Orion XT12 instruction manual Table of Contents, Unpacking, Parts List

Congratulations on your purchase of an Orion SkyQuest XT12 IntelliScope Dobsonian. It is a high- performance 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 but- ton. 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. Aligning (Collimating) the

Optical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4. Using your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5. Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

6. Optional IntelliScope Computerized Object Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

7. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

8. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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.

1. Unpacking

The telescope is packed in three boxes, one containing the optical tube assembly and accessories, another containing the unassembled Dobsonian base, and the last containing the primary mirror in its cell,. Be careful unpacking the boxes. We recommend keeping the original packaging. In the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to another location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, having the proper packaging will help ensure that your telescope will survive the journey intact.

Make sure all the parts in the Parts List below are present. Be sure to check boxes carefully, as some parts are small. If any- thing 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

1Optical tube assembly

1Dust cover

125mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece, 1.25" barrel diameter

110mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece, 1.25" barrel diameter

19x50 finder scope

1Finder scope bracket with O-ring

1Collimation cap

14-Hole eyepiece rack

2Eyepiece rack mounting wood screws (length 3/4")

2Tensioning/Retaining knobs

1Tensioning knob nylon washer (white)

1Tensioning knob metal washer

1Nylon retaining knob spacer (black)

1Handle

2Handle mounting hex-head screws

2Handle mounting screw washers

1 Crescent wrench

1 Azimuth encoder board

1 Encoder connector board

1 Encoder disk

Box #2: Dobsonian Base

Qty Description

1Left panel

1Right panel

1Front brace

1Top baseplate

1Ground baseplate

12 Base assembly wood screws (length 2", black)

3