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Altitude side bearing
Screw with
round knob
Spring
Phillips-head
screw (black)
Pull loop
Figure 6.
Close-up view of the CorrecTension system, which pulls
the tube assembly down onto the altitude bearing pads.
cradle. The screw will thread into the preinstalled insert in
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.
3 Attach 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 posi-
tion 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 7b. You needn't attach
both springs simultaneously; one at a time is fine.
The CorrecTension system is now installed and engaged.
If you wish to remove the telescope from the base, you will
first need to disconnect the springs from the "posts" on the
Dobsonian base. The springs will remain captive on the alti-
tude side bearings, so they will not get lost.
Inserting an Eyepiece
The final step in the assembly process is to insert an eyepiece
into the telescope's focuser. Take the cover cap off the end of
the focuser drawtube.
For the XT6: Loosen the two thumbscrews on the eyepiece
holder and insert the eyepiece. Then secure it in place with
the thumbscrews.
For the XT8 and XT10: There are three thumbscrews on the
focuser, one
holds the eyepiece, and two hold the 1.25"
adapter. To insert the eyepiece, loosen the thumbscrew that is
on the 1.25" adapter itself (it will be highest up on the focuser).
Insert the eyepiece into the adapter and secure it by tightening
the thumbscrew.
6
Black nylon
spacers
1/4" washer
(black)
a.
b.
Figure 7. (a)
loop with your index finger and pull down on the spring.
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 assembly of your SkyQuest Dobsonian is now complete.
It should appear as in Figure 1. The dust cover on the front
of the telescope should always remain in place when the tele-
scope 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.
3. Using Your Telescope
It is best to get a feel for the basic functions of the SkyQuest
Dobsonian during the day, before observing astronomical
objects at night. This way you will not have to fumble around
trying to orient yourself in the dark! Find a spot outdoors
where you have plenty of room to move around the telescope,
and where you have a clear view of some object or vista that is
at least 1/4-mile away. It is not critical that the base be exactly
level, but it should be placed on somewhat flat ground or pave-
ment to ensure smooth movement of the telescope.
To attach the spring to the base, grip the pull
(b)
While
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