Care & Cleaning Of Optics - Orbitor OR 1208SS Instruction Manual

Care and Cleaning of Optics
Warning: Improper cleaning of optical components may void the warranty.
Optical components of a telescope will over time get dirty. The amount of dirt and or
dust collected onto a lens or mirror should only be removed with the utmost care and
this is at times best left to people with experience in this procedure. A considerable
amount of dirt or dust must be present on the optical surface before one will notice the
effect visually.
1. Keeping the dust caps on during storage of the telescope will reduce the
amount of dust collected.
2 After using the telescope there might be dew condensation, on the optical
surfaces. When the telescope is brought inside remove the dust caps and
allow the moisture to evaporate naturally. Point the telescope downwards so
as to minimize the collection of airborne dust.
3. Once the moisture is gone then replace the dust caps.
4. If you wish to remove dust from the lenses or mirrors you first should try using a
can of filtered compressed air. Remove the dust cap and the dew shield in the
case of the refractor style of telescope, or take the mirror cell out of the reflecting
type. Once you are able to freely blow across the surface of the optics then begin
by first pointing the can away from the piece and gently expel some air. This will
remove any condensate in the air can lines and clear off dust that may have
accumulated on the discharge tube. Next using short quick bursts of air carefully
remove the dust particles. DO NOT HOLD THE TRIGGER OF THE
COMPRESSED AIR FOR TOO LONG AS CONDENSATE MIGHT BE BLOWN
OUT ACROSS THE OPTICAL SURFACE. If particles still remain after several
attempts at removal than the telescope should probably be taken back to the
dealer for cleaning.
The optics of your telescope should last a long time before they generally
require major cleaning. By keeping the dust caps on and avoiding the temptation
to handle the lenses you will find that very little is needed in the way of optical
maintenance.
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