6 replies to this topic

[smilingmoose]

Picked up this little beauty on half off day at the thrift store and was wondering how do you all clean the mirror on this?  I can see the dust when i lift the eyepiece out.

 

Thanks!

[icee_stars]

What a deal, congrats!
This may be overkill but Dr. Clay has some good tips:
http://arksky.org/as...cleaning-system

[Jon Isaacs]

Picked up this little beauty on half off day at the thrift store and was wondering how do you all clean the mirror on this?  I can see the dust when i lift the eyepiece out.

 

 

I would start out by just using it.  Dust is not that big a deal.

 

Otherwise, care is needed because mirror is a first surface mirror can be scratched.

 

Jon

[mclewis1]

Turn it over and use a blower and soft brush to remove the dust. Do this with the mirror opening facing downwards to allow the now airborne dust a place to go. 

[smilingmoose]

That's a good idea. I'm used to cleaning mirrors on the dob and reflector so never with this type. Thanks!

[Napp]

I would read this before thinking about cleaning the optics:

 

http://weasner.com/e...s/cleaning.html

[mclewis1]

The little mirror in question here is basically a built in diagonal setup. While I'm not certain I'd be surprised if this wasn't just a multi coated first surface mirror like those in the thousands of 1.25" diagonals out there. As such it should be pretty tough and won't be quite as susceptible to being scratched like some primary mirrors.

 

Even in an inexpensive scope like the ETX 60 I'd still be somewhat careful in the cleaning. So mostly just blowing and maybe a little light brushing to get those stubborn particles, and no liquid/cloth work unless there was something big and ugly stuck on the mirror.