Removing dust from the DMK chip. How?

[Dennis G]

Although I've always been careful to cap the DMK when not attached to the telescope, it has developed 6 small circular spots scattered over the image when displayed on the laptop screen. I have moved some with a clean sable hair brush, but the remaining are stubborn and I'm seeking advice from members who have experienced a similar problem. Can you advise?

[renormalised]

Grab one of those little hand held blowers, that should remove the dust from the chip...or at least dislodge it to make it easier for you to brush it off.

[iceman]

I try to blow them off first, but then I simply use q-tips dipped in demineralised water and wipe them off.

[darrellx]

Dennis

I had a few stubborn spots on my DMK that would not blow off. I went to my local astro/photographic store and got a 12ml bottle of optic cleaner and a cloth. I wet the cloth with the optic cleaner and wrapped the cloth over a q-tip, then wiped gently in one direction.

Take some flat frames first to compare before and after to make sure you get it satisfactorily clean. It took me two goes but it came up very good.

[Dennis G]

Thanks Darrel and Mike for that advice I'll give it a try.
Dennis

[asimov]

I use Mikes technique. Works well.

[sheeny]

I use an Arctic Butterfly. Works well!
Al.

[Dennis G]

I was a too previous with my reply. A question for you Mike. What is a Q tip? An Artic Butterfly??? (I've been around for a few years, but never seen one of those, Al? )

[iceman]

hi Dennis.

A Q-tip is an ear bud. The things you stick in your ears to clean them ;)

[sheeny]

Have a look at this:

http://www.camerahouse.com.au/products/ProductPreview.aspx?productID=1636

It uses a motor to spin the brush and build up a static charge which helps to attract the dust to the brush. So you spin the brush for a few seconds, stop it spinning and brush the sensor to collect the dust, then spin it again to clean the dust off the brush.:)

Look around for the best price, though. They aren't necessarily cheap but there's big differnces in price between suppliers. They are worth the money IMHO.:thumbsup:

Al.