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guided-learning:cleaning

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guided-learning:cleaning [2026/05/05 23:48] – [Inspect Color Convergence / Dichro Alignment] Jesse Bourassaguided-learning:cleaning [2026/08/04 16:10] (current) – [D Check] Jesse Bourassa
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-====== How to Clean Your Laser Projector ======+====== How to Maintain Your Laser Projector ======
  
 ===== Laser Projector Inspection, Cleaning, and Maintenance Schedule ===== ===== Laser Projector Inspection, Cleaning, and Maintenance Schedule =====
  
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-#1 
  
 Our recommended system for making sure your laser projectors remain in top condition is scheduling a series of maintenance checks.  These checks range from simple tasks that should be repeated often to longer projects that can be performed as needed. Our recommended system for making sure your laser projectors remain in top condition is scheduling a series of maintenance checks.  These checks range from simple tasks that should be repeated often to longer projects that can be performed as needed.
  
-#2+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:2_checklists.jpg?direct |}}
  
 For our purposes, we have designated four **Checks**, following a similar system used in aviation. (Since lasers and aviation have historically worked so well together, we decided this would be appropriate.)  Each **Check** includes the steps of the one before it. For our purposes, we have designated four **Checks**, following a similar system used in aviation. (Since lasers and aviation have historically worked so well together, we decided this would be appropriate.)  Each **Check** includes the steps of the one before it.
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 When cleaning optics, you may turn the laser on low power (as low as it will go while still outputting) in order to see any dirt and debris settled on the optics.  Remove the debris by gently using the recommended equipment for each section.  For the aperture window, move in circular motions with a wipe, pushing the dirt to the outside edges of the aperture window.  For mirrors and dichroic filters, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the optic, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the optic.  In both cases, you only need to make sure the optic is clear of debris in the areas where the laser beam passes through.  In addition, make sure not to get any cleaning solvents near adhesives that are holding optics in place.   When cleaning optics, you may turn the laser on low power (as low as it will go while still outputting) in order to see any dirt and debris settled on the optics.  Remove the debris by gently using the recommended equipment for each section.  For the aperture window, move in circular motions with a wipe, pushing the dirt to the outside edges of the aperture window.  For mirrors and dichroic filters, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the optic, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the optic.  In both cases, you only need to make sure the optic is clear of debris in the areas where the laser beam passes through.  In addition, make sure not to get any cleaning solvents near adhesives that are holding optics in place.  
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-#4+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:stagehand_cleaning.jpg?direct |}}
  
 ====== A Check ====== ====== A Check ======
 Pre/Post-Show Checkup - Operator - 5-15 mins - Show Site Pre/Post-Show Checkup - Operator - 5-15 mins - Show Site
  
-This Check is the one that everyone operating the laser projector should know.  With normal use, the most vulnerable parts of the laser projector are the fans and the aperture window, so they should be inspected on a regular basis. This Check should ideally be performed before each show, and can be performed while the unit is in situ or on the stage, on a case, in the back of a truck, etc.  An A Check is comprised of the following steps:+Tools/Supplies Needed: Cleaning Rags (Preferably Microfiber), All-Purpose Cleaner, Lens Cleaner, Compressed Air, Brushes, Delicate Task Wipers 
 + 
 +This Check is the one that everyone operating a laser projector should know.  With normal use, the most vulnerable parts of the laser projector are the fans and the aperture window, so they should be inspected on a regular basis. This Check should ideally be performed before each show, and can be performed while the unit is in situ or on the stage, on a case, in the back of a truck, etc.  An A Check is comprised of the following steps:
   
-===== Fans =====+===== Dust Fans =====
 (Tools- Compressed Air, Long Stick, Brush) (Tools- Compressed Air, Long Stick, Brush)
  
 Inspect the Heat Sink Section of your laser projector, specifically the fan block, for any dust or debris.  If you do see anything inhibiting the fan performance, jam the fan blades with a long stick or something, so that you do not overspeed the fan motors.  Then, blow into the fan section with compressed air to remove the blockage.   Inspect the Heat Sink Section of your laser projector, specifically the fan block, for any dust or debris.  If you do see anything inhibiting the fan performance, jam the fan blades with a long stick or something, so that you do not overspeed the fan motors.  Then, blow into the fan section with compressed air to remove the blockage.  
  
-#5+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:5_blow_out_fans.jpg?direct |}}
  
-===== Housing Panels =====+===== Clean Housing Panels =====
 (Tools- Microfiber Cloth, Cleaning/Degreaser Spray) (Tools- Microfiber Cloth, Cleaning/Degreaser Spray)
  
 Inspect the exterior housing panels, and use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris. If necessary, you can dampen the cloth with water or a mild degreaser to remove difficult grime.  Be careful around any labels and the control panel, so as not to damage them. Inspect the exterior housing panels, and use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris. If necessary, you can dampen the cloth with water or a mild degreaser to remove difficult grime.  Be careful around any labels and the control panel, so as not to damage them.
  
-#6+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:6_clean_housing.jpg?direct |}}
  
-===== Aperture Window =====+===== Clean Aperture Window =====
 (Tools- Delicate Task Wiper, Lens Cleaner) (Tools- Delicate Task Wiper, Lens Cleaner)
  
-Open the aperture mask and inspect the aperture window.  Use a flashlight or other light source to look for any stains on the window.  Remove any dust or stains by gently wiping with a lint-free disposable wipe sprayed with lens cleaner.  Move in circular motions, pushing any grime to the outside edges of the aperture window.  Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as this could harm the anti-reflective coating. +Open the aperture mask and inspect the aperture window.  Use a flashlight or other light source to look for any stains on the window.  Remove any dust or stains by gently wiping with a lint-free disposable wipe sprayed with lens cleaner.  //Move in circular motions, pushing any grime to the outside edges of the aperture window.  Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as this could harm the anti-reflective coating. 
- +// 
-#7+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:7_clean_aperture_window.jpg?direct |}}
  
 ===== Inspect Color Convergence / Dichro Alignment ===== ===== Inspect Color Convergence / Dichro Alignment =====
  
-Using a test pattern, look for any misalignment between the colors (Red/Green/Blue/Other).  If you do notice misalignment, refer to our guide on aligning [[alignment|Color Convergence]].+Using a test pattern, look for any misalignment between the colors (Red/Green/Blue/Other).  If you do notice misalignment, or want to see examples of misalignment to verify what you are seeing, please refer to our guide on alignment: [[alignment|Color Convergence]].
  
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-#8+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:8_tech_working.jpg?direct |}} 
 ====== B Check ====== ====== B Check ======
 Standard Maintenance - Technician - 15-60 mins - Shop Standard Maintenance - Technician - 15-60 mins - Shop
 +
 +Tools/Supplies Needed: Compressed Air, Brushes, Glue-Free Cotton Swabs, Acetone
  
 This Check is the most important for ensuring longevity in your projector, especially for non-IP rated units, units that travel a lot, and units that perform in harsh conditions. This Check should be performed in workshop conditions by someone who has technical knowledge and steady hands.  The steps of an A Check should be performed first, then the following steps: This Check is the most important for ensuring longevity in your projector, especially for non-IP rated units, units that travel a lot, and units that perform in harsh conditions. This Check should be performed in workshop conditions by someone who has technical knowledge and steady hands.  The steps of an A Check should be performed first, then the following steps:
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 If your unit has a separate PSU/driver compartment, with the unit off, open the compartment and blow out any dust or debris. Difficult debris can be removed with a brush.   If your unit has a separate PSU/driver compartment, with the unit off, open the compartment and blow out any dust or debris. Difficult debris can be removed with a brush.  
  
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 ===== Dust Optics Compartment ===== ===== Dust Optics Compartment =====
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 With the unit off, open the compartment and blow out any dust or debris.  Difficult debris can be removed with a brush.  Be careful around optics, especially the scanner system.  Try not to blow any dust towards the optical train.   With the unit off, open the compartment and blow out any dust or debris.  Difficult debris can be removed with a brush.  Be careful around optics, especially the scanner system.  Try not to blow any dust towards the optical train.  
  
-#10+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:10_dust_optics_compartment.jpg?direct |}}
  
-===== Beam Train Optics =====+===== Clean Beam Train Optics =====
 (Tools- glue-free cotton swabs, acetone) (Tools- glue-free cotton swabs, acetone)
  
-With the unit on, project a static, white beam at the lowest power possible that still produces laser output.  This will allow you to see where the laser beam is encountering obstructions in the optical train (the optic will produce a bright light where the beam hits).  Wet the swab with acetone, then while wiping the optic, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the optic, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the optic.  You will want to inspect and clean the output window(s) of the laser module(s), any turning mirrors, and both sides of each dichroic filter.  +With the unit on, project a static, white beam at the lowest power possible that still produces laser output.  This will allow you to see where the laser beam is encountering obstructions in the optical train (the optic will produce a bright light where the beam hits).  
  
-#11+//Wet the swab with acetone, then while wiping the optic, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the optic, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the optic.//  
  
-===== Scanners =====+You will want to inspect and clean the output window(s) of the laser module(s), any turning mirrors, and both sides of each dichroic filter.   
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:11_clean_train_optics.jpg?direct |}} 
 + 
 +===== Clean Scanner Mirrors =====
 (Tools- glue-free cotton swabs, acetone) (Tools- glue-free cotton swabs, acetone)
  
-With the unit on, project a static, white beam at the lowest power possible that still produces laser output.  Make sure to only ever clean the scanner mirrors while the unit is powered but not projecting, or while it is projecting a static beam.  This locks the scanner mirrors in position and allows them to be touched.  You must still be very careful when interacting with the scanner mirrors, as they are fragile. Wet the swab with acetone, then while wiping the mirror, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the mirror, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the mirror.  Be careful not to get any acetone near the adhesive holding the mirrors to the shaft.  In some units, it may be necessary to remove the aperture window to access the scanner mirrors properly.  This can also be a good time to clean the inside of the aperture window, using the same method described for the exterior side. +With the unit on, project a static, white beam at the lowest power possible that still produces laser output.  Make sure to only ever clean the scanner mirrors while the unit is powered but not projecting, or while it is projecting a static beam.  This locks the scanner mirrors in position and allows them to be touched.  You must still be very careful when interacting with the scanner mirrors, as they are fragile.  
 + 
 +//Wet the swab with acetone, then while wiping the mirror, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the mirror, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the mirror.//   
 + 
 +Be careful not to get any acetone near the adhesive holding the mirrors to the shaft.  In some units, it may be necessary to remove the aperture window to access the scanner mirrors properly.  This can also be a good time to clean the inside of the aperture window, using the same method described for the exterior side. 
    
- #12+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:12_clean_scanners.jpg?direct |}}
  
 ===== Inspect Scanner Tuning ===== ===== Inspect Scanner Tuning =====
  
-Using the ILDA test pattern at max size 20, the Laser Media test pattern at max size 40, and the Grid test pattern at max size 40, inspect for issues with your scanning output.  If you do see issues, please contact us at support@pangolin.com+Using the ILDA test pattern at max size 20, the Laser Media test pattern at max size 40, and the Grid test pattern at max size 40, inspect for issues with your scanning output.  Examples of good and bad ILDA test patterns are provided below.  If you do see issues, please contact us at support@pangolin.com for more information, as the procedure to fix this varies drastically, depending on make, model, and date of manufacture.  
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:ilda_bad_too_slow.jpg?direct |}} 
 +ILDA Bad - X Too Slow (Blue Circle wider than Green Square) 
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:ilda_bad_poor_tune.jpg?direct |}} 
 +ILDA Bad - Incorrect Frequency Dampening (Blue Circle is slanted) 
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:ilda_good.jpg?direct |}} 
 +ILDA Good
  
 ===== Inspect Module Tuning ===== ===== Inspect Module Tuning =====
  
-Using the Color Test test pattern at max size 20, inspect for issues with your laser module’s tuning by decreasing and increasing the power.  If you do see issues, please contact us at support@pangolin.com+Using the Color Test test pattern at max size 20, inspect for issues with your laser module’s tuning by decreasing and increasing the power.  Examples of good and bad color tune are provided below.  If you do see issues, please contact support@pangolin.com for more information, as the procedure to fix this varies drastically, depending on make, model, and date of manufacture.  
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:color_tune_low_bad.jpg?direct |}} 
 +Poor Color Tune at Low Brightness 
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:color_tune_full_bad.jpg?direct |}} 
 +Poor Color Tune at Full Brightness 
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:color_tune_low_good.jpg?direct |}} 
 +Good Color Tune at Low Brightness 
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:color_tune_full_good.jpg?direct |}} 
 +Good Color Tune at Full Brightness
  
 ===== Inspect Yoke Assembly ===== ===== Inspect Yoke Assembly =====
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 Tighten the two bolts holding the yoke in place as hard as they can go by hand, then attempt to move the yoke.  If it is still able to be moved, even small amounts, disassemble the yoke mounts and tighten the inner bolts.  Also, inspect all of the yoke hardware to ensure it is still in good condition. Tighten the two bolts holding the yoke in place as hard as they can go by hand, then attempt to move the yoke.  If it is still able to be moved, even small amounts, disassemble the yoke mounts and tighten the inner bolts.  Also, inspect all of the yoke hardware to ensure it is still in good condition.
  
-#13+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:13_tighten_yoke.jpg?direct |}}
  
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-#14+{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:14_manager_working.jpg?direct |}}
  
 ====== C Check ====== ====== C Check ======
 Service Overhaul - Service Technician - 30-120 mins - Lab Service Overhaul - Service Technician - 30-120 mins - Lab
  
-This Check is the most intensive that a projector should receive under normal use.  It should be performed in clean, dry conditions as the laser module internals are very sensitive to dust and moisture.  The steps of an A Check and a B Check should be followed first, then perform the following steps:+Tools/Supplies Needed: glue-free cotton swabs, high-quality acetone, automotive picks, gore valve tester/vacuum pump, laser power meter 
 + 
 +This Check is the most intensive that a projector should receive under normal use.  It should be performed in clean, dry conditions as the laser module internals are very sensitive to dust and moisture.  Laser projectors can also be sent in to our repair facility to have this Check performed.  The steps of an A Check and a B Check should be followed first, then perform the following steps:
  
 ===== Clean Module Optics ===== ===== Clean Module Optics =====
 (Tools- glue-free cotton swabs, high-quality acetone) (Tools- glue-free cotton swabs, high-quality acetone)
  
-Refer to our guide on aligning laser modules for instructions on how to remove the lid of the laser module.  With the unit on, project a static beam at the lowest power possible that still produces laser output from each diode.  Only output one color at a time, to limit eye fatigue and possible dangers.   Inspect any shaping optics, knife-edge mirrors, and combining optics for debris.  Wet the swab with acetone, making sure to remove any excess, then while wiping the optic, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the optic, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the optic.  Only clean as needed, as unnecessary contact with the optics could cause damage or misalignment.  You may also want to inspect and clean the inside of the laser module’s output window(s) at this time. +Refer to our guide on aligning laser modules for instructions on how to remove the lid of the laser module.  With the unit on, project a static beam at the lowest power possible that still produces laser output from each diode.  Only output one color at a time, to limit eye fatigue and possible dangers.   Inspect any shaping optics, knife-edge mirrors, and combining optics for debris.  
  
-#15+//Wet the swab with acetone, making sure to remove any excess, then while wiping the optic, roll the swab against the direction that you are wiping the optic, so that the debris is picked up and pulled away from the surface of the optic.  Only clean as needed, as unnecessary contact with the optics could cause damage or misalignment. //  
 + 
 +You may also want to inspect and clean the inside of the laser module’s output window(s) at this time.  
 + 
 +{{ :guided-learning:cleaning:15_clean_module_optics.jpg?direct |}}
  
 ===== Check Module Alignment ===== ===== Check Module Alignment =====
  
-Using a monocolor static beam, look for splitting in the individual colors (Red/Green/Blue/Other).  If you do notice misalignment, refer to our guide on Module Alignment.+Using a monocolor static beam, look for splitting in the individual colors (Red/Green/Blue/Other).  If you do notice misalignment, refer to our guide on Module Alignment: [[alignment|How to Align Your Laser Projector]]
  
 ===== Test IP Port ===== ===== Test IP Port =====
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 If the unit is IP-rated, it may be equipped with a Gore Valve.  This valve can be connected to a testing device, or vacuum pump, to verify the integrity of the IP rating.   If the unit is IP-rated, it may be equipped with a Gore Valve.  This valve can be connected to a testing device, or vacuum pump, to verify the integrity of the IP rating.  
  
-#16+===== Test Power Output ===== 
 + 
 +If you have a laser power meter, now is a good time to test the power output of the combined white color, as well as the individual colors, and record them in order to watch for degradation in the unit's power output over its lifespan.
  
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 Repair/Retrofit - Repair Technician - 1-5+ hrs - Repair Facility Repair/Retrofit - Repair Technician - 1-5+ hrs - Repair Facility
  
-In the event of component malfunction, damage, or degradation due to age, most laser projectors can be repaired or retrofitted with new components at a repair facility.  Only individuals trained specifically for repairing laser projectors should complete these tasks.  To send a unit into our repair facility, reach out to us at support@pangolin.com.  If you would like to receive repair training in your specific model of laser projector, reach out to us at adam@pangolin.com to schedule a training. +In the event of component malfunction, damage, or degradation due to age, most laser projectors can be repaired or retrofitted with new components at a repair facility.  Only individuals trained specifically for repairing laser projectors should complete these tasks.  To send a unit into our repair facility, reach out to us at support@pangolin.com.  If you would like to receive repair training in your specific model of laser projector, reach out to us at support@pangolin.com to schedule a training. 
  
  
guided-learning/cleaning.1778017714.txt · Last modified: by Jesse Bourassa
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