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.
