Astrophoto, Review

Daystar Quark mod

Now previously I mentioned that the one thing I was not happy with construction wise with the Daystar Quark was the eyepiece holder. Hence I decided to do a mod of this with some parts I already own, and an adapter which I bought from First Light Optics.

Just to prove the point, I have included photos of the Quark eyepiece holder and the issue I had with it. It does push the eyepiece or camera towards the opposite side of the thread screw. Not very good quality at all.

Daystar Quark 1.25" eyepiece holder
Daystar Quark 1.25″ eyepiece holder

Just see that gap which becomes visible.

Gap from the brass ring being pushed in by adjustment screw
Gap from the brass ring being pushed in by adjustment screw

Hence my solution was to use my Orion 1.25″ centering adapter, which can be adapted using the FLO Quark – T2 adapter (£22+postage).

Daystar Quark - T2 adapter from FLO
Daystar Quark – T2 adapter from FLO
Adapter mounted on Daystar Quark
Adapter mounted on Daystar Quark

As I had a T2 – M48 adapter ring, I used it to mount the Orion centering adapter onto the Daystar Quark. For those who would rather have a direct fitting adapter, Baader does have two different 1.25″ adapters which have T2 female threads to mount directly onto the FLO Quark adapter (one is a clicklock adapter, the other has 3 tightening screws to ensure better centering).

My Orion centering adapter mounted onto this via T2-M48 adapter
My Orion centering adapter mounted onto this via T2-M48 adapter

I am now very happy with the Daystar Quark.

Boon