Description

For eight years, Celestron’s workhorse CGEM mount lineup has been the German Equatorial backbone for telescopes ranging from 6 to 11 inches of aperture. Since that time, many more astro-imagers and planetarium controlled setups have emerged as backyard telescope technology has evolved. Celestron’s engineering team applied their years of experience designing German Equatorial mounts to the all-new CGX EQ, a culmination of all the advancements made to our technologies, value, and ease-of-use.

The new CGX was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. Key design goals included a lower profile EQ head, which provides a more compact and therefore more stable setup; a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easier polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management. In addition to that, we’ve made mechanical and ergonomic improvements throughout to make the mount sturdier, easier to use, and transport. The CGX is our new Equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.

Technology

CGX Mount and Tripod Features

Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time
Increased load capacity to 55 lbs.
Improved motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads
Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads
Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike
Internal optical sensors on both axes for simple and safe remote operation
Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe
Control software developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging
Software includes multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy and many more additional features for remote astroimaging
Wider tripod stance for improved stability
Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range
Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle

Improved tripod includes:

2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
"Jack of all trays" can hold three 1.25" eyepieces, two 2" eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories
+20° of additional tracking past the meridian on either side
Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport

Improved ergonomics:

Two handles for easy pickup and transport
Ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system
Ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads
Optional add-on polar axis finderscope

Electronics

NexStar+ hand control with USB port
Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately)
USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software
Autoguider port
PPEC ready
Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector
Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved

Specifications

MOUNT INFO:
Mount Type:	Computerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity:	55 lbs (25 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod):	1200.15mm - 1968.5mm (47.25" - 77.5")
Tripod Leg Diameter:	50.8mm (2") Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section
Latitude adjustment range:	3° - 65°
Mount Head Weight:	44 lbs (20 kg)
Accessory Tray:	Yes
Tripod Weight:	19.2 lbs (8.7 kg)
Weight of Counterweights:	2 x 11 lbs
Slew Speeds:	9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second
Tracking Rates:	Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes:	EQ North & EQ South
GPS:	N/A
Dovetail Compatibility:	Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle)
Number of Auxiliary ports:	2 Aux ports (Hand Control can use either Aux port)
Autoguide port:	Yes
USB Port:	Yes, input for Mount and Hand Control
Power Requirements:	Yes, input for Mount and Hand Control
Motor Drive:	DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures:	2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align
Periodic Error Correction:	Yes
Computerized Hand Control:	2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 port for PC connection
NexStar+ Database:	40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software:	CPWI Telescope Control Software, Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight:	85.2 (38.6 kg)
Included Items:	CGX Equatorial Head \| CGX Tripod \| Accessory Tray \| 2 x 11 lbs counterweights \| NexStar+ Hand Control \| 8mm Allen Wrench \| 12V DC Power Cable \| Hand Control Holster

Downloads

NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual

CGX Mount Manual

CGX 1100 SCT & EdgeHD Dimensional Drawing

Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software Manual

Mounts and Tripods

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CGX Equatorial Mount and Tripod