Orion SKYQUEST XT8 - Manual (Page 3)

3
Congratulations on your purchase of an Orion SkyQuest XT IntelliScope Dobsonian. It is a high-perfor-
mance 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 button. 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. Using Your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4. Alignment (Collimation) of the
Optical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5. Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6. Optional IntelliScope Computerized
Object Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
8. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1. unpacking
The telescope is packed in two boxes, one containing the
optical 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 are present. Be sure
to check boxes carefully, as some parts are small. If anything
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 (6x30
for the XT6)
1 Finder scope bracket with O-ring
1 Collimation cap
1 4-Hole eyepiece rack (3-hole for XT6)
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.