a.
b.
c.
Figure 17. Picking up and carrying the SkyQuest IntelliScope as a single unit (with tube held captive on the base) requires some caution.
(a)First, position the tube vertically. Then grasp the handle on the base with one hand while supporting the tube with the other. This ensures that the tube will not swing down and impact the ground (b) With knees bent, slowly lift the base while supporting the tube. (c) As you lift, continue to support the tube with one hand to keep it parallel with the ground. Make sure you are comfortable with the weight of the whole assembly before attempting the carry it!
retaining and tensioning knobs of the CorrecTension(XT) sys- tem holding the optical tube captive on the base, the entire telescope can be carried as one unit. (This is not practical for the XT10i and XT12i due to the hefty weight and size.) This requires some caution, however. If the telescope is lifted improperly, the tube could swing down and hit the ground.
First, point the optical tube straight up (vertical). Remove any eyepieces from the telescope and eyepiece rack, and place them in an eyepiece case. Grasp the handle on the front of the base with one hand while supporting the telescope tube vertically with the other (Figure 17). Now, lift the telescope by the handle. Once the telescope is in the horizontal position, you can carry the entire unit with one hand while supporting the optical tube with the other hand.
If you wish to carry the optical tube and base separately, simply remove the retaining and tensioning knobs. Then, lift the tube off the base, then rethread the knobs back into the bearings so that you do not lose them. Be careful, however, that the knobs don’t get bent when transporting the telescope tube. Do not use the navigation knob as a carry handle! It is not designed to support the weight of the telescope tube and could break off or damage the tube.
Figure 18. The quick collimation cap, which features a reflective inner surface, helps in centering reflections of the optics in the focuser during the collimation process.
Note: The IntelliScope may be too heavy for some users to lift and carry as one unit. Do not strain yourself! If the load seems too heavy, carry the base and tube separately or get help.
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