From: Mark Gaffney <markgaffney@me.com>

Date: December 20, 2009 2:51:10 PM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] Re: star images...

I had my doubts about the WD 40 as I did for my optical drive in the iBook. I don`t know how I`d undo these screws myself though. They must be done up with a machine & would take one to undo them I think. I`ve nicked the black case slightly near the screw when my screw driver slipped & have probably already burred the screws a little.. I hope the warranty if it`s still in effect isn`t voided by this (maybe I`m hoping it covers an incomplete disassembly like this..?) I`ll probably get on to PGR in the new year ...As far as I can see my cleaning job has left it much better than before but I may obtain some cleaning fluid & try again before using this final option...

Mark.

On 21/12/2009, at 7:42 AM, milton_aupperle wrote:

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Mark Gaffney <markgaffney@...> wrote:
>
> Milton,
> Would you advise the sparing use of WD 40 ( I don`t know if it`s
> called by the same name there) on the screws.(spray type lubricant..)

NO. Do not use WD40.

It will get inside on the electronics, on optics and wreck everything.

These are sensitive delicate instruments, not a car parts.

> They`re very stiff indeed! It seems to me a lot of trouble to send the
> camera back to Canada to have it fixed under warranty if it`s dust
> mote & I can simply clean it-on the other hand if the filter glass
> needs replacing? I`m using cotton buds for cleaning.

I would Not be using cotton buds. They leave long fibers all over the place. There are proper cleaning materials available at most camera stores.

Why not search Google for "cleaning CCD"

which turned up thousands of sites with more info on this.

Milton Aupperle