When, if ever, to clean an SCT corrector plate?

[Dirty Harris]

Dear Guylain, or any one else with info. I've recently noticed when the light is just right on the corrector plate of my SCT/ CPC OTA, that there is a light film of dust on it that does not blow off with the bulb blower. Looks as though it may be stuck down from dew collecting on the surface and dust adhering to it, then sticking on as the moisture dries? There doesn't seem to be any visual loss to focus or resolution regarding planetary or DSO's, it's more of an annoyance than a real problem. But I was curious if you or anyone has ever tried cleaning a corrector plate? And if so what product, or products they recommend. I doubt that I'll be that adventuresome, but just thought I'd ask. Thanks and best regards, Dirty Harris.

[AaronSmall]

Dirty Harris,

 

I can confirm that a light cleaning of the corrector plate did help images.  I used Doc Clays formula.  You'll still have to use flats to get rid of a few pesky dust motes but it seemed to help a bit. 

[jimwc6491]

Harris

a buddy of mine cleaned the mirror in his Newtonian he said he used a shallow pan and dish soap and a very soft cloth, and you don't scrub you let the soap do the work.

I'm sure the process is basically the same. Ill try to get a hold of him and see if he will reply.

you might try googling the subject there might be a video or a report somewhere.  

[astroman133]

I have followed the process outlined by Dr. Clay Sherrod here --> http://www.jatobservatory.org/OpticsCleaningSystem.html

 

I have also purchased a kit from here --> http://www.photoniccleaning.com. It works well for eyepieces but I have never used on glass as large as a corrector plate or objective lens.

[s3igell]

Dr Clay's instructions are pretty much the Standard.

 

Recommendations for Cleaning Solutions will vary - but 100% Isopropyl Alcohol is rather common.  And Lint-Free Cloths...

 

Do remember that even though everything looks like Clear Glass, the success of your Scope is as much due to the Optical Coatings which are very Thin and very Soft and easily Scratched.  Be Gentle...

 

 

One Warning for SCT Corrector Plates:  They ARE Removable, but BEFORE you Attempt to Do So (and you shouldn't need to for a Simple Cleaning), make sure that you make and Index Mark so that you can return the Cleaned Plate in exactly the same Orientation.

[jimwc6491]

My buddy got back to me and yes it was one drop of Dawn dish soap to one quart of distilled water. then rinse with distilled water. he also said the recipe was on the BYEOS website (maybe on the yahoo site). 

after reading the seasons for the items in the other recipe I don't think I would use this formula.

[dts350z]

Dr. Clay's recipe and instructions were linked above. Here's a link to where you can buy it pre-made: http://www.optcorp.com/opt-doc-clay-s-cleaning-kit-complete.html 

 

They also have a version that's "dry" for shipping outside the US: http://www.optcorp.com/opt-doc-clay-cleaning-kit-dry-version-spckit-d.html but you still have to buy your own wet ingredients and mix it up. Dry kit includes the bottles, a bush, and wipes. 

 

Here's the Dr. Clay instructions again so everything is in one post:  http://www.arksky.org/asoclean.htm

 

That's actually a different link, maybe easier to read?

[Dirty Harris]

Thanks to all for the timely and informative replies. I've have since looked into the "Doc Clays" product and believe I may get brave and try it at some point in time. I am still not convinced that it even really needs a cleaning since I cannot say that there's any loss in resolution or clarity. Some of the sights I looked at say to use really good judgment about even needing to clean the plate. But as always the well informed folks at this forum have come through again. Can't thank you all enough. Love this "Forum" Clear skies, good viewing, Dirty Harris.