Thread: Mirror Cleaning
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Old 27-08-2012, 11:00 PM
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norm
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Ashfield NSW
Posts: 778
Hi Ant,

There is an article written by Mike in the articles section on how to clean the mirror. Not knowing the scope itself (Lightbridge, SDM or Orion) its most likely you don't want to take the mirror out.

If its just a small amount of dust or minor specks, its most likely won't impede the quality of the views. I know it looks annoying to see, but in most cases its fine.

However, if you really want to clean it and based on my SDM.... I do the following:

1. glad wrap any electrical components, switches on the LTA (lower tube assembly - most to do with wiring for dew heaters, fan or Argonavis).
2. Tilt the LTA about 45 degrees, place a towel at the bottom to asborb water run off.
3. using a spray bottle, spray mirror
4. Soak a few cotton balls, or better still, cotton pads women use to wipe make up off in luke warm water made up of a few droplets of dishwashing liquid.
5. Gently wipe across mirror surface, remembering not to put any undue pressure or force. That is, don't rub in, just wipe across.
6. I like to repeat step 5.
7. Now using distilled water, slowly pour over mirror to rinse off. Before doing so, if original towel is drenched, replace first with another in same position.
8. After rinse, leave LTA tilted and allow to air dry. You can put a small fan near scope to speed up drying process.
9. Do not be tempted to wipe mirror, however if you see a droplet of water that won't go away, you can always use an ear bud to soak it up. (especially in the centre if you have a centre hole marker).
10. Remove towel, to prevent moisture from possibly damaging MDF material.

Others may comment on what I have said, I've done this a number of times with my scope without issues.

Honestly, there is nothing to it. Just use common sense.

Cheers Norm

PS: The Obession website or youtube may have a video on cleaning large mirrors.
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