From: Mark Gaffney <markgaffney@me.com>

Date: December 20, 2009 5:08:02 PM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

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

Milton, 

I`ve just tried pointing the Flea 2 (with Astro IIDC connected) out the open door of the garage into the daylight (not much sun today) & there`s no spot. However if I point it in the direction of the carport roof, above(with less light) there`s a faint spot. The rest of the viewer is clear. It seems this spot only really manifests itself under the more direct light of the energy saving bulbs in the living room. I did give it a good clean in the area of the spot so you may be right that it`s a small pit in the glass. Perhaps there`s no need to unduly worry? If that`s the case it`s certainly a relief! What do you think? I`d have tried this yesterday but it was such a miserable day I didn`t open the garage door.

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