Many people ask what they can do to maintain their SmartScope. The best thing is to have a regular preventative maintenace visit (twice a year) by a qualified service engineer. They will thoroughly clean the machine inside and out and make sure the system is lubricated with proper oils and grease.
Other than that, the best thing a SmartScope operator can do is keep the machine dusted and the filters clean.
If you have a SmartScope Flash, you should check the air filters on at least a monthly basis. We clean the filters every six months, but more often than not, here’s what we find:

This machine is in a relatively clean office environment and was cleaned six months earlier, yet the filter is completely clogged with dirt.
Here’s what the filter looks like when held up to the light:

If light can’t get through, how much cool air do you think is blowing through the filter?
A clogged filter can lead to all kinds of problems - the internal circuitboards and power supplies generate a lot of heat - and can fail prematurely if not properly cooled. It could cost thousands to replace damaged boards - it costs nothing to keep the filters clean.
Here’s how:
Pop off the plastic cover and remove the filter. Rinse out the filter in the nearest sink (the filter is made from a wet/dry material). You could choose to blow it out instead, but rinsing is a lot less messy! I like to hold the filter dirty side down, and let the water push the dirt out of the filter.

When clean, wring the excess water out and let air dry. Look at the difference:

Some companies have PM systems where the filter can be put on a list to remind you to check the filter regularly. If not, you could certainly write a note on your desktop calender the first of every month to remind you to check the filter.
If you have a SmartScope Zip, MVP or FOV with a white or blue filter material - these are not washable. However, if your’s is completely clogged, you can contact us and we will send you a replacement. Be sure to ask the calibration technician for a spare filter that you can use between service visits.