Orion 10135XT12g, 10134 XTBg, 10135 XT10g User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Orion® SkyQuest™ XTg
GoTo Dobsonians
#10134 XT8g, #10135 XT10g, #10136 XT12g
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
OrionTelescopes.com
Customer Support (800) 676-1343 • E-mail: support@telescope.com
Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000 • 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
© 2010-2012 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
IN 388 Rev. C 06/12
EZ Finder II
28mm DeepView
2" eyepiece
2" Dual-speed
Crayford focuser
Navigation knob
12.5mm Illuminated
Plössl 1.25" eyepiece
Optical tube
Tube
connecting knob
GoTo hand
controller
Handle
Altitude motor
housing
Eyepiece rack
Handle
Dobsonian base
Polyethylene foam
dust guard
Azimuth
motor housing
(not shown)
Figure 1. Overview of SkyQuest XTg Dobsonian (12" shown)
2
Congratulations on your purchase of an Orion
SkyQuest XTg GoTo Dobsonian. It is an observer’s
dream telescope, offering quality diffraction-limited
optics; a stylish, easy-to-setup base outfitted with
automated, computerized GoTo technology; and a
sturdy design. This high-performance astronomical
instrument will provide dazzling views of celestial
objects, yet be transportable and wonderfully easy
to use.
With the alt-azimuth GoTo system, you simply select an object
from the 42,900 object database and the telescope will take
you there with the push of a couple of buttons. Searching for
objects is a thing of the past, as the GoTo servo motors and
computerized database find them for you in seconds, then
track them while you enjoy the view! Deluxe features such as
a 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser, enhanced-reflectivity mirror
coatings, and full accessory assortment provide everything
you need to 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. The GoTo Hand Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4. Setup for AutoTracking or GoTo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5. Using the Telescope in AutoTracking Mode . . . . . . . . . 12
6. Alignment for GoTo Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7. Using the Telescope in GoTo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8. Collimating the Optical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9. Using Your Telescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
10. Astronomical Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
11. Care and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
12. Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Menu Tree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Appendix A: Time Zones of the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Appendix B: RS-232 Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Star Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
1. Unpacking
The telescope is packed in two boxes, one containing the optical tube assembly and accessories, another containing the
unassembled Dobsonian base. The 12" model has a third box
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
A
D
B
C
Figure 2. Contents of the optical tube box: A) Optical tube,
B) Dust cap, C) Holster with mounting screws, D) EZ Finder II
with bracket, E) Hex keys, F) collimation cap, G) 1.25" 12.5mm
illuminated Plössl eyepeice, H) 2" 28mm DeepView eyepiece, I)
Starry Night CD-ROM, J) eyepiece rack with mounting screws.
location, or returned to Orion for warranty repair, having the
proper packaging will help ensure that your telescope will survive the journey intact.
Before beginning assembly, unpack each box and confirm
that all of the parts in the Parts List below are present. The
parts are listed by the box they should arrive in, but some
of the parts may be in different boxes than indicated below.
Be sure to check all boxes carefully, as some parts are
small. If anything appears to be missing or broken, immediately call Orion Customer Support (800-676-1343) or email
support@telescope.com for assistance.
E
H
F
G
I
J
Parts List
Box #1: Optical Tube Assembly and Accessories
(Refer to Figure 2)
Qty. Description
1 Optical Tube Assembly
1 Dust cover
1 28mm Deep View eyepiece, 2" barrel diameter
1 12.5mm Illuminated Plössl eyepiece, 1.25" barrel
diameter
1 EZ Finder (with bracket)
1 Collimation cap
1 Eyepiece rack
2 Eyepiece rack wood screws (20mm long, color black)
2 Hex keys (2mm, 3mm)
1 Tube connecting knob
1 Hand controller holster (with 2 assembly screws)
3
Ground baseplate assembly
(with azimuth motor)
Left
panel
(with
altitude
motor)
Front panel
Right
panel
Hex keys
Machine
screws
with
washers
Base
assembly
wood
screws
Base feet
Base hardware
and handle
Figure 3.
includes two side braces, not shown.
SkyQuest XTg base components. The XT12g base also
Hand controller
Cables
Figure 5. Polyethylene foam dust guard between ground
baseplates. DO NOT REMOVE!
Box #2: Dobsonian Base
(Refer to Figures 3 and 4)
Qty. Description
1 Left side panel (with altitude motor pre-installed)
1 Right side panel
1 Front panel
2 Side braces (XT12g only, not shown)
1 Baseplate assembly (with azimuth motor pre-installed)
6 Base assembly wood screws (coarse thread, 47mm
long) (Quantity 12 for XT12g)
8 Base assembly machine screws (fine thread, 60mm
long) (Quantity 10 or XT12g)
8 Washers for base assembly machine screws (Quantity
10 or XT12g)
3 Handles
6 Handle mounting screws (hex head, 25mm long)
3 Hex keys (size 2mm, 4mm, 6mm)
3 Plastic feet
Screwdriver
Tube connecting
knob
Wood
screws
Figure 4. Base hardware for SkyQuest XTg.
Figure 6. Starter holes for feet.
3 Feet wood screws (1" long)
1 Hand controller
1 Hand controller cable (coiled)
1 Azimuth motor connection cable
1 RS-232 computer cable
Box #3: Primary Mirror and Cell (12" model only)
Qty. Description
1 Primary mirror
1 Mirror cell
3 Collimation knobs
3 Nylon washers (3/4" outer diameter)
3 Springs
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.
4
Figure 7.
Attaching the base feet to the base. Figure 8. Secure the front panel to each side panel.
2. Assembly
Now that you have unpacked the boxes and familiarized
yourself with all the parts in front of you, it is time to begin
assembly.
Assembly of the Dobsonian Base
The base need only be assembled once, unless you disassemble it for long-term storage. The assembly process should
take about half an hour. All necessary tools are included in
the packages. The two ground baseplates arrive preassembled with the motors, optical encoders, and motor housings
installed. There is a protective strip of polyethylene foam
material between the two base plates (Figure 5). Do not
attempt to remove this material; it is glued in place. It is
designed to keep dust out of the azimuth motor assembly
and gears.
During initial assembly it is suggested to fasten the screws
just enough to hold the panels together loosely. When all of
the components are assembled, then perform the final tightening of each screw one or two turns at a time, alternating
from one screw to the next to ensure all are tightened evenly.
When tightening screws, tighten them until firm, but be careful
not to strip the holes by over-tightening.
1. Turn the baseplate assembly upside-down and gently
rest it on the azimuth motor housing. Locate the three
starter holes on the perimeter of the bottom baseplate
(Figure 6). Insert the screws through the feet and thread
them into the predrilled starter holes (Figure 7) with the
supplied Phillips screwdriver until tight.
2. Connect the side panels to the front panel (Figure 8).
Use the coarse thread socket-head screws for this. There
are unthreaded pilot holes (without the metal collar) to
align these pieces. Orient the side panels so the oval
XTg label is facing outward. Orient the front panel so that
the pilot holes for the handle and eyepiece rack face out.
The side panel with the motor attached is the left panel.
There are six screws total (three for each side) to assemble. Start by inserting the screws and turning by hand
to ensure they are going in straight. When you begin to
meet resistance use the 4mm hex key to complete this
Figure 9. The completed side panel and front panel assembly
(XT10g shown).
step. Do not completely tighten the screws yet. Having
the boards a little loose will help in aligning the assembly
to the top baseplate in step 3. The completed assembly
should look like Figure 9.
2a. [For XT12g only] Attach a side brace to the outside sur-
face of both the left and right side panels. Each side brace
is attached with three base assembly wood screws. Insert
the screws through the corresponding pre-drilled holes in
the side panel and then thread them into the brace using
the included 4mm hex key.
5
Cutout holes
Threaded inserts
Figure 10.
inserts in the baseplate.
Align the holes on the side panels with the threaded
Figure 11. Base assembly machine screws set in place, but not
yet tightened.
3. Carefully position the assembled structure onto the top
baseplate by aligning the holes in the cutouts of the front
and side panels to the corresponding threaded metal collar inserts on the top baseplate (Figure 10). Insert the
base assembly machine screws and tighten (Figure 11).
Once this setup is complete you may firmly tighten the
six base assembly screws installed in the previous step.
4. Attach the handles to the base. There are three handles,
one for each side panel and one for the front panel. Use
the 6mm hex key and the large socket head cap screws
to install the handles. Each handle is the same so it does
not matter which handle is used for any particular panel.
Refer to Figure 1 for handle placement.
5. The aluminum eyepiece rack holds three 1.25" eyepieces
and one 2" eyepiece in a convenient place on the base,
within easy reach while you are observing. The eyepiece
rack and its mounting screws can be found in the box
with the optical tube. Attach the eyepiece rack on the
front panel above the handle. There are two small pilot
holes on the front panel approximately 6" apart. Thread
the small Phillips-head screws into the holes but do
Figure 12. To remove the rear end ring, unthread the six screws
that connect it to the tube.
not tighten completely yet. Place the eyepiece rack on
those screws using the wide holes on the rack and slide
it downward so the narrow portion is under the screws.
Now tighten the screws to secure the rack in place.
6. The XTg series includes a convenient holster to place the
hand controller in when not in use. The holster installs on
the altitude motor. Locate the two small pilot holes and
attach the holster using the small screws until just tight.
Do not over-tighten these screws!
7. Now install the azimuth motor connection cable. It is a flat
cable that has an 8-pin RJ-45 plug on both ends. Plug
one end into the jack on the azimuth motor housing on
the top baseplate; plug the other end into the jack labeled
AZ MOTOR on the altitude motor housing (Figure 23).
8. Finally, connect the GoTo hand controller. Plug the wide
RJ-45 connector on the coiled hand controller cable into
the corresponding port on the hand controller. Plug the
smaller RJ-12 connector into the port labeled HC on the
altitude motor housing.
Assembly of the Optical Tube (XT12g Only)
Both the XT8g and XT10g optical tubes arrive completely
assembled from the factory. If you have one of these models, you may skip ahead to the next section, “Connecting the
Optical Tube to the Dobsonian Base”.
Due to its large size, and in order to prevent damage to the
primary mirror in shipment, the 12" mirror is shipped in its
cell separately from the optical tube. Once the primary mirror is installed into the telescope, there will be no need to
remove the mirror except for occasional cleaning (see “Care
& Maintenance”).
1. To install the mirror cell into the optical tube, the rear end
ring attached to the lower section of the optical tube must
first be removed. This is done by unthreading and remov-
6
Spring
Shaft
Figure 13. Place the three springs on the exposed threaded
shafts of the mirror cell.
Figure 14. Lower the rear end ring onto the mirror cell so that the
threaded shafts pass through the end ring, and the end ring rests on
the springs.
Collimation
knob
Nylon
washer
Figure 15. Thread the collimation knobs, with nylon washers
attached, through the rear end ring and onto the threaded shafts.
Make sure the knobs have at least three full turns of engagement on
the shafts.
ing the six Phillips-head screws that connect the end ring
to the tube (Figure 12), and then pulling the end ring off
the tube.
Figure 16. Locate the area of tube that is bulging out and
preventing the end ring from fully seating.
Warning: Once the rear end ring is removed from the
tube, the raw edge of the tube itself will be exposed. Be
careful not to cut or otherwise hurt yourself on the tubeís
edge. Also, be careful not to pinch your fingers when reattaching the assembled mirror cell onto the tube.
2. Next, assemble the rear end ring to the mirror cell. Find a
clean, flat surface, and turn the mirror cell over so that the
mirror is facing downwards. Place the three springs onto
the three exposed threaded shafts (Figure 13). Lower
the end ring onto the mirror cell so the threaded shafts
pass through it, and the end ring rests on the springs
(Figure 14). Add a nylon washer to each collimation
knob and thread the collimation knobs through the end
ring and onto the threaded shafts (Figure 15). Make sure
the knobs have at least three full turns of engagement
on the shafts. The mirror cell is now ready to be installed
onto the lower tube section.
3. Assembling the end ring back onto the tube can be a bit
tricky. This is because the large diameter and thin aluminum of the tube will cause the tube to become somewhat
out of round once the end ring is removed. To assemble
the rear end ring (with mirror and mirror cell now connected) to the tube, stand the tube up vertically so the
raw edge of the tube is facing upwards. Line up the
threaded holes in the edge of the mirror cell end ring with
the holes in the end of the tube. Then, lower the entire
mirror cell assembly onto the tube. There may be a bulge
in the perimeter of the tube which prevents the mirror
cell from fully seating onto the tube (Figure 16). Press
against this bulge, and the entire mirror cell should seat
onto the tube. Now, replace the six Phillips-head screws
that connect the rear end ring to the tube.
7
Threaded
hole for tube
connecting knob
Figure 17. The cast-metal dovetail trunnion on the left side panel
of the base mates with the left side bearing of the telescope tube.
Before mounting the tube on the base, turn the trunnion by hand so
that the hole for the tube connecting knob is facing up.
Connecting the Optical Tube to the
Dobsonian Base
The telescope is now assembled and ready to be placed into
the Dobsonian base. The left altitude hub on the optical tube
has a dovetail slot that slides into the altitude axis trunnion on
the inside of the left side panel (Figure 17). We recommend
orienting the trunnion such that the threaded hole for the tube
securing knob is facing upward. Then the telescope tube can
be cradled horizontally and just lowered into the base by gently sliding tube’s dovetail altitude hub into the mating receptacle of the altitude trunnion on the base (Figure 18). (Get
help lifting the tube in place if it is too heavy or unwieldy for
you.) The tube should now be resting in a balanced, horizontal position in the base. Then just insert and tighten the tube
connecting knob to secure the tube in place (Figure 19).
Accessory Installation
Now that the base is assembled and the optical tube installed
all that remains is to attach the EZ Finder II reflex sight and
the eyepiece. These accessories can be found in a small box
within the optical tube assembly box.
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. The EZ Finder II arrives pre-installed
in the mounting bracket. Just simply slide the dovetail mounting bracket into the telescope’s dovetail mounting base and
tighten the thumbscrew on the base to secure the mounting
bracket.
Operating the EZ Finder II
The EZ Finder II works by projecting a tiny red dot (it is not a
laser beam) onto a lens mounted in the front of the unit. When
Figure 18. Hold the telescope tube as shown, with one hand on
the rear end ring and the other cradling underneath the tube, gently
lower the scope so the dovetail side bearing on the tube seats in the
metal trunnion on the left side panel.
Figure 19. Secure the tube to the base with the tube connecting
knob.
you look through the EZ Finder II, the red dot will appear to
float in space, helping you to pinpoint your target object. 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 20) 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
8
1.25" adapter
thumbscrew
Focus lock
thumbscrew
Fine
focus
knob
Coarse
focus knob
Altitude
adjustment
knob
Thumbscrews
Power
knob
Battery
casing
Azimuth
adjustment
knob
Dovetail
mounting
bracket
1.25" adapter
2" adapter
2" adapter
thumbscrews
Coarse
focus knob
Drawtube tension setscrews
Figure 20. The EZ Finder II reflex sight. Figure 21. Detail of the SkyQuest XTg 2" dual-speed focuser.
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 used under dark skies and a brighter setting is needed
under light-polluted skies or in daylight.
Aligning the EZ Finder II
When the EZ Finder II is properly aligned with the telescope,
an object that is centered on the EZ Finder II’s red dot should
also appear in the center of the field of view of the telescope’s
eyepiece. Alignment of the EZ Finder II is easiest during daylight, before observing at night. Aim the telescope at a distant
object such as a telephone pole or roof chimney and center it
in the telescope’s eyepiece. The object should be at least 1/4
mile away. Now, with the EZ Finder II turned on, look though
the EZ Finder II. The object should appear in the field of view.
Without moving the main telescope, use the EZ Finder II’s
azimuth (left/right) and altitude (up/down) adjustment knobs
(see Figure 20) to position the red dot on the object in the
eyepiece. When the red dot is centered on the distant object,
check to make sure that the object is still centered in the
telescope’s field of view. If not, re-center it and adjust the EZ
Finder II’s alignment again. When the object is centered in
the eyepiece and on the EZ Finder’s red dot, the EZ Finder
II is properly aligned with the telescope. Once aligned, the
EZ Finder II will usually hold its alignment even after being
removed and remounted. Otherwise, only minimal realignment will be needed. 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.
Replacing the Battery
Should the battery ever die, replacement 3-volt lithium batteries are available from many retail outlets. Remove the old
battery by inserting a small flat-head screwdriver into the slot
on the battery casing (Figure 20) and gently prying open the
case. Then carefully pull back on the retaining clip and remove
the old battery. Do not overbend the retaining clip. Then slide
the new battery under the battery lead with the positive (+)
end facing down and replace the battery casing.
Using Eyepieces
The final step in the assembly process is to insert an eyepiece into the telescope’s focuser. First, take the cover cap
off the focuser drawtube. To use the 2" DeepView eyepiece,
loosen the two thumb screws on the 2" adapter (on the end
of the focuser drawtube) and remove the 1.25" adapter. Then
place the 2" eyepiece directly into the 2" eyepiece holder
and secure it with the two thumb screws loosened previously
(Figure 21). The other eyepiece and 1.25" adapter can be
placed in the eyepiece rack until they are needed.
To install the 1.25" Illuminated Plössl eyepiece instead of the
2" DeepView eyepiece, keep the 1.25" adapter in the focuser,
and make sure the two thumb screws on the 2" adapter are
tightened. Now, loosen the thumb screw on the 1.25" adapter, do not loosen the two thumb screws on the 2" adapter.
Insert the 1.25" eyepiece into the 1.25" eyepiece adapter, and
secure it by retightening the thumb screw on the 1.25" eyepiece adapter (Figure 21). The other eyepiece can be placed
in the eyepiece rack until it is needed.
The basic assembly of your SkyQuest XTg Dobsonian is now
complete. It should appear as shown in Figure 1. The dust
cap should always remain in place on the top of the tube section 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
cap on the focuser when the telescope is idle.
9
3. The GoTo
Hand Controller
The SkyQuest XTg features the SynScan AZ hand controller,
which provides two different modes of operation:
a.
Display screen
AutoTracking Mode
The SkyQuest XTg base incorporates a quad-encoder design
that records the position of the telescope relative to the sky.
In the AutoTracking mode, after a quick initial alignment procedure, you can move the telescope manually, or electronically by using the directional buttons on the hand controller,
to any position and the telescope will track the motion of the
sky, keeping your viewing target in the eyepiece field of view
indefinitely. Basically, this mode allows you to operate your
Dobsonian in the traditional way, with the added bonus of
automatic tracking.
GoTo Mode
GoTo mode provides automated, computerized object location, i.e., “GoTo” functionality to assist you in finding and enjoying thousands of night sky objects such as planets, nebulas,
star clusters, galaxies, and more. You can slew the telescope
automatically to any of 42,000 celestial objects, or take a preprogrammed tour the skies, with push-button simplicity. Once
the scope has pinpointed your desired observing target, the
telescope will track its motion, keeping it in the field of view.
Even inexperienced astronomers will find themselves quickly
mastering the variety of features the SynScan AZ GoTo system offers in just a few observing sessions.
GoTo Hand Controller’s Features and Functions
The GoTo hand controller (Figure 22a) allows direct access
to all the motion controls of the telescope and a database
with some 42,000 pre-set objects. The controller comes with a
two-line, 16-character LCD screen that is backlit for comfortable viewing of the telescope information and scrolling text.
On the bottom end of the hand controller are three ports: a
wide RJ-45 port for the cable that connects the hand controller to the GoTo base, an RJ-12 port that is used to connect
the hand controller to a PC (with provided RS-232 cable) for
firmware updates, and a DC power jack, which allows independent use of the hand controller for browsing the database
or updating the firmware without connecting to the telescope
(Figure 22b).
NOTE: The DC power port on the hand controller is for
hand controller stand-alone applications only, such as
updating the firmware without connecting to the telescope.
For telescope operation, your 12V power source should be
plugged into the 12V DC port on the Dobsonian base.
There are four main categories of control buttons on the GoTo
hand controller (Figure 22a):
1) Mode buttons
2) Directional buttons
3) Scroll buttons
4) Dual purpose buttons
Mode buttons
Directional buttons
Dual purpose buttons
Scroll buttons
b.
Hand controller
RJ-45 port
Figure 22. a) The SkyQuest XTg SynScan AZ hand controller’s
button layout, b) the bottom end of the hand controller.
Mode Buttons
The three mode buttons are located at the top of the controller, directly below the LCD display. They include the ESC,
ENTER, and SETUP buttons:
The ESC button is used to escape from a certain command or
go back a level in the menu tree.
The ENTER button is used to select the functions and submenus in the menu tree, and to confirm certain functional
operations.
The SETUP button is a quick hot key that takes you to the
Setup submenu
Directional Buttons
The directional buttons allow the user to have complete
control of the telescope at almost any step in the operation.
These controls are locked out when the telescope is slewing
to an object. The directional buttons are very helpful for the
initial alignment of the GoTo system, for centering objects in
the eyepiece field of view, and for manually slewing the tele-
Computer
interface
RJ-12 port
12V DC
power port
10
scope. The left and right directional buttons can also be used
to move the text cursor when entering data on the hand controller.
Scroll Buttons
The up and down scroll buttons allow you to move up and
down within the menu tree or selections displayed on the
hand controller LCD.
Dual Purpose buttons
These buttons serve two distinct purposes: for data entry and
as quick reference keys.
TOUR button: Takes you on a preset tour of the best night sky
objects visible at the present time.
RATE button: Changes the speed of the motors when the
directional buttons are pressed. There are 10 speeds to
choose from, with 0 being the slowest and 9 being the fastest.
UTILITY button: “Hot key” access to the Utility Functions menu
that provides useful tools in configuring your mount.
USER button: Gives access to up to 25 user-defined coordinates.
ID button: Identifies the object the telescope is currently pointing to.
NGC, IC, M, Planet, and Object buttons: Allow direct access
to the database of objects in the most popular celestial catalogs and categories.
4. Setup for AutoTracking
or GoTo Mode
There are two ways to operate the XTg series of telescopes:
AutoTracking or GoTo. The initial setup method you choose
will determine which mode is activated by the hand controller. AutoTracking mode simply provides automatic tracking of
celestial objects that you locate by yourself, either by moving the telescope manually (by hand) or electronically using
the directional buttons on the GoTo hand controller. The automatic tracking keeps the target object from drifting out of the
field of view, allowing you to view it at your leisure until you’re
ready to move to another object.
GoTo, on the other hand, allows you take full advantage of the
database contained within the hand controller to slew (move
automatically) to any object you choose. Once you have landed on your target the telescope will track it, keeping it in the
field of view.
Please review carefully the two setup methods outlined below.
Once you have completed your initial setup you will need to
perform an alignment procedure for GoTo pointing, or activate
AutoTracking.
Setup for AutoTracking or GoTo Mode
1. Place the telescope on a level surface. Having the tele-
scope on level ground will aid tracking accuracy. However,
Figure 23.
switch and several cable ports.
you will still be able to take advantage of these features if
you are on a slight incline.
2a. [For AutoTracking Mode setup] Locate the altitude
scale on the inside of the left side panel. Position the optical tube horizontally so that the altitude scale is set to
zero and aim the telescope North.
2b. [For GoTo Mode setup] Manually position the optical
tube so it is pointing anywhere above the horizon.
[Steps 3 – 8 Apply to both AutoTracking and GoTo Mode
setup]
3. Connect the hand controller to the base with the provided
coil cable. Insert the RJ-12 connector of the cable into
the jack labeled “HC” on the altitude motor housing (see
Figure 23). Plug the 12-volt DC power cable (connected
to your 12-volt DC power source) into the Power jack on
the altitude motor housing. Now flip the red power switch
on the housing to the “on” position.
4. The display will show the firmware version loaded on the
device. Press ENTER to proceed. A warning will scroll
across the screen about not viewing the sun without
proper equipment. After you have read this message
press ENTER.
5. Enter the telescope’s current latitudinal and longitudinal
position using the numeric keypad and scroll buttons. First
enter the longitudinal coordinate and hemisphere (W or
E), followed by the latitudinal coordinate and hemisphere
(N or S). If you do not know the latitude and longitude
coordinate of your viewing location, consult an atlas or
geographical map of your area. Press ENTER to confirm
your coordinates. The format you enter should look like
this: 123° 04’W 49° 09’N.
Note: Latitude and longitude coordinates must be entered
in degrees and arcminutes. If your map or atlas gives
coordinates in decimal values (i.e. latitude = 36.95 N) you
The altitude motor housing has the ON/OFF power
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must convert into degrees and arcminutes. To do this
simply multiply the decimal value by 60. If your viewing
location is at latitude 36.95 N you would enter a latitude
of 36°57’ N [.95 x 60 = 57].
6. Enter the time zone in which you are observing in hours
(see Appendix A), using the scroll keys and numeric
keypad (+ for east of Prime Meridian, - for west of Prime
Meridian). Press ENTER to confirm your choice. The format you enter should look like this if you are in Pacific
Standard Time (PST): -08:00.
7. Enter the date in the following format, mm/dd/yyyy, using
the numeric keypad. Press ENTER.
8. Enter your current local time using the 24 hour time mode
(example: 2:00PM = 14:00). Press ENTER to view the
time you entered. If the time is incorrect, press ESC to go
back to the previous screen. If the time is correct, press
ENTER again to proceed to the next step.
9. After entering the current time, the hand controller will
prompt “DAYLIGHT SAVING?”. Use the scroll keys to
make the selection and press ENTER to confirm.
9a. [For AutoTracking Mode setup] The LCD will now dis-
play “Begin Alignment?” Press “2 NO” (to bypass GoTo
alignment) and follow the instructions in “Using the
Telescope in AutoTracking Mode” below to turn on the
automatic tracking.
9b. [For GoTo Mode setup] The LCD will now display “Begin
Alignment?” Press “1 YES” and follow the instructions in
Alignment for GoTo Operation to activate the computerized GoTo functionality.
Note: If a mistake was entered into the hand controller
during the initial setup, press the ESC key to go back to
the previous menu, and press ENTER to start again.
5. Using the Telescope in
AutoTracking Mode
To activate AutoTracking, at the Choose Menu > Setup Mode
prompt, press ENTER. At the Setup Menu prompt, scroll to
Auto Tracking and press ENTER to activate automatic tracking.
The telescope is now tracking at the sidereal rate. The hand
controller will display the coordinates corresponding to the
direction the telescope is pointed. Use the scroll keys to switch
between the following three coordinate formats: Celestial,
Terrestrial, and Telescope mount coordinates. You may press
ESC to exit from the AutoTracking mode at any time during
tracking to browse or choose other functions provided by the
hand controller. To return to the AutoTracking mode, choose
“Auto Tracking ” under SETUP menu and press ENTER.
Note: When the power is on, you may choose to adjust
the telescope electronically by using the hand control or
manually by pushing the tube with your hand. The telescope will calculate the coordinates for Its position and
display the information correctly on the hand controller.
Note: The hand controllerís backlit display will become
dimmer and the button Illumination will turn off if left idle
for 30 seconds. Pressing any button will re-illuminate the
display.
6. Alignment for GoTo
Operation
Once the initial setup is complete, if you wish to take advantage of the GoTo functionality to accurately locate and point
the telescope to objects in the sky, then the GoTo system
must first be aligned on known positions (stars) in the sky. Use
the supplied 12.5mm Illuminated Plössl Eyepiece to ensure
accurate centering of the alignment stars. By performing the
star alignment procedure, the mount can replicate a model of
the sky to pinpoint and follow the movements of astronomical
objects.
There are two methods for aligning the GoTo system, and
they are very similar: Brightest Star Alignment and Two Star
Alignment. Both actually involve identifying and pointing the
telescope to two different bright stars in the night sky. The
only difference is that for the Brightest Star Alignment, the
hand controller will prompt you to select the first alignment
star from a directional region of the sky and will provide a
short list of the brightest stars in that region. With the Two Star
alignment procedure the list of eligible stars is not grouped by
region of sky.
For the novice stargazer unfamiliar with the night sky or the
names of brighter stars, some might find the Brightest Star
Alignment to be the easier of the two methods. To assist you
in performing the alignment by either method, we have included in the back of this manual a set of star charts with the
names of some bright stars indicated for easy reference.
The descriptions below will lead you through step-by-step
procedures for both alignment methods.
NOTE: Before performing either of the alignment methods, be sure that the EZ Finder II is precisely aligned
with the telescope tube. See “Aligning the EZ Finder II”
in Section 2.
Brightest Star Alignment
This method helps you to find and identify the brightest star
within a selected region of the sky. Even if you are not familiar with the names of stars in the sky, you simply choose the
direction of a visible bright star and the hand controller will
help you to identify it. This method can also be useful if your
visibility is limited due to obstructions such as trees, hills, or
buildings.
1. First, select “Brightest Star” as your Alignment Method.
Press ENTER.
2. The hand controller will prompt you to “Select Region”.
Choose the direction that corresponds with where you
see the brightest star in the night sky. It may be helpful to have a compass for reference during this process.
There are eight regions to choose from, each covers a
90-degree span in azimuth (Figure 24). The direction
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