Orion 10134 XTBg, 10135 XT10g, 10135XT12g, #10134 XT8g Other Functions, Utility Functions

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object could be a bright named star, a planet, or an object from the Messier, NGC, or IC catalogs, but not a star from the SAO catalog.

2.Find the reference object in the hand controller database and command the telescope to “GoTo” the object.

3.Once the telescope has stopped slewing, press ESC to return to any submenu .

4.Press and hold down the ESC key for 2 seconds to enter the PAE mode. The hand control will display ìRe-center- ing objî and the name of the reference object will appear in a blinking mode (3 times). If the reference object is selected from a planetarium software program, instead of the name of the object, the hand control will display ìLast goto objectî.

5.Use the directional buttons to center the reference object in the telescope eyepiece (the 12.5mm Illuminated Plossl eyepiece is recommended). Then press ENTER, or if you do not wish to record the result, press ESC to abort the operation. After pressing ENTER, the SynScan will deter- mine the amount of the displacement and automatically correct the SynScan’s pointing error for this small region of the sky. Now the pointing accuracy in this particular part of the sky should be greatly improved.

NOTE: The PAE correction Is stored In the hand control- ler even after the power has been turned off.You will only need to perform the star alignment once as long as these two criteria are met: 1.The telescope Is moved to Its Home position, i.e., the telescope Is “parked” (Choose Menu > Utility Func. > Park Scope > Home position) before turn- ing off the power, and 2. The telescope setup, including the mount, has not been moved. Changing accesso- ries shouldn’t upset the alignment as long as It Is done carefully. When the hand controller Is turned on for the next session, make sure to choose YES when prompted whether to start from the Home position.The time entered during Initial setup should be based on the same source as last time. For example, If you enter the time from your watch for this observing session, the time you enter next session should also be read from your watch.

Other Functions

The GoTo hand controller is equipped with a variety of addi- tional functions that allow you to optimize performance and access other features of the system. Some functions allow you to re-enter portions of data to improve or correct opera- tional flaws. Other functions give users the chance to identify unknown objects, interface the mount with a computer, and to use other equipment in conjunction with the SkyQuest XTg. You can even customize your own catalog of celestial objects.

Utility Functions

To access the utility functions, press the UTILITY (3) button on the hand controller or scroll to Utility Func. on the Choose Menu screen using the scroll keys.

Show Position: This displays the coordinates of the location where the telescope is currently pointed. Use the scroll keys to toggle between Right Ascension/ Declination, Altitude/Azimuth and Ax1/Ax2, where Ax1 and Ax2 stand for the +/- angular readings of the eleva- tion and azimuth axes, respectively.

Show Information: This function displays setup information input by the user:

Time: Displays the current time and local sidereal time (LST).

Version: Displays the hardware, firmware, and database version of the GoTo hand controller. If the hand controller is connected to the mount, this will also display the firmware version of the motor control board. Use the scroll buttons to view the version numbers.

Temperature: Displays the temperature detected from the thermal sensor in the hand control in both Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees.

Power Voltage: Displays the input voltage to the hand con- troller. This can be used to check the status of your power supply.

Park Scope: Moves the telescope to the Home position or parks the telescope at the current or previously stored park position. Allows user to use GoTo star alignment from previ- ous viewing session. (Note: If the scope is moved after It has been parked, the alignment procedure must be performed again.) There are three possible parking positions:

HOME position – The HOME position is the initial position of the scope when it is powered on. Typically, the HOME position is defined as the position at which the telescope altitude and azimuth angles are both 0 degrees; that is, the telescope tube is positioned horizontally and north.

Current position – The Current position is where the telescope is currently pointed.

Custom position – The Custom position is the previously set parking position. The hand controller will remember the coor- dinates of a park position that you have specified.

PAE: Allows user to fine-tune star alignment based on region of the sky used during setup. Please see the information in previous Pointing Acccuracy Enhancement (PAE) section.

Clear PAE data – This function clears all PAE data stored in the hand controller. Doing the star alignment will also clear the PAE data.

GPS – This allows you to obtain information from the optional GPS receiver for Orion GoTo Mounts, if the GPS receiver is connected.

PC Direct Mode – This allows you to send commands to the GoTo base’s motor control board from your PC via the hand controller. This is different from a PC link to the hand control- ler to control the base, because all the communication com- mands and data are sent to and received from the motor con- trol board in the base directly. The PC Direct Mode is useful for doing motor control board firmware updates and for some

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Contents Orion SkyQuest XTg GoTo Dobsonians Overview of SkyQuest XTg Dobsonian 12 shown Table of Contents Parts ListUnpacking Base hardware for SkyQuest XTg Box #2 Dobsonian Base Refer to Figures 3Assembly of the Dobsonian Base AssemblyAssembly of the Optical Tube XT12g Only Shaft Spring Operating the EZ Finder Connecting the Optical Tube to Dobsonian BaseAccessory Installation EZ FinderReplacing the Battery Using EyepiecesAligning the EZ Finder GoTo Hand Controller Dual Purpose buttons Setup for AutoTracking or GoTo ModeSetup for AutoTracking or GoTo Mode Scroll ButtonsUsing the Telescope AutoTracking Mode Alignment for GoTo OperationBrightest Star Alignment Two-Star Alignment SW 235SEPointing Accuracy Enhancement PAE Using the Telescope in GoTo ModeObject Database in the Hand Controller Selecting an ObjectUtility Functions Other FunctionsTracking Setup FunctionsPage Identifying an Unknown Object Using the User Defined DatabaseSaving an object to the database Recalling a user-defined objectUpdating the GoTo Hand Controller’s Firmware Disconnecting from the ComputerPreparing the Computer for the Update Linking with a ComputerAligning the Secondary Mirror Collimating the Optical SystemCollimation Cap and Mirror Center Mark Preparing the Telescope for CollimatingAligning the Primary Mirror Using Your TelescopeStar-Testing the Telescope Focusing the Telescope1200mm = 42x 28mm Viewing with EyeglassesAiming/Pointing the Telescope MagnificationAstronomical Observing Moon Astronomical ObjectsCare and Maintenance Cleaning Eyepiece LensesCleaning Mirrors Specifications SkyQuest XT8gSkyQuest XT10g SkyQuest XT12g Menu Tree Appendix a Time Zones of the World Appendix B RS-232 Connection Additional RS-232 Commands Sending a Tracking RateSending a Slow-GoTo Command Resetting the Position of Azimuth or AltitudeStar Charts Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page One-Year Limited Warranty

10135 XT10g, 10134 XTBg, 10135XT12g, #10134 XT8g specifications

The Orion #10134 XT8g, #10135 XT12g, #10134 XTBg, and #10135 XT10g are exceptional choices in the realm of computerized telescopes, catering to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers. These models are designed for easy use while delivering stellar performance and high-quality optics.

At the heart of these telescopes is the high-quality optics that Orion is renowned for. Each model features a primary mirror made from durable glass, enhanced with a parabolic shape to minimize optical distortions and improve light gathering capabilities. The XT8g and XT10g utilize an 8-inch and 10-inch mirror, respectively, while the XT12g boasts a large 12-inch aperture, providing users with deeper views of celestial phenomena. The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can collect, revealing fainter objects in the night sky.

In terms of technology, the "g" designation signifies that these telescopes are equipped with Orion’s innovative GoTo system. This advanced motorized mount enables users to easily locate and track celestial objects with the push of a button, making the stargazing experience more enjoyable and accessible. The system includes a database of thousands of celestial objects, allowing users to explore the universe with ease.

The XTg models also come with an intuitive hand controller that features a user-friendly interface for navigating the night sky. Additionally, the telescopes can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet, providing flexibility for tech-savvy users who prefer modern conveniences.

Durability and stability are crucial in any telescope, and the XT series does not disappoint. Each model is constructed on a robust and stable base, designed to minimize vibrations and provide a steady view, even at higher magnifications. This stability ensures that amateur astronomers can enjoy detailed views, from the craters of the moon to the rings of Saturn and beyond.

Each telescope comes with a cradle-style altazimuth mount for easier adjustments and tracking capabilities. The included eyepieces allow for various magnifications, enhancing the viewing experience and enabling observers to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos.

In summary, the Orion XT series, including the #10134 XT8g, #10135 XT12g, #10134 XTBg, and #10135 XT10g, stands out for their exceptional optics, innovative GoTo technology, robust build quality, and user-friendly operation. These telescopes are ideal for anyone wishing to explore the wonders of the night sky, making them a worthy investment for years of astronomical discovery.
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