What is the Star'Ex HR Optical Kit used for?

    This kit provides all the necessary optical components to build a Star'Ex High Resolution (HR) spectrograph. This instrument is used to analyze the light from celestial objects like stars and nebulae, splitting it into a spectrum to study their chemical composition, temperature, and motion.

    What else do I need to build the complete Star'Ex HR spectrograph?

    This is an opticals-only kit. To complete the project, you will need to source or fabricate the following items separately:

    • 3D-Printed Body: Files are available from Christian Buil's website.
    • Mechanical Parts: Screws and other hardware, potentially available in kits from vendors like Azur3dPrint.
    • Adapters: To connect the spectrograph to your specific telescope and camera.
    • Imaging and Guiding Cameras: A main camera for capturing the spectrum and potentially a second for guiding.

    How does the Star'Ex HR achieve a resolution up to R=30,000?

    The spectral resolution (R) is directly dependent on the width of the entrance slit. The Star'Ex HR design allows you to use different slits. A very narrow slit is used to achieve the highest resolution of R=30,000, which allows for extremely fine detail in the spectrum, though it requires a brighter target and good seeing.

    What details can I see in the spectrum of a star like Vega (Alpha Lyrae) with the Star'Ex HR?

    With the Star'Ex HR at high resolution, you can easily resolve the deep, broad absorption lines of the Balmer series (Hydrogen-alpha, beta, gamma) in Vega's spectrum. At the highest resolutions, you may also be able to detect much finer metallic lines and study the precise profile of the hydrogen lines to understand the star's atmospheric properties.

    Will the Star'Ex HR kit work with my 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope?

    Yes, the Star'Ex HR is well-suited for common telescopes like an 8" f/10 SCT. The spectrograph's internal 125:80 reduction ratio helps to optimize the focal ratio for the camera sensor, which is beneficial when starting with a longer f-ratio telescope. You will need to ensure you have the correct adapters to physically connect the spectrograph to your telescope's visual back.

    What does the 400 nm to 700 nm wavelength range of the Star'Ex HR cover?

    This range covers the entire visible light spectrum that the human eye can see. It allows you to study many of the most important spectral features, including:

    • Hydrogen-alpha (656 nm) and Hydrogen-beta (486 nm) lines in nebulae and stars.
    • Sodium D lines (589 nm), which are prominent in stars like our Sun.
    • Calcium H & K lines (~393-397 nm) at the very edge of the violet range.
  • Spectral Resolution R = 700 to R = 30,000 (depending on slit width)
    Wavelength Range 400 nm – 700 nm
    Internal Reduction Ratio 125 : 80

    • Complete Optical Element Set for Star'Ex HR

      Includes all mirrors, lenses, grating, and slit required for the project.

  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty