The Celestron CGX-L GoTo EQ Mount improves on the venerable CGX platform to provide users with a heavy-duty research-quality mount for larger optical tube assemblies (OTAs), accessories, and imaging rigs. Engineered to carry a heavy 75-pound payload, and outfitted with high-torque motors, and a heavy-duty belt-drive system to improve tracking stability and reduce backlash, it is able to smoothly and accurately track near-and deep-sky objects for extended periods of time.
The brain of the CGX-L is the venerable NexStar+ computer controller. Equipped with a database of 40,000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with up 200 custom user-defined objects with filters added to custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface gives you the power to observe the heavens with nine slew speeds, three tracking rates, anti-backlash compensation, and Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) for smoother movements in the motors and improved tracking over time. Features such as guided tours, extended information on 200 popular objects, and multiple alignment options make the NexStar+ controller easy to use and invaluable to both new users and experienced stargazers.
Celestron offers this version of the CGX-L mount without a tripod for users who already have a tripod or pier. The Vixen/Losmandy dual dovetail saddle has also been lengthened to 10.6" to improve stability and offer greater security for larger OTAs.
Mount Head
- German equatorial mount
- Lower profile head design provides improved stability and portability
- Head can be set on a tripod in three different positions to optimize the center of balance or to provide more clearance when needed at lower latitudes
- 75 lb payload capacity, excluding counterweights
- 3-65° latitude adjustment range
- 20° of additional tracking past the meridian allows for longer observation time when viewing from a rise or hill
- Two autoguider ports provide greater cable management to avoid wire wrap
- Long clutch levers make tightening and loosening of clutches easier for manual movement
- Strong 1.25" (31.5mm) stainless steel counterweight shaft to handle additional counterweight load
- Includes one 22 lb counterweight
- Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
- Internal cabling reduces snags and other hazards
- Stationary latitude knob and linkage system that reduces the amount of friction during polar alignment
- Power input and lower accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
- Integrated handles for easy transport and setup/breakdown
- "Real Time Clock" keeps time and site information saved when power is disconnected
- On/Off rocker switch with red LED
Motors and Drives
- Dual-axis servo motors with optical encoders for smooth tracking and quiet operation
- High-torque motors provide smooth tracking and slewing for heavy OTAs and accessories
- Internal belt-drive system provides smooth, vibration-free tracking while minimizing backlash
- Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and improve gear meshing
- Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe
- Internal hard stops for both axes prevent cable tension and tripod strike
- Autoguider capable for making corrections while astroimaging
- Large 144mm-diameter worm wheels to better and more accurately drive heavier loads
- Low-friction Teflon bearings on azimuth adjustment to make adjustments easy under full load
- USB 2.0 port to connect directly to PC with PWI software
- Threaded power input barrel connector eliminates accidental disconnection
- Runs on included 12 VDC, 4A car/vehicle power supply
NexStar+ Hand Controller
- Features:
- Intuitive menu-driven user interface
- PWI telescope control software features multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy
- Nine slew speeds: 1/2x, 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 64x (0.3°/sec), 1.0°/sec, 2°/sec, 3°/sec
- Multiple tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, and Solar
- Anti-backlash correction trains out intrinsic play in gears for smoother movement and tracking
- Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC): Improves tracking precision for long-exposure astrophotography and imaging
- Database:
- 40,000-object database
- 200 user-defined objects for customization
- Filters for creating custom object lists
- Solar system: All seven planets plus the Moon, Sun, and Pluto
- Custom lists of all the brightest stars, double stars, variable stars, and asterisms
- Custom lists of all the best galaxies, nebulae, and clusters
- Complete Messier catalog
- Select NGC objects
- Functions
- "All-Star Polar Alignment" software allows quick and precise polar alignment without extra polar alignment accessories, apps, or other assistance
- Additional alignment options: One- or Two-star, Solar system, Quick, and Last
- Sky Tour: Based on location, date, and time, the system shows the best objects in the sky and automatically slews to them
- Object info: Provides useful information about the selected object such as magnitude and constellation; includes extended information about 200 popular objects
- Physical characteristics:
- 2-line, 18-character LCD window with red backlighting for comfortable viewing without affecting night-adjusted vision
- 19 function keys, backlit in red
- Mini USB port: Connect to a computer for use with software programs for point-and-click slewing capability and updating firmware via PC
Mounting
- Mount head only—tripod, pier, or other support system required
- Long 10.6" dual CG-5 (Vixen) and CGE (Losmandy) saddle is compatible with the widest variety of OTAs around
- Weight: 52.6 pounds
