I was able to get some Sun observing done as February ended and I think I have the hang of this thing. I picked up a ASI-178mm for the task because of it's fast capturing speeds. Unfortunately for me, this camera does not play well wth the PST so I had to do some brain storming to get it to come to focus. In the end I am running a 2x barlow directly attached to the camera with the help of some spacers. I did print out a cover that allows the camera to come into focus without the barlow but I think I like the slight size increase with the barlow attached.

I also picked up a Sky-Watcher SolarQuest mount that makes everything so much more enjoyable and easy. I am able to check the GONG report to see if there is anything interesting happening on the Sun and within in minutes I can have my scope setup and tracking the Sun capturing while I sit inside working. I actually got an open box unit at a great price. I don't really feel this mount is worth the cost if you're paying full price, but at half the cost I couldn't pass it up and I am glad I got it.

SolarQuest Mount by Sky-Watcher

Of course I had to upgrade this mount just a bit by replacing that horrible screw type saddle Sky-Watcher uses with a ADM dovetail bar.

SolarQuest with the ADM Dovetail Adapter upgrade

I still need a little more practice with capturing and processing but it's coming along pretty nicely. Here is my latest acquisition. I have learned the early mornings are the best time to capture the sun, unless something spectacular is happing later in the day of course!

The Sun in H-alpha - March 07, 2025

I also began to experiment with capturing mono images of the planets. Unfortunately the planets are starting to shrink in the night sky so I will have to wait for the Summer to continue my analysis but I can see where you do get a better quality image than when capturing on a color camera. I won't post any of my results just yet because they are not that good but I'm looking forward to the Summer for sure.