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So, the inevitable happened last night

 

I was out last night on a fairly nice, clear night watching and imaging the planets and around 1am decided to hit the sack for a few hours so I could look at the sun come morning. Since it was clear and not a single cloud out I thought I’d save time and effort by leaving the mount out, already setup for the morning session.
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Well, you can guess what happened during those few hours. The mount was drenched when I went out. At some point a rain shower must have sprung from nowhere to spoil my plans. I was relieved I didn’t leave the scope on as well. I’m not sure where I’d be if the scope got wet like that lol
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Now to my issues. I took the G2 control box off the mount and brought it inside for cleaning and drying. Thankfully there was no water inside the box but, should I be worried about the connectors? I’m particularly worried about the DIN connectors as those seem to be more finicky and delicate? I sadly do not have immediate access to deoxit or something similar, any alternatives I could use if needed?
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As for the mount’s mechanics, should I clean and relube everything? Just dry it all as best as I can and let it be? Something in between? My main concerns would be the motors, gearboxes and worm mechanisms.
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I wish I could say lesson learned but, I know myself lol. And to show Murphy does really exist, this all happened a few weeks before I get my telegizmos cover that I purchased a few weeks ago. Dangit
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Thanks for your help
?
Jonathan
 

Buy a circuit board cleaner or CO contact cleaner. ?Take out PCB spray ?till its washes PCB let dry. ?Put PCB back in and it should be ok. ? Do this on bench try not to generate static Aka on a carpet environment?

Alternate use IPA the best purest you can buy (99%+) and make a solution20% distilled water 80% IPA and use a “fitch” type brush to clean PCB with this. You can also get IPA sprays. ?But 100% tends to cool the parts and attract moisture a Little. ?
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A fitch brush is a cheap brush wood handle doesn’t generate ESD. ?
https://www.paintequip.com.au/shop/monarch-touch-up-brush-6mm-30mm/
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Cheers. It’ll be fine.?
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Brendan
 

Hi Jonathan,
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If your mount grease is fairly new, I wouldn't bother relubing. I've had my mounts dripping with water at the end of the night plenty a time with no ill effect, just let it dry up the next day. Older grease can start to absorb some moisture, which can cause problems especially once the temperature fall near freezing.
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Motors are not water-proof, so might get some moisture on the inside. I'd recommend that you dry them well before trying to use if you suspect that water could've gotten in. I wouldn't worry about gearboxes, again, just dry them as best as you can.
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Regards,
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? ?-Paul
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On Mon, Dec 9, 2024 at 07:44 AM, Jonathan wrote:

I was out last night on a fairly nice, clear night watching and imaging the planets and around 1am decided to hit the sack for a few hours so I could look at the sun come morning. Since it was clear and not a single cloud out I thought I’d save time and effort by leaving the mount out, already setup for the morning session.
?
Well, you can guess what happened during those few hours. The mount was drenched when I went out. At some point a rain shower must have sprung from nowhere to spoil my plans. I was relieved I didn’t leave the scope on as well. I’m not sure where I’d be if the scope got wet like that lol
?
Now to my issues. I took the G2 control box off the mount and brought it inside for cleaning and drying. Thankfully there was no water inside the box but, should I be worried about the connectors? I’m particularly worried about the DIN connectors as those seem to be more finicky and delicate? I sadly do not have immediate access to deoxit or something similar, any alternatives I could use if needed?
?
As for the mount’s mechanics, should I clean and relube everything? Just dry it all as best as I can and let it be? Something in between? My main concerns would be the motors, gearboxes and worm mechanisms.
?
I wish I could say lesson learned but, I know myself lol. And to show Murphy does really exist, this all happened a few weeks before I get my telegizmos cover that I purchased a few weeks ago. Dangit
?
Thanks for your help
?
Jonathan
 

On Mon, Dec 9, 2024 at 04:44 AM, Jonathan wrote:
I was out last night on a fairly nice, clear night watching and imaging the planets and around 1am decided to hit the sack for a few hours so I could look at the sun come morning. Since it was clear and not a single cloud out I thought I’d save time and effort by leaving the mount out, already setup for the morning session.
?
Well, you can guess what happened during those few hours. The mount was drenched when I went out. At some point a rain shower must have sprung from nowhere to spoil my plans. I was relieved I didn’t leave the scope on as well. I’m not sure where I’d be if the scope got wet like that lol
?
Now to my issues. I took the G2 control box off the mount and brought it inside for cleaning and drying. Thankfully there was no water inside the box but, should I be worried about the connectors? I’m particularly worried about the DIN connectors as those seem to be more finicky and delicate? I sadly do not have immediate access to deoxit or something similar, any alternatives I could use if needed?
?
As for the mount’s mechanics, should I clean and relube everything? Just dry it all as best as I can and let it be? Something in between? My main concerns would be the motors, gearboxes and worm mechanisms.
?
I wish I could say lesson learned but, I know myself lol. And to show Murphy does really exist, this all happened a few weeks before I get my telegizmos cover that I purchased a few weeks ago. Dangit
?
Thanks for your help
?
Jonathan
Just disconnect all cables and wipe everything down including connectors with a soft lint free cloth turning regularly.? Don't use any canned gas on the mount itself, this just forces dust and moisture into the drivetrain.? The less you mess with the mount itself in this case the better.? ?Let it dry indoors for a few days.?
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It sounds like you already opened the Gemini 2 case and for that I do recommend blowing it out paying attention to the connectors. Leave it open and let it air dry in a warm room and close it back up in a couple days.? The other thing I would do is remove the servo motors and open the electronics cover and also use canned air to get out any moisture that may have been trapped inside the servo case.? Rain tends to get inside these as well as spiders for some reason.? Blow them out and let them air dry in a warm room with the Gemini.?
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Wait a couple days, a fan blowing lightly.over the electronics helps the process.? Reassemble and enjoy.
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--

Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?

Astrospheric Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
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I've gotten mine soaking wet several times with noone to blame but myself. As the others sail clean and dry Gemini and handset and you should be fine. Also replace the button battery.?
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Thank you all for your advice and words of encouragement.
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Thankfully I didn’t leave the HC connected, it was safely stored indoors whewww!. As for the electronics inside the G2 box, it was 99% dry, just a hint of water on the lip holding the top lid and some moisture on the bottom of the stand offs so, either it dried after getting wet or it didn’t really get that wet. The connectors did have some moisture and I blew on them and shook the whole thing to try to remove the water. It’s on a desk air drying as we speak, just to make ultra sure. Also, the coin cell is about 6 months old, I replaced it recently when the original that came with the mount started showing signs of old age after 4 years of light use.
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As for the mount, the suggestions are more than welcome, and helpful. I will let it dry fully for a couple of days and will open and remove the covers and motors to help the process. I think I will try it out after drying and see if it keeps performing as it was, if not I’ll fully clean and regrease. It’s been about 1-1.5 years from the last clean and tune up so maybe it’s time for another one lol.
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thanks for your help
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jonathan

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