Celestron CGX Equatorial 1100 Rowe Ackerman Telescope

Further details

The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph builds on the legacy of Celestron’s Schmidt Camera, which allowed astrophotographers to produce images on film in the 1970s.

Today, with CCD sensor sizes as large as film—or larger—the Schmidt Astrograph offers a 43.3mm optimized image circle to capture pinpoint stars on the largest imaging chips. (Note: We previously published 70mm which is actually the aperture of the last lens in the telescope. The optical design has not changed). Combine this large image circle with a focal length of just 620 mm and you have an instrument suitable for wide-field imaging, creating huge mosaics of the night sky, surveying, and even comet hunting.

Optical Performance
The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph features newly designed optics with 4-element rare-earth glass for images free of false color and aberrations like coma and field curvature. The optical quality and spot size across the entire image circle is unprecedented for an astrograph in this price range—or even that of a much more expensive instrument. The design also provides minimal vignetting.

Advanced Features
Advanced features like a custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing and FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob allow you to make the fine adjustments you need to capture the perfect shot. Meanwhile, a12V MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the dust filtered optical tube.

Engineered as a complete astroimaging system, every component of the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph is optimized for peak performance with DSLR and astronomical CCD cameras. Down to the thickness of the glass used in the included fully-multicoated optical window or an optional imaging filter, every component of the system has been taken into careful consideration to work together seamlessly.

CGX Mount
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.

Celestron’s engineering team have 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 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.

Included in this package
11" RASA optical tube assembly
CGX Equatorial Head
CGX Tripod
Accessory Tray
One 17 lbs counterweight
NexStar+ Hand Control
DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)

Astrograph Features
Ultra-fast, 11-inch f/2.2 optical design with rare-earth glass for images free of false color, coma, and field curvature. Cuts imaging time by more than half
Expansive 43.3 optimized image circle maintains pinpoint stars to the far corners of even the largest astroimaging sensors, while the usable field extends even further to 52 mm for larger format sensors.
Custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing reduces image shift, while dual-speed 10:1 FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob provides the most precise focusing
Quiet, high-output 12V MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and blocks dust
Common camera adapters (T-thread and M48) included for easy attachment to popular CCD and DSLR cameras

Computerized Mount Features
All-new design. 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
Brand new 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 3º-65º 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
+20º 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
All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system
All-new ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads
Optional add-on polar axis finderscope - coming soon

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)

Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt
Aperture (mm) 279 mm (11 in)
Focal Length 620 mm
Focal Ratio 2.22
Backfocus from front lens assembly 72.8 mm
Backfocus from included camera adapters 55 mm
Central obstruction diameter 114mm
Finderscope Not Included
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) 1588x
Optical Coatings StarBright XLT
Total Telescope Kit Weight 43lbs
Includd Items Total Telescope Kit Weight
Resolution (Rayleigh) 0.5 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes) 0.41 arc seconds
Optical Tube Length 33in

Mount
Mount German Equatorial Mount
Instrument load capacity 55lbs
Tripod height adjustment range 47.25” to 77.5” including EQ headA
Tripod leg diameter 2"
Latitude adjustment range 3º-65º
Tripod Weight 19.2 lbs
EQ Head Weight 44 lbs
Max Slew Speed 5º/second (4º/second is default)
Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Number of Auxiliary ports (for hand control and accessories) 2
Autoguide Port Yes
USB Port Yes
Software New telescope control PC software

Delivery charge £5.95

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