Solar filter cap for National Geographic CF114 and Orion XT8

I wanted a solar filter holder for both my Orion Xt8 and my National Geographic CF114 telescopes. I could have designed two separate holders, but I'd rather store one. The holder will fit both the Orion XT8 and National Geographic CF114 telescopes. The holder is designed for a Thousand Oaks 6"x6" solar filter (https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Oaks-Optical-Telescopes-Binoculars/dp/B01770FDAC?dchild=1&keywords=thousand+oaks+filter&qid=1615679018&s=electronics&sr=1-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=drcameron-20&linkId=8c423022af6f0b9a6153001dc4770ed5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl). You shouldn't need to cut the filter. The opening has a 128mm diameter. I also included a cover that is 135mm in diameter if just using this for the Orion XT8. If you just want a cover for the CF114, use the design by TrustDavid for the Celestron 114. The CF114mm telescope is perfect for solarobservation. The 500mm focal length allows the entire solar disc to be captured in one frame when a camera is mounted in prime focus.

The XT8 cap has 4 tabs that can be trimmed with wire cutters or an xacto knife for a snug fit.

I printed the main cap in polycarbonate to handle potential high temps. PLA will probably be fine, but I would avoid printing in black to avoid overheating. I used PLA for the cover insert and its been fine so far.

Print Solar filter holder orion XT8.stl and either Solar filter holder 114mm.stl or Orion XT8 filter cover.stl.

Place the Thousand Oaks filter in the the square indent on the Solar filter holder orion XT8.stl. The shiny surface should be pointing out to the opening. Then press either the Solar filter holder 114mm.stl or Orion XT8 filter cover.stl on top, locking it in place with the clips. If desired, add tape as an additional security measure.

I store it by taping the original cardboard cover to the front and back.

Never look directly into the sun without the filter. You can also use the filter alone, just looking through it. You can even set it up in front of a camera and take photos of the sun if desired. I use it to locate exactly where the sun is in the sky.

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