14 • Spotting Scope Maintenance
C A R E & MAINTENANCE
While the C5 spotting scope requires little maintenance, there are a few things to
remember that will ensure your spotting scope performs at its best.
Occasionally, dust and/or moisture may build up on the corrector plate of your
C5. Special care should be taken when cleaning any instrument so as not to
damage the optics.
If dust has built up on the corrector plate, remove it with a brush (made of
camel’s hair) or a can of pressurized air. Spray at an angle to the lens for
approximately two to four seconds. Then, use an optical cleaning solution and
white tissue paper to remove any remaining debris. Apply the solution to the
tissue and then apply the tissue paper to the lens. Low pressure strokes
should go from the center of the corrector to the outer portion. Do NOT rub in
circles!
You can use a commercially made lens cleaner or mix your own. A good
cleaning solution is isopropyl alcohol mixed with distilled water. The solution
should be 60% isopropyl alcohol and 40% distilled water. Or, liquid dish soap
diluted with water (a couple of drops per one quart of water) can be used.
Occasionally, you may experience dew build-up on the corrector plate of your
C5 during an observing session. If you want to continue observing, the dew
must be removed, either with a Celestron Lens Shade / Dew Cap or by pointing the
spotting scope at the ground until the dew has evaporated.
If moisture condenses on the inside of the corrector, place the spotting scope in a
dust-free environment and point it down. Remove the accessories from the rear
cell of the spotting scope to allow the moisture to evaporate from the optical tube.
To minimize the need to clean your spotting scope, replace all lens covers once you
have finished using it. Since the rear cell is NOT sealed, the cover should be placed
over the opening when not in use. This will prevent contaminants from entering the
optical tube.
Internal adjustments and cleaning should be done only by the Celestron repair
department. If your C5 is in need of internal cleaning, please call the factory
for a return authorization number.
The optical performance of your Celestron C5 spotting scope is directly related to
its collimation, that is the alignment of its optical system. Your C5 was collimated
at the factory after it was completely assembled. However, if the spotting scope is
dropped or jarred severely during transport, it may have to be collimated. The only
optical element that can be adjusted by you is the tilt of the secondary mirror.
To check the collimation of your C5 you will need a light source. A bright star high
in the sky is ideal since there is a minimal amount of atmospheric distortion. If the
star moves too rapidly through the field of view of the spotting scope, use Polaris.
Its position relative to the celestial pole means that it moves very little thus elimi-
nating the need to track it.
Care and Cleaning
of the Optics
Collimation
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
