Features of the Orion SkyQuest XX14g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope

[@kenwishaw6932]

Had my xx14g for 18 months and it is an awesome scope! I have a smallish sedan (Subaru Impreza) and it all fits in comfortably with room for two of us in the front. Could not do that with any other scope this size on the market.Thought about both the twelve and the 16 but think i hit the sweet spot. Had a chance to compare it to several 18 inch beasts and all of us thought it outperformed the bigger ones. I Decided to get good eyepieces to match (televise ethos 10 and 21mm) and Astronomik UHC filters. Again they all work beautifully together. If I had my choice over would not change a thing.

[@naimulhaq9626]

Ken: I would like to have some knowledge from you experience, because I have set my mind on a ORION 16", but someone warned me that will need to spend additional $ 10000-20000, but did not elaborate. Perhaps he means some additional accessory like a 'corrector' for the primary mirror, a suitable camera for astrophotography etc., which I can afford. I would very much like your comment and suggestion and if possible, a list of necessary accessories. Thank you.

[@TheTinyMiracle]

After getting a job i am going to buy this one. I am a beginner but i learnt big equals to more light and more quality. Cant wait to have this telescope by 2020.

[@nikiradio]

Jaisheelan P same

[@fakiirification]

aperture fever is a terminal illness. There is no cure. Only treatment in the form of bigger and bigger telescopes.

[@anaespiritu4609]

Do you have it now?

[@TheTinyMiracle]

@@anaespiritu4609 Not yet sadly😮‍💨 Corona put a huge dent in my savings 😮‍💨

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi AlienTechGuy, Yes, there is a cover for the bottom tube and for the top tube. I think that previous comment was regarding dropping something on the mirror while the telescope is in use and the covers are off. If you install the shroud around the trusses, then there's no open path into the tube. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@champagnerocker]

So today I went to Astrofest ... and bought myself a 14 inch dob with 10% off :o) Now i can't wait to get it assembled and out under clear dark skies.

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi Colin, We have two dealers in the UK, Altair Astro in Norfolk and The Astronomy Shop in Wellington. As for a webcam, we have the StarShoot IV planetary cam, or the larger 3mp chip Planetary Imager and Autoguider. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@robertr9689]

Excellent presentation.

[@StargazerFS128]

i have spent days and days researching my next scope after my 8" LX200 classic, i have read nothing but great to stellar reviews of this scope from a visual observing POV, i have always owned SCT's and believed i would always stick to them. i read several unbiased reviews that wet my appetite for a Dob, i am excited, huge leap of faith for me, the xx12g looks amazing, i admit i never liked clumsy looking dob's but this thing is just damn sexy.

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi EasyWolf31, The wind shouldn't affect the scope any differently with or without the shroud - there is enough resistance where it won't act like a sail if the shroud is on. However - wind in and of itself isn't all that great for viewing. The views probably won't be as sharp as they could due to the turbulence caused by the wind. Thanks! -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi AlienTechGuy, If you go to our website and punch in 8968 into the search field, the xx16g will pop up. Just below the "add to cart" button is the current expected shipping date. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@AlienTechGuy]

Sorry, I mean the other option is an xx16g, not 15... BTW, when will that product be available to ship?

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi champagnerocker, I would suggest asking those dealers if they have the ability to order the scope, if it's not something they normally carry. Another option is to visit AstroFest in London on Feb 8th and 9th at the Kensington Conference and Event Center. Most of our dealers will be on hand with booths - you could ask them about getting this scope. I hope that helps. Thanks, -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@genogeno1234]

there is a removable cover on the bottom and the top. Plus a shroud to go around the truss tubes so pretty unlikely...but i'm sure it has happened before

[@kellytaylor3915]

What are the spec. of the mirrors used both primary and secondary. I am speaking of coatings reflectiveness also how well it is figured? 1/4wave 1/6th wave 1/8th wave 1/10th wave.

[@AlienTechGuy]

Ken, great video and product. I'm pointing myself toward either the xx14g or the xx15g. Need to figure out what I want to spend and if the 16g is too heavy. Anyway, I was curious as to a question asked 5 months ago; I assume there is a cover provided for the bottom OTA to protect the mirror, correct?

[@MDI.PHOTOGRAPHY828]

Quick question and for clarification because I am seeing mixed info. from this video, it's my understanding that this xx14g model has it's own built in wifi hotspot for phone linking. Recently i seen an xx14g & the user was connecting a wifi dongle, question is... why would an external dongle need to be connected if it can be done of the scopes wireless hotspot? Perhaps it was an older goto model ?

[@oriontelescopes]

Yes, older models that do not have the wifi feature can replace the hand controller with an external module to have the same features.

[@MDI.PHOTOGRAPHY828]

@@oriontelescopes thank you !

[@champagnerocker]

I'm a UK amateur, and I like the look of this scope very much. I've looked around half a dozen dealers including those two that you mention and although they have the XX16g and the XX14i I haven't seen this model. So what would be the simplest (and cheapest!) way for me to get my hands this scope?

[@bobforman3489]

What is the weight of the base when fully disassembled and the weight of the primary mirror tube? In short, what is the weight of the heaviest component?

[@ZicajosProductions]

According to the website the entire base/mount assembly weighs about 94 pounds, which makes sense... the base should be the heaviest part of the entire thing. Everything together, this beast is 158 pounds of beauty.

[@carper1325]

hi ken thanx for that mate . i have been into astro pics bfor a few years ago. i had a meade 14 inch goto cassegrain lx 200 i think . sold the lot foolish me . including my toucam webcam .. if im going to get back into it i was thinking of a dob . and then saw the dob u do and skywatcher with the go to . any suggestions as to where i can c your scopes here in uk.. also any suggestions on what webcam i can look for to relace the toucam ?? colinkk

[@carper1325]

hi ken 14 orion goto if your observing moon but then swing onto saturn will the go to system sting follow saturn in goto mode colin

[@genogeno1234]

this is an awesome telescope.

[@the5thmusketeer215]

Thank you for a ***very clear and informative*** demonstration. If only every manufacturer and dealer was as professional as that, our buying decisions would be much more straightforward and involve less pre (and post!) purchase anxiety... ;)

[@fishing1335]

I love the height of this thing. It seems perfect. My wallet is gonna be angry.

[@mikeawilliams7104]

This is the best job ever

[@giuliozucchi]

Love the look of this scope, only criticism the slewing sounds like a sink disposal...😆

[@ZicajosProductions]

The sounds is surely unappealing, but at least the GoTo system for this scope is actually extremely reliable.

[@Redserpent2000]

Now that looks like a great scope but why is it that you never show how it performs with actual pic or vids. Breaks my heart. Is it any good for Astrophotography?

[@Sabre912]

So i want to get into astronomy and im a beginner , i would love to buy a telescope and honestly money is not a problem nor size.. i was thinking since this is a GoTo system wouldnt it be considered a beginner telescope? if not why? i figured the non GoTo would be more of a intermediate and higher astronomer level telescope.. like i said im a beginner and im sorry if this question comes off as an odd one to ask..

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi JohnPaul, This scope is very easy to use, so in terms of finding objects with the computer, yes, anyone can do it, even beginners. However, the trouble with only three levels of rating is that there are a lot of variables that go into it. This scope is very heavy once put together, and it also costs much more than the average "beginner" scope. So price and weight also factor into the rating. But in terms of simplicity of use once set up, it's very easy. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@maddoxoffthewall812]

as a beginner I recommend goto so you can actually find things

[@fuzz-head4800]

I would dis-agree, Starting with a new scope get something like an 8' Dobson. Next, invest in 3 good eyepieces, low power ( 34 to 38 mm ), on Med ( 14 to 20 mm ) and one higher power ( 4 to 9mm ). The trap with this hobby is the eyepieces, you'll start buying the less expensive, then upgrading to a slightly better one, before ending up with a Premium eyepiece in the $350 to $600 range. Next get yourself familiar with finding objects on your own, heck that is half the fun spotting things and then trying to figure out what it is. At the point you can find objects in the sky with relative ease, have found the type of eyepieces that work best for you, then your ready to jump up to the big boys. Myself, I found the LHD 80 degree eyepieces at $279 currently work best for me and my family as we do not need to remove our eyeglasses and the extra field of view makes it easy to find, observer and enjoy before moving to another object. Now as my kids grow and move out, it will be time to jump to this scope being the 14 or considering the 16. The goto system will be the best as by the time the last one is out of the house I'll be in my 60's. Then the only cost will be beer and eyepieces to match my new scope. Had the chance to look through the 14inch a NASA after hours event and Dobson scopes although big, I truly enjoy what I can see. I am a year into this and spend one night a week on avg out star gazing. Good Luck...

[@aymanalfayez]

would you ship it internationally since your local dealer does not have it. I am from Riyadh, Saudi arabia

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi Alfayez, Unfortunately Orion cannot ship directly to Saudi Arabia, as we have an authorized dealer there that should be able to order it. If you have difficulty procuring it through them, please email us directly and we can assist in ordering it from them. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@aymanalfayez]

thank for your reply, could you please provide the email, I would like to contact you directly. thanks

[@DrRussPhd]

Nice looking scope but man oh man that base looks heavy.

[@DawgcityClev]

Why pay a car note when you can buy one of these instead? LOL This is a freakin awesome telescope. And I just ordered the 10" Zhumell today and then I come across this beast!

[@timokobel3992]

Absolutely dream dob 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️😍

[@dankahraman354]

What happened to the 16 inch model?

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi Dan, We still have a 16" model -- #8968. Just punch in that stock number into the search field on our website (www.telescope.com) and it will pop right up. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@marslugo]

dang amazing ..i wish i had this one

[@1823ek]

I am 8 to 45 days away from my purchase...Depending on the 14 or 16 .I have toyed around with the idea for over 2 years to get one of these. I just have not made up my mind on the 14 or the 16... This would be my 17th Telescope. I have a 12 inch SCT and a 6 inch SCT Everything computerized. I was wondering about replacement motor parts ?.

[@oriontelescopesbinoculars6659]

Hi Ed, If you purchase the telescopes from us and something goes wrong, we have replacement parts available under the warranty, and even after the warranty ends. As for the difference between the 14 and the 16, you'll have to decide between the weight difference, but optically, the 16" pulls in 30% more light. Thanks! -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@1823ek]

Thanks for the reply , I am working on finances for it as I reply to you . Ed

[@1sorryham]

That 35mm "Easy View" 2" eyepiece isn't worth much. It is only a 3-element eyepiece and shows lots and lots of off-axis astigmatism at the f/4.6 of the XX14. Save your money and get a good wide-field quality eyepiece. I use a 36mm Hyperion Aspheric, and although it isn't perfect, it is better than the included eyepiece. A better one would be a 35mm Panoptic or (if you really want to spend the money) 31mm Nagler.

[@WinAtLottery]

Could anybody tell me what the diameter of the mount base is please?

[@pduffy421]

Assembled base, 30.5"W x 31.5"H, 94 lbs

[@MyImageEdit]

Love the look of this scope but at £467 dearer then the SkyWatcher version, are 5 extra poles really worth it ? :(

[@oriontelescopes]

+MyImageEdit ImageEdit Hi MyImageEdit, An 8 pole truss design is much stronger than a 3 pole non-truss system. So it's really not just a matter of adding 5 extra poles. If you look at the shape, each of the four systems forms a triangle, which makes the system extremely rigid. This means you don't have to worry about the system going out of alignment as easily, especially when you grab the upper assembly and rotate the telescope around -- the system is completely locked in place so the secondary mirror and focuser stay perfectly aligned with the primary mirror as you move around the sky. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@MyImageEdit]

Thanks Ken, appreciate the info although i have pulled / moved a 3 pole system and to be fair they are still very rigid. Whether your 5 extra pole system warrants the extra £467 is for me a no brainer :/ shame, cos i love the look of the Orion range but £467 is a whole lot of money i could spend on accessories. Cheers.

[@thethirdman225]

Nice scope but should have flocking inside the tube. That was a downer for me. Everything else is great.

[@oriontelescopes]

+TheThirdMan Hi TheThirdMan, We don't sell flocking unfortunately, but there are some excellent third party option available for those who want to add flocking paper to their telescopes. I would suggest doing an internet search for "telescope flocking paper", and you'll find some sources for rolls of it you can easily install into your telescope. Thanks! -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@spajd1446]

I wish they weren't so dang expansive or id have one already

[@rosskstar]

This isn't on the list for charged shipping so why does the page say it's $95? I like the size, seems like easier on the back not having to stoop over so much and not too tall either.

[@oriontelescopes]

Hi Colin, Yes, the computer will know you've moved away from the moon and onto Saturn, and will continue to follow it. Thanks! -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@cemerson]

It seems a shame that you've advertised the trusses as having captive bolts so they won't get lost, but the same isn't true of the base.

[@oriontelescopes]

+Chris Emerson Hi Chris, The base actually does use captive bolts, so you don't have to worry about them popping off and getting lost. If you look at the manual starting on page 7, step 3, it talks about the captive bolts, and on page 8 are a few pictures showing the captive bolts installed. There are rubber retaining washers that are inserted over the front of the bolt, and they hold the bolts captive on each panel. Thanks -Ken Orion Telescopes

[@cemerson]

Fair enough, the video shows them all removed at one point

[@HouseIMD]

This was embarrassing...

[@silver.sorner2059]

I want it

[@WillFehlhaberMusicOfficial]

i want one :)

[@detectiveamevirus8]

Price are 5000 dollar

[@ZicajosProductions]

@@detectiveamevirus8 actually, $2800. These days, even the large commercially available dobs like the one in this video are pretty fairly priced.

[@detectiveamevirus8]

@@ZicajosProductions bruh : was drop price

[@Smood47]

Oh god... wtffffff..... thing is a monster.

[@garyelliott3436]

Junk added to worst service ever = ORION …..RIP LOL!!!