Orion Telescopes next REALLY BIG Hit. SkyQuest XX14i Intelliscope Truss Dobsonian

Orion is on a roll. They have now added their biggest telescope, the 14" XX14i Intelliscope Truss Dobsonian. The previous 12" XX12i has received great reviews, people have loved it. Now enter the XX14i with some very interesting and helpful features. The most obvious is the base. The XX14i incorporates a tool-less collapsable base for even better portability. Orion really listens to its customers, or has a design team that are avid users themselves. Either way a great feature. You can disassemble the base into 4 completely separate components for easier transport, in addition to the already collapsible design of the truss tube optical assembly, which itself breaks down into 2 main components. In addition, it appears that the base itself is a bit shorter then the XX12i base, so fitting it into smaller vehicles should be easier. Weighing in at 120lbs for the whole shebang, you'll need that extra convenience.

I'm looking forward to reading the reviews. This scope offers a significant jump up from anyone that currently owns a 8-10" telescope, and is in need of a cure for that dreadful aperture fever. The scope is currently set to ship 12/30/09, and is listed at $1799.

Orion's StarBlast 6i is a great entry level scope

Orion debuted its StarBlast6i not too many months ago. Its a 6" (150mm) f5 reflector, sporting a unique single-arm, table-top mount. In addition, it has the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator. This electronic device permits the scope to be aligned to 2 stars, and once aligned, allows the user to push-pull the scope to any object in its 14,000 object library. Its a great feature, I have one on the 6" IntelliScope Dobsonian, which is an f8 dobsonian version. In a word, I love that scope. By the looks of it, if I had the opportunity to get this Starblast6i, I would most likely fall in love with it too. However, there are a few points here that may sway you from handing out the CC # to a Orion sales rep right now.

Pros
1. 6" f5 will is enough aperture to keep you busy for years
2. Small size makes it very portable, and its all-in-one. (BTW, they make a soft case for it to!)
3. It comes pre-assembled
4. It weights 40% less then the f8 model, total about 23lbs.
5. Orion has a history of producing great Newtonian optics
6. The IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator makes this one of the most affordable, computer assisted scopes on the market today.

Cons
1. Its not available to ship until 12/15. Looks like demand is outstripping supply
2. At f5, its more finicky to collimation then the f8 version, so you really do need a collimator with this scope
3. The table-top base is cute, but you will need a steady table to place this scope on to utilize. Its not something that can be used from the ground, its not high enough.
4. As #3 above points out, you need to this get a nice table if you don't have one available. Either way, I suspect wobbling from every nudge to cause image shake, so you really need to be careful. I also suspect some creative users out there will develop a cleaver stool or tripod type contraption, to raise the scope to a usable height, with out the need of a table. When I see these available, I'll post more here.
5. Not really a con, but you should be aware that the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator is not a motor drive for the scope. You have to move it manually both to find objects and to track. At f5, tracking isn't really a problem.

I'm looking forward to reading actual reviews of this scope. Orion, you have another winner.

Clouds every night for the last 3 weeks, but thank goodness for Cloudynights and other forums!

Central TN, like much of the southeast, has been under a thick flow of clouds for what has been weeks. This certainly has dampened my mood, and obviously kept me from observing, but it has not impacted my thirst for all things astronomy. I certainly enjoy to observe, but when those opportunities do not present themselves, at least I can turn to my online astronomical communities. This is where astronomy forums, such as Cloudynights.com, astromart.com, astronomy.fm, and the new starparty.telescopes.com come in, to help get your astronomy fix subdued in the presence of those way too frequent clouds.

One of my favorite topics on the forums are the observing reports. One in particular, just this week, a fella with a Orion XX12i scope was able to manage a whopping 600x on Jupiter one memorable night. It was great to see the enthusiasm and excitement they shared with others, its what helps me keep that enthusiasm going myself, and gets me looking forward to that next clear night with even more anticipation. And who doesn't love the reviews! If your like me, the first thing I read when my astronomy mags come is are the ads, and the monthly equipment reviews. Its nice to know how the new stuff out there is faring, and what better way then to hear it from amateurs just like yourself. In addition to the new scope reviews, you get a heaping helping of tips and tricks to ensure that old scope of yours has its best nights ahead under the stars.

Its also surprising just how knowledgeable folks are on those forums are. I mean in depth, scientific stuff, not simply observing techniques etc. They are deeply familiar with the subject matter, and if a frequent poster, they can convey that subject manner in a way that is easier to understand then any book I've read. Most of the time, when discussions talk about optics, the "brighter stars" really come out and shine. I walk away knowing a little bit more then when I first logged in, and that's very rewarding. Its really great how the people on these forums poor their wealth of knowledge out for all to take in and experience. Its truly an education you gain, if you take the time to read.

So if you haven't already, go ahead and sign up for these fantastic forums. I sure hope to see you there! (My ID is geminijk)

http://www.cloudynights.com   Arguably the most popular forum
http://www.astronomy.fm       Has some nice streaming media events at times, so check the schedules
http://www.astromart.com      You do have to pay to register, but its worth the $12. Great classifieds section
http://starparty.telescopes.com    The new kid on the block, but I see great potential
 

Are CAT's (SCT or MAK) really underrated telescopes?

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At The Eyepiece - A quick review of the show

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