Cleaning Corrector Plate

[Madanie7]

Hi Guys,

I am a little OCD about cleaning. Is my version of the need to clean the corrector plate highly likely to not be dirty enough. The whole cleaning process freaks me out a little.
Nexstar 6SE scope is say 10-12 uses old.
To look at it, it has the spotty marks of what you'd expect from being outside for an hour to a couple of hours each use. I have never touched it and use a rocket blower to blow off the dust after each use.


How often does everyone's clean their corrector plate?

Cheers
Brendan

[leon]

Ok you probably don't have to do it that often, but don't be afraid of it, give it a quick blow with your blower thingy and then get some Windex, spray it on and wipe clean with a nice soft cloth.

Mate the crap they spread about coatings and all that stuff is crap.

The stuff is tougher than mad out to be, they only do this to cover their own backside.

I clean my Canon 5D sensor with a Lens Pen and it is fine.

Be brave ;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[raymo]

It has to be pretty dirty before it will make the slightest difference
to your viewing experience, a couple of times a year is usually fine.
raymo

[Madanie7]

Thanks guys.
The least amount of times needed the better. I am more worried about scratches than anything.
I have pecpads and eclipse alcohol for when I need it.

[Wavytone]

Brendan,

Telescope optics are best left alone. Despite the best intentions, more you fiddle or "clean" the more likely you are to do some damage starting with sleeks or fine scratches or possibly damaging the coatings, or getting a trace of solvent inside and unable to get it out without total dismantling.

If you are a bit OCD then think of it as "don't touch !".

If you defocus a star and don't see anything obvious in that patch of light, don't touch the optics. Only if you see obvious blobs would I suggest cleaning.

The other thing is to keep it stored in clean air - ideally a garage - not indoors. The reason is that household air is loaded with fine grease that over several years slowly contaminates the exterior and even the interior. Similar to the grey film that accumulates on the inside of windows.

[Madanie7]

Thanks for the advice. :)