cleaning corrector plate LX200

[Inmykombi]

Does anyone have experience with cleaning the outer surface of a corrector plate on an Meade LX200.
I need to remove what appears to be finger marks and a build up of moisture marks ( ONLY SLIGHT Marks ) on the exterior.
At first I thought it may have been a small build up of mould, perhaps from packing the scope away too quickly after a nights observing.
But I cant tell what it is, and I hope I can remove the annoying marks with cleaning.
The manual says Isopropyl Alcohol and distilled water mixed with one drop of mild detergent.
Is this OK ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Geoff

[h0ughy]

get the jungle juice from Bintel and a couple of microfibre cloths one to use wet the other to dry. that's what i use, I also have the isopropyl alcohol and the distilled water mix but have rarely use it after the Bintel mix. Can also grow hair on your head and cure arthritis!!!

[Omaroo]

Geoff - there are all sorts of ideas on the concoction to use, but you can save yourself a little hassle by getting specifically-mixed UHTC Cleaning Fluid from Bintel. It may be made up of commonly-available ingredients, but you might find your mind at ease a little more by going with what they've formulated.

When you clean it, use clinical-grade (absolutely no oil or scents) tissue swabs and use small SOFT circular motions as you do the corrector cleaning in segments. Don't over-soak the tissue with fluid. You don't actually need to press at all - just move the paper over the surface while it's barely touching it. Finish one area before you go on to the next. I usually do 1/6th of the corrector in one go before going on to the next. Before the UHTC fluid dries completely, use a fresh piece of tissue to dry it off - just dab LIGHTLY.

It isn't hard, but don't do it too often.

[Omaroo]

Dang-it Huffster! You're on the ball tonight! :lol:

[Inmykombi]

Thanks heaps you guys.
I will ring Bintel tomorrow and see how I can get some.

I am just flabbergasted ( hope that doesnt make me sound old....) at the help I am getting on IIS.

Are you guys going to the IIS Christams Observing Night next weekend ?
If you are, I will personally make sure you get a freshly ground drip filter coffee every now and again. As I am taking the machine for the night......:)

Geoff.

[Inmykombi]

I have also just made 2 x 12 volt dew heaters for the LX200.
I will try them out to see how they work, as soon as these dastardly clouds clear a bit....

I made two heaters so I can cycle them , on and off depending on the level of dew on a given night.

I hope they work...:lol:

Total power consumption of 1 amp. ( 0.5 amps each heater )
Which means I can get 12 hrs from a full charged battery.....

Good thing I dont take photos for a living hey !!!!

Oh, and I could use some hair over a patch that is thinning quickly. So I must try some of that jungle juice.:rofl:

Geoff

[Ric]

Thanks for the tip Houghy :lol:

Hi Geoff, I have to agree the Bintel cleaning fluid is great stuff and really does what the label says. Your corrector will come up looking like the day you bought it.

Cheers

[turbo_pascale]

Have a look here:

http://www.arksky.org/asoclean.htm

Ignore the bits about making your own concoction - just use the BinTel stuff.

The description of the process though it fairly detailed.

Turbo

[Inmykombi]

Thanks again to all for your help. The Bintel stuff wins hands down.

I wonder if it will cure some baldness ? Can't hurt to try, as long as it doesnt have any side effects....
:whistle:

[gbeal]

If you recall who it was who suggested the use, then maybe you have answered your own question.

[acropolite]

I believe the Bintel stuff is made from the same recipe. I made some before the Bintel stuff became available. By the time I'd bought all the ingredients it cost me well over $40.

[astro_nutt]

To help control any moisture when packing your equipment away..a few large bags of silica gel placed in the box could help too!

[Inmykombi]

Thanks for the info.
Thats a great idea, I never thought of that at all.

Where can I get silica gel.

And is it also called desicant ?

:thumbsup: