Cleaning the Camera Window
At some point, it may become necessary to clean debris that may have settled on the sCMOS imaging sensor window. Cleaning the camera window can provide effective results providing you carefully follow these step-by-step directions.
| Caution |
|---|
|
Only open the shutter (if present) using camera control software. Do not attempt to manually open the shutter (if fitted) with your fingers or other objects. Scratching the window may require the window to be replaced which is not covered under the product warranty Cleaning the window is done entirely at the customers risk, window replacement is not covered under the warranty. It’s better to under-clean than to over-clean. |
Tools Required
-
Compressed Air Can (or source of clean compressed air)
-
Optics Brush
Window Cleaning Procedure
-
Remove the camera from your microscope (or other optical equipment) and place it on a clean dry surface.
-
Use the camera control software to open the shutter (if fitted).
-
With the shutter (if present) open, turn the camera on its side making it easier for particles to fall out of the camera head face the window toward you at the edge of a table.
-
Give the window short blasts of compressed air to work dust particles out of the camera head.
-
If there are still particles stuck on the window use an optics brush to very carefully dislodge them from the window surface. Then spray the dust particles out of the camera head with compressed air.
-
Make sure to use compressed air to clean your adapter tubes and focal reducers as well so you don’t get more dust once everything’s assembled.
If your program does not have this feature, try starting a long exposure. Over exposing the sensor to room light will not damage the sensor.
Guidelines for using Compressed Air
If you are using a compressed air can always test-blast away from window before blowing air on the window. When you test-blast, you’ll notice a spray of condensation shoot out from the can.
• If condensation does form on the window, do not wipe it off. Allow it to fully dry before proceeding.
• Always orient the compressed air can in an upright position before spraying.
• A clean source of compressed air such as an air can is recommended- do not use a compressor that may spray fine droplets of oil, or an unfiltered air supply that may spray dust particles onto the camera window.