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Takman
sage
Reged: 02/25/09
Loc: Maple, ON - Canada
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: Charlie Hein]
#2975691 - 03/10/09 12:50 PM
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Having owned a CG-5GT mount, it is quite a bargain for what you get. An 8" SCT with astrophotography trimmings (guidescope, autoguider, etc...) is probably the maximum you will get on the mount. Something you may want to consider if you even get aperture fever.
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waassaabee
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/26/07
Loc: Central California Coast
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: Charlie Hein]
#2975734 - 03/10/09 01:15 PM
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The CG5 does work good for me .... but it's in the shop because 'it's broke'... So if I'm looking down the road a bit, maybe a CGEM would be in order.
But I'm also going through imaging withdrawls as I've been without a mount for close to a month. Anyone have CGEM's in stock?
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Patrick
Postmaster
Reged: 05/16/03
Loc: Franklin, Ohio
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: mclewis1]
#2975827 - 03/10/09 01:59 PM
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Quote:
Patrick - "retractable counterweight shaft" ... I know the EQ-6 has this, are you sure the CGEM does as well?
Sorry...my bad.
HERE's One disassembed.
Patrick
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MrKrink
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/20/09
Loc: Lawndale NC, USA
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: waassaabee]
#2976143 - 03/10/09 04:33 PM
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Patrick, Correct me if I'm wrong, but CG5 visual payload 35 pounds and CGEM is 40 pounds. Or even if it is 30 & 40 pounds, equals 15 & 20 for imaging... Personally, internal wiring and quiter motors are 'nice to haves'. PPEC would indeed be very nice, but I think I've gotten some very nice images with my CG5. I'd 'like to have' a CGEM, but I'm not sure I 'need' one...
That is what I am trying to justify. If you have had good results with teh CG5 on AP then that is what I am looking for, but then again if I am going to make a first investment for a starter scope then I look at it this way: If I can get good results for $1500+ accessories+/- $2000 then why spend $2000+accessories +/- $2500 and get roughly the same results.
Also if I ultimately want to stack an APO guide scope will the CG5 be heavy enough to support the weight? I figure it will be close to 20-25lb on a 30lb mount, will that be too much weight??
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waassaabee
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/26/07
Loc: Central California Coast
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: MrKrink]
#2976219 - 03/10/09 05:18 PM
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Stuart, This thread has made me think out loud so to speak, and absorb some very good information. Currently I am checking availability of a CGEM and it looks like the soonest anyone will have them is towards the end of the month. Everyone is pricing identically (but Astronomics does have a CN discount).
Now to polish up the presentation to the CFO.... 
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Patrick
Postmaster
Reged: 05/16/03
Loc: Franklin, Ohio
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: MrKrink]
#2976484 - 03/10/09 08:08 PM
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Quote:
Also if I ultimately want to stack an APO guide scope will the CG5 be heavy enough to support the weight? I figure it will be close to 20-25lb on a 30lb mount, will that be too much weight??
I'm currently carrying about 24 lbs of gear on my CG-5GT mount. See HERE.
And here are some images taken with the setup:
Andromeda
North American Nebula
Pleiades
Unfortunately the weather hasn't been favorable enough (along with my schedule) to image in a while, but everything is ready to go. I've been imaging at about 320mm focal length with no problems. When I do get out again, I'm planning on going a little deeper with the C6 SCT which is about 960mm focal length (with an f/6.3 focal reducer).
HERE is the native PE of a brand new CG-5 I acquired last fall...strictly out of the box with no mods. The next time I go out I will also record the PE with the autoguider running to see how well it can be autoguided.
If you can afford the CGEM, go for it because it will give you the most room to grow if you want to go with longer focal lengths down the road. If you're on a strict budget, the CG-5 will be very adequate to do significant imaging providing the mount is not overloaded or imbalanced.
Patrick
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WadeH237
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/24/07
Loc: Snohomish, WA
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: Patrick]
#2976885 - 03/10/09 11:24 PM
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I've heard a number of people mention that there is only a 5 lb capacity difference between the CG5 and CGEM.
I own two CG5s. I've never seen a CGEM in person, but I've seen an Atlas at work, which is basically the same as a CGEM mechanically.
Based on this, the CGEM is a *whole* lot beefier than the CG5. The CG5 may be rated for 35 lb, but I definitely would not put that much weight on mine. The Atlas I saw was carrying an imaging payload with a fairly heavy Mak-Newt and piggy back guide scope that would have seriously strained my CG5. It was not breaking a sweat on the Atlas.
I think that the CG5 is one of the best bargains in astronomy and I love mine. But for imaging, I would take a CGEM in a heartbeat - even with the difference in price.
Just my two cents,
-Wade
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MrKrink
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/20/09
Loc: Lawndale NC, USA
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: WadeH237]
#2977305 - 03/11/09 09:04 AM
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OK, I think I am getting the picture, CGEM it is. Now I gotta sell something and start saving my pennies and quit buying other stuff.
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therocksal
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/02/08
Loc: Everett, WA
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Re: CGEM or CG5 - Imaging.
[Re: MrKrink]
#2978034 - 03/11/09 03:33 PM
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Me too...I decided, I believe, on getting the CGEM...I am going to start saving up for that and also start looking in a few months for an excellent used 9.25.
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