This is not really a big issue for me but just curious is there any specific method you guys use to clean the emitter’s dome? Mine got a speck of dust on it. Thanks.
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I scrub mine with a soft toothbrush and alcohol.
You would be surprised if you look at emitters through a jewelers loop how much flux and dirt is on them. I scrub down everything. Just pour that alcohol over the emitter and MCPCB and scrub that dirty boy down.
Yup, same here, Q tip with isopropyl alcohol.
Where to find the alcohol? :bigsmile: Pharmacy? Don’t think it is common around here.
At the pharmacy. It’s the same stuff you clean cuts with.
Get the highest % alcohol they have.
Everclear 190-proof is good if its available in your area.
Yeah Ouchyfoot that is why I don’t want to look at them real close like you did. I will find a bottle and scrub them. Thanks.
I use little disposable lens wipes. I think they are made of cotton and have alcohol in them.
Scrub gently tho.
Those domes are pretty tough, and the alcohol won’t hurt them.
Those alchahol pads from the pharmacy for cleaning cuts are good too.
I do a lot of reflowing with flux, so I like to scrub the whole emitter and MCPCB with a soft baby toothbrush to clean up all the flux. It can transfer on to your fingers when handling and centering it on the pill and get on the LED.
I will find a bottle with the highest % available here. Maybe I could go with the lens wipes or alcohol pads too. I’ll try with the local pharmacy first and see what they have. Thanks guys.
I don’t know where you’re at, but I bought a huge bottle of 99% pure electronics grade isopropyl alcohol for like $7 at Frye’s a few years back. Its about half-empty now and I use it for everything.
IPA in a spray can.
Usually no need to actually wipe the dome when your can has new-ish pressure.
Also I have used my tongue to remove particles, IPA spray clean afterwards and rinse mouth with water… 
i only clean LEDs with gasoline J)
for some reason the domes keep falling off 
I use IPA and a Q-tip then dry with a can of air duster so there’s no streaks/debris left behind.
Yikes! That’s one method I haven’t tried! :nerd_face:
Mmmm, whats the tastiest flux in your opinion?
Call me a traditionalist but I still like the full flavor of a nice rosin flux. 
1. Q-Tip with 99% isopropyl alcohol
2. DI Water with microfiber cloth
3. Compressed air to rid of any lint
The emitter and reflector is usually very dirty, full of flux and solder balls !
I saw the subject line and thought, “hmm, that sounds obscene”. 
But yeah, IPA on a paper towel works fine.