Orion SKYQUEST XTG User Manual

Page 3

Congratulations on your purchase of an Orion
SkyQuest XTg GoTo Dobsonian. It is an observer’s
dream telescope, offering quality diffraction-limited
optics; a stylish, easy-to-setup base outfitted with
automated, computerized GoTo technology; and a
sturdy design. This high-performance astronomical
instrument will provide dazzling views of celestial
objects, yet be transportable and wonderfully easy
to use.

With the alt-azimuth GoTo system, you simply select an object
from the 42,900 object database and the telescope will take
you there with the push of a couple of buttons. Searching for
objects is a thing of the past, as the GoTo servo motors and
computerized database find them for you in seconds, then
track them while you enjoy the view! Deluxe features such as
a 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser, enhanced-reflectivity mirror
coatings, and full accessory assortment provide everything
you need to enjoy your journey through the universe.
Please read these instructions thoroughly before beginning
assembly and subsequent use of the telescope.

Unpacking

The telescope is packed in two boxes, one containing the opti-
cal tube assembly and accessories, another containing the
unassembled Dobsonian base. The 12" model has a third box
containing the primary mirror in its cell. Be careful unpacking
the boxes. We recommend keeping the original packaging. In
the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to another

location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, having the
proper packaging will help ensure that your telescope will sur-
vive the journey intact.
Before beginning assembly, unpack each box and confirm
that all of the parts in the Parts List below are present. The
parts are listed by the box they should arrive in, but some
of the parts may be in different boxes than indicated below.
Be sure to check all boxes carefully, as some parts are
small. If anything appears to be missing or broken, immedi-
ately call Orion Customer Support (800-676-1343) or email
[email protected] for assistance.

Parts List

Box #1: Optical Tube Assembly and Accessories
(Refer to Figure 2)
Qty. Description
1

Optical Tube Assembly

Dust cover

28mm Deep View eyepiece, 2" barrel diameter

12.5mm Illuminated Plössl eyepiece, 1.25" barrel
diameter

EZ Finder (with bracket)

Collimation cap

Eyepiece rack

Eyepiece rack wood screws (20mm long, color black)

Hex keys (2mm, 3mm)

Tube connecting knob

Hand controller holster (with 2 assembly screws)

Figure 2.

Contents of the optical tube box: A) Optical tube,

B) Dust cap, C) Holster with mounting screws, D) EZ Finder II

with bracket, E) Hex keys, F) collimation cap, G) 1.25" 12.5mm

illuminated Plössl eyepeice, H) 2" 28mm DeepView eyepiece, I)

Starry Night CD-ROM, J) eyepiece rack with mounting screws.

Table of Contents

1. Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. The GoTo Hand Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4. Setup for AutoTracking or GoTo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5. Using the Telescope in AutoTracking Mode . . . . . . . . . 12
6. Alignment for GoTo Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7. Using the Telescope in GoTo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8. Collimating the Optical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9. Using Your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
10. Astronomical Observing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
11. Care and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
12. Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Menu Tree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Appendix A: Time Zones of the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Appendix B: RS-232 Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Star Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31