Advice on cleaning optics.

[skankmaster]

I have a schmidt cassegrain telescope which I plan to clean up after many years of storage - Generally, it is in good condition, except I need to clean the corrector plates and possibly the Primary mirror. Now I know they always say send back to the manufacturer when the primary optics needs cleaning - but I figure its an old SCT anyway, plus it would mean shipping 22Kg to the states!

Is there any camera optic cleaning fluid you guys would recommend?
It'll be nice to see what pictures taken though 2000mm optics looks like!

 

[ChrisLX200]

Well there are many articles on this subject on the 'net if you look. I've done it myself many times on my Meade LX200 - but to be done properly it is necessary to remove the corrector plate. Although quite straightforward it's not something to just dive into without reading up on it first. The primary in and SCT very rarely needs cleaning - I've never done mine after nearly 10 years - but again, it's fairly easy to do after removing it. Much more potential for doing serious damage to the primary mirror than the corrector though (the coatings are not as tough).

 

[skankmaster]

Agreed - cleaning such an instrument is a rare event. This'll be the 2nd time ive cleaned the corrector plate. The main reason this time round is signs of mould behind the corrector plate. Awaiting arrival of some Baader Optical Wonder fluid, which seems to crop up a fair number of times - it should give it a bit of protection from future mould attacks. Will also beef up the volume of silica gel packs used in the storage trunks - i looked at it and theres only a few small packets. oh well, we live and learn.