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Shelyak Optical kit for Star'Ex LR spectroscope

Shelyak Optical kit for Star'Ex LR spectroscope

by Shelyak
SKU SHK-ES0039
CA$840.00 - CA$840.00
CA$840.00
CA$840.00 - CA$840.00
CA$840.00
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  • Build a complete Star'Ex Low Resolution spectroscope
  • Achieves a typical resolution of R=650 at 650 nm
  • Designed for the visible spectrum from 400 nm to 700 nm
  • Features an 80 mm focal length collimator and objective
  • Includes a GEN 2 multi-width slit (14, 20, 26, 32 µm)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Shelyak Optical kit for Star'Ex LR spectroscope

    This optical kit provides the core components to build your own Star'Ex Low Resolution spectroscope, with a typical resolution of R=650 at 650 nm, for spectra of faint objects across 400 nm to 700 nm. Based on a 1:1 internal ratio with an 80 mm focal length for both the collimator and objective, and including a 300 gr/mm grating, this kit is for the Star'Ex project proposed by Christian Buil, following on from Sol'Ex.

    Build Your Own R=650 Spectroscope

    Star'Ex LR lets you obtain spectra of faint stars and objects such as comets, galaxies and quasars, with a typical resolving power of R=650 at 650 nm.

    Star'Ex LR shows the entire visible spectrum, from blue to red, in a single shot.

    The Star'Ex Optical Path: 6 Core Components for 400-700 nm

    The Star'Ex is built around a simple and effective optical train with a 1:1 internal reduction ratio, using an 80 mm focal length for both the collimator and objective. All the optical elements needed to make a Star'Ex LR are included: slit, grating, lenses and guiding elements.

    • Collimator Doublet (80 mm FL): A 25.4 mm diameter collimator doublet (OP0176).
    • Grating (300 gr/mm): A 300 gr/mm grating blazed at 500 nm (OP0158).
    • Objective Doublet (80 mm FL): An objective doublet optimized for the visible (OP0182).
    • Guiding Optics: A 15x15 mm mirror, 3 mm thick (OP0010), and two 12.5 mm diameter doublets with 50 mm focal length (OP0080); these are the guiding elements.
    • GEN 2 Slit: A multi-position slit with four selectable widths (14, 20, 26, 32 µm) (SE0288), the new GEN 2 slit.

    Completing Your Build: 3D Printing and System Integration

    This is a kit of optical components only. You make the parts by 3D printing, or have them made by a specialist, then assemble the instrument with the optics from this kit.

    To complete your Star'Ex spectroscope, you will need to source the following items separately:

    • 3D-Printed Parts: The main body and all structural components of the spectroscope must be 3D printed. The kit is fully compatible with the 3D printing files on Christian Buil's website, and a dedicated website gives what you need to assemble and operate the instrument.
    • Mechanical Hardware: The kit is also compatible with the mechanical kits offered by Azur3dPrint. Adapters are not included.
    • Cameras: Cameras are not included.

    The GEN 2 Slit: Four Widths from 14 µm to 32 µm

    The kit includes the new GEN 2 multi-width slit with four positions of 14, 20, 26 and 32 µm. A narrower slit gives more resolution and a wider one more light.

    Upgrade Path: Near-Infrared, 650 nm to 1000 nm

    This kit (ES0039) is engineered for the visible spectrum from 400 nm to 700 nm. With Shelyak's separate complementary IR optical kit (ES0033), you modify the Star'Ex LR to explore the near infrared.

    The IR kit holds a 300 gr/mm grating blazed at 1000 nm, a 570 nm order filter (25 mm diameter, 2 mm thick) and an objective optimized for the near infrared (80 mm focal length). With it the range is 650 nm to 1000 nm. It is not included in this kit.

  • What is included in the Shelyak Star'Ex LR optical kit?

    This kit contains only the optical elements required to build a Star'Ex LR spectroscope. It includes the collimator and objective lenses, the 300 gr/mm diffraction grating, the GEN 2 multi-width slit, and the small lenses and mirror for the guiding system. It does not include the 3D-printed housing, mechanical screws, camera adapters, or any cameras.

    What resolution can I expect with the Shelyak Star'Ex LR?

    The Star'Ex LR is designed to achieve a typical resolution of R=650 at a wavelength of 650 nm. Shelyak presents the Star'Ex LR for faint stars and objects such as comets, galaxies and quasars. (The GEN 2 slit in the kit has 14, 20, 26 and 32 µm positions.)

    What else do I need to build a complete Star'Ex LR spectroscope?

    To complete your spectroscope, you will need to provide the following:

    • The 3D-printed body and components, using files from Christian Buil's project website.
    • The mechanical parts (the kit is compatible with Azur3dPrint mechanical kits).
    • An adapter to connect the Star'Ex to your telescope.
    • Cameras.

    What would the Star'Ex LR show on a bright nebula like the Orion Nebula (M42)?

    Nebulae are among Star'Ex targets. A bright emission nebula shows lines such as H-alpha, H-beta and the [O III] lines, all within the 400 to 700 nm range recorded in one shot.

    Can I use the Star'Ex LR on faint objects such as quasars?

    Star'Ex LR targets include faint stars, comets, galaxies and quasars. No limiting magnitude is given, so what you reach depends on your telescope and camera.

    Is this Star'Ex LR kit suitable for infrared (IR) spectroscopy?

    No, this specific kit is optimized for the visible spectrum (400 nm to 700 nm). Shelyak offers a separate, complementary optical kit (ES0033) to modify the Star'Ex LR for near-infrared (IR) observations from 650 nm to 1000 nm. That kit holds a 300 gr/mm grating blazed at 1000 nm, a 570 nm order filter and an IR objective.

    Where do I find the assembly instructions for the Star'Ex LR?

    A dedicated website, from Christian Buil, gives all the information you need to assemble and operate the instrument; the kit is compatible with the 3D printing files there.

  • Resolution (@650 nm) R = 650 typical
    Wavelength Range 400 nm to 700 nm (Visible)
    Internal Reduction Ratio 1:1
    Collimator Focal Length 80 mm
    Objective Focal Length 80 mm
    Grating 300 gr/mm, blazed at 500 nm
    Slit GEN 2 multi-width, 14, 20, 26, 32 µm
    Resolving Power (R) R = 650 typical @ 650 nm

    • Grating, 300 gr/mm, blazed at 500 nm (OP0158)

      × 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

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

      × 1

    • Objective doublet optimized for the visible, 80 mm focal length (OP0182)

      × 1

  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty