Orion SKYQUEST XT12 - Manual (Page 3)

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Congratulations on your purchase of an Orion SkyQuest XT12 IntelliScope Dobsonian. It is a high-
performance astronomical instrument designed to provide dazzling views of celestial objects and
unprecedented ease of use. With the addition of the optional IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator
(controller), you gain the ability to locate and view thousands of celestial objects with the push of a but-
ton. Searching for objects is a thing of the past, as the IntelliScope’s high-resolution digital encoders find
them for you — in seconds. It’s so easy!
Even if you decide not to purchase the optional IntelliScope controller, your SkyQuest telescope will
provide years of stargazing enjoyment, thanks to its large-aperture, precision optics; its innovative, user-
friendly design; and its complement of outstanding features and accessories. We hope you enjoy your
journey through the universe!
Please read these instructions thoroughly before beginning assembly and subsequent use of the telescope.
Table of Contents
1. Unpacking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Aligning (Collimating) the
Optical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4. Using your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5. Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6. Optional IntelliScope Computerized
Object Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
8. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1. Unpacking
The telescope is packed in three boxes, one containing the
optical tube assembly and accessories, another containing
the unassembled Dobsonian base, and the last 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 survive the
journey intact.
Make sure all the parts in the Parts List below are present. Be
sure to check boxes carefully, as some parts are small. If any-
thing appears to be missing or broken, immediately call Orion
Customer Support (800-676-1343) or email sales@telescope.
com for assistance.
Parts List
Box #1: Optical Tube Assembly and Accessories
Qty.
Description
1 Optical tube assembly
1 Dust cover
1 25mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece, 1.25" barrel diameter
1 10mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece, 1.25" barrel diameter
1 9x50 Right-angle correct-image finder scope
1 Finder scope bracket with O-ring
1 Collimation cap
1 4-Hole eyepiece rack
2 Eyepiece rack mounting wood screws (length 3/4")
2 Tensioning/Retaining knobs
1 Tensioning knob nylon washer (white)
1 Tensioning knob metal washer
1 Nylon retaining knob spacer (black)
1 Handle
2 Handle mounting hex-head screws
2 Handle mounting screw washers
1 Crescent wrench
1 Azimuth encoder board
1 Encoder connector board
1 Encoder disk
Box #2: Dobsonian Base
Qty
Description
1 Left panel
1 Right panel
1 Front brace
1 Top baseplate
1 Ground baseplate
12 Base assembly wood screws (length 2", black)
WArning: Never look directly at the Sun
through your telescope or its finder scope—even
for an instant—without a professionally made
solar filter that completely covers the front of
the instrument, or permanent eye damage could
result. Young children should use this telescope
only with adult supervision.