Atmoswiki

The procedure desribed below details the steps necessary to complete a sucesful cleaning of the FSSP-100's prism and reflecting mirror.

• Cutips (min 2, double-end type)
• Pure alcohol solution
• 1.4mm flat-head type screwdriver.
• Needle nose pliers
• Philips screwdriver average in size

Unlock the left side semi-spherical screw cap (SSSC) by using a flathead screwdriver of average size. This screw driver's diameter should be small enough to fit into the cylindrical slot located on the side of the cap. Using the screwdriver can be discontinued after the cap has been loosened sufficiently to allow hand rotation.

After removing the SSSC locate the metal locking sleeve inside the left tube pictured above and its two respective holes bored into its face. Insert the head of a 1.4mm flathead screwdriver into one of the holes, and position it such that is is perpendicular to the face of the locking sleeve. Apply light pressure parallel to the locking sleeve face in a counterclockwise direction and rotate until locking sleeve is removed from the respective FSSP tube.

Located on the center back side roughly of the prism is a heated element in a slot with protruding wires. Remove this heating element by gripping these wires and pulling gently away from the prism. Be sure to place the prism in a position that ensures that no skin contact will be made with the metal surface of the element.

Next, use needle nose pliers to remove the prism. Removing the prism is accomplished by placing in the center slot and one needle in a periphery slot pictured in the image above this section's text. Tighten the grip of the pliers to a firm feel and loosen the prism setting by using a gentle rocking motion. Rotate the prism counterclockwise 45 degrees approximately. At this stage the prism's edges parallel to the FSSP tube' longitudinal axis should be aligned with right angle cutouts on the inner tube silver collar. These cutouts allow the prism to be guided out smoothly and to be installed snugly for operations. Now, with the cutouts and edges aligned, remove by simply guiding the prism away from the respective FSSP tube, and place its black metal setting on a level surface.

Cleaning the finished surfaces of the prism requires using normal cotton Cutips available at most stores offering hygiene products. Saturate one of the cotton ends with high percentage (91% was used in preparing for this procedure), and wipe all surfaces of finished glass. Use the dry cotton end of the cutip to absorb the alcohol and remove particles. Repeat wetting and drying the glass surfaces until it appears from different angles that the surface is free of buildup and particles.

After cleaning the prism take note of two alignment posts on the sleeve fized inside the FSSP tube. These posts have corresponding cylindrical slots on the base of the prism. Orient the prism using the needle nose pliers to the position that it was in while being removed. Guide the prism into a position that allows a 45 degree rotation counterclockwise. Align the aforementioned prism base slots to the guide posts on the inner FSSP tube silver ring, and press the prism into place firmly. Install the heating element, and black locking collar. Rotate the collar until its being snug against the prism base. Complete the prism cleaning by installing the SSSC to a snug fit.