Orion XT10i Intelliscope 10" or Skywatcher Skyliner 10"?

[Jimtheslim]

Just as I had the Skywatcher Skyliner in my virtual basket and ready to buy (£409), along comes a  Orion XT10i Intelliscope 10" for sale second hand at a great price and nearby to where I live. Just a bit cautious as the Orion, when new, with it's goto system is far cheaper than the Skywatcher alternative. Just wondering if there is any reason for this? ANyone had much experience with the Orion goto system? Does it track objects across the sky like the Skywatcher system?

[John]

The Orion XT is made by the same manufacturer as the Skywatcher so the mirror quality will be the same. The Intelliscope system is a "push to" system so it does not track. Once set up, the handset gives you instructions on which direction to push the scope in to find an object but you have to provide the motive power. It's a well thought of system and popular with those that own it.

 

[Jimtheslim]

I see, thanks for the info. I guess if it doesn't track and simply finds the objects for you I might prefer to have the satisfaction of finding them myself

[John]

19 minutes ago, Jimtheslim said:

I see, thanks for the info. I guess if it doesn't track and simply finds the objects for you I might prefer to have the satisfaction of finding them myself

You can use the scope without the Intelliscope system.

If it's in good condition and makes a nice saving over the Skywatcher equivalent then I'd certainly consider the XT10i.

[Jimtheslim]

3 minutes ago, John said:

You can use the scope without the Intelliscope system.

If it's in good condition and makes a nice saving over the Skywatcher equivalent then I'd certainly consider the XT10i.

It's not too far away so I guess I could take a look. How accurate are these push-to systems do people know? As the numbers count down it seems like there might be room error, or am I completely wrong on this?

[John]

If the initial setup is good then the Intelliscope system is quite accurate - good enough to put an object in the field of view of a low power eyepiece I think but maybe not in the center all the time !

 

Edited April 2, 2016 by John