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Hello All.
I need some advice on cleaning up an old Meade 2120 LX5 10” SCT. The corrector plate needs to be cleaned both inside and out. There are some large particles attached to the inside of the corrector plate, the objects look like metal shavings from tapping a screw hole (probably form the factory). The outside of the corrector plate has the usual build up of dirt that has accumulated over the years. The main mirror looks fine, but it might need cleaning based upon closer inspection after I open up the scope. The secondary condition is unknown at this time.
What I need to know if a safe way to take apart the scope and the liquids, tools, cleaning cloths, which will not harm the optics.
How do I tackle the fork Arms in order to remove the scope (or should I leave the tube as is and remover the front and rear cells)?
I figure I can take off the front cell, which houses the corrector plate and the secondary, and clean the outside of the corrector plate with either dish washing liquid or and IPA/distilled H2O mixture. As for the inside of the corrector plate, if it is not too dirty I will clean it with a brush or compressed air, otherwise I will use the mixture noted above.
Should I completely remove the corrector plate form the front cell?
As for the main mirror and the secondary, if they are dirty, I’ll clean them with the mixture noted above, while paying particular attention to not “soak” the rear cell. Otherwise a light dusting with a brush and compressed air.
Also, while I have the scope opened I thought of covering the inside of the tube with a black velvet type of material to reduce reflections. Is this a good thing to do? The black paint currently in the scope is more like a satin finish opposed to a flat black. I can easily see the current paint reflecting light rather easily. If this is a good idea what do you recommend for the materials and adhesives.
Let me know if I am on the right track. Any information you can provide would be most helpful!
Thanks for all your help.
JoeRam.
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