Orion SKYQUEST XT6 - Manual (Page 3)

3
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.
W
elcome to an exciting new world of adventure! Your
SkyQuest Dobsonian is a high-quality optical instrument
designed to bring you dazzling views of the outer reaches
of our universe. Easy enough for kids to use, and portable
enough for anyone to carry, the SkyQuest will provide fun
and entertainment for the entire family. Whether you are
brand-new to amateur astronomy or a seasoned stargaz-
er, get ready for many evenings of enjoyment and
fascination. Before venturing into the night with your new
telescope, we recommend that you read through this
instruction manual. Not only does it provide accurate direc-
tions for assembly and use, but it also serves as a guide for
your first explorations in the sky.
Table of Contents
1. Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2. Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3. Using Your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
4. Collimation (Aligning the Mirrors) . . . . . . . . . .10
5. Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
6. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
7. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
1. Unpacking
The telescope will arrive in two boxes, one containing the opti-
cal tube assembly and accessories, the other containing the
unassembled Dobsonian base. Be careful unpacking the
boxes. We recommend keeping the original shipping contain-
ers. In the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to
another location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, hav-
ing the proper shipping containers 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) 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 6x30 finder scope
1 Finder scope bracket with O-ring
1 Collimation cap
1 Eyepiece rack
2 Eyepiece rack mounting wood screws (length 3/4")
2 Spring coils
2 Pull loops
4 Nylon spacers (black)
2 1/4" washers (black)
2 Phillips-head screws (black, length 1-3/4")
2 Screws with round knob attached
Box #2: Dobsonian Base
Qty. Description
1 Left panel
1 Right panel
1 Front brace
1 Top baseplate
1 Ground baseplate
12 Base assembly screws (length 2")
1 Hex key (size 4mm)
3 Plastic feet
3 Feet attachment wood screws (length 1")
1 Self-adhesive rubber bumper
1 Large hex-head bolt (length 3")
2 3/8" washers
1 3/8" lock nut
1 Nylon spacer (white)
1 T-nut
1 Handle
2 Socket-head cap screws, 5/16" (black)
2 5/16" washers (black)
2 5/16" nuts (black)
1 Hex key (6mm)