[Antennas] Glass Cleaners

2002年4月29日 17:25:43 EDT

Tim, et al,
Well, it seems that we've got about three intertwining threads
going on about cleaning glass and optics so I thought I'd just
add my final $.02 for what it's (or isn't) worth. I admit I don't
have an engineering degree but I spent over 24 years with a
company in the optics field of thin film coatings.
First, if you're cleaning plain glass (by that I mean uncoated
glass that's not mounted in an assembly) I would use Bon Ami
mixed into a paste with a little alcohol. Rub the mixture
sparingly on the glass with light pressure and let it dry. Then
wipe off with a clean, dry cloth. Then use distilled water to
remove any residue and let air dry.
Second, if you're cleaning HEA (high-efficiency anti-reflection)
coated glass optics (unmounted) I would wash with a mild
detergent followed with alcohol or acetone and then either a
rinse with distilled water and wipe with a clean cloth or, instead
of the water, you can "huff" on the surface and wipe with the
clean, dry cloth. "Huffing" means using your exhaled breath
on the optic to lay down a slight layer of moisture. You have
to wipe quickly before the moisture evaporates off the surface.
Also, you must rinse the surface very well after the detergent.
If the coated glass optics are mounted in a bezel or assembly
I would first use an alcohol wipe then a clean cloth dampened
with distilled water. Lastly I would use the "huffing" procedure
described above. Be careful to not "over wet" the assembly
because if it isn't sealed properly you will trap moisture around
or between the optics.
All of the above recommendations require using a clean, dry
cloth. This means a VERY soft, clean and dry one! We used
to use triple-washed ones in machines only for that purpose.
Cleaning optics can be a very tedious process. You may
have to repeat the processes over and over depending on how
much foreign material is present.
Lastly, cleaning plastic optics is a whole different ballgame.
As stated, just my $.02 worth.
73,
Rich, KF6SZA
In a message dated 4/25/02 6:32:41 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected] 
writes:
You are just the guy I need to ask for some advice.
I'm new to astronomy and as part of the club activity, we set
up 'scopes and let folks look through them. Inevitably, the
folks get "nose grease" on the eyepieces.
I've been regaled with horror stories of the vile consequences
of cleaning the eyepieces (they are not cheap) due to the
anti-reflection multicoatings. If you have a technique available
for mere mortals (HI!), I'd be grateful to hear of it.
The windex-alky-Bon Ami technique was recommended by
Antenna Specialists. Worked for the Cleveland Police
(civilian radio fixer) and due to the proximity of A/S to the cop
HQ (about 10 blocks unitil A/S moved to the 'burbs) they were
the favoured vendor. 