Electroluminsecent Panel for Flat Frames

[Luigi]

Anyone using an electroluminescent panel for flats?

How did you decide the correct size? Currently I have a 152mm refractor, will an 'A4' size panel be sufficiently large? I'm thinking I hang it on one of my observatory walls and point the scope there.

[pfile]

yes, recently i started using one. i think the one i bought is A4-sized. i just point up, lay it on top of the objective of my C8 or of my 200mm lens and put a paperback book on top.

i'm not sure how far away you can put such a small panel and still have it work, i have never experimented with it.

[Luigi]

Thanks. I suppose I could hang the panel just in front of the dewshield and I'll be OK.

Is a laptop screen a good alternative until I get an ELP?

[pfile]

yeah, you could do that. i have heard of people using their laptop screens for this purpose. i've never tried it though.

[Luigi]

BTW where did you get yours?

[chris.bailey]

I use one of the Gard Newmann ones that are circular. I found the cheaper ones, whilst ok for LRGB, didnt give decent results with narrowband. Since using it I have got flats that actually work!

[georg.viehoever]

I use one of the Gard Newmann ones that are circular. I found the cheaper ones, whilst ok for LRGB, didnt give decent results with narrowband. Since using it I have got flats that actually work!

You probably mean Gerd Neumann http://www.gerdneumann.net/v2/english/eng_aurora_flatfield_panels.html. Yes, these are good!

Georg

[chris.bailey]

I use one of the Gard Newmann ones that are circular. I found the cheaper ones, whilst ok for LRGB, didnt give decent results with narrowband. Since using it I have got flats that actually work!

You probably mean Gerd Neumann http://www.gerdneumann.net/v2/english/eng_aurora_flatfield_panels.html. Yes, these are good!

Georg

Darnit, looks like the one I got is a fake :-)

[Lex]

Hi,

The ELP's of Gerd Neumann are the best considering the luminance uniformity.
I collect my Flats scope/mount in park position and the ELP fixed to the scope with little magnets. ( not ideal for automated setups )
If you have an automated setup it is possible to use it just like a dome flat, just be sure that there is no direct light source causing reflections on the ELP.

I tried the use of the LapTop screen also with a very non-uniform result ( unless you have a real good LED screen i would not opt for this )

[pfile]

BTW where did you get yours?

well, i just got some el-cheapo one from fleabay (direct from china). you know, because we jam econo over here. i should measure the spectrum and see if it's any good.