Playing with my new purchase, some small advise needed!!

Hi All,
First time poster and an appropriate time to say hello!! Having had an interest in astronomy from an early age (Santa brought me a refractor aged six). I have taken a break for 30 years. I have been contemplating picking up were I left off. Technology has moved quite a bit and last weekend I bit the bullet and bought a 2nd hand CPC800. Got a test run last night and it was amazing!!!!! Started small and concentrated on the moon. While light pollution played a part (Located near the Phoenix park), I got some great viewing, especially with the filters I got with the purchase. The scope performed well and alignment was a joy, however, I realized that the eyepieces could do with some love and care.
My first question to the forum: should I purchase a kit to clean myself or have them cleaned professionally?
Looking forward to more nights like last night and making contact with local clubs.

Regards
Stuart

Congrats on the new toy Stuart, it should provide years of viewing pleasure.

When it comes to eyepieces, cleaning them is quite easy, there is information on the technique here: www.televue.com/engine/TV3_page.asp?id=103

Best of luck.

BTW, there are regular observing sessions at the Sugarloaf and Trooperstown in Wicklow, come along, they are advertised on the site, the skies are much better than the city centre.

Paul

Thanks for the reply Paul, I will give my eyepieces a good overhaul. Looking forward to meeting up with locals for some good viewing!!!!

Hi Stuart,

Congrats on your purchase. It seems to be already paying you back!

And welcome to the forums. The people here do know their stuff and will always give advice if you're in need. Paul's right (boringly, as usual)- cleaning them yourself is the way to go.

Its a good link there. There is also this : telescopeman.tumblr.com/

Just look in the videos for Telescopeman- Don't be afraid. CLEAN those eyepieces.

Paul, one of these days I'm going to come up a question about astronomy that you won't know the answer to. I swear. Its coming like a freight train, so keep your eyes peeled.

Sean