Per  ORION TELESCOPES -

Optical Specifications:
--Type / Reflector
--Diameter (Mirror or Lens) / 254mm
--Light Grasp / 76.0 sq. in.
--Focal Length / 1200mm
--F Ratio/ f/4.7
--Magnification (w/ included eyepieces) / 48x, 120x
--Highest theoretical magnification / 600x

Accessories:
--Eyepieces / Sirius Plössl 25.0mm, 10.0mm
--Finder Scope / 9x50
--Focuser / 2" Metal Rack-and-pinion
--Other included items / Collimation cap, eyepiece rack

Other Features
--New Pyrex® primary mirror
--New four-vane secondary mirror holder
--New 2" collimatable aluminum focuser

Physical Parameters: --Mount type / Dobsonian
--Rocker Box / Wood
--Weight assembled / 58 lbs. 0 oz.
--Tube Length / 47.0 in.

I paid about $675 with S&H included for this 'scope in 2002. It came delivered to my house around 5 days after I ordered it, undamaged and shipped by Fed-Ex.

BELOW I have some pictures of the 'scope with various notes I hope you will find useful.

  

The reason for these pictures is to show the box and how it comes packaged. The box is very durable and I have saved it and use it for transporting the 'scope. If it can handle Fed-Ex, then it can handle me. The box is actually 2-in-1. I've reinforced the edges with duct-tape.

As you can see, I've labeled the accessory box. It holds the finderscope, the bracket, the tension assembly and my red-dot finder. When all packed up, it fits nicely along side the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA).

It also comes with some bubble-wrap. The more padding the better. I saved it along with the plastic bags the OTA came in. Gotta keep the dust off!

The OTA is supported in the box by Styrofoam holders. I've numbered them: 1, 2 & 3. You can see, at their edges, I've put red dots. I have placed marks along these edges inside the box. This makes it much easier when I put the 'scope away. This way, I know right where the Styrofoam pieces go and I don't have to fumble around getting it all lined back up; especially when it's dark.

Above is the Rocker Box. It has a nice handle but I don't advise moving the whole 'scope assembled with this handle. The base is actually two pieces. The very bottom one has 3 rubberized "feet" on it. It is also where the azimuth Teflon pads are located. When setting up the 'scope, don't make the center bolt (not pictured) too tight. The 'scope won't turn if it's too tight. Between the two bottom plates there are some plastic washers. Don't forget to add these when putting the 'scope together for the first time.

I have labeled the Teflon altitude pads. Before you use the 'scope for the first time, make sure the little nails that hold them down are not sticking out above the pads. If they do, you will scratch the heck out of the trunion bearings. Knock them down with a nail punch if they are sticking up.

The Eyepiece Rack as a place for three 1.25" eyepieces and one 2" eyepiece. Extra holders can be ordered from Orion.

The OTA is easily lifted and should be placed gently in the Rocker Box. Just make sure you have the focuser on the same side as the eyepiece rack. I set it up once backwards...doh!

  

This is the tension assembly and how it should look. Note the position of the plastic piece is orientated to the 'scope.

Using your thumb, pull the spring over the catch. Don't let go or let the cord slip; it might bounce back up and dent the tube. Make sure the cord ends up on the "closed" side of the loop. This is so it doesn't fall off and get lost. You'll see!

  

The 'scope comes with a nice cap that fits over the open end of the tube. I've had mine for a year, used it quite a bit and it still has it's "locking" feature.

  

The 9 x 50 finderscope is a dream as well as the bracket. One the finderscope, you'll notice a rubber washer and an indentation. The washer goes in the indent. If you ever have problems getting the finderscope in the bracket, it's probably because the washer has rolled out of the indent.

Now, just pull out on the silver spring loaded set screw and the finderscope should fall into place. Sometimes you may have to back-off the other two alignment screws a turn or two. Not to worry, this system is super easy to realign. It's nothing like the other type of alignment methods found on most other finderscopes.

  

This is the EZ-Finder by Orion. It is a must for any 'scope as far as I am concerned. It's quite the time-saver. (Well, I guess a "GoTo" 'scope doesn't need one!) It doesn't matter which brand you get, just get one.

The mount has a dove-tail groove that mates with the base plate. If you don't want to drill holes in your 'scope, the base plate comes with an adhesive backing strip that goes on the scope. The EZ finder is powered by one of those $5 watch batteries. The info says it should last for about 20 hours. It's really more then double that. Turn it off when your not using it of course...duh.

This is the completed assembly. Stick an eyepiece in and your ready!

This is the 1.25" eyepiece adapter. It's made out of aluminum I guess. It has only one set-screw to lock down the eyepiece.

Here is the all metal focuser with the adapter in place.

Here is the 2" focuser that comes standard on the XT10. It has two set screws when using larger eyepieces. The rack and pinion style is made of mostly all metal parts. The focuser knobs are plastic.

Here is the "Secret Screw". Why do I point this out? Because what I have found, is that the focuser will eventually develop a "wobble" or "backlash". To me, this is the 'scopes weakest point.

In the future, I will add better pictures of the insides of the drawtube. For now, if you develop a backlash, use this hex-type screw to adjust for this problem. There is another one (not pictured) located below the focuser lock-down screw.

What the "secret screws" do is adjust a Teflon pad inside the drawtube. I guess due to use, the pad wears out and thus the drawtube develops a wobble that will be very noticeable when trying to focus. This wobble will also make it difficult to collimate the 'scope.

The four-vane spider is very sturdy. The secondary will not shake even if you tap the tube fairly hard. As of yet, I have not had to adjust the secondary mirror. The focuser can be seen at its maximum extension of 1 3/4".

Another view looking straight down the tube.

  

Above are two pictures of problems that I had with my 'scope. On the left, you can see where the veneer is starting to peel away. Beneath the veneer, the wood is made of particle board.

To the right is a problem that is totally my fault. It shows what can happen if you let the wood get wet...it will expand. Pictured is the base plate and the bumper. You can see that the bumper no longer fits in its slot. I was out viewing one day and a vicious rainstorm blew in. I didn't cover the 'scope up all the way and the base plate got wet. Darn...!

THIS SITE WAS CREATED ON DECEMBER, 25, 2003

PLEASE SEND E-MAIL TO:
brad@starnevada.com