Cleaning the ZWO 2600MC DUO

One of my largest pet peeves is exposing filters or sensor vertically to the air. Instantly dust will start to collect. So naturally I make a big deal about it. Getting your gear perfectly clean is very important to good images. It especially helps simplify flats. And flats should not be used to compensate for dust. Clean your gear first. Abusing flats is another big and bad habit I have seen in many other channels.

[@bridgeforth]

I was always taught not to use compressed air on lenses, mirrors, and sensors. The pressure can damage the sensor and cause the dirt particles to become projectiles leaving scratches. I was always taught to use a special kit that has a squeegee in it to gently remove dirt and dust when it comes to camera sensors.

[@astro-canuck]

I agree. Many 'canned air' cannisters are not just compressed air but also contain propellants, often petrochemical based, which can be distributed during expulsion of the air. In addition, the release oil on the inside face of the cannisters is never washed off after the metal is formed into the can. Continued use of compressed air can actually add streaks to a sensor.

[@mikehardy8247]

Plus, the mist can freeze the moisture in the air depositing ice on the surface.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

The sensor is under glass.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Don't tip the can upside down and also use short bursts with CO2.

[@luboinchina3013]

Happy to see you regularly. One other thing that other creators regularly do is talking while having sensor directly almost in front of their mouth. That way their saliva may find the way to the sensor just by pronouncing some words...😂

[@ddiver7908]

Hi Narrowband! Glad you are doing better. Love your Astro channel! With ❤️, from LA

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Hey, thanks!

[@deep_space_dave]

Agh, dust on sensors is the most annoying thing! I actually use a kit from LensPen that has a SensorKlear pen and a magnifying lense with a bright flashlight. If I just have those annoying tiny specs that are stuck, I just gently touch them with the SensorKlear pen to remove them. This is nice because you can remove them one at a time and the pen is anti-static. I also used a blower bulb but unfortunately I just realized that it actually puts more dust on the sensor! So now I have an Orbit Hepa blower that only blows hepa filtered air! Either way I am glad you made this video as it shows you should not be afraid to take your camera apart to clean your sensor! Yes flats are more for the optical train and dust not so much!

[@Ben_Stewart]

Looking great! Clear skies. 🌌

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you kindly

[@WilliFromEarth]

Thank you for the wise words! All very true!
I worked many years in cleanrooms of all classes. We always use airguns with particle filters. This was dry and cleaned air. Other pressurized air sources can contain solvents or oil as mentioned before. Yes. Never hold up a sensitive optical surface ;-).
I use a stereo microscope to inspect my sensor while cleaning ;-). I first use an optics brush on the window, not on the actual sensor. For the sensor itself and later for the window as well, I use the Pentax/Ricoh Gel-type dusk remover called „Imagesensor Cleaning Kit“. Expensive, but lasts forever and it works great! One thing I noticed in the video, usually the desiccant tables have to be „dried“ again (i.e. „microwaved“) after the camera housing had been open for a certain time.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

I have had good fortune using one of those air blowing bulbs.

[@aw7425]

Super job Ben, clear skies

[@jimwaters304]

Good video. Using 'can air' is risky. First its not air and some products contain contamination including oils. Use a Rocket Blower to clean optics.

[@davehudson5589]

Only one thing worse than holding the sensor upright…. spraying compressed air on your sensor that introduces moisture and then immediately sealing it back up 😂

[@robertcook2605]

I'm getting my first dedicated astro camera, I can afford a ZWO533MC/MM. I know you love the MM but do you recommend a monochrome for a beginner? I am a total novice.

[@mikehardy8247]

I've worked in clean rooms as a technician. Also as a janitor. Cleaning a clean room (oxymoron)😊
I think this is a good place to ask this. In a previous video you tslked about modifying the SVBONY 30mm guidescope. Using a spanner wrench to remove the lens, in order to blacken the outer edge to reduce light scatter. I've tried to find that style of spanner wrench you used. I can't find one even close to that design. Any ideas?
I'm probably going to buy the Askar 120 APO, for galaxy season. Flatener or 0.8 reducer?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I got mine on ebay. There are a plethora of them on there.

[@mikehardy8247]

Thanks, I'll try ebay.
By the way, I have the Askar 120 Apo with 1.0 X flatener ready to drop on my new AM5. Maybe clear tomorrow.

[@darylwilson6867]

Thanks!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you!

[@luboinchina3013]

I use vacuum cleaner