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Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Truss Dobsonian Telescope
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Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Truss Dobsonian Telescope
view more info about this product
Free Starry Night software (a $69.90 value)
Starting Price $965.99
Final price depends on the configuration you choose.
Standard Per-Item Shipping Charge: $35.00
More Shipping Information
Expected Ship Date: 05/30/2012
  • Start with this 12" aperture, 1500mm focal length truss reflector optical tube and ultra-stable Dobsonian base with push-to IntelliScope computerized object locator
  • Add the Orion-brand finder scope, and initial eyepiece that YOU want
  • Add additional Orion-brand telescope eyepieces
  • Accessorize even further with any Orion-brand filters, collimating tools, Barlow lenses, padded cases, Scope Cloak covers, and more
  • Get the 12" SkyQuest Truss Tube Intelliscope Dobsonian of your dreams and SAVE BIG compared to purchasing the telescope and accessories separately!


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Why Choose A Build-A-Scope Dobsonian Telescope?

If you're just starting out in the hobby, our standard Dobsonian configurations (either Classic or IntelliScope) may meet your needs and are available for fastest shipping. But, if you want the telescope that you've always wanted, customized the way you'd like it — then an Orion Build-A-Scope is for you!

By using the Orion Build-A-Scope configurator, you can save up to 20% on select Orion-brand accessory categories!. Check the "Add" prices in the sections below to see how much you will save.

It's easy to Build-A-Scope and save money, so get started building that dream telescope now!

Start Building Your Telescope Select required components and optional accessories to create your perfect telescope, add all items to your cart and save!
  selected

Step 1: Choose a Finder Scope

Required: Please choose at least 1 from the 10 available products.
  selected

Step 2: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #1

Required: Please choose at least 1 from the 20 available products.
  selected

Step 3: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #2

Optional: You may choose any number of the 12 available products.

  selected

Step 4: Choose a Build-A-Scope Accessory #3

Optional: You may choose any number of the 9 available products.

Accepted Payment

PLEASE NOTE: If you leave this page before adding your configured Build-A-Scope to your shopping cart, the details of your configuration will not be saved. In addition, if you add a Build-A-Scope to your wish list, the components you have chosen will not be included on your wish list. To save a configuration, add all items to your cart using the button above. Your configured Build-A-Scope will be saved in your shopping cart for 30 days. You will then be able to return to your configuration by visiting your shopping cart and clicking on the Build-A-Scope product title.

Once we receive your order, we will build your telescope! That takes a little more time to ship than a standard order. In-stock orders placed by 12:00 noon Pacific Time will ship the second business day after your order is placed (this is why you will see a notice in your shopping cart about your Build-A-Scope not being available until the second business day following your order). Before you know it, you will have your very own customized Classic Dobsonian to show off to your friends!

You may also add additional Orion-brand accessories not shown on this page and receive discounts exclusive to Build-A-Scope customers. Once you have added your configured telescope to your shopping cart, feel free to browse through our Orion accessories. Orion-brand eyepieces, filters, and collimation products will be discounted 20%, Orion-brand barlow lenses will be discounted 15%, and Orion-brand cases and covers will be discounted 10%. Note: Discounts for eligible products purchased outside of the Build-A-Scope configurator will be seen once added to your shopping cart.

Promotion Disclaimer: When ordering the Orion Build-A-Scope 6" Classic Dobsonian Telescope, please use promo code BASFS1 at checkout.

Your Build-A-Scope purchase is subject to special terms and conditions.

More Info
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.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

Product Support
Visit our product support section for instruction manuals and more
Specs
  • Best for viewing
    Fainter deep sky
  • Best for imaging
    Lunar & planetary
  • User level
    Advanced
  • Optical design
    Reflector
  • Optical diameter
    305mm
  • Focal length
    1500mm
  • Focal ratio
    f/4.9
  • Optics type
    Parabolic
  • Glass material
    Low thermal expansion glass
  • Eyepieces
    Choose an Orion eyepiece , Choose an Orion eyep
  • Resolving power
    0.38arc*sec
  • Lowest useful magnification
    42x
  • Highest useful magnification
    300x
  • Highest theoretical magnification
    610x
  • Limiting stellar magnitude
    15.1
  • Optical quality
    Diffraction limited
  • Finder scope
    Choose an Orion finder scope
  • Focuser
    2" dual-speed Crayford
  • Secondary mirror obstruction
    70mm
  • Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter
    23%
  • Secondary mirror obstruction by area
    5%
  • Mirror coatings/over-coatings
    Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
  • Mount type
    Dobsonian
  • Astro-imaging capability
    Simple moon shots
  • Computerized compatibility
    Intelliscope included
  • Alignment procedure
    2-Star Alignment
  • Number of objects in database
    14,000+
  • Bearing material
    AZ: EbonyStar/Teflon, ALT: UHMW/ABS
  • Power requirement
    9-volt battery
  • Setting circles
    Electronic, via the hand controller
  • Available ports
    RS-232
  • Tube material
    Steel
  • Tripod material
    Wood
  • Length of optical tube
    58.3 in.
  • Weight, optical tube
    49.5 lbs.
  • Weight, mount/tripod
    34.0 lbs.
  • Weight, fully assembled
    86.5 lbs.
  • Additional included accessories
    IntelliScope Object Locator (w/ 9-volt battery), Cooling Accelerator Fan included, 2" Dual-Speed Crayford focuser w/ 1.25" adapter
  • Other features
    Unique base design with side braces for stability, EbonyStar on Virgin Teflon azimuth bearings, Large 8" altitude bearings w/ adjustable tension
  • Warranty
    One year
In the Box

Orion SkyQuest XX12" f/4.9 Truss-Tube Dobsonian Reflector Telescope w/ parabolic primary optics
9-point flotation primary mirror cell with spring loaded thumbscrew collimation adjustments
70mm minor-axis secondary mirror on 4-vaned (0.7mm thick vanes) secondary holder
4 groups of two-pole rotatable truss assemblies with captive assembly knobs
Dual-Speed (11:1) 2" Crayford focuser w/ 1.25" telescope eyepiece adapter and adjustable focusing tension
Orion unique new base design with side braces for increased stability
Base outfitted with EbonyStar on Virgin Teflon azimuth bearings for optimized motion
Large 8" diameter ABS plastic altitude bearings with adjustable CorrecTension knobs 
Navigation knob
Orion IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator system
9-volt battery (for IntelliScope Object Locator)
Base handle
Telescope eyepiece rack (holds one 2" eyepiece and three 1.25" eyepieces)
Cooling Accelerator Fan
12V battery pack for Cooling Fan (requires 8 D cell batteries: not included) 
Dust covers for top and bottom tube sections
Collimation Cap
Base assembly hardware 
Orion Starry Night Special Edition software
Instruction manual

And of course, the finder scope, eyepieces, and other accessories you choose!

Shipping Info

Orders received by noon Pacific Time for in-stock items ship the same business day. Orders received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

Standard Delivery: $35.00
3 Day Air Delivery: $395.00
2 Day Delivery: $395.00
Next Day Delivery: $537.00

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Build-A-Scope 12" IntelliScope Truss Dobsonian Telescope
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 3 Reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Optical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Mechanical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Assembly & Use??
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value??
5 / 5
5 / 5
1 out of 1(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
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3
3 The Orion Build-A-Scope 12 Truss Tube has the Dobsonian base with the IntelliScope computerized object locator. You get to add your favorite finder scope, focuser and eyepiece for a customized scope that fits your needs.
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 3 Reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Optical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Mechanical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Assembly & Use??
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value??
5 / 5
5 / 5
1 out of 1(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
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Product reviews
Click on filters to refine your results.
Ratings summary
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 3 Reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Optical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Mechanical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Assembly & Use??
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value??
5 / 5
5 / 5
1 out of 1(100%)reviewers recommend this product.
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Product ReviewsWrite A Review
Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Incredible telescope and a excellent value
PostedAugust 3, 2010
Customer avatar
NICHOLAS R
 
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Ordered my new scope on a sunday, and it was at my door by noon wednesday with free shipping option. Great service and communication from Orion. It takes a couple hours to put it together, but I was just enjoying the process and making sure everything was correct. I had no issues with the assembly as it was pretty simplistic. First time out was about 10 miles out from the light polluted skies of Portland, Or. Average seeing and still pretty nasty light pollution. I was able to make out significant detail of the Eagle Nebula. M13 (Hercules Cluster) was a large glob of bright pin- point stars. Everything I viewed was amazing and I can hardly wait to get this light bucket into dark skies. I spent a year choosing and saving for a telscope. I have absolutely no regrets. Very easy to use and set up. It's worth noting that I fit the whole scope into my 94 mustang convertable. Sure the base was riding shotgun, but still very portable in my tiny car. I've looked though a lot of scopes and it will hard to match this scopes performance for the money.
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Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
It is everything that I expected.
PostedSeptember 22, 2011
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Auricon
 
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Optical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Mechanical Quality??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of Assembly & Use??
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value??
5 / 5
5 / 5
I found the directions in assembling the telescope complete and easy to follow. All comments on a telescope of this size pertaining to transportation or storage are true. A small car for transport could be a challenge although it surely breaks down into very managable pieces. I purchased the carrying cases and cannot imagine not having them. They are well worth the investment and make transport much easier. The images from the telescope are everyting that I had hoped for.
Yes, I recommend this product!
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Rating??
5 / 5
5 / 5
Build-A-Scope 12 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope
PostedApril 2, 2010
Customer avatar
Steven B
My daughter took a picture of the boxes that arrived on my front porch and E-mailed it to me while I was at work. I was so excited, I couldn't wait! I got home from work at 6:00, had dinner, and by 7:00 we began the assembly and collimation. By 10:00 wewere outside with our new XX12i Build-A-Scope Truss Tube Intelliscope. (I went with the build-a-scope version because I wanted my own personal eyepiece and finder scope selection, rather than what came with the standard configuration). It was perfectly clear out. The first thing I found was a very faint galaxy in Ursa Major - I think it was NGC 2976 - this is the one I always find by accident with a much larger scope at our local observatory while looking for the much brighter pair, M81 and M82. (I did not use the computerized locator yet - that's for the second night) I then found M81 and M82. The images were spectacular! Then onto Saturn. It was the best I've ever seen it! Three of its moons, bands in the atmosphere and the rings, all crystal clear. Then Mars with a visible polar cap. Galaxies M65, M66 and NGC 3628, then the Whirlpool Galaxy, and finally the Beehive Cluster in Cancer. The scope performed perfectly, both optically and mechanically. My build-a-scope package gave a substantial discount on all Orion eyepieces which allowed me to choose some good quality ones. I strongly suggest taking advantage of this and picking several high quality eyepieces that will work for your scope. Don't forget a planetary edge-on as well as a wide field eyepiece! Five stars all the way for this scope!
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