Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian
Our most advanced 12-inch Dobsonian is geared up for extensive exploration of the night sky, with fully motorized GoTo and tracking drives providing automated pointing to any of the over 42,000 celestial objects in the hand controller’s database.
Orion designed the XX12g’s optical tube and base with portability in mind. The truss tube can be divided into a small front tube section including the secondary mirror and focuser, rear tube section housing the primary mirror cell, and the four truss-pole pairs. We’ve increased the portability of the XX12g compared to its XX12i IntelliScope-equipped counterpart by making the base collapsible for easy no-tools-required disassembly into four separate, smaller pieces for easier transport. The separated component pieces of the XX12g tube and base can be stored without taking up an excessive amount of space in your home, and can be transported in virtually any standard-sized car to your favorite dark-sky observing site.

The XX12g telescope optical tube employs a rigid 8-pole truss design that virtually eliminates flexure observed in 6- and 3-pole collapsible tube designs. Stability of the assembled XX12g 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.
The XX12g 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. For anyone who has spent an evening manually tracking objects with a Dobsonian this is a profound upgrade, and trust us, it was worth the wait. Forgiving of bumps and nudges, the XX12g features closed-loop electronics allowing manual repositioning, or slewing, of the telescope tube without losing alignment of the GoTo system.
With 12" (305mm) of light gobbling aperture and a fast f/4.9 focal ratio, the XX12g is capable of providing clear, crisp and very bright views of the night sky in a 2" or 1.25" eyepiece installed in its 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser with 1.25" adapter. The 12" diffraction-limited parabolic primary mirror is crafted from low thermal expansion glass for speedy ambient temperature acclimation and optimal visual performance. The included cooling accelerator fan helps hasten temperature acclimation of the primary mirror (requires 8 D-cell batteries, or other 12V power source, not included). The primary mirror features enhanced reflectivity aluminum coatings which provide 94% reflectivity and a protective quartz overcoat, so you get the most out of each and every photon collected.
The XX12g is outfitted with a thorough set of included accessories. A 35mm DeepView 2" eyepiece provides wide 56-degree views and a 12.5mm illuminated Plossl 1.25" eyepiece helps optimize GoTo system alignment. A collimation cap, removable eyepiece rack, 12V DC power cable and RS-232 cable are also included. A 12V power supply (sold separately) is required for use of the GoTo system and motors.
In keeping with Orion’s tradition of offering top-notch quality optics at affordable prices the XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dob is priced to please. Includes a FREE Starry Night Special Edition software CD-ROM and SkyTheater DVD - a $69.90 value! As with all Orion telescopes, our Customer Service and Technical Support teams are available to help with any questions you may have on our exciting new 12" GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian.
Assembled weight of telescope: 118 lbs. Assembled optical tube, 56"L x 14"W, 49.5 lbs. Bottom tube section, 26"L x 14"W, 34.3 lbs; top tube section, 8"L x 14"W, 9.6 lbs. Truss pole assemblies (4), 24"L x 4.6"W x 1.75"H. Total weight of 4 truss pole assemblies: 5.6 lbs. Base, 28"W x 33.5"H, 71 lbs. 12V battery pack included (requires 8 D-cells: not included) to power Cooling Accelerator Fan. One-year limited warranty.
SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian Shroud
For the best performance from any truss Dobsonian, a shroud is a must. This one, custom designed for the SkyQuest XX12, is made of a stretchy nylon blend material that fits like a glove over the truss poles of the XX12, fastening with thick elastic bands on both ends. The water-resistant, opaque black fabric blocks stray light from entering the optical path, thus improving image contrast. It’s also breathable, which minimizes unwanted vibration of the scope in breezy conditions. Use of the shroud will lessen the accumulation of dust and dirt on the mirrors during use, and will help prevent dew from forming on them. Made in the U.S.A.
SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian Case Set
The beauty of a big truss tube Dobsonian is that it can be disassembled into conveniently sized components for easy transport. And transporting the Orion SkyQuest XX12g will be much easier, and the components much better protected, with this set of cases designed just for the XX12 truss optical tube. An Orion Padded Case Set is the best way to preserve and protect your investment for years to come.
The set includes three cases plus a secondary mirror cover. Each Orion case is made of durable, waterproof, 600-denier polyester/nylon material with a urethane coating and a 100% nylon lining, and double stitched for extra strength. There are separate padded cases for the upper and lower optical tube sections as well as a case for the truss poles. The poles slip into separate compartments to prevent direct contact among them. The truss case attaches to the lower optical tube case with a hook-and-loop fastener so the two can be carried together as one. The lower tube case also has a zippered pocket to hold accessories. All the cases have carrying handles. Lastly, the soft nylon secondary mirror "sock" is included to keep the mirror free of dust when the scope is idle. Keep your Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian looking like new and get it to your observing site more easily and securely with this set of custom cases. Made in the U.S.A.
With the Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian, Light Shroud, and Case Set, you’re excellently equipped for big-aperture visual adventures, wherever you may roam.
Warranty
Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.