Orion XX12I, XX12 User Manual

Addendum to IN 339 Instruction Manual for

Orion® SkyQuest™ XX12i IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian

Orion

®

SkyQuest™ XX12

Truss Tube Dobsonian with Light Shroud

#27190

This Addendum covers assembly and use of the SkyQuest
XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian in its native (non-IntelliScope)
configuration; that is, without the IntelliScope Computerized
Object Locator. In this configuration, the XX12 is designed to
be used like a traditional Dob, without the aid of digital object
location technology. You should refer to optional star maps
and/or astronomy software programs to help you locate and
view objects of interest.

If you decide later that you would like to upgrade your XX12
to add the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator (#7888),
you can purchase it separately.

This addendum includes additions and revisions to IN 339, the
instruction manual that was written for, and comes with, the
#9793 SkyQuest XX12i IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian
with Computerized Object Locator. Most of the information in
the XX12i Instruction Manual is relevant to the #27190 native
XX12. However, any reference to the IntelliScope Object
Locator Kit or its component parts can simply be ignored.

Below is a list of specific sections of the original instruc­tion manual that can be disregarded. You may find it useful
to lightly pencil an “X” over these sections in the manual as
a reminder to ignore them when reading through it. Don’t
completely obscure the text and figures, though! Should you
decide to add the IntelliScope functionality in the future by
purchasing the optional IntelliScope Object Locator Kit, you
will want to be able to read all of the material in the original
telescope manual.

One-Year Limited Warranty

The Orion SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian with
Light Shroud is warranted against defects in materials
or workmanship for a period of one year from the date
of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the origi­nal retail purchaser only. During this warranty period
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace,
at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves
to be defective, provided it is returned postage paid to:
Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA

95076. Proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original
receipt) is required.

This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the
instrument has been abused, mishandled, or modified,
nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights, which vary from state to state. For further
warranty service information, contact: Orion Customer
Service [phone]; [e-mail].

Disregard These Sections in the XX12i
IntelliScope Instruction Manual

Page Section Item

4 Parts List Box #1A: IntelliScope Object Locator Kit

7 Assembly Steps 6, 7, 15-24, 26

22 5 Subsection entitled “The IntelliScope

Computerized Object Locator”

Disregard These Figures in the XX12i
IntelliScope Instruction Manual

Figure 1, Figure 3, Figure 6, Figures 10-14, Figure 26

Other Additions/Revisions to the Instruction
Manual Content

Section 2. Assembly – Assembly of the Dobsonian Base

Since your #27190 SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian
does not include the IntelliScope Computerized Object
Locator Kit, you will not need to install the altitude encoder
assembly, cables, bumper, and the other associated parts.

You should, however, install the azimuth encoder disc and the
brass azimuth bushing as described in steps 9 and 10. These
parts are identified in Figure 5 as parts J and F, respectively.
The bushing is needed to properly sleeve the azimuth axis
screw, and the metal encoder disc provides a secure platform
on which the brass bushing seats. Refer to Figure 7 in the
instruction manual to see them installed.

It is not necessary, however, to install the azimuth encoder
board (E in Figure 5) and spacer washers (O and P) described
in step 6. Nor do you need to attach the encoder connector
board (step 15) that came with your scope. Keep these and
any other unused parts in a safe place, though; you will need
them if you ever decide to add the optional Computerized
Object Locator.

Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975

OrionTelescopes.com

Customer Support [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Corporate Offices [phone]

89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076

© 2008-2010 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

IN 405 Rev. A 10/10

Section 2. Assembly – Connecting the Optical Tube to the
Dobsonian Base

The following text and images should be substituted for step 3
of this section and Figure 26 in the original instruction manual
(see pp. 14 and 15).

Find the 1-1/4"-long black plastic sleeve and slide it onto the
other tensioning knob’s threaded shaft as shown in Figure
26a below. Then insert the sleeved shaft into the hole in the
right side panel, as shown in Figure 26b. Thread the shaft
into the threaded hole in the telescope side bearing until the
knob is just barely tight. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN or the plas­tic sleeve could split or deform. There will be a ¼" gap or so
between the knob and the side panel – that is fine.

a.

b.

Figure 26. Install the black plastic sleeve on the right-side

tensioning knob (a), then insert the sleeved shaft into the hole (b)
and thread it into the telescope side bearing until just barely tight.

Corrections to the SkyQuest XX12i IntelliScope
Instruction Manual (IN 339, Rev A)

Page Section Item

3 Introduction Second sentence should read:

It’s a deep-sky observer’s dream
telescope, offering jumbo 12" optics
made from low-thermal-expansion
glass, a stylish base, and a sturdy
truss tube design that easily
disassembles into compact, portable
components.

26 Specifications Primary mirror specification should

read: 305mm diameter reflective
surface, low-thermal-expansion
glass, parabolic, center marked

Mirror coatings specification should
read: Enhanced-reflectivity (94%)
aluminum with SiO

overcoat

2

Installing the Light Shroud

The #27190 SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian includes
a custom-designed Light Shroud (#15097). For the best per­formance from any truss Dobsonian, a shroud is a must. This
one, custom designed for the SkyQuest XX12, is made of a
stretchy nylon blend material that fits like a glove over the truss
poles of the XX12, fastening with thick elastic bands on both
ends. The water-resistant, opaque black fabric blocks stray

light from entering the optical path, thus improving image con­trast. It’s also breathable, which minimizes unwanted vibra­tion of the scope in breezy conditions. Use of the shroud will
lessen the accumulation of dust and dirt on the mirrors during
use, and will help prevent dew from forming on them.

To install the shroud, first remove any accessories from the
upper tube section, such as the eyepiece and finder scope,
and rack the focuser drawtube all the way in. Then stretch
open the elastic band on one end of the shroud and slip it
over the upper tube section and onto the truss pole assembly.
Then stretch open the elastic band on the other end of the
shroud and slip it over the upper tube section, to just above
the upper truss support ring; that is, just above the truss pole
connectors. Now stretch the bottom end of the shroud over
the lower truss support ring and pole connectors. The installed
shroud should now resemble the picture above.

Now you’re all set to observe!