Dob Mirror Question

How long does the coating on a standard factory made dob mirror last given normal conditions... You can use an orion xt 10 or Hardon as an example.

thanks

Mark V

How long does the coating on a standard factory made dob mirror last given normal conditions... You can use an orion xt 10 or Hardon as an example.

thanks

Mark V
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Hard to say, it depends on quite a few factors, climate, care etc. When I talked to the guys at L&L Optical about recoating the mirrors on my 12.5 inch Meade RG, they said, "If the mirror looks good, if a light behind it doesn't show pin-holes, then they suggest leaving it alone." That mirror is almost 30 years old and still looks good.

Jon

My Meade 10" Starfinder is eleven years old and still shows no sign of deterioration.
I don't know if that is typical.

Alex

Depending on the air quality the coatings can last many years. If you live by the ocean, then the coatings might degrade much quicker. Same is true with heavy air pollution. Too much pollen on the coatings can cause them to be damged too.
So, as has been stated, there are many factors that effect the life of coatings.

I've heard an estimate of 10 years for standard aluminum, 5 years for enhanced. On the other hand, I have a 45 year old, 4" Newtonian and the mirror still looks great (hasn't had much use, though, since I was a kid!)

Thanks guys


I feel much better now.