The ongoing Seestar Low resolution Stellar Spectra Project.

 

Two grating holders and one hood 3d printed in the Clean Room at the JPO.

" Our engineer, Jolene McSquint-Fleming, has moved the project from 'prototype' to 'proof' status. The 'Low resolution spectrometer will comprise of three parts:  the grating holder, a holographic printed transmission grating and a hood to minimise stray light and reflections. The 3d printed holder was made using 'ferrous' infill PLA so will affix magnetically to the Seestar S30 in front of it's objective lens. A 4 mm. wide strip of holographic diffraction grating will be bonded with super glue to the studs on the holder. The grating will only partially cover the Seestar's lens and  sensor to ensure the Seestar goto and guidance system continue  to function  and to avoid frame rejection because of false star movements detected. The hood printed from PETG will be painted internally  with BLX3.0 light absorbing black paint and glue bonded to the other side of the holder. We intend to manufacture three units using gratings of : 50lines/mm, 80lines/mm and 100lines/mm. We are hoping our collaborator Professor Chrissy H will write a 2d spectral processing app, which does not require both Zero and First Order spectra to be on the Seestar camera sensor at the same time. Both the 50 and 80 lines/mm units allow both spectral orders to fit on the S30 sensor if diagonally orientated. The unit has been designed for use with the S30 but may work as well  or better with the S30 Pro and S50 Pro. Subject to this unit working well all details and files will be made available open source." - Joel Cairo CEO of the Jodrell Plank Observatory. 

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