Orion XT10 CLASSIC, XT8 CLASSIC User Manual

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Orion XT10 CLASSIC, XT8 CLASSIC User Manual

instruction Manual

Orion® SkyQuest

XT6Classic, XT8 Classic

& XT10 Classic

Dobsonian Reflecting Telescopes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Support (800)676-1343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-mail: support@telescope.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975

89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076

OrionTelescopes.com

IN 165 Rev. D 05/08

Secondary mirror with 4-vane spider (not shown)

Right side panel

Front brace

Handle

Eyepiece Rack (optional)

Top baseplate

Ground baseplate

EZ Finder II

Eyepiece

Focus knob

Optical tube

Altitude side bearing

CorrecTension Friction

Optimization System

Pull loop

Left side panel

Figure 1. The SkyQuest XT Dobsonian (XT6 pictured)

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Welcome to an exciting new world of adventure!Your SkyQuest Dobsonian is a high-quality optical instrument designed to bring you dazzling views of the outer reaches of our universe. Easy enough for kids to use, and portable enough for anyone to carry, the SkyQuest will provide fun and entertainment for the entire family.Whether you are brand-new to amateur astronomy or a seasoned stargazer, get ready for many evenings of enjoyment and fascination. Before venturing into the night with your new telescope, we recommend that you read through this instruction manual. Not only does it provide accurate directions for assembly and use, but it also serves as a guide for your first explorations in the sky.

Table of Contents

1.Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. Using Your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.Collimation (Aligning the Mirrors) . . . . . 10

5.Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . 12

6. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . 16

7.Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1.Unpacking

The telescope will arrive in two boxes, one containing the optical tube assembly and accessories, the other containing the unassembled Dobsonian base. Be careful unpacking the boxes. We recommend keeping the original shipping containers. In the event that the telescope needs to be shipped to another location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, having the proper shipping containers 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 anything appears to be missing or broken, immediately call Orion Customer Support (800-676-1343) for assistance.

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.

Parts List

Box #1: Optical Tube Assembly and Accessories

Qty. Description

1Optical tube assembly

1Dust cover

125mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece, 1.25" barrel diameter

1EZ Finder II (with bracket)

1Collimation cap

2Spring coils

2 Pull loops

4 Nylon spacers (black)

2 1/4" washers (black)

2 Phillips-head screws (black, length 1-3/4") 2 Screws with round knob attached

Box #2: Dobsonian Base

Qty. Description

1Left panel

1Right panel

1Front brace

1Top baseplate

1Ground baseplate

12Base assembly screws (length 2")

1Hex key (size 4mm)

3Plastic feet

3Feet attachment wood screws (length 1")

1Self-adhesive rubber bumper

1Large hex-head bolt (length 3")

23/8" washers

1 3/8" lock nut

1 Nylon spacer (white)

1 T-nut

1Handle

2Socket-head cap screws, 5/16" (black)

25/16" washers (black)

25/16" nuts (black)

1Hex key (6mm)

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C

 

 

 

C

 

 

B

 

 

L

 

 

I

J

 

H

 

 

E

 

D

 

 

A

K

 

 

 

 

F

Figure 2. Exploded view of the SkyQuest XT Dobsonian base.

2. Assembly

Now that you have unpacked the boxes and familiarized yourself 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 long-term storage. The assembly process takes about 30 minutes and requires a Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable crescent wrench, and the provided hex keys.

Note: When tightening the base assembly screws, tighten them until firm, but be careful not to strip the holes by over-tightening. If you use an electric screwdriver, do the final tightening with a standard screwdriver to avoid stripping.

1.Screw the plastic feet into the underside of the ground baseplate (A) using the self-tapping wood screws provided, with a Phillips screwdriver. Insert the screws through the feet and thread them into the predrilled starter holes.

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 key to tighten the screws. The side panels should be oriented so the SkyQuest label is facing outward. Do not completely tighten the screws yet.

Figure 3. Set the optical tube on the “cradle” of the base so that the altitude side bearings on the tube rest on the white plastic “pads,” and the finder is facing away from the front brace (Part B).

3.Attach the two sides (C) with the front brace attached to the top baseplate (D) with the remaining six base assembly screws in the predrilled holes. Tighten all six screws.

4.Tighten the six side panel screws installed earlier.

5.Insert the white nylon bushing (E) into the hole in the center of the top baseplate (D). Tap the nylon bushing in so it goes all the way into the top baseplate. The nylon bushing should be flush with the top surface of the top baseplate.

6.Insert the T-nut (K) into the center hole of the ground baseplate (A) so the nut’s flanged top is on the same side of the baseplate as the Teflon pads. Thread the large hex-head bolt (G) with a 3/8" washer (F) attached up through the ground baseplate and through the T-nut until it is tight. Now position the top baseplate (D) (with side panels attached) over the ground baseplate and lower it so the bolt goes through the nylon spacer in the center hole of the top baseplate. Now thread the remaining 3/8" washer (H) and lock nut (I) onto the bolts shaft. You might need to hold the bolts head in place with another crescent wrench or pliers. Tighten the lock nut with the wrench just enough to allow a slight separation of the top and bottom baseplates when the mount is lifted. The purpose of the lock nut is merely to keep the two baseplates from coming apart when moving the telescope.

Note: Overtightening the lock nut (I) will make the mount difficult to rotate in the azimuthal (horizontal) direction.

7.Attach the handle (J) to the front brace (B) with the two black socket-head screws. Insert the screws through the handle and into the predrilled holes. Place the 5/16" washers and 5/16" nuts on the protruding ends of the screws. Tighten the nuts with a crescent wrench while holding the bolts stationary with the 6mm hex key.

8.Lift the optical tube and set the altitude bearings on either side of the tube in the “cradle” of the base (Figure 3). The unique flange design of the altitude bearing allows for automatic left-to-right centering of the optical tube in the cradle.

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a. b.

Figure 4. Position the tube on the mount pointed vertical. Place the rubber bumper “stop” where the mirror cell contacts the front base to cushion the impact.

Once in the cradle, the tube should pivot freely up and down with gentle hand pressure. Note that the tube will not yet be properly balanced, since the eyepiece and EZ Finder II are not in place, and the CorrecTension system has not been installed.

9.The rubber bumper (L) provides a convenient “stop” for the telescope’s altitude motion; it prevents the telescope mirror cell from being knocked against the hard surface of the base’s front brace. Remove the backing from the rubber bumper and position the bumper so it is positioned in the spot where the optical tube (mirror cell) contacts the front base as shown in Figure 4a and 4b. Press firmly so the adhesive holds the bumper securely in place.

Installing the Optional Eyepiece Rack

The aluminum eyepiece rack is an optional accessory for SkyQuest Dobsonians. On the XT6 it holds three 1.25" eyepieces in a convenient place on the base; on the XT8 and XT10 it holds three 1.25" eyepieces and one 2" eyepiece. These eyepieces will be within easy reach while you’re observing. About halfway down the left side panel of the base you will notice two predrilled starter holes, about 6" apart. Take the black wood screws and thread them into the starter holes with a Phillips screwdriver. Then you can “keyhole” the eyepiece rack onto the wood screws and continue tightening the screws (Figure 5). If you want to be able to remove the rack, do not tighten the screws too tightly. Be certain that the screws are loose enough that you can lift the rack and remove it from the screws through the larger part of the keyhole. If you want to have the rack permanently attached, thread the screws tightly.

Installing the EZ Finder II

Using the included dovetail mounting bracket, the EZ Finder II will slip neatly into the dovetail base preinstalled on your SkyQuest optical tube. To attach the dovetail mounting bracket to the EZ Finder II, loosen the two thumbscrews on the bottom rail of the EZ Finder II. Slide the EZ Finder II onto the bracket and tighten the two thumbscrews (See Figure 6). Then simply

Figure 5. Using the two supplied screws, install the optional aluminum eyepiece rack in the predrilled holes about halfway down the left side panel of the base. (XT6 eyepiece rack shown)

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

knob

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Azimuth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustment

Altitude

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

knob

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

knob

Battery

 

 

 

 

 

casing

 

 

Thumbscrews

 

 

 

Dovetail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mounting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bracket

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 6. The EZ Finder II

 

 

 

 

 

 

slide the dovetail mounting bracket into the telescope’s dovetail mounting base and tighten the thumbscrew on the base to secure the mounting bracket.

Operation

The EZ Finder II works by projecting a tiny red dot (it’s not a laser beam) onto a lens mounted in the front of the unit. When you look through the EZ Finder II, the red dot will appear to float in space, helping you locate even the faintest of deep space objects. The red dot is produced by a light-emitting diode (LED) near the rear of the sight. A 3-volt lithium battery provides the power for the diode.

Turn the power knob (see Figure 6) clockwise until you hear the “click” indicating that power has been turned on. Look through the back of the reflex sight with both eyes open to see the red dot. Position your eye at a comfortable distance from the back of the sight. In daylight you may need to cover the front of the sight with your hand to be able to see the dot, which is purposefully quite dim. The intensity of the dot is adjusted by turning the power knob. For best results when stargazing, use the dimmest possible setting that allows you to see the dot without difficulty. Typically a dimmer setting is

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Altitude side bearing

 

 

 

 

Black nylon

Screw with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

round knob

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

spacers

Spring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phillips-head

 

 

 

 

1/4" washer

screw (black)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pull loop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(black)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 7. Close-up view of the CorrecTension system, which pulls the tube assembly down onto the altitude bearing pads.

used under dark skies and a bright setting is used under lightpolluted skies or ­daylight.

At the end of your observing session, be sure to turn the power knob counterclockwise until it clicks off. When the white dots on the EZ Finder II’s body and power knob are lined up, the EZ Finder II is turned off.

Installing the CorrecTension (XT) Friction Optimization System

Perhaps the most exciting feature of the SkyQuest Dobsonians is the CorrecTension Friction Optimization system. Because of their light weight, 10" and smaller Dobsonians have always been plagued by insufficient friction on the altitude bearing surfaces. As a result, such telescopes move up and down much too freely. This causes problems when the observer tries to accurately center and track an object for viewing, especially at higher powers. Also, the telescope becomes very sensitive to balance, requiring additional equipment such as counterweight systems or adjustable side bearings to compensate.

SkyQuest Dobsonians employ a simple yet effective remedy for the friction problem that obviates the need for such cumbersome countermeasures. CorrecTension Friction Optimization utilizes a spring coil to “pull” the tube assembly down onto the altitude bearing pads, thereby increasing the friction by just the right amount. With CorrecTension, you can change eyepieces, or add a barlow lens or solar filter without having to tediously adjust the telescope’s balance as you would with other Dobsonians. The altitude friction will roughly equal the azimuth friction, ensuring optimal performance.

To install the CorrecTension assembly, follow these steps while referring to Figure 7:

1.Put one of the black nylon spacers on a black Phillips-head screw. The spacer should be oriented so the narrow end seats against the head of the screw. Slip one of the black 1/4" washers over the end of the screw. Now, thread the screw into the hole in the base side panel just below the cradle. The screw will thread into the preinstalled insert in

a.

b.

Figure 8. (a) To attach the spring to the base, grip the pull loop with your index finger and pull down on the spring. (b) While pulling down, slip the end ring of the spring over the bolt head and onto the narrow part of the nylon spacer, then release the pull loop.

the hole. Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the screw. Repeat this procedure on the opposite side panel.

2.Next, insert one of the screws with a round plastic knob attached through the end ring of one of the springs. Slip a black nylon spacer onto the screw. Orient the spacer so the narrow end is closest to the knob. Thread the entire assembly into the hole in the center of the telescope’s altitude side bearing until tight. The end ring of the spring should seat onto the narrow end of the spacer. Repeat this procedure for the other altitude side bearing.

3Attach a pull loop to the free end of each spring. Slide the loop through the opening in the ring on the end of the spring.

4.Now, pull each spring down using the pull loop, and position the spring’s end ring over the head of the Phillips screw (installed in Step 1) and onto the narrow part of the nylon spacer, as shown in Figure 8b. You needn’t attach both springs simultaneously; one at a time is fine.

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