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Old 24-03-2021, 08:28 AM
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PKay (Peter)
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Camera Sensor Cleaning

Last night the sensor was completely covered in moisture, right inside the camera, behind the glass protector.

I removed the camera and gently dabbed it with a soft tissue.

The moisture went but now I have a complete mess (see attached).

What are my options for cleaning?
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Old 24-03-2021, 09:37 AM
glend (Glen)
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You can buy cleaning swabs online from most camera stores, or on eBay.
The actual steps in the process depend on what type camera you have, which you do not mention. The swabs can be used in most cases.
If you have a DSLR it's pretty much a reach down process, but in dedicated astro cameras, like ZWOs, you may have to unscrew the front ring section which normally opens up the sensor compartment. Cooled cameras usually have dessicant material to stop condensation, if your getting condensation in a cooled camera, after cleaning, make sure you put new dessicant in place because the old one might be saturated. Some dessicant can be dried out, some can't.

Last edited by glend; 24-03-2021 at 09:51 AM.
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Old 24-03-2021, 09:43 AM
RugbyRene (Rene)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PKay View Post
Last night the sensor was completely covered in moisture, right inside the camera, behind the glass protector.

I removed the camera and gently dabbed it with a soft tissue.

The moisture went but now I have a complete mess (see attached).

What are my options for cleaning?
I cleaned the sensor and protective glass on my ASI294MC yesterday. I followed the process outlined on the ZWO website.

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com..._desiccant.pdf
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Old 24-03-2021, 11:13 AM
AdamJL
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Can this be prevented using cameras with a built in dew heater?
My 2600MC has it, but I've never tested it (never actually shot with the camera yet either )
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Old 24-03-2021, 12:09 PM
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Peter, you do have a bit of a mess, however there is an answer.

The sensor filter is tougher than you think, get yourself a good Lens Pen, most camera shops have then and make sure it is a good size, the little ones don't work to well as they are to short.

Just run the surface of the Pen in even straight and up and down strokes.

Do the sensor filter once and then put the cap back on the Pen, turn it a couple of times and do your sensor filter again.

It dose work a treat, I have been doing for years with absolutely no damage or streaks for that matter.

Anyway it cant be any worse than what you have now.

Leon
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Old 24-03-2021, 04:03 PM
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Peter,
I’ve been using IPA and KimiWipes to clean all the optics in all my cameras.
The window can be removed and both sides cleaned.
I made a “spatula” from an old credit card, the width of the face the same as the sensor height, wrapped with folded KimiWipe and a light spray of IPA.
One wipe across the sensor. Dump the KimiWipe.
Job done, no residual.
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Old 24-03-2021, 07:18 PM
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ATS have been offering a sensor cleaning service for years.

But only for SBIG cameras....that said... might be worth a call/email
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Old 25-03-2021, 05:20 AM
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Maybe i was a little premature in my response Peter, I was talking about a DSLR sensor, something like the Canon 5D, not the Camera you obviously have, sorry,

Leon
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Old 25-03-2021, 09:33 AM
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A hurricane bulb blower first then Bintel cleaning fluid (its fabulous) and a clean microfibre cloth.

There are lens cleaning products on the market with swabs designed for APSc sized sensors. Not sure I would use their
cleaning fluids as I have read some bad reports on the net. Use Bintel cleaning fluid and a swab or simply use a clean microfibre cloth (they don't shed particles).

Greg.
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Old 25-03-2021, 10:58 AM
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PKay (Peter)
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Thanks Chaps

Middle of a nice sunny day, bright light, a magnifying glass, microfibre, alcohol (for me as well), cotton gloves and plenty of patience.

All fixed, clean as!

Will order a variety of suggested products for Ron.
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Old 25-03-2021, 11:15 AM
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A bright torch that you hold at an angle to the sensor will reveal dust etc that you may not see otherwise.

Greg.
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Old 25-03-2021, 11:20 AM
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I find a bright sky flat taken at >f15, shows up the smallest mote on the protection glass and sensor.
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