Help - I think I've stuffed it!

[mdgodf (Mark)]

Hi All,

I thought I'd clean the corrector plate on my LX200R, I probably should have left it as it wasn't that bad! I bought the stuff from Bintel and they provided some instructions on what to do and I followed them. I blew of dirt with a rocket blower and then flicked of some stubborn dust bits with a camel hair brush first.

I now have smears/streaks on the corrector plate.

What to do now? I'm worried about the UHTC coatings

I've put this in the beginner’s forum 'cause I'm a beginner cleaner!

[dannat (Daniel)]

Ring Bintel...............fast

[sheeny (Al)]

Mark,

Don't panic... yet!

It sounds to me like you've used too much cleaning solution i.e. your lens cleaning tissue has been too wet. I find I get streaks on lenses in this case. Try using just the smallest amount on the tissue, the idea is to have dry parts of the tissue to absorb the cleaning fluid as you go (at least that's how I think of what's happening).

If the lens is wet after you have wiped it, you will get streaks in my experience.

Al.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Go to this site to get the procedure for using the cleaner. If you follow Dr Clays procedure, your corrector plate will be streal free.

[asterisk (Geoff)]

Mark

Getting the cleaning stuff from Bintel, I presume you used their solution:

Bintel UHTC cleaning solution

If so, there is little chance you can have caused any damage with the solution - as Al says, you have probably used too much.

Start again. Dampen your cleaning cloth with a little of the cleaner. Divide the plate into quarters. Clean one quarter and remove the fluid with a dry cloth. Repeat for each quarter. When you finish, the streaks you have should be gone. Cloth - a very soft, clean absorbent material.

Cheers

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

You should be cool - as the others have said - just do it again, and as Asterisk states, use less fluid. Do it in small areas (two or three inches square).

Don't be too afraid of the UHTC coating as it's tougher than most know - not that this is a license to be too harsh with it....

[mdgodf (Mark)]

Thanks every one...feeling calmer now!

Al - yes I think I used too much fluid

Phil - thanks for the link - I see Dr Clay says that doing in humidity >65% will cuase streaks - it was raining yesterday so probably was >65%...

Geoff - Yes used the Bintel UHTC cleaning fluid but probably too much

Chris - thanks, that's good to know (about UHTC)

Agian thanks everyone - it's good to have somewhere to quickly ask for advice!

[TrevorW]

When all else fails then panic.

[leon]

It will be fine, as said, don't be afraid of it, it is a telescope, not a babies Bum, you would be surprised what one can do to these machines with out the slightest damage.

leon

[mdgodf (Mark)]

Thanks Leon,

I've recovered now...having cleaned it properly and successfully all is back to normal.

[leon]

Good to hear, now enjoy your telescope.

Leon

[Ric]

Hi Mark, the Bintel snake oil is brilliant stuff.

I've cleaned my corrector plate a few times now and have used about 5ml at the very most. As they suggest an atomiser will prove to be very handy as well.

Cheers