Orion SKYQUEST XT8 - Manual (Page 18)

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With the user-friendly IntelliScope controller, there are
many ways to locate an object. If you know its catalog num-
ber (NGC or Messier number, for instance), you can enter
it using the illuminated keypad buttons. Or you can press
one of the object-category buttons (Cluster, Nebula, Galaxy,
etc.) to access a list of objects by type. For a tour of the best
objects visible in a given month, you just press the Tour but-
ton. Another great feature of the IntelliScope is the ability to
identify an “unknown” object in the field of view — just press
the ID button. You can even add up to 99 objects of your own
choosing to the IntelliScope controller’s database.
The backlit, two-line liquid crystal display on the controller
shows you the object’s catalog number, its common name if it
has one, the constellation in which it resides, its right ascen-
sion and declination coordinates, the object type, magnitude,
angular size, as well as a brief description in scrolling text.
The two guide arrows and associated “navigation numbers”
tell you in what direction to move the telescope to pinpoint
an object’s location. As the telescope approaches the object’s
location, the numbers get progressively smaller. When the
navigation numbers reach 0, the telescope will be pointed
right at the object! You just look into the eyepiece and enjoy
the view!
The IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator is a wonderful
convenience for both the novice and experienced observer. It
can be added at any time to turn your SkyQuest IntelliScope
into a fully computerized “smart scope” that will expand your
observing horizons in ways you never imagined. It is well
worth the modest investment!
7. care and Maintenance
If you give your telescope reasonable care, it will last a lifetime.
Store it in a clean, dry, dust-free place, safe from rapid chang-
es in temperature and humidity. Do not store the telescope
outdoors, although storage in a garage or shed is OK. Small
components like eyepieces and other accessories should be
kept in a protective box or storage case. Keep the cloth dust
cover on the front of the telescope when not in use.
Your SkyQuest IntelliScope requires very little mechanical
maintenance. The optical tube is steel and has a smooth
painted finish that is fairly scratch-resistant. If a scratch does
appear on the tube, it will not harm the telescope. Smudges
on the tube or base can be wiped off with a soft cloth and a
household cleaner.
cleaning Eyepiece lenses
Any quality optical lens cleaning tissue and optical lens clean-
ing fluid specifically designed for multi-coated optics can be
used to clean the exposed lenses of your eyepieces or find-
er scope. Never use regular glass cleaner or cleaning fluid
designed for eyeglasses. Before cleaning with fluid and tissue,
however, blow any loose particles off the lens with a blower
bulb or compressed air. Then apply some cleaning fluid to a
tissue, never directly on the optics. Wipe the lens gently in
a circular motion, then remove any excess fluid with a fresh
lens tissue. Oily fingerprints and smudges may be removed
using this method. Use caution; rubbing too hard may scratch
the lens. On larger lenses, clean only a small area at a time,
using a fresh lens tissue on each area. Never reuse tissues.
cleaning Mirrors
You should not have to clean the telescope’s mirrors very
often; normally once every few years or so. Covering the tele-
scope with the dust cover when it is not in use will prevent
dust from accumulating on the mirrors. Improper cleaning can
scratch mirror coatings, so the fewer times you have to clean
the mirrors, the better. Small specks of dust or flecks of paint
have virtually no adverse effect on the visual performance of
the telescope.
The large primary mirror and the elliptical secondary mirror of
your telescope are front-surface aluminized and over-coated
with hard silicon dioxide, which prevents the aluminum from
oxidizing. These coatings normally last through many years of
use before requiring re-coating (which is easily done).
To clean the secondary mirror, you will need to remove it
from the telescope. Before doing so, orient the telescope tube
horizontally so that nothing accidentally falls down and hits
the primary mirror. Hold the secondary mirror holder station-
ary while loosening the center Phillips-head screw. Handle
the mirror by its holder; do not touch the mirror surface itself.
Once the mirror (still in its holder) is removed from the tube,
follow the same procedure described below for cleaning the
primary mirror. You do not need to remove the secondary mir-
ror from its holder when cleaning.
To clean the primary mirror, you must carefully remove the mir-
ror cell from the telescope. To do this, remove the six screws
(four for the XT6) on the side of the tube near the primary mir-
ror. You do not need to remove the collimation screws on the
bottom of the mirror cell. Remove the mirror cell from the tube.
You will notice the primary mirror is held down with three clips
(four for the XT10) fastened by two screws each. Loosen the
screws and remove the clips.
You may now remove the mirror from the mirror cell. Do not
touch the surface of the mirror with your fingers; lift it care-
fully by the edge. Set the mirror, aluminized face up, on a
clean, soft towel. Fill a clean sink free of abrasive cleanser
with room-temperature water, a few drops of liquid dishwash-
ing detergent, and if possible a capful of rubbing alcohol.
Submerge the mirror (aluminized face up) in the water and
let it soak for a few minutes (or hours if it’s a very dirty mir-
ror). Wipe the mirror under water with clean cotton balls,
using extremely light pressure and stroking in a straight line
across the mirror. Use one ball for each wipe across the mir-
ror. Then rinse the mirror under a stream of lukewarm water.
Any particles on the surface can be swabbed gently with a
series of cotton balls, each used just one time. Dry the mirror
in a stream of air (a “blower bulb” works great), or remove any
stray drops of water with the corner of a paper towel. Water
will run off a clean surface. Cover the mirror surface with a tis-
sue, and leave the mirror in a warm area until it is completely
dry before reassembling the telescope.