Orion IntelliScope™ Object Locator

For use with Orion's IntelliScope™ series telescopes introduced in November 2003
EPROM change from 15 to 50 minutes introduced in February 2005*

  Right: Orion IntelliScope™ hand held Control Keypad with Cable (56,680 bytes bytes).

The IntelliScope™ system is an advanced form of digital setting circle providing a digital readout of the telescope pointing position and information about celestial objects in the database. This system features an innovative electronic position indicator (Encoder) which is affixed to each of both axes of the telescope Base (or Carriage). The system derives its power from one 9 volt battery installed in the Keypad, this common battery is easily found at almost any store. To activate the full benefits of these "digital setting circles" all one needs to do is buy this optional IntelliScope™ Computer Controller Set, install the provided Elevation (up-down) Encoder onto the Base, plug in the IntelliScope™ Computer Controller, and go!

The Azimuth (left-right) motion Encoder is provided with each Intelliscope Telescope Base when you buy the telescope. If you buy the IntelliScope™ Object Locator set then as you assemble the Base you may install the Azimuth Encoder, or if you pick up the telescope at Company Seven then you may have the instrument assembled with the Encoders already installed for you.

Computerized Pointing Access to 14,000+ Objects
with the IntelliScope™ Computer Controller, you just select an object to view from the user-friendly menu buttons, press Enter, then move the telescope in the direction of the guide arrows on the liquid crystal display. In seconds, the IntelliScope's high-resolution 9,216-step digital encoders pinpoint the object, placing it smack-dab in the telescope's field of view.

A good measure of why this is such an advanced system is how easy it is to use! Setup under the night sky is a simple matter of finding two stars overhead to obtain the "two-star alignment" initialization.

  Left: Using the Orion IntelliScope™: Select, point, and play! (54,205 bytes).

Operation

• Attach the IntelliScope™ Hand Control Cable into the phone style jack on the side of the XT IntelliScope™ telescope.
• Power on the Hand Control
• Index the Control (let it know where it is) using a "Two Star Alignment" technique:
  1. scroll to the Align function of the IntelliScope™ Hand Control menu
  2. press "Enter" to select that function
  3. point the telescope and center it onto one known star overhead
  4. scroll to display that star in the controller information panel
  5. press "Enter" to select that star
  6. repeat the above three steps with a second star

• select an object to view from the database
• move the telescope manually onto the object as directed by the display directional arrows
• look into the eyepiece and enjoy the view!

Features of the IntelliScope™ Computer Control System

• Operation is Idiotproof:
  1. Plug and play ease of set up
  2. Four Pin RS-232 Interface cannot be confused with cable attaching Keypad to telescope
  3. Keypad incorporates circuit protecting it against accidental reverse polarity battery install
  4. Encoders are highly resistant to typical shock and vibration
  5. Encoders can not be routinely "out run": one is not likely to move the telescope so fast that the encoders will loose accuracy
  6. Encoders are reliable and can not be routinely "out run" - one is not likely to move the telescope so fast that the encoders will loose accuracy
  7. One 9 volt alkaline battery included; Company Seven recommends use of a lithium battery for use in cold climates
     

• Backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

• illuminated pushbuttons

• user friendly keypad with database including over 14,000 celestial objects*:
  
  1. 837 stars (including double and variable stars),
  2. 7,840 NGC objects,
  3. 5,386 IC objects,
  4. 110 Messier objects,
  5. 8 major planets,
  6. 99 user-entered objects,
  7. and and 12 monthly tours!

• useable in North and Southern hemispheres
  
• Keypad Power Saver circuit turns Keypad off when left unattended for fifty (50) minutes*
  changed processor operation from 15 minutes in February 2005, ROM versions v1.18 or later
  

* IntelliScope™ controllers sold by us with ROM versions 1.17 or earlier can be updated by Company Seven.
Please contact us for more information.

And there's much more! Orion's IntelliScope™ makes a great tool for learning the night sky, planning your next observing session, and getting the most out of your scope. The perfect tool for new telescope owners who are intimidated by the night sky!

Options of the IntelliScope™ Computer Control

• IntelliScope™ RS-232 Cable Set, Mdl. 05222 to connect the IntelliScope™ Keypad to a Personal Computer

• IntelliScope™ Keypad Storage Holster
  
  1. tap and drill two set screws in the side to hold the Holster (done by C7 if we assemble the telescope for you)
  2. slide the Holster into place
  3. slip the Keypad into the conveniently located Holster
  4. Holster is easily removed for transport if desired

Left: Optional IntelliScope™ Holster shown attached to Fork Tine of IntelliScope™ Base (24,099 bytes).
Note RJ connector socket for the IntelliScope™ Hand Control Cable just below the elevation locking knob.
Click on image to see enlarged view (65,058 bytes).

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