Joshua-Outstanding Video Help! I ordered the Zhumell Z12" and should be getting it within 1 week. Your Video Presentation is Outstanding, very easily understood and my previous trepidation about Home Assembly is now gone. Thank You.
Hey Joshua this is an awesome video. Thanks a lot it helped me put everything together. The Scope looks awesome can't wait til i get it out tonight. Thanks again.
Nice presentation but I have two questions. (1) what is a good side for the eye piece tray? I might think it would be better on the side where the user stands. (2) how does the battery pack get attached?
Yes, this worked pretty well. I had downloaded the manual but didn't even bother looking at it. Just followed this video step by step and it was a cinch to put together. Being fairly new to telescopes, I would like to have had some information about lining up the finder and an explanation on all of the knobs. I found another video to explain how to collimate using the laser and that helped a lot.
So it seems that the newer models (2020) only use 4 of the black allen screws to attach the top base plate. Thank goodness, I thought I was missing 2 screws. So if you got a new one and it only has 8 large black allen screws and the manual says you need 10, you're good to go.
make sure you check the bottom of the styrofoam packaging for the OTA, it's easy to miss some of the parts that are lodged inside the braces in the box.
Great video, but it seems like the eyepiece holder was assembled on the wrong side of the base. I assumed it would be on the viewing side so that you would not have to spin the base to insert the eyepiece into the holder.
Easily understood. Everything assembled perfectly. Except one of the 4 screws in the base seemed to strip its thread. Perhaps I tightened it too much. Will eventually get around to dropping a bit of silicone into the hole and then re-tighten the screw.
Very good instructional video - especially considering that my example came without any instructions included. Only one thing - you appear to have the eyepiece holder on the wrong side. ie on the opposite side to the focuser. Otherwise excellent.
+DeejayP999 I just got my Z12 today and no instructions either. I know this scope is a MUCH better value than the similar Orion scopes, but gee wiz, can't even throw in a piece of paper with instructions? Or at least a paper that says: "Go to this website for assembly instructions: www.xyz". Luckily I remembered this video from a few years back. Did your 2 bushings, the ones that mount to the tube and hold the tube to the base, come with ugly black knobs instead of the real cool machined billet block of metal looking ones like in this video? Those metal looking ones are what made this scope look soon cool! Another sign of cost savings. Not that it will not perform as well, but its so ugly.
Yeah, mine has the black knobs. They may not be as nice as the machined ones, but I don't mind - at least they're solid and functional. Things is, this vid is 5 years old - so there's bound to have been some changes to the spec over that time. Overall, these scopes are excellent quality.
Thanks for the video assembly instructions Joshua. I used it to put together my recently aquired Z8. But, shouldn't you have reversed the base sides so that you can install the eyepiece rack on the side of the focuser? It would make it easier to change your eyepieces.
I am super nervous getting the second hand telescope. How do I know if everything is alright I keep reading what u wrote. What I found online. I am super super nervous almost thinking what am I getting myself into .feeling like if one thing goes wrong like if the mirror is scratched or if ... It has small molds and dots I am done ( I should NOT accept the telescope if the mirror has molds in them right ?.) Now I don't even know with this dedication if my friend will ever be appreciated. Why is it so nerve wrecking . Also like ... Should I be holding it like a baby thru out the bus ride ???... Wrap with towel and bubble wrap..
@ZhumellOptics, Isn't this too "rough" control to oberve the objects? I mean it would be frustrating to center the object on high magnifications. Or maybe I am wrong and control is very smooth.
I own a newtonian telescope on a tripod but not sure about, how exactly do you use a dobsonian mount telescope. Is there any need to align it or something? Or is it just "place it on a surface and observe" style?
very glad i found these instructions! i have noob question- how do i remove the cover, ie, the "lid" that covers the opening? i assume it is held in with the thumbscrews on the sides, but i wanted to make sure. i know, probably a totally noob question...thanks!
I would personally go for the orion skyquest over this scope.why? The orion is much simpler and has excellent customer service and its optics is parabolic with steel OTA. The zhumell comes with two much for its price I don't know what is the OTA material and what optics it has. It harder to assemble than the orion skyquest and it's a lot heavier. Zhumell cheap base material also. Both the Orion skyquest xt8 and the zhumell z8 cost the same price and the Xt8 comes with less stuff with better quality.
What are you talking about? The Dobsonian Base on the Orion are made out of the same particle board as Zhumell's are. Same shit! The optics on the Zhumell Scopes are actually great. The Orion tube is not steel but aluminum like this one is! All the same materials! Do you realize how heavy a steel OTA would weigh? As for the Zhumell coming with too much for its price? What two eyepieces and a laser collimator? That is not a lot if you ask me but one more eyepiece than Orion offers. They just made affordable scopes for those on a budget and once that happened is when Orion began to make their low budget scopes. I myself own the Z8 and its great.
What more it comes with ? Another eyepiece, a moon filter, a dual speed crayford focuser, a laser collimator and a cooling fan if that's not a lot more to you then you are an idiot all that would cost about $150-200 additional cost
The original moon filter is about 14.00 and the 9mm eyepiece is about 20.00 and the fan like 10.00. Most of the 8 inch scopes all come with 2 inch crayford style focusers so that is nothing extra. The only scopes that come with a 1.25 inch focuser are usually thew 3 to 6 inch scopes. So with the laser collimater and the extra eyepiece and fan is about maybe 60.00 at best for extra's. I think you are over exaggerating the extras. Plus since you know nothing about Zhumell, they are a company who specialized in binoculars and spotting scopes and wanted to create a scope that was affordable to the astronomer and they did just that. If you look at the scopes today; others like Orion, and Meade, Skywatchers and the many others started to lower their prices when Zhumell produced their first Z8 8 Inch scope. All the optics and mirrors are exactly the same and come from the same manufacturer so you are not getting anything less of quality. I own the Zhumell Z8, The Orion Skyquest XT8 and the Celestron Nexstar 8SE and the Zhumell honestly blows both of the other two name brands who have been around longer out of the water. I own the XT8 and it is the same Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide that is used on the Zhumell parabolic mirrors are identical and simple to use. The base is the same particle board shit so no difference because of the brand name. The OTA is the same Aluminum Alloy which some like to call steel but its not steel. You would pay a fortune in shipping if that OTA was a full steel material. Especially on larger scopes like the 10., 12 and 14 inch. It would take over five people to move that shit! LOOOOOOOOOOOOL You're recommending a product you never even used because you're just going by the manufacturer and name brand when you do not realize that Zhumell has been around just as long! :) Lool So the only difference between the Zhumell Z8 and the Orion Skyquest 8XT is that the Zhumell is cheaper in price and you get more. One last note so others know the real truth is that Orion and the other major brands started to drop the prices of their scopes no sooner than when Zhumell released their first scope and it was rated best scope for over 3 years in a row. Hell, even the 10 and 12 inch scopes are still out beating major brands still today. So the Zhumell Z8 is the same scope as the Orion Skyquest 8XT. Everything is 100% the same outside of color and and some added accessories. That is it; oh and the name brand. So you pay 200.00 more and get the same identical scope and less accessories when you buy Orion or any other brand. This is the same for the Z10 and the Orion Skyquest 10XT. Both scopes are identical and you pay 599.00 for the Zhumell and the 700.00 for the Orion because you're paying for the name. All the same materials and optics. This goes the same for the Zhumell Z12 inch and the Orion Skyquest XT12. One is 800.00 and the other 1100.00. All the same mirrors and optics. So I use the Zhumell Z8 and its great and just as simple as my Orion XT8. If anything my Celestron NexStar 8SE was more complicated to get set up and Celestron had poor customer service. As for Orion or Zhumell, I never needed to call either company for support so I cannot argue that with you.
Another advantage of the Zhumell over the Orion is the adjustable Alt bearings on the Zhumell. If you were to add heavier eye pieces, mount a camera or attach a heavier finder scope you could adjust the position of the bearings forward to maintain balance. With the Orion scopes you would have to find a way to attach extra weight to the primary mirror end of the scope.
Joshua-Outstanding Video Help! I ordered the Zhumell Z12" and should be getting it within 1 week. Your Video Presentation is Outstanding, very easily understood and my previous trepidation about Home Assembly is now gone. Thank You.
Thank you very much for the instructions. They were clear, simple and well-explained. It made the job of assembly a pleasure.
Hey Joshua this is an awesome video. Thanks a lot it helped me put everything together. The Scope looks awesome can't wait til i get it out tonight. Thanks again.
Very simple and complete instruction on assembly of this scope! Thank you !
Thank you for this walk through. Can't wait to use this telescope tonight!!!!
I just got the Z8 and it will see first light tonight. Easy to set up. Thanks, Joshua
Good video, I just ordered a Z8 and I was kinda worried about not having an assembly manual, but this video is all I need.
You are my hero today for this video. Thanks sir!!!!!
Nice presentation but I have two questions.
(1) what is a good side for the eye piece tray? I might think it would be better on the side where the user stands.
(2) how does the battery pack get attached?
Very good instructional video. Thank you!
That is the 10" model for anyone that is wondering.
Yes, this worked pretty well. I had downloaded the manual but didn't even bother looking at it. Just followed this video step by step and it was a cinch to put together. Being fairly new to telescopes, I would like to have had some information about lining up the finder and an explanation on all of the knobs. I found another video to explain how to collimate using the laser and that helped a lot.
GREAT video! it sucks this scope came with no directions. But thanks to this video I was up in about 20 minutes! Thanks! Mike
Hilarious... Got this scope the beginning of 2022 and still no instructions. Glad I found this video!
Loved you in Star Wars.
So it seems that the newer models (2020) only use 4 of the black allen screws to attach the top base plate. Thank goodness, I thought I was missing 2 screws. So if you got a new one and it only has 8 large black allen screws and the manual says you need 10, you're good to go.
make sure you check the bottom of the styrofoam packaging for the OTA, it's easy to miss some of the parts that are lodged inside the braces in the box.
Great video, but it seems like the eyepiece holder was assembled on the wrong side of the base. I assumed it would be on the viewing side so that you would not have to spin the base to insert the eyepiece into the holder.
Thank you so much for this instructions :) I'm french but it's easy to understand ! Thanks :D
Easily understood. Everything assembled perfectly.
Except one of the 4 screws in the base seemed to strip its thread. Perhaps I tightened it too much. Will eventually get around to dropping a bit of silicone into the hole and then re-tighten the screw.
Very good instructional video - especially considering that my example came without any instructions included. Only one thing - you appear to have the eyepiece holder on the wrong side. ie on the opposite side to the focuser. Otherwise excellent.
+DeejayP999 I just got my Z12 today and no instructions either. I know this scope is a MUCH better value than the similar Orion scopes, but gee wiz, can't even throw in a piece of paper with instructions? Or at least a paper that says: "Go to this website for assembly instructions: www.xyz". Luckily I remembered this video from a few years back.
Did your 2 bushings, the ones that mount to the tube and hold the tube to the base, come with ugly black knobs instead of the real cool machined billet block of metal looking ones like in this video? Those metal looking ones are what made this scope look soon cool! Another sign of cost savings. Not that it will not perform as well, but its so ugly.
Yeah, mine has the black knobs. They may not be as nice as the machined ones, but I don't mind - at least they're solid and functional. Things is, this vid is 5 years old - so there's bound to have been some changes to the spec over that time. Overall, these scopes are excellent quality.
Just got my z10 bundle. Extra 16mm Eyepiece, filters and the telrad!
I just got mine z130 I am super excited !!!! Hahahha
Just like flat pack furniture. The faster you build it, the longer it takes. Study this video and you won’t have to build it multiple times!
I would like to buy the 12” but it says out of stock. When will they be available?
Thanks for the video assembly instructions Joshua. I used it to put together my recently aquired Z8. But, shouldn't you have reversed the base sides so that you can install the eyepiece rack on the side of the focuser? It would make it easier to change your eyepieces.
I am super nervous getting the second hand telescope. How do I know if everything is alright I keep reading what u wrote. What I found online. I am super super nervous almost thinking what am I getting myself into .feeling like if one thing goes wrong like if the mirror is scratched or if ... It has small molds and dots I am done ( I should NOT accept the telescope if the mirror has molds in them right ?.) Now I don't even know with this dedication if my friend will ever be appreciated. Why is it so nerve wrecking . Also like ... Should I be holding it like a baby thru out the bus ride ???... Wrap with towel and bubble wrap..
Hi do u know if z130 the base can be put inside the bug suitcase ? Thanks
@ZhumellOptics,
Isn't this too "rough" control to oberve the objects? I mean it would be frustrating to center the object on high magnifications. Or maybe I am wrong and control is very smooth.
What about the battery pack?
Hi, can I use this video for a GSO 10'' Deluxe too?
Anyway, good video!
This mount shakes like jello!!! Threat tube but the thinnest dob mount no right to house such a heavy tube!!
I own a newtonian telescope on a tripod but not sure about, how exactly do you use a dobsonian mount telescope. Is there any need to align it or something? Or is it just "place it on a surface and observe" style?
wow I'm getting this telescope cant wait is it pretty good
I'm presently considering this telescope my top runner for my next scope. Mind if
I ask, what material is the tube itself made of?
How do you install battery pack
Perfect video!! Thanks!!
@Usernamebreh That's what she said
the part at 9:02, when i turn the telescope to the right, it turns that nob with it, slowly unscrewing it, did i do something wrong?
very glad i found these instructions! i have noob question- how do i remove the cover, ie, the "lid" that covers the opening? i assume it is held in with the thumbscrews on the sides, but i wanted to make sure. i know, probably a totally noob question...thanks!
Holy crap I didn't think it was that big.
So this is what Darth Vader used to do before he went to the dark side.
does it come with an allen wrench?
abd_ hal yea
Is this a Z12?
I would personally go for the orion skyquest over this scope.why? The orion is much simpler and has excellent customer service and its optics is parabolic with steel OTA. The zhumell comes with two much for its price I don't know what is the OTA material and what optics it has. It harder to assemble than the orion skyquest and it's a lot heavier. Zhumell cheap base material also. Both the Orion skyquest xt8 and the zhumell z8 cost the same price and the Xt8 comes with less stuff with better quality.
What are you talking about? The Dobsonian Base on the Orion are made out of the same particle board as Zhumell's are. Same shit!
The optics on the Zhumell Scopes are actually great. The Orion tube is not steel but aluminum like this one is! All the same materials! Do you realize how heavy a steel OTA would weigh?
As for the Zhumell coming with too much for its price? What two eyepieces and a laser collimator? That is not a lot if you ask me but one more eyepiece than Orion offers. They just made affordable scopes for those on a budget and once that happened is when Orion began to make their low budget scopes. I myself own the Z8 and its great.
What more it comes with ? Another eyepiece, a moon filter, a dual speed crayford focuser, a laser collimator and a cooling fan if that's not a lot more to you then you are an idiot all that would cost about $150-200 additional cost
The original moon filter is about 14.00 and the 9mm eyepiece is about 20.00 and the fan like 10.00. Most of the 8 inch scopes all come with 2 inch crayford style focusers so that is nothing extra. The only scopes that come with a 1.25 inch focuser are usually thew 3 to 6 inch scopes. So with the laser collimater and the extra eyepiece and fan is about maybe 60.00 at best for extra's. I think you are over exaggerating the extras.
Plus since you know nothing about Zhumell, they are a company who specialized in binoculars and spotting scopes and wanted to create a scope that was affordable to the astronomer and they did just that.
If you look at the scopes today; others like Orion, and Meade, Skywatchers and the many others started to lower their prices when Zhumell produced their first Z8 8 Inch scope. All the optics and mirrors are exactly the same and come from the same manufacturer so you are not getting anything less of quality. I own the Zhumell Z8, The Orion Skyquest XT8 and the Celestron Nexstar 8SE and the Zhumell honestly blows both of the other two name brands who have been around longer out of the water.
I own the XT8 and it is the same Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide that is used on the Zhumell parabolic mirrors are identical and simple to use. The base is the same particle board shit so no difference because of the brand name. The OTA is the same Aluminum Alloy which some like to call steel but its not steel. You would pay a fortune in shipping if that OTA was a full steel material. Especially on larger scopes like the 10., 12 and 14 inch. It would take over five people to move that shit! LOOOOOOOOOOOOL
You're recommending a product you never even used because you're just going by the manufacturer and name brand when you do not realize that Zhumell has been around just as long! :) Lool
So the only difference between the Zhumell Z8 and the Orion Skyquest 8XT is that the Zhumell is cheaper in price and you get more. One last note so others know the real truth is that Orion and the other major brands started to drop the prices of their scopes no sooner than when Zhumell released their first scope and it was rated best scope for over 3 years in a row. Hell, even the 10 and 12 inch scopes are still out beating major brands still today.
So the Zhumell Z8 is the same scope as the Orion Skyquest 8XT. Everything is 100% the same outside of color and and some added accessories. That is it; oh and the name brand. So you pay 200.00 more and get the same identical scope and less accessories when you buy Orion or any other brand.
This is the same for the Z10 and the Orion Skyquest 10XT. Both scopes are identical and you pay 599.00 for the Zhumell and the 700.00 for the Orion because you're paying for the name. All the same materials and optics. This goes the same for the Zhumell Z12 inch and the Orion Skyquest XT12. One is 800.00 and the other 1100.00. All the same mirrors and optics.
So I use the Zhumell Z8 and its great and just as simple as my Orion XT8. If anything my Celestron NexStar 8SE was more complicated to get set up and Celestron had poor customer service. As for Orion or Zhumell, I never needed to call either company for support so I cannot argue that with you.
Another advantage of the Zhumell over the Orion is the adjustable Alt bearings on the Zhumell. If you were to add heavier eye pieces, mount a camera or attach a heavier finder scope you could adjust the position of the bearings forward to maintain balance. With the Orion scopes you would have to find a way to attach extra weight to the primary mirror end of the scope.
Wow what a piece of shit.
They could atleast use plywood instead crappy chipboard.
Wo RaThe optics is the most important part, not the chipboard base.
+Wo Ra What difference should that make? Do you know how inexpensive this scope is? This is one of those real big values in astronomy!!
You have done a lot of wrong by commenting on a Mujra about our Holy Prophet