Self-maintenance - Scans

[Jamtastic3]

Hi,

I usually take my 4 Clay Paky Miniscans away to get maintenanced when needed and sometimes I'm just not satisfied with the work, either because when they come back, something goes wrong or one of them is just still a little grubby. So I was wondering what kind of things I would need for maintaining them myself?

Usually I clean the lens and mirror and fan grills myself but yesterday I decided to clean the interior too which wasn't as bad a job as I thought. I never used any solvents or cleaning liquids at the time so what kind of things do I need to clean for example the dichroic glass, prisms, lens, stepper motors etc? I did have 'air in a can' sort of thing which is brill for nearer the electronics together with a small brush and vacum.

 

Cheers

[sam.henderson]

Have a look at this thread: http://www.blue-room.org.uk/index.php?showtopic=5224&st=0.

 

It has some relevent info about reversing the voltage when you vacuum the inside onf mls/ scans etc.

 

HTH

 

Sam

[T.D.]

Best advice..... speak to clay paky in cambridge (pulsar)

 

They do training days which are well worth going on. Depending upon how many people/when they can tailor it pretty much to your requirements (if you ask them nicely).

 

They'll show you how to strip/clean it and how to adjust components (to loose the grating noises etc) They usually teach you how to repair common problems but I imageine if you didnt want to go into this they could simplify the day for you.

 

I did have 'air in a can' sort of thing which is brill for nearer the electronics

 

Careful with these... all the manufacturers I know advise NOT to use these on the fans as they can cause damage. Another problem with them is the air is under such hi pressure that it comes out VERY cold (varies from can to can) so there is a slim risk of them causeing thermal damage as well. They are great for getting the dust out just take it carefully. (if in doubt dont).

 

Also, if your using a brush beware of static. Rubbing nylon can build up static which if discharged through chips will distroy their inards (you can't see any damage). Service centres SHOULD use antistatic mats (so you're not rubbing your feet on the carpet) and earthed rist straps (so you dont conduct static into the fixture from your fingers/tools).

 

You might know this, but don't get your fingers on any of the glass (including lithos/gobos). The tiny amounts of oil in your skin get deposited on the glass, as the oil is heated it causes the glass to heat up faster and can lead to it shattering (not to mention do you want to be projecting fingerprints),

 

Regarding solvents, cleaning products and (wahey) lubricants - I'll leave that to someone with more personal liability than me. :huh:

 

Another thing you may or may not know of, is adjusting lamps (especially with discharge lamps). I cant remember whether you need to on the miniscans, but most movers require you to realign the lamp when you change it so that any hot spot (bright spot) is minimized and in the centre. In theory this reduces risk to you lithos, but more importantly makes the unit appear its brightest and look it's best.

 

 

Hope this helps a bit

 

T.D.