[ATM] Mirror care

[Ron Gafron]

Well, I've always been pretty happy with what I can see through it.  And 
I'm pretty careful with it, always keeping the covers on when I'm not 
using it, or even if I go in for awhile to warm up (Here in the Midwest 
(northwest of Chicago, where being able to see all of the stars in the 
Big Dipper is a "good" night), it's that time of year).  So, maybe I'll 
just leave well enough alone. 

Thanks a lot for your input, fellas.

Ron

Richard Schwartz wrote:
> How well does the scope work when you take it out at night?   If it ain't
> broke, don't fix it.   As for "care" the best thing you can do is put shower
> caps over the ends of the tube to keep dust out.   If the mirror gets dusty,
> remove it from the mirror cell and rinse it with water, then with windex,
> then with water again.  If there is still a problem, use a solution of dish
> detergent in water, about 1 cc of detergent in 10 cc of water.  Rinse well.
> Very few water droplets should remain.  BLOT, DO NOT WIPE these droplets
> with a roll of toilet paper.  
>
> Chemicals that can damage the coating:  strong acids, strong bases,
> hydroflouric acid, #80 silicon carbide grit, comet cleanser, brillo steel
> wool pads, oven cleaner (strong base), and other obvious materials.  Strong
> bases are usually labeled, "Do not use on aluminum."
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: atm-bounces at atmlist.net [mailto:atm-bounces at atmlist.net] On Behalf Of
> Ron Gafron
> Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 7:38 AM
> To: ATM list
> Subject: [ATM] Mirror care
>
>
> Hi,
>
> Before I got the bug to start making a telescope again, I went out and 
> bought a 10" Orion Dob that I bought the 1st year that they were 
> available.  That must be something like 7 or 8 years by now.  I'm 
> curious about the life expectancy of the mirror before it needs to be 
> recoated, and what care can be given to it that wouldn't risk damaging 
> the surface.  Any thoughts or links would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Ron
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