Hi Group:

I'm new to these fora and astronomy, but just bought an Orion XT10 from a local craiglist seller.  As a newbie, having the Intelliscope version would certainly be easier for me to use, but this one was such a great deal I couldn't pass it up.  Since the OTA and all the optics are the same between my basic scope and the Intelliscope, what can I do to convert/upgrade mine?  I sent an email to Orion, but haven't received any reply.  Eventually, I'd like to get a motor-driven equatorial mount for long-exposure photography, but for now I'll be happy with the Dobsonian mount and direct observation.  Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. 

Dean
 

dcains,

I don't think Orion is going to be able to help you here. The Clasic and XTI have two different DOB bases. The XTI has magnetic encoders built in to the Azimuth and Altitude bearings from the factory. The Clasic has no provision for these, and Orion does not offer a kit. Thats why they carry the two different lines.

You may have to look at adding an after market from another manufacturer. A company called JMI has such of a kit. It will be as expensive or more as your scope was though. Contact them and they can quote you a price for a complete system with computer, encoders, cables, and mounting brackets.

http://www.jimsmobile.com/buy_ngc.htm#Complete%20Installation

 JJ

 Another option would be the Sky Commander from Sky Eng.

 http://www.skyeng.com/