solar imaging with daystar quark and z61 - Forums

Topic starter

Oct 28, 2024

Good evening everyone I need some help, I recently purchased a daystar quark and I am trying to image using a WO ZS61 telescope. I have tries everything and no matter what I cant seem to be able to see anything. I was wondering if anyone using this same setup could explain their stack up when they image.

My current setup
ZS61
daystar quark
ZWO Asi385mc

Anything helps, Thank you.

Josh

Oct 28, 2024

you need extension tubes…..lots and lots of extension tubes. I've got this setup and it's been a long time since i've used it, but from memory, something like 100mm of extensions were needed.

hughsie

Oct 28, 2024

I started with this set up and I just placed the Quark in the diagonal as if it was an eyepiece and it worked fine.

Z61 -> Diagonal -> Quark -> Camera

All I would add is if all this is on an equatorial mount, then once you have the Sun in view rotate the diagonal so the Quark is vertical and ensure the diagonal is secure.

Helpful

Thomas

IOTD Staff

Oct 28, 2024

Is the problem not getting the Sun in view or not able to achieve focus with the Quark?

If you are having problems getting the Sun in the field of view, something like a Solar Finder to attach to your scope would help. Other methods include looking at the shadow your scope makes on the ground and moving the scope around to "circularize" the shadow. Or a more dangerous method is to remove the Quark and watch for the bright spot to appear like a magnifying glass on some medium like a sheet of paper or cardboard. DO NOT look through the scope or hold anything there too long while doing this method.

If it is a focus problem, then the above mentioned comment of getting some extension tubes should help.

Helpful Respectful Supportive

Related discussions

Problem ZWO ASI 662 and SW 150/750

Hi everyone. I'm new to this, and yesterday was the first time I tried attaching the camera to the telescope. I have the Skywatcher Newton 150/750 PDS and the ZWO ASI662 camera. When I tried it with the camera and its original head, I was able to...

ZWO camera troubleshooting with telescope setup similar to author's configuration.

Jul 26, 2025

ASI 585MC Air gain and exposure clarification

My new setup just came in, and im kinda new with the zwo cameras. I have a ASI585MC Air and i was wondering how to setup the gain. I currently have an Askar 71f (without the reducer) as telescope and i use an Optolong L-enhance filter for nebulae sho...

ZWO ASI camera setup and configuration guidance for new users.

Jan 22, 2026