lumpy darkness

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019

solar filters for binoculars

For my cheapo Bushnell Ensign 7x50 binoculars, I made some simple solar filters.

For some time I had wanted proper filters for the binoculars but never got around to buy some baader film. Then, one day, after the 2017 solar eclipse, I realised I could easily make some, using an extra pair of eclipse glasses with dual lenses and cardboard frame.

Took a pair of solar eclipse glasses and cut the arms off. Set aside.

Rather than take the solar film out of the eyeglasses, possibly damaging the film along the way, I simply cut the eyeglasses in half.

Then built the tubes around the eyeglasses frame.

They work great.

technical info:

• very simple design
• lenses from an extra pair of Wyoming solar eclipse glasses, the ECLIPSE SHADES manufactured by Rainbow Symphony, Inc
• meets transmission requirement of scale 12-16 of EN 169/1992
• meets requirement for ISO 12312-2:2015
• meets 2012 transmission requirements of EN 1836:2005 & AS/NZS 1338.1:1992 for Eclipse filters
• filter shell or body made from card stock, doubly layered to prevent light leaks
• placed over field lenses of binoculars
• friction fit
• elastic bands keep filters in place in windy conditions
• kept warning labels from glasses

build costs:

• eclipse glasses - free
• office supplies - free
• glue with art supplies - free
• stuff from kitchen - free

time (the non-renewable resource):

• build time: 2 hours

references:

• glasses from Rainbow Symphony

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019

items needed

Tools, equipment, supplies, etc. used.

• parts
  • eclipse glasses with two separate lenses
  • legal-size black file folder
  • 2 elastics bands
  • 2 toothpicks
  • lidded plastic case for storing and transporting
• supplies
  • white glue
  • clear packing tape
• tools
  • scissors
  • X-ACTO knife
  • cutting sheet

And I used a digital camera to photo-document things...

Note: One does not need to go to Wyoming state to get the solar glasses.

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019

blog links - the build

Scattered through the blog proper are detailed reports and updates on the build with some posts showing photos. Reverse chronological order.

• made filters for my binoculars, 4 Mar '18
• extra eclipse glasses, 21 Aug '17

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