lens cleaning?

[Therage79]

Hi there, I have recently taken the (albiet small) plunge and bought a cheap 2nd hand projector (Sony VPL CX70 - Only XVGA but looks a decent picture for the money - £100).

I have a quick question on cleaning, when on, the lamp (due to the fan I guess) seems to suck in all the particles in the air, and the lamp has some dust/fluff etc on it. It doesnt appear to be affecting the picture, however Im itching to clean it.

Is this ok, should I touch the bulb at all, and how? Is there any special cloth/cleaner that I should use, or is the whole idea a 'no no'? I have that feeling that 'if its not broke...etc' however I still want to.

Im looking for advice!

Many thanks

[Galactic_Dog]

You could clean it using a lint free cloth but it's just going to happen every time you switch on your projector ( as it does with mine )

Best just leaving it and cleaning it every six months as it does not affect the image quality.

Another tip i have is when you are finished viewing the projector always cover it up with something that is dust free. Thats what i do with my Panasonic projector and i have never suffered an internal dust problem since ( Before i used to get dust entering through the night and i was opening and cleaning it every three months )

What you are seeing though is an external dust problem as its attracted to the lens. It's harmless on the outside though and it's dust inside the projector you need to worry about.

If you have a dust filter installed best to clean that regularly.

Never ever touch the bulb or it'll be ruined and when it comes to replacing the bulb buy some lint free gloves to do the replacement with. Touching a projector bulb is a big no no.

[Therage79]

Cheers mate,

Thought I maybe over reacting, I dont intend to clean it all the time, its just as its 2nd hand I wanted to clean it for me, if that makes sense.

Currently it is living back in its case when not in use, but when it is eventually mounted I may concoct a dust sheet.

How tricky is cleaning the dust filter, as I may look at that as well. Its only got 100 hours on the clock, so I dont think it has been used heavily. But I would just feel better knowing it was as good/clean as it could be.

[x liddy x]

If a lint free coth is the best way to clean the lense then what's the best way to clean out the inside of the projector? Assuming that doesn't void your warrenty.

[Galactic_Dog]

Originally Posted by x liddy x

If a lint free coth is the best way to clean the lense then what's the best way to clean out the inside of the projector? Assuming that doesn't void your warrenty.

I use compressed air and a delicate lint free cloth.....You could always buy some lint free gloves too if you are worried about touching anything.

Originally Posted by Therage79

How tricky is cleaning the dust filter, as I may look at that as well. Its only got 100 hours on the clock, so I dont think it has been used heavily. But I would just feel better knowing it was as good/clean as it could be.

With my model you simply pull out the filter and hoover it and then put it back in....Not sure about your particular model but if you have instructions check what it says or do an online search for your model and see if you can pick up a manual online.

[nwgarratt]

I have used a hoover with a brush connector. I hold it in front of the lens with the brushes part on the front of the pj. There is still a gap between it and the lens so the lens doesn't get touched. It won't get rid of everything but any big bits gets sucked in. I put the lens cap on when I have it switched off.

The inside of my pj could do with a clean but knowing my luck, I would make the pj worse. I think there is a bit of dust/dirt causing a white line every now and then over the picture. It isn't a big deal as it only happens very occasionally and I know how to stop it straight away. The picture looks great otherwise.