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[-=CROMAN=-]

Looks like Celestron has a replacement for the CG-5 mount on the market.


Description



Engineered from the ground up with astroimaging in mind, the new Advanced VX series from Celestron sets a new standard in mid-level telescopes. Advanced VX provides you with many of the features found on Celestron’s most sophisticated German equatorial mounts, at an extremely affordable price.

The new Advanced VX mount was specifically designed to provide optimum imaging performance for smaller telescopes. Now your smaller telescope can take advantage of All-Star Polar Alignment and autoguider support. You’ll be able to track through long exposures using permanently programmable periodic error correction. Image across the meridian without doing a meridian flip, so you can seamlessly image the best part of night sky. Advanced VX features significantly larger base castings than our previous design, improving stability under heavier loads. Improved motors offer more torque and can handle slight load imbalances with ease.

Experienced imagers will love taking this portable mount to a dark sky site, with all the performance of their larger observatory mount. Or, if you’re new to imaging, this mount will help you get started with the hobby and keep up with your needs for years to come.


Quick Specs:

Tripod Adjustable, Stainless Steel
Tripod Legs 2"
Weight (lbs) 46 lbs (21 kg)
Power Supply Car battery adapter
EQ Mount Weight 17 lbs (7.71 kg)
Tripod Height (Max) 64" in (1626 mm)
Tripod Height (Min) 44" in (1118 mm)
Tripod Weight 18 lbs (8.16 kg)
Counterweight Bar 12" Length, 0.75" Diameter lbs (5.44 kg)
Counterweights 1 x 11 lbs
Payload Capacity 30 lbs (14 kg)
Latitude Range 7-77 deg
Motor Drive Low cog DC Servo motors with encoders, both axes
Slew Speeds Nine slew speeds, 4 deg/sec maximum
Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes EQ North and EQ South
Alignment Procedures 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last Alignment, Solar System Align
Communication Ports 2x AUX ports, Autoguider port, RS-232 port (on hand control)
Computer Hand Control Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
Database 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Power Requirements 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive)
Internal Clock Yes
GPS Optional SkySync GPS Accessory


I'm digging it so far. I was looking at a CG-5 the other day but I think I like this a bit better. The Atlas was just too much mount for me, not to mention I wasn't quite happy with the tracking on either of the 2 I owned last year.

I think this may fit into my portable astrovideo setup I'm looking for this year. What do you guys think?

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Rich,

I have been looking at this too.

Released just recently, it's to replace the CG5 mount.

It looks good, but seems perhaps a but too plastic...? It only has a 11lb weight and I see that those who got this need to add considerably more. I'm wondering if the motors will get strained, especially if someone like me, who has a loaded OTA. Good for my 102mm and this is well suited for astrophotography.

I would say that with this new one, the CG5 should be coming down in price....unless it isn't that much of an advancement over it.

Still looking for a decently priced go-to mount for the C11 beast....

[-=CROMAN=-]

yeah im thinking about it. i think it will fit the bill for astrovideo with a nice widefield refractor.
im not happy with the orion offerings in the goto dept.