OK - I understand your situation and admire your perseverance! Nice looking little tracking mount and tripod - that should be fine for the sun. As you (and I say), I suspect focusing is a problem. A camera with flip-out screen would certainly make that easier.

Also, try Live View if you can - with magnified zoom on the edge of the sun.

Was the Thousand Oaks filter supposed to be for photography? Some filters intended solely for visual use tend to have that fog around the sun. (Your eyes are better at mentally filtering that out than is your camera!)

Please feel free to ask more questions!

Dave