Orion SkyQuest XX14g 47-300x356 GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope, 1650mm f/4.6 Focal Length, 0.33arc sec Resolving Power, 2" Crayford Focuser

The Orion SkyQuest XX14g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope feature exceptionally large 14" (356mm) diameter optics, its Orion-designed collapsible GoTo Dobsonian base and truss tube make the XX14g conveniently portable, since you can break the entire telescope down into bite-size component pieces.

Imagine, a 14" diameter Dobsonian reflector with motorized GoTo object location and tracking, capable of being packed into a small car. The optical tube and base both separate into smaller components -- without tools. Once broken down, everything fits easily into even a compact car, for the trip to your favorite dark-sky site. The rigid 8-pole truss tube of the XX14g virtually eliminates flexure observed in 6- and 3-pole collapsible tube designs. Stability of the assembled XX14g Dobsonian base is enhanced by its 1" thick composite wood base panels, which are laminated with water-resistant black melamine. GoTo and tracking motors are pre-installed on the base panels, making assembly nice and easy. Once the tube and base are assembled, the optical tube attaches to the base with a dovetail trunnion and locks securely in place with a single captive hand knob. Since all base and truss tube hardware is captive, you don't have to worry about leaving a screw behind after a long night of viewing in the field.

The XX14g GoTo system automatically slews the telescope to any of the over 42,000 celestial objects you choose from the hand controller's intuitive menus, once a simple alignment process is completed. Altitude and azimuth motors automatically track the motion of the target object so it stays put in the eyepiece field of view for extended visual study. Forgiving of accidental bumps, the XX14g's GoTo system features closed-loop electronics allowing manual repositioning or slewing of the telescope tube without losing alignment. In fact, depending on your preference you can choose to operate the telescope in either GoTo or auto tracking modes.

The 14" parabolic primary mirror doesn't just gobble up photons; it wolfs them down eagerly for your visual inspection. The XX14g features an innovative convex-back 356mm diameter primary mirror and a newly engineered mirror cell, which weighs 10 lbs. less than standard 14" mirror and cell combinations, yielding faster ambient temperature equilibration times so you get optimal visual results more quickly. The mirror cell accepts six specially designed threaded counterweights (included) to optimize balance.

The dual-speed abilities of the 2" Crayford focuser with its 11:1 fine-focus ratio allows you to dial in precise details of any celestial denizen. Both 2" and 1.25" telescope eyepieces can be used, thanks to the included 1.25" step-down adapter.

The XX14g includes both a 2" DeepView 35mm eyepiece for wide views and a 1.25" 12.5mm Plossl eyepiece with an illuminated reticle to help align the GoTo system precisely. Other stellar accessories include an EZ Finder II reflex sight, removable eyepiece rack, GoTo hand controller holder bracket, collimation cap, 12V DC power cable, and RS-232 cable for future firmware updates. A 12V power supply or AC-to-DC adapter (sold separately) is required for motorized operation.

In keeping with Orion's tradition of offering top-notch quality optics at affordable prices the XX14g GoTo Truss Tube Dob is priced to please. Includes a Starry Night Special Edition software CD-ROM and SkyTheater DVD !

A specially designed Light Shroud is available (sold separately) for the Orion XX14g optical tube. A Light Shroud significantly enhances the viewing experience in a Truss Tube Dobsonian by blocking distracting peripheral light from entering the light path, optimizing contrast and brightness.

A custom Orion Padded Case Set (sold separately) is available for the XX14g Dobsonian optical tube. Each set of cases includes a padded case for the top tube section including a secondary mirror cover, a padded case for the bottom tube section, and a roll-up case to safely hold the truss-pole assemblies. An Orion Padded Case Set is the best way to preserve and protect your investment for years to come.