Orion SKYQUEST XT12 User Manual download pdf (Page 13)

4. Using Your Telescope

One of the great benefits of the SkyQuest XT IntelliScope

Dobsonian is its ability to point to more than 14,000 celes-

tial objects, when used with the optional IntelliScope

Computerized Object Locator (controller). Use of the control-

ler is completely optional, and your telescope will function

perfectly well without it. However, the controller will greatly

enhance your observing experience by enabling you to quick-

ly and precisely locate even very faint objects. For more about

IntelliScope controller functionality, see Section 6.

Before using your SkyQuest telescope for the first time at

night, we recommend getting a feel for its basic functions dur-

ing daylight hours. Find a spot outdoors where you have a

clear view of some object or landmark that is at least 1/4-

mile away. It is not critical that the base be exactly level, but

it should be placed on somewhat flat ground or pavement to

ensure smooth movement of the telescope.

Remember, never point the telescope at or near the Sun with-

out using a proper solar filter over the front aperture!

Altitude and Azimuth Motion

The SkyQuest’s Dobsonian base permits smooth motion of

the telescope along two axes: altitude (up/down) and azimuth

(left/right) (Figure 28). For altitude motion, the altitude bear-

ings on the telescope tube glide on pairs of bearing cylinders

made from ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene.

For azimuth motion, the top baseplate moves on three Teflon

bearing pads attached to the ground baseplate.

To move the telescope, simply take hold of the navigation

knob and gently move the tube up or down and left or right

as desired. Both motions can be made simultaneously and

in a continuous manner for easy aiming. When the telescope

is pointed high in altitude, rotating the tube in azimuth can

cause the base to “tip” because of the reduced leverage. In

this case it is helpful to place your other hand on the base or

the optical tube to help “guide” the tube.

Setting the Altitude Tension Level

The telescope should move smoothly with just gentle hand

pressure. While azimuth friction is not adjustable, the altitude

friction can be adjusted to the desired level by turning the alti-

tude tension knob (Figure 17). Note that the altitude tension

knob is the knob just above the IntelliScope Controller Port.

The knob on the opposite side of the base is merely a retain-

ing knob; it does not affect altitude tension.

Adjustable tension is a feature of the SkyQuest’s exclusive

springless CorrecTension Friction Optimization system.

CorrecTension adds just the right amount of friction to keep

the telescope tube in proper balance, even when other acces-

sories are added on, such as a barlow lens or a heavier

eyepiece.

A good way to set the altitude tension is to point the telescope

at about a 45° angle. Loosen the altitude tension knob until

the front of the optical tube starts to drift upward. As it does

so, tighten the tension knob just enough to make the tube

stop drifting (Figure 29). The motion should be ideal -- not too

stiff, not too loose.

You will want to be able to “track” the motion of celestial

objects while viewing them by making small movements of

the telescope without experiencing jerking (too much tension)

or overshooting of the desired position (too little tension).

Focusing the Telescope

With the 25mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece in the focuser and

secured with the thumbscrew(s), move the telescope so the

front (open) end is pointing in the general direction of an

object at least 1/4-mile away. Now, with your fingers, slowly

rotate one of the focusing knobs until the object comes into

sharp focus. Go a little bit beyond sharp focus until the image

just starts to blur again, then reverse the rotation of the knob,

just to make sure you've hit the exact focus point.

Altitude

Azimuth

Figure 29. Adjust the tensioning knob until the altitude balance is

just right. The telescope should move easily in altitude without drifting

when you let go.

F i g u r e 2 8 .

T h e S k y Q u e s t

Intelliscope has two

axes of motion; alti-

tude (up/down) and

azimuth (left/right).

1 2 ... 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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Orion SKYQUEST XT12 User Manual Page 13

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