Orion SkyQuest XT6 IntelliScope User manual

I: 02 –Observing Teams and Equipment Procedures - © 2012 BDM Page 1
Coconino Community College Astronomy PHY180
Observing Teams and Telescope Equipment Procedures
The CCC Astronomy class has six Orion SkyQuest XT6
telescopes. There are two dozen students, and hence, there will
be six teams of four students per telescope. For the semester,
each student will be assigned to a team 1 through 6. (Each
telescope, eyepiece case, and related reference materials, etc.
are also designated 1 through 6, respectively, and each teams'
equipment and materials should be maintained together.)
Each team will be responsible for their telescope, for
transporting, setting up, and observing with (and, of course for
maintaining their telescopes in good condition.) Note: In all
cases, never put your fingers on any optical surfaces (mirrors,
lenses, eyepieces, etc.)
1. Transporting Equipment
Transport activities to the observing site should be divided
between the students in each team as follows:
1. Carry the telescope tube and Dobsonian Mount by the mount handle.
Make sure: The two tension springs (on the telescope tube’s sides) are secured to the
mount before attempting to carry the telescope.
2. Eyepiece cases (contains three eyepieces [17mm, 25mm & 40mm], Barlow lens, and a
lunar polarizing filter.)
3. Reference Materials (Telescope manual with Planisphere, Lunar Atlas, and Night Watch
Observing Guide.)
2. Setting up the Telescope
1. Place the Telescope and firmly on the
ground, preferably on as flat a surface as
possible. Make sure: The eyepiece end is
facing up, and the eyepiece focuser, and
Telrad finder are accessible when the
telescope is tipped horizontally.
2. Remove the Telescope cover, and set it in a
safe place so it will not be stepped on.
3. Open the eyepiece case, select the 40mm
eyepiece, and place it in the telescopes'
focusing tube. Finger-tighten the set screws
to secure the eyepiece.

I: 02 –Observing Teams and Equipment Procedures - © 2012 BDM Page 2
4. Select a bright object and focus the eyepiece using the
two knobs on either side of the eyepiece focuser.
5. Check the alignment of the Telrad finder and make any
needed corrections (Refer to Telrad finder section below
if necessary.)
Observing
For observing activities, each student will be given an
activity sheet. When performing an observing activity, each
student should make their own observations and record
their data on their own activity sheet.
Use the eyepieces, Barlow lens, and Filter as per the Activity sheet.
3. Closing-Down Procedures
1. Disassemble the telescope Tube and Mount.
2. Place all the Eyepieces, Barlow Lens, etc. back in the Eyepiece Case.
3. TURN OFF THE TELRAD *** This is very IMPORTANT to conserve the Battery ***
4. Return all items to the storage area in their proper locations.
5. Reassemble the telescope tube on their respective mounts.

I: 02 –Observing Teams and Equipment Procedures - © 2012 BDM Page 3
4. Using the Telrad Finder
The Telrad finder is easy to use. Unlike most telescope finders, the Telrad does not magnify
the image. It works much as a rifle sight does by projecting a "Bulls-Eye", or three red
concentric rings, spaced at 4 degrees, 2 degrees, and 1/2 degree in diameter in which to
center the desired astronomical object.
Telrad Finder Alignment Procedure
1. With a low power eyepiece in the telescope,
locate a “test object”, such as a bright star or
planet.
2. Adjust the telescope to view the “test object”in
the center of the field of view.
3. Turn on the Telrad (on/off switch) and adjust the
brightness of the red concentric “Bulls-Eye”
reticle while looking through the Telrad.
4. Compare where the “test object” is in relation to
the Telrad “Bulls-Eye”. Adjust the three Reticle
Alignment screws (up/down & left/right) to center
the “test object” in the middle of the three red
concentric circles of the reticle (see photo
below.) You may have to check the view through
the eyepiece to make sure the “test object” has
not moved appreciably.
Telrad Alignment and Adjustment settings
“Bulls-Eye” Reticle centered on star