Scope Care

Just out of curiosity, how does everyone take care of their scope(s). Other than the basics like keeping lense covers on, what else do you do?

I look at my scope like I look at a new car. I'm even considering waxing the bad boy since the finish seems similar to that of a new vehicle. Anyone ever done this and/or tried the Astropro wax?

Thanks for any answers, I'd like to keep my investment in top shape for years to come!

Cheers!
JOE

I try to keep the scopes covered and clean and mve them as gently as possible. When I clean the outside I use water and paper towels, sometimes I add a drop of dish washing detergent to water.

I wash my hands before handling a scope or eyepiece just to remove the oil and/or dirt.

As far as waxing the scope, it might work but I would avoid it, I try to keep such things away from my scope. My thinking is that wax on the OTA would be picked up my my hands as I handle it and might end up just about anywhere. The finish on the scope should last without added protection, after all you scope does not sit out in the rain and/or snow etc.

jon

Hi Joe, I guess I'll give my list to you in a chronological order. I use a 8" LX200 and this is how I try to keep it working well.

Every time I BEFORE use it:
Before use I wipe down the outsides of the scope, mount, tripod with a clean lint-free cloth to get any dust and things off of it. I do it easy to not scratch the paint.

I check the electrical connections for bent plugs or anthing like insects/dustballs that would interfere with operation.

After use:
After letting it dry (dew is bad in my area), I check it over for any problems that would have occured (bird doo-doo has been on a scope a few times funny enough). Then I just pack it away carefully, or leave it setup with a cover on it in the garage.


Every 1-2 months:
I wax the steel tripod with a standard car wax and let it air out well. Most waxes use some organics that have low volatilities and I don't want them outgassing onto the optics. I check all of the bolts on the tripod to make sure none have come loose and I wipe the other non-waxed parts down to get any dust/grime off.

I also check the little screws/bolts on the fork mount and OTA to make sure they aren't loose. I look to make sure none of them are rusting and leaking any "rust stains" anywhere.


I've never used any specific waxes on the OTA for fear of stripping any coatings off. I'm sure there are some safe ones that people know of, but mine stays very clean and streak free just by wiping it carefully. Maybe someone else can recommend what they use.

Aside from that, I just try to be careful and meticulous about how I pack things away. I make sure everything is secured in it's place and I don't store it for long periods of time in damp places (like the garage).

I've heard of some people placing a packet of silica gel (that drying agent in shoe boxes) next to the OTA when storing for a long time to prevent any moisture from damaging optics.


Hope this helps give you an idea!
Clear skies and clean scopes

Joe,

A telescope can fade and look bad just like a car over time. In addition, touching your scope deposits oils and dirt from your hands as well as dead skin. Add to that dew, humidity, dust, heat, cold and other environs and your scope is under more attack then people realize. Telescopes do need care and that is why I developed my ScopeWax.

Contrary to what people think, using car wax on a telescope is not a good idea. Most painted telescope OTA's are powder coated and none that I am aware of have a clear coat finish like a car. Most car waxes today have abrasives that are designed to remove slight oxidization from the clear coat when applying the wax. This could damage the finish on your OTA since it is missing that vital element.

My ScopeWax is specifically designed with polymers and oils to replenish your powder coat paint. It gently lifts dirt and oils and protects the finish without abrasives of any kind. There is no chalky residue when it dries so it wipes clean. I have sold hundreds of bottles and everyone that has tried it has been very pleased. I have several people that have $15,000+ scopes that use it once a week. One astromart user said that his scope looked better after my wax then the day he got it out of the box brand new.

I hope this helps. There is more information at my website.

Paul Atkinson
AstroProProducts.com