Specifications

SBIG STF-8300 Manual

Appendix B – Maintenance

This Appendix describes the periodic maintenance items you need to

perform on your camera to keep it in optimal condition.

Cleaning the Window and Filters

1) Get a can of compressed air from a photo store, as well as a small

camera hair brush

2) Thoroughly clean and dry the brush using isopropyl alcohol

3) Remove the front cover of the camera. If you want to clean the

Window remove the Filter Wheel. While the camera is open be very

careful to avoid activities that could spark the inside of the camera with

static, just sit in your chair. If you have to get up and get something,

discharge your body to a metal surface (not the camera) after sitting

back down.

4) Tilt the camera up to face horizontally and blow out the entire chamber

with the compressed air. Finish with a blast right on the Window from

a half inch away. Be VERY careful not to tip the can of compressed air

past 45 degrees as often an oily liquid will come out that is hard to

clean off.

5) If you have a dust particle that will not blow off, poke it loose with the

brush. They cling to the surface due to static, so you may end up just

pushing them out of the way. The static forces are quite strong!

6) The outside of the window is easily cleaned with a cotton swab or Q-tip

and a little isopropyl alcohol. Use one end of the Q-tip to swab it with

alcohol and the other to dry it. Never re-use a Q-tip and do not scrub –

use gentle pressure

7) Replace the front lid.

8) If you have a few small dust specs, don't worry. it is almost impossible

to get them all and a flat field will take care of them well.

9) Filters are cleaned the same way.

Regenerating the Desiccant Plug

The desiccant absorbs moisture in the CCD chamber, lowering the dew

point below the operating temperature of the cooled CCD, thus preventing

the formation of frost. The desiccant is contained in a small cylindrical plug

that screws into the chamber from the rear. In normal operation the useful

life of the desiccant is over a year. If the CCD chamber is opened often, the

desiccant should be regenerated when frosting is noticed.

Follow the procedure below to regenerate the desiccant: