got both my new ELA V2 and work horse telescope today.. questions about cleaning contacts.

[SteamStack]

How to clean the contacts on both the ela and work horse?

I know thete both different and I've read conflicting ideas as in one can use deoxit gold and one should not.. ela just wipe clean and that's it.

Rubbing alcohol, deoxit gold or water and a rag? What to do?

Also what to do with the copper rings on the telescope? Anything special? Noalox? Hate that stuff as it makes a mess.

 

[vaptamist]

No need to use anything other than water or just wiping down with a soft cloth. In fact, don't use anything else or you risk damaging the plating.

For the brass rings on the telescope you can use standard brass polish I believe.

 

[erictho]

i've only ever used water, a soft cloth, paper towel when in need and diluted dish or castile soap as needed.
i've never used any polish or lubricants and everything still feels really smooth.

 

[Whistle_Pig]

How to clean the contacts on both the ela and work horse?

I know thete both different and I've read conflicting ideas as in one can use deoxit gold and one should not.. ela just wipe clean and that's it.

Rubbing alcohol, deoxit gold or water and a rag? What to do?

Also what to do with the copper rings on the telescope? Anything special? Noalox? Hate that stuff as it makes a mess.

I've wondered about Deox-It myself, as I have it on hand. Considering its intended use, I can't imagine it being bad for the contacts, but then I'm not a chemist.

I found the problem with Noalox is that it seperates in the tube, and over time you get more of the carrier than you do the compound. I solved that by cutting open the squeeze tube, and scraping everying out into a plastic cup that I got from a container of Gatorade powder. To use, stir with a toothpick, and apply sparingly. So, it's messy when you transfer it, but after that, not so bad. I keep the cup in a ziploc, which is a good thing because I found it accidentally knocked over, at which point, I tossed it out. Currently, I'm using the Gardner-Bender equivalent product, which is thicker, and not as messy. Also doesn't separate over time. But I don't use it on my Workhorse - no need, as there isn't a dielectric contact issue, and stainless doesn't oxidize as brass will.

I think Deox-It would be totally fine on the brass compression ring.

 

[SteamStack]

Great Info! Yeah I've had a large bottle of noalox over the years and it's a pain to use as I mostly get clear liquid when I squeeze some out. U have to squeeze a massive amount to get the normal grey stuff.

I'll have to try that Today!

I've read thst stainless steel also oxidizes as well but at a much slower rate and it's basicly invisivable. and thst one would want to use a light abrasive material to clean it like toothpaste an eraser or a scotch bright pad?

Stuff I've read on this forum I believe.. David's the one thst mentioned that ss will oxidize.

 

[Whistle_Pig]

Oh, I suppose anything that has iron in it will, over time, oxidize to some extent. I imagine that with stainless steel, it's an extremely slow process. Probably depends, too, on the carbon and chromium content, as well as other elements used in the alloy.