Celestron Equatorial Mount – CGX

The CGX mount looks similar to the CGEM-II at first glance, but it has been completely redesigned and offers many more advances in both reliability and performance. This 20kg mount actually has a real photographic payload of 25kg.

Thanks to the large carrying handles, it is even easier to transport than a comparable, slightly lighter classic parallactic mount and it also comes with the dual dovetail clamp for CG-5 (Vixen, Celestron) or CGE (3-inch), you can easily switch between small solar telescopes and large Schmidt-Cassegrains, for example. To make this suitable for photography too, the mount has been given more powerful, responsive motors that are connected to the axes via a sturdy toothed belt. This means that the mount responds almost immediately to control commands, even from an autoguider. There is no play in the gears, and since the worm gears are also spring-loaded, the play is largely eliminated – you do not have to readjust even in the event of large temperature differences, as the worms and gears have optimal contact.

The new, large screws are easy to grip, so you can loosen or tighten them easily even when wearing gloves – the polar height adjustment has also been revised so that you can easily adjust the mount even when it is fully loaded. A polar finder is available available as an option, but is generally unnecessary: With the All-Star Polaralign you can align the mount to any brighter star through the telescope, and for perfection, the Polaralign option has always been superior to the standard polar finder. As a special feature, you can move the mount on the base plate of the extra-wide tripod head – this allows you to position the center of gravity perfectly over the tripod, for the entire usable latitude range from 3 to 65° north or south latitude.

As a photographic mount, it is just as suitable for mobile use as it is for remote operation. Internal sensors („switches“) automatically bring the mount into the home position and prevent it from moving too far and hitting something when panning. The internal cabling also serves to ensure safety: all connections (power, hand controller, AUX and autoguider) are in the base of the mount and do not move with it.

The hand controller can be controlled in the traditional way via ASCOM and the hand controller (with USB connection) via PC, or you can use the control software included as a download, which was developed together with Planewave Instruments. Multipoint GoTo modeling, plate solving and control of the focuser are just a few functions that you normally have to add for remote operation – with the CGX this software is included.

Improved tripod:

1. Wider tripod head for more stability
2. Position of the mount head on the tripod is adjustable to optimally place the center of gravity above the tripod and to optimally utilize the large latitude range of 3-65°
3. Dual dovetail mount for CG-5/EQ and CGE/3″ standard
4. 2″ heavy-duty steel tripod with markings for quick height adjustment
5. Universal tray with recesses for three 1.25″ eyepieces, two 2″ eyepieces, a smartphone or other accessories
6. Tripod legs can be folded without removing the accessory tray

Improved ergonomics:

1. Two handles for easier transport and assembly
2. Non-slip clamps for dovetail clamping
3. Innovative and improved system for north alignment
4. Revised adjustment mechanism for the polar height, even with a fully loaded mount.

Improved Electronics:

1. NexStar+ hand controller with USB connection
2. Two AUX sockets, e.g. for control via WiFi with optional SkyPortal module or automatic alignment with StarSense module (both modules are available separately but are not included, these can be purchased seperately)
3. USB 2.0 socket for direct connection to a PC
4. Autoguider connection
5. PPEC Ready – for automatic correction of periodic screw error
6. 12V power connection
7. Internal Real Time Clock

Mount Spec:

• Mount: Equatorial mount (motorized)
• Mount weight (EQ): 20kg
• Mount control: Computer controlled (GOTO)
• Tracking speeds: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
• Pole height adjustment: 3º-65º
• Panning speed: 5º/sec (4º/sec is standard)
• Features: New PC software to control the telescope
• Payload capacity (kg): 25kg

Whats included:

1. CGX Mount Head & Tripod
2. Hand Controller
3. Accessory Tray
4. 1 x Counterweight.