Re: Orion XT8 Classic vs XT8 Intelliscope


KenS wrote:
Hello all,

This is my first post to the group as I am new to the hobby - although
I have had a lifelong interest in Astronomy and Cosmology. I am
considering my first scope and have settled on the Orion XT8 - or, at
least an 8" Dobsonian (I've don't a LOT of reading here and elsewhere,
and the postings here have been invaluable).

My question is this: is there any reason to pay the extra money to get
the Intelliscope over the Classic assuming that I am not interested in
using the positioning electronics that the XT8-IS accept. Even without
the goto module, the IS is $120 > than the Classic. If that $120 is
buying me higher quality, important features, etc., then I'll consider
it. But if the only meaningful difference is the electronics, then I
see no reason not to get the XT8-C intead. I am intersted in learning
the sky and it seems to me that the best way to do that is with a map
and manuala approach.

Am I missing something?

Thanks
Ken Sargent

No difference in the optics -- XT-8 and XT-8 Intelliscope are the same
scope. The difference is in the Dobsonian mount -- the Intelliscope
mount has sensors built in that tell the handheld controller where the
scope is pointed.

I had an XT-8 that was drowned in Hurricane Katrina. I replaced it
with an XT-12 Intelliscope.

You DO NOT have to use the Intelliscope function. I use my XT-12
without the controller half the time. If you want to use the scope
without the electronics, just don't plug in the controller. Usually, I
drag out the scope and do not plug in the controller. If I am not able
to find the object I'm looking for, I plug in the controller, orient
the scope, and let the electronics help me find what I can't find on my
own.

Remember -- the Intelliscope is not a motorized function. That is, the
electronics do not drive the scope -- you move the Intelliscope the
same way you move the Classic -- just grab the scope and push or pull
it.


If I had it to do over again, I'd still buy the Intelliscope -- it's
nice to have the electronic help. In fact, I'm thinking about getting
an XT-6 Intelliscope because it's a lot more portable than the XT-12 --
besides, you can never have too many scopes.

For what it's worth, here's my take on things:
http://www.schlatter.org/Dad/Astronomy/my%20scopes.htm

.

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