Sun filter for Vaonis Hestia

I did not order the Eclipse pack from Vaonis when I backed the project. But I end up wanting to make some solar observation now.

But Vaonis do not sell standalone solar filters for Hestia.

I designed my own, including protective covers.

Note: I also made a protective cover for Hestia's lens. It's available here.

Obviously, you cannot print the solar lens, but you can make one, using some specific film. I bought one on Amazon: Baader Planetarium AstroSolar filter. I guess you can use some other similar product.

Just follow the instructions of the sheet provider until you get a 50mm diameter cardboard-sandwich ring with the film showing a 40mm lens in the middle. The process is quite simple but requires a lot of precision and patience. Consider buying white cotton gloves so you never touch the film with your fingers. And you will need wide double-sided tape.

Watch the pictures for assembly tips

Then all you have to do is to cautiously put a thin layer of neoprene glue around the flat part of the Filter holder (slots down under). You can put some thin layer of glue around the ring too. Let it dry a few minutes as you normally do with neoprene glue.

Gently lay the cardboard ring that holds the film on the glued Filter holder, center it as much as possible and do not touch the film with your fingers.

Finally cover the whole with the Filter crown and you are done.

Protective covers

The protective covers should be printed with TPU. You can use a rubber band to keep everything together while on the move. I designed grooves on each side so it won't slip.