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1Azimuth encoder board
1Encoder connector board
5Encoder board mounting wood screws
1Brass bushing
1Encoder disk
1Azimuth axis
2Fender washers (diameter 1")
1 Hex lock nut
4 Altitude bearing cylinders
4Altitude bearing cylinder screws (length
1 Vertical stop knob
1 Nylon spacer (white)
3 | Flat washers (2x1/16" thick, 1x1/32" thick) |
(Please note: Unless otherwise specified, all images and pic- tures in this manual are of the SkyQuest XT8.)
C
B
L
KM
D
E
F
A G J
G
G
H
I
Figure 2. Exploded view of the Dobsonian base.
2. Assembly
Now that you have unpacked the boxes and familiarized your- self with all the parts in front of you, it’s time to begin assembly. The optics of the telescope are already installed in the tube, so most of the required assembly concerns the Dobsonian base.
Assembly of the Dobsonian Base
Refer to Figure 2 during base assembly. The base need only be assembled once, unless you disassemble it for
The azimuth encoder board and other encoder items should be installed, even if you do not plan to use the optional Computerized Object Locator. The smooth motion of the tele- scope depends on the installation of these parts.
When tightening screws, tighten them until firm, but be care- ful not to strip the holes by
1.With a Phillips screwdriver, screw the plastic feet into the underside of the ground baseplate (A) using the
2.Loosely attach the front brace (B) to the two side panels
(C) with six of the base assembly screws in the predrilled holes. Use the 4mm hex wrench to tighten the screws. The side panels should be oriented so the SkyQuest IntelliScope labels are facing outward. Do not completely tighten the screws yet.
3.Connect the two side panels (C) with the front brace attached to the top baseplate (D) with the remaining six base assembly screws in the predrilled holes. The side of the baseplate with the pilot hole near the
Encoder board
mounting screw Azimuth encoder board
Figure 3. Installing the azimuth encoder board. Line up the large hole in the encoder board with the central hole in the top baseplate.
4.Tighten the six side screws installed earlier.
5.Attach the azimuth encoder board (E) to the underside of the top baseplate (D) (Figure 3). Insert the modular jack on the encoder board into the
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