The Official Astronomy Thread

[Crusader]

I think I'm going to do something crazy and get a 8" SCT (Nexstar 8SE). Now all I need is to convince myself to blow my savings on it...

 

[dappled]

/tightening screws, building base...

 

[Crusader]

Ah, so you got it. Caught on to the surprise yet?

Also soemthing to look out for: make sure the staples used to affix the teflon pads are nicely receded into the teflon.

 

[dappled]

surprise was it nearly didn't fit in the car. and the puppy i played with

 

[dappled]

staples are nicely "in"

 

[Crusader]

Good. You also don't want to tighten the central bolt on the base too much. It should allow nice free movement. Also make sure the bumper stop is stuck on nice and tight in the required spot. Mine fell of during first use.

When placing the OTA on the base take care that the drawstrings on the tension springs doesn't get caught underneath the OTA, same goes for lifting it off - they tend to get stuck on the 'handles' the spring attach to.

 

[Crusader]

The actual suprise for most people is how huge the scope actually is the first time you see it.

 

[mercurial]

Also let your scope stand outside for an hour before observing (at least). It needs to cool down and adjust to the temperature outside. The longer it's outside, cooling down, the better your views will be, especially for magnification. You can start by looking at the moon tonight and having an orgasm

 

[dappled]

hmmmmm i cant quite figure out where to stick the stopper. the tube hits the bottom bolt in the middle panel (it's one of the two bolts from the base handle). I can't make out the picture/photo in the manual and where i am supposed to stick it??

 

[dappled]

must i stick the rubber stop pad in between the nuts?

If i stick it between the nuts it does nothing to stop the OTA knocking into the lower nut. These nuts are from the handle bar.

 

[dappled]

nevermind, found it- http://www.fixya.com/support/p703832-orion_skyquest_xt8_intelliscope_telescop/manual-24688/page-4

The photo in my manual is taken from the other direction, ie bottom up.

 

[Crusader]

I'd have to check on mine but if I recall that's where it needs to go. In between the bolts for the handle.

 

[Crusader]

That's right. There should be a little round mark that almost looks like a pre-drilling mark to indicate the placement.

 

[dappled]

There was no indication on the middle panel of where to stick it.

I stuck it according to the manual pic i just posted, ie- (where red dot is)

Most logical and seems to be correct when i play around.

 

[Crusader]

Looks like telescope fever is in the air. Madness seized me and my Celestron 8SE has just been officially ordered. Will have to go pick it up on Thursday. Poverty is now my destiny...

 

[Crusader]

That's the right spot. Not as I initially said.

 

[dappled]

Looks like telescope fever is in the air. Madness seized me and my Celestron 8SE has just been officially ordered. Will have to go pick it up on Thursday. Poverty is now my destiny...

Naughty naughty naughty!!

i'm still fiddling, eyepiece bit now.....

 

[dappled]

now trying to get a tree that's about a quarter mile away in sight....

 

[dappled]

sorted! omg omg omg!!! the mooon!!!

 

[mercurial]

sorted! omg omg omg!!! the mooon!!!

Told ya!
Have a look at it tonight. Leave the telescope outside and come back in 2 hours. You can also have a look at Jupiter tonight. It's the brightest "star" in the sky.