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.
All-new design:
Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time
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
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
Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3º-65º latitude range
Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle
New improved tripod:
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
Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport
Electronics:
All-new 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)
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.