New 20" Dob, I'm now officially obsessed !

After cleaning my mirror, I prevented more dust settling on it by applying several layers of clingfilm. When one layer gets dirty, I just remove it, exposing a new layer of clean clingfilm.

Unconnected to this, but I've recently noted that my recent imaging sessions haven't been very productive.

Dave - no matter how well cling film adheres to a surface, you will always get irregularities in the air gap between surface and film. I have found that by applying a generous smear of vaseline on the detector / mirror surface solves this problem :twisted:

Phil.

PS - On a serious note, you don't actually need to clean your optics too often, and the less cleaning you give them, the longer the coatings last. My 20" is pretty dirty... and absolutely filthy when viewed with a strong torch in the dark! It makes very little difference to the view as I'm after faint fuzzies anyway! I can't honestly say that I've noticed the difference after cleaning.

To paraphrase Crusty the Clown... (if you can see your reflection in your mirror) It's not just good, it's good enough!

Seriously, has anyone ever tried Baader Turbofilm? It's supposed to be optically clear and designed to seal open tubes against dust and dirt, though I'm not sure whether it can be used with an open truss design.

This open truss comes with a shroud so it becomes a tubed dobsonian, I've never heard of this Turbofilm.
I cant imagine it would not degrade the image somewhat.

Dave - no matter how well cling film adheres to a surface, you will always get irregularities in the air gap between surface and film. I have found that by applying a generous smear of vaseline on the detector / mirror surface solves this problem. Phil.

In the absence of vaseline, I used what was available in the press - orange marmalade - luckily enough it was fine cut. Worked a treat - and my image flats definately got rid of what seemed a fairly dodgy gradient pre-marmalade. And some of the larger chunks.

I guess it would also double as a tasty snack during a long observing session. I haven't had one yet - we were mysteriously plagued by wasps of all things the last couple on nights.

Anyhow, back on topic. Dave L - if you're interested, I let you know the brand - PM me. Best be consistent - I know this brand works, other cheaper versions may not.

Dave