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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
  • Features a high-dispersion 2400 gr/mm holographic grating
  • Includes all optical components to build a Sol'Ex and then a Star'Ex HR
  • For the 3D-printed Star'Ex project proposed by Christian Buil
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  • Shelyak Optical kit for Star'Ex HR spectrograph - complete set

    This Shelyak optical kit provides the core components for a high-resolution, 3D-printed instrument capable of achieving a spectral resolution from R=700 up to R=30,000. It operates across the visible spectrum from 400 nm to 700 nm using a 2400 gr/mm holographic grating with an internal reduction ratio of 125:80 from its 80 mm collimator and 125 mm objective. This complete set includes all optics needed to build both the Sol'Ex solar spectrograph and the Star'Ex HR stellar spectrograph, for spectra of bright objects (stars, nebulae and more) with great detail in the spectral profile.

    A DIY Spectrograph with R=30,000 Resolution

    This kit contains the essential optical elements to construct your own Star'Ex High Resolution (HR) spectrograph, a project developed by Christian Buil. You make the parts by 3D printing (or have them made), then assemble the instrument with the optics from this kit. Resolving power ranges from R = 700 to R = 30,000 depending on the slit width chosen.

    As a key feature of the project, this complete kit also includes all the optical components required to first build a Sol'Ex instrument for solar spectroscopy. Start with the Sol'Ex build to gain experience before converting it to the Star'Ex HR configuration for nighttime targets.

    Core Optics: 80mm Collimator, 2400 gr/mm Grating, and 125mm Objective

    The Sol'Ex part of the kit holds an 80 mm collimator doublet, a 2400 gr/mm holographic grating and a 125 mm objective doublet, plus the 7/10 µm slit.

    • 80 mm Collimator: A 25.4 mm diameter doublet (OP0176).
    • 2400 gr/mm Grating: A 25 x 25 mm holographic grating (OP0177).
    • 125 mm Objective: A 25.4 mm diameter doublet (OP0181); the internal reduction ratio is 125:80.

    Dual GEN 2 Slits for Solar and Stellar Work

    Shelyak's resolution range (R = 700 to 30,000) depends on the slit width chosen. The kit includes two GEN 2 slits.

    • Sol'Ex Slit: A GEN 2 reflective slit with two positions, 7 µm and 10 µm wide and 6 mm long (SE0289), for the Sol'Ex configuration.
    • Star'Ex Slit: A GEN 2 multi-width slit with four positions: 14 µm, 20 µm, 26 µm, and 32 µm. These several widths let you adapt the Star'Ex configuration to the size of your telescope and the spectral resolution you want.

    The Star'Ex HR Guiding Path Components

    These elements are for guidance / Star'Ex.

    • Guiding Doublets: Two 12.5 mm diameter doublets with a 50 mm focal length (OP0080).
    • Mirror: A 15 x 15 mm mirror, 3 mm thick (OP0010).

    Completing Your Build Beyond the Optics

    This is a kit of optical components only. To assemble a functional Sol'Ex or Star'Ex HR spectrograph, you must source several other parts. A dedicated website gives all the information you need to assemble and operate the instrument.

    You will need to acquire the following items separately:

    • 3D-Printed Parts: The main body of the spectrograph is 3D printed. The necessary files are available for download from Christian Buil's project website.
    • Mechanical Hardware: The kit is fully compatible with the mechanical kits offered by Azur3dPrint.
    • Cameras: Cameras are not included.
    • Adapters: Adapters are not included.

    This Complete Kit vs. the Star'Ex HR Add-On Kit

    Shelyak offers two paths for building a Star'Ex HR spectrograph. Your choice depends on whether you are starting from scratch or already own a Sol'Ex.

    • This Complete Kit (ES0038): Everything to build a Sol'Ex or a Star'Ex HR: the grating, collimator, objective, both slits and the guidance elements.
    • Star'Ex HR Add-On Kit (ES0037): If you have already built a Sol'Ex, you only need this smaller kit. It contains just the parts to convert your Sol'Ex into a Star'Ex HR: the two 50 mm guiding doublets, the 15 x 15 mm mirror, and the multi-width 14-32 µm slit.

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

    This kit provides all the necessary optical components to build a Star'Ex High Resolution (HR) spectrograph. Star'Ex lets you observe the spectra of bright objects (stars, nebulae and more) at high resolution, with great detail in the spectral profile. It also holds the optics for a Sol'Ex.

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

    This is an optics-only kit. To complete the project, you will need to source or fabricate the following items separately, with instructions found on the project website:

    • 3D-Printed Body: Files are available from Christian Buil's project website.
    • Mechanical Parts: The kit is compatible with Azur3dPrint mechanical kits.
    • Adapters: To connect the spectrograph to your specific telescope and camera.
    • Cameras: Not included.

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

    Resolving power ranges from R = 700 to R = 30,000 depending on the slit width chosen, with the 2400 gr/mm grating. Which slit gives which figure is not specified.

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

    Vega is a bright A-type star with strong Balmer absorption lines (H-alpha at 656 nm, H-beta at 486 nm, H-gamma at 434 nm). At high resolution you record a part of the spectrum at a time and see the shape of a line in detail.

    Which telescope can I use with the Star'Ex HR?

    There is no telescope list for the Star'Ex HR; the multi-width slit lets you adapt the configuration to the size of your telescope. See the Star'Ex project website for telescope matching and the adapters you need.

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

    This range covers the entire visible light spectrum. 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 Sun-like stars.
    • Magnesium triplet (~517 nm) and many other metallic lines.
    • Hydrogen-gamma (434 nm) in the violet part of the spectrum.

    Why does this Shelyak kit include parts for a Sol'Ex and a Star'Ex?

    The Star'Ex project is an evolution of the Sol'Ex (solar explorer) project. This complete kit provides all the optics to build a Sol'Ex first, the solar instrument. Start with the Sol'Ex; then the additional elements (guidance doublets, mirror and multi-width slit) turn it into a Star'Ex HR for bright stars and other objects.

  • Spectral Resolution R = 700 to R = 30,000 (depending on slit width)
    Wavelength Range 400 nm to 700 nm
    Internal Reduction Ratio 125 : 80
    Grating Holographic, 2400 gr/mm, 25 x 25 mm
    Slits GEN 2 reflective 7 and 10 µm (Sol'Ex); GEN 2 multi-width 14, 20, 26, 32 µm (Star'Ex)
    Collimator Doublet, 25.4 mm diameter, 80 mm focal length
    Objective Doublet, 25.4 mm diameter, 125 mm focal length

    • Collimator doublet, 25.4 mm diameter, 80 mm focal length (OP0176)

      × 1

    • Objective doublet, 25.4 mm diameter, 125 mm focal length (OP0181)

      × 1

    • Holographic grating, 2400 gr/mm, 25 x 25 mm (OP0177)

      × 1

    • GEN 2 reflective slit, 7 and 10 µm wide, 6 mm long (SE0289)

      × 1

    • Doublet, 12.5 mm diameter, 50 mm focal length (OP0080)

      × 2

    • Mirror, 15 x 15 mm, 3 mm thick (OP0010)

      × 1

    • GEN 2 multi-width slit, 14, 20, 26, 32 µm (SE0288)

      × 1

  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty