Orion 10019 XT10i, 10026 XT6i, 10020 XT12i Using Your Telescope, Altitude and Azimuth Motion

Altitude

Azimuth

Figure 14. The SkyQuest IntelliScope has two axes of motion; altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right).

Figure 15. Adjust the tensioning knob until the altitude balance is just right. The telescope should move easily in altitude without drifting when you let go.

dust cap on the front of the telescope tube should always remain in place when the telescope is not in use. It is also a good idea to store eyepieces in an eyepiece case and to replace the cover caps on the focuser and finder scope when the telescope is idle.

3. Using Your Telescope

One of the great benefits of the SkyQuest XTi IntelliScope Dobsonian is its ability to point to more than 14,000 celes- tial objects via the IntelliScope Computerized Object Loca- tor (Controller). This functionality will greatly enhance your observing experience by enabling you to quickly and precisely locate even very faint objects. For more about IntelliScope Controller functionality, see Section 6.

Before using your IntelliScope for the first time at night, we recommend getting a feel for its basic functions during day- light 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 14). 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 PTFE/ UHMW bearing pads affixed to the ground baseplate.

To move the telescope, simply take hold of the navigation knob near the front opening of the scope 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, rotat- ing 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” it.

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 altitude tensioning knob (Figure 10). Note that the altitude tensioning knob is the one just above the IntelliScope Con- troller Port. The knob on the opposite (right) side of the base is merely a retaining knob; it does not affect altitude tension.

Adjustable tension is a feature of the IntelliScopes’ exclu- sive 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 eye- piece.

A good way to set the altitude tension is to point the telescope at about a 45° angle with the eyepiece and finder scope removed. 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 15). When the eyepiece and finder scope are replaced, 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).

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