Telescope Reviews: The ultimate CGEM topic ...

· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt

· Submit a Review / Article

Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums

Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User

You are not logged in. [Login]

Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online
FAQ · Calendar

Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | (show all)

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

The ultimate CGEM topic ...
#2971716 - 03/08/09 02:22 PM

As I'm hesitating of buying a Celestron CGEM mount, I would like to hear what are the pro's and contra's about this mount.
So far I know:

Pro CGEM:
40,000 elements in NexStar database against 13,400 in Synscan EQ-6
Easier setup for GoTo enabled observation (e.g. daylight solar system)
Better servo motors
Two years warranty

Contra CGEM
Overall plastic look & feel of outside?
Handset cord way too short?
Saddle knobs too smooth?

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2971832 - 03/08/09 03:19 PM

Assuming you're comparing a CGEM to an EQ-6 and not an NEQ-6 add a Losmandy D type saddle to the CGEM pro column.

Other CGEM pros ... Larger Alt and Az ajustment knobs, more mature software.

Other cons ... hardware not as well proven.

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#2971855 - 03/08/09 03:33 PM

Don't know about the NEQ-6 but would a CGEM also require this overhaul/maintenance:
http://avex.org.free.fr/dossiers-pratiques/eq6/index-eng.html

Post Extras:

divers
professor emeritus

Reged: 01/21/08

Loc: Apopka, FL

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2971949 - 03/08/09 04:07 PM

Out of the box...mine has NO issue's at all with the exception of my pickyness over the saddle...not a con, just a note. I love the mount. Tracking is great, goto is great. Seems that someone made improvements to the Atlas and called it a CGEM.

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2971960 - 03/08/09 04:10 PM

I got a handset cord extender from Scopestuff and that eliminates the short hand controller cord issue. IMO that was the only real con for the CGEM and easily corrected. I don't know why you think it looks plastic because it is completely metal as far as I can tell. Only those big knobs are plastic and I also replaced them with star shaped knobs, but mainly so it would fit in my Hardigg storage case with the knobs still attached.

Post Extras:

Skylook123
Postmaster

Reged: 04/30/05

Loc: Tucson, AZ

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2972250 - 03/08/09 06:32 PM

My Atlas is over three years old and has been bulletproof for about 50 or more nights a year of visual use. I did replace the HC to mount cable that shorted about a year and a half ago.

Post Extras:

AntarcticDave
sage

Reged: 02/03/09

Loc: Denver, CO

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Skylook123]
#2972261 - 03/08/09 06:39 PM

I'm very happy with mine so far. It handles my 6" achromat easily, and I really like the new polar alignment algorithm - no more bending down to peer through a polar alignment scope.

Post Extras:

Olivier Biot
Amused

Reged: 04/25/05

Loc: 51°N (Belgium)

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AntarcticDave]
#2972437 - 03/08/09 08:01 PM

I have seen the CGEM for the very first time this weekend on an astronomy event in northern France. It has a nice design, feels quite solid without being overly heavy. It's definitely a step up with respect to the proven EQ6/Atlas. This mount features some nice enhancements like more ergonomic polar height adjustment.

The counterweight shaft must be unscrewed from the mount head, as it does not retract into the mount (as with the HEQ5/Sirius and EQ6/Atlas).

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Olivier Biot]
#2973991 - 03/09/09 03:30 PM

Glad to see lots of great comments, ordered mine but there's a six weeks waiting period...

Post Extras:

Skylook123
Postmaster

Reged: 04/30/05

Loc: Tucson, AZ

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2974172 - 03/09/09 04:46 PM

Let me add a topic from beyond the fringe of normal use. The EQ6/Atlas/HEQ5/Sirius, using EQMOD, will allow satellite tracking. Now THAT's a capability not many folks talk about!

Just trying to throw another consideration into the mix.

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2974223 - 03/09/09 05:07 PM

Quote:

Don't know about the NEQ-6 but would a CGEM also require this overhaul/maintenance:
http://avex.org.free.fr/dossiers-pratiques/eq6/index-eng.html

No...and neither does the EQ6/Atlas. Most of the overhauls were done on the early (non-go-to) EQ6, and the mount has come a long, long way since then. Sure, some people take their mounts apart, but some people immediately take their Porches apart to "make them better" too. The Atlas almost always works just find right outa the box.

Frankly, the CGEM and Atlas are sisters and are more alike than different.

Post Extras:

Victory5
newbie

Reged: 02/11/09

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2974535 - 03/09/09 07:25 PM

I just purchased one last week. It is a solid mount. It does look plastic like, but it's solid metal.

Still getting used to it 1st GEM I have owned so I haven't determined the positive/ negatives. Does seem a tad noisy when slewing. However, it holds my TMB 130, 2 inch star Diag. a 31mm Nagler, and a heavy Williams optics view finder with no problem

Post Extras:

Victory5
newbie

Reged: 02/11/09

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: divers]
#2974545 - 03/09/09 07:29 PM

Does your CGEM slew with minimal noise?

Post Extras:

R Nitzel
member

Reged: 01/14/09

Loc: Owasso, OK

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Victory5]
#2974703 - 03/09/09 08:58 PM

My CGEM's a little noisy - more so when fully loaded. The other night, I had my C8 with a DSI III attached, a short-80 with a ssag attached, and a 40D with a 100-400L. It seems to move about fine with that load (plus 1-17# and 2-11# CW's), but it did seem a little louder - or maybe I was listening more closely.

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: R Nitzel]
#2975213 - 03/10/09 04:33 AM

The CGEM definitely makes more noise when slewing, but it also slews faster. When slewing at the same speed they are pretty close to same noise level. The problem is that when you do a goto it always slews at the maximum speed. You can only control slewing speed for manual slewing. This is one thing I wish they would add to a future hand controller update, I know my old Meade lx200 allowed the max goto speed to be selected.

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2977531 - 03/11/09 11:24 AM

Would the CG-5 pier extension fit the CGEM to get some height? The tripods are the same...

Post Extras:

LLEEGE
True Blue

Reged: 03/03/05

Loc: Cloud-chester,NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: t.r.]
#2977620 - 03/11/09 12:12 PM

I don't think they are, Tim.

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: LLEEGE]
#2977798 - 03/11/09 01:39 PM

Although tripods look the same, the bolts might be slightly bigger on the CGEM tripod...

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2977878 - 03/11/09 02:15 PM

CGEM tripod leg diameter is all that is the same (both are 2"). Everything else is different.

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2977886 - 03/11/09 02:19 PM

Is there a pier extension available for the CGEM then(I should say half-pillar)?

Edited by t.r. (03/11/09 02:20 PM)

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: t.r.]
#2977920 - 03/11/09 02:37 PM Attachment (135 downloads)

Not yet - I would own it if there was.

Here is what the top of the tripod looks like:

Edited by Lane (03/11/09 02:48 PM)

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2977993 - 03/11/09 03:11 PM

Lane, thanks for the pic...did you by chance also have a CG5 to compare with? I always felt the 2" tripod on the CG5 was the weak link for stability and if its the same as the CGEM with a heavier head????? Not sure how much better the CGEM would be for 40#'s ya know?

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: t.r.]
#2978073 - 03/11/09 03:54 PM

I dont' own one but I have seen the top of the cg-5 tripod and it has the wider hole like most of the other scopes do. The cgem is the first one I have seen with that small mounting hole. In terms of stability the cg-5 is about equal to the sirius (heq5). The older sirius has 1.75" legs and is a little less stable, but the new one comes with 2" legs and seems to be the equal of the cg-5. But neither of these mounts come close to the atlas or the cgem in terms of stability. I think it is simply a matter of the more massive size of the mount heads. The atlas at 36 lbs and the cgem at 40 lbs with counterweight bars. The difference is like night and day in my opinion. To me the sirius and cg-5 really match up well with an 8" sct, but the cgem is well matched with the 11" sct.

Post Extras:

jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan

Reged: 02/28/06

Loc: Petaluma, CA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2978117 - 03/11/09 04:20 PM

Is the CGEM perhaps the same as an Atlas in this regard? It certainly looks the same. If so, wouldn't the Atlas pier extension work? Orion sells them. I use one on my Atlas and if I switch to a CGEM (once it gets a bit more mature) in order to move over to Nexstar from Synscan, I assume the CGEM will fit not only my pier extension but also my Atlas-adapted Antares 48" pier.

I sure hope so.

Regards,

Jim

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#2978158 - 03/11/09 04:36 PM

I have never seen the top of the atlas tripod but I thought it was the same as the sirius. Look at the measurement of the CGEM center hole in that picture above it is a little less than 1 and 1/4" in diameter. I think the atlas mount has a hole that is at least 3/4" wider than that.

Post Extras:

Charlie Hein
Postmaster

Reged: 11/02/03

Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: t.r.]
#2978412 - 03/11/09 06:38 PM

Quote:

Is there a pier extension available for the CGEM then(I should say half-pillar)?

The one for the Atlas should work just fine...

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Charlie Hein]
#2978554 - 03/11/09 08:11 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Is there a pier extension available for the CGEM then(I should say half-pillar)?

The one for the Atlas should work just fine...

You know this for a fact?

Post Extras:

Charlie Hein
Postmaster

Reged: 11/02/03

Loc: 26.06.08N, +80.23.08W

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2978588 - 03/11/09 08:37 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Is there a pier extension available for the CGEM then(I should say half-pillar)?

The one for the Atlas should work just fine...

You know this for a fact?

Not from personal experience, although I got a very good look at the CGEM recently at the WSP. The CGEM and Atlas are remarkably similar mounts. I didn't measure the tripod where it meets up with the base of the mount, but my "eyeball" estimation says the tripod is identical to the one that came with my Atlas - if it's off it can't be by very much at all. Perhaps someone can measure their CGEM tripod and give you the dimensions and the screw pitch of the bolt that holds the mount to the tripod.

You might want to call Orion and put the question to them. Since they also sell Celestron they most likely can give you a definitive answer.

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Charlie Hein]
#2978606 - 03/11/09 08:50 PM

The picture you see at the top of this page is a picture of the tripod head from the cgem. The screw is 12mm, which is the same one used on the sirius mount and probably the Atlas. But I was under the impression that the hole surrounding that screw was much larger on the atlas. It is only about 1 3/16" on the cgem tripod as you can see in the picture. If that hole is not the same width and depth then I don't see how an atlas pier could work. If they are the same then I am going to buy that pier.

Post Extras:

Alan S
professor emeritus

Reged: 10/27/07

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2978950 - 03/12/09 12:45 AM

I have a CGEM- note in the picture above that there are actually two holes for the mount head...there is the deep hole which the M12 threaded rod comes up through, and there is a wider hole (just over 2.5 inches in diameter) that is only about 1/8 inch deep. The mount head actually fits into both of these.

I have never seen the base of an Atlas.
Alan

Post Extras:

Skylook123
Postmaster

Reged: 04/30/05

Loc: Tucson, AZ

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Alan S]
#2978975 - 03/12/09 01:22 AM

The picture also shows the pin in the as-shipped between-legs position, which can be a safety hazard. Atlases and EQ6s are also shipped this way.

Over the years, with the Atlas, many folks will move the pin to the hole on the opposite side and use that leg as the North leg. The mount and tripod is much less likely to tip over with the pin over a leg rather than as delivered.

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Skylook123]
#2979200 - 03/12/09 08:01 AM

Quote:

The picture also shows the pin in the as-shipped between-legs position, which can be a safety hazard. Atlases and EQ6s are also shipped this way.

Over the years, with the Atlas, many folks will move the pin to the hole on the opposite side and use that leg as the North leg. The mount and tripod is much less likely to tip over with the pin over a leg rather than as delivered.

I also did that with my CG5 to make Polar alignment easier. I don't extend the legs all the way out while imaging, and straddling the leg was a pain to see through the polar finder and adjust the mount. Moving the pin over the leg gave me room to kneel between the legs and get to the adjustment screws easier.

Post Extras:

Blixx
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/02/07

Loc: CO. Aurora, USA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#2979841 - 03/12/09 03:11 PM

I just got an email from Celestron. For anyone how is interested, The mount has the ability to choose the scope orirntation. You can choose to use a dual scope setup. It is in the scope setup part of the HC. This is a bonus for those of us how want to try a side by side setup, and not have to change a lot of stuff and save some $$$. I have also found a good but cheap SBS rail with the Losmandy plate and the shoes for vixen dovetails. I found it on scopestuff(I hope I can say this). The #is TVDS. I am going to try it out and see how it works as soon as I get the mount. I talked to Jim and he said that they will have another setup the same way but with a longer mounting plate in a couple of months. This will make it easer to mount larger scopes side by side.
I just thought that some of you guys and gals might like to know.
Dan

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Blixx]
#2979902 - 03/12/09 03:48 PM

Dan,

Interesting that Celestron would point out the OTA orientation as something of interest for the CGEM. That feature is important for CGE owners, but as far as I know not for CGEM or the CG-5, those mounts don't care about the orientation of the DEC axis.

You could setup a side by side config on your CG-5 tonight ... the firmware doesn't care (and yes you do have to ignore the index marks).

I generally like Jim's stuff, that smaller SBS setup he has is a nice lower cost option but you really have to watch those small vixen compatible saddles. They are fine if you have longer rails on your scope(s) but they don't offer much fore and aft movement with short rails (makes balancing a bit tricky) and the bolt ends tend to mark up your rails.

Post Extras:

Alph
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/06

Loc: Melmac

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#2979916 - 03/12/09 03:56 PM

Quote:

Interesting that Celestron would point out the OTA orientation as something of interest for the CGEM.

I find that very typical of the Celestron customer service. They are not very knowledgeable and one has to take their advice with a grain of salt.

Post Extras:

Blixx
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/02/07

Loc: CO. Aurora, USA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Alph]
#2980003 - 03/12/09 04:52 PM

So if it doesn't have the abelity of knowing where the mount is(in relation to the gears inside) why does Celestron say that you can use that option?
Dan

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Blixx]
#2980018 - 03/12/09 05:05 PM

That feature is mentioned in the user guide. My guess is that by turning on this feature you can still use the same index marks when performing initial setup with a side by side plate. You are telling the mount that the scopes are actually perpendicular to the index marks. If you choose not to use this feature then I think it would still work but you would have to ignore the index marks and point the scopes north when doing the setup.

Post Extras:

rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#2980095 - 03/12/09 05:57 PM

Quote:

Dan,

Interesting that Celestron would point out the OTA orientation as something of interest for the CGEM. That feature is important for CGE owners, but as far as I know not for CGEM or the CG-5, those mounts don't care about the orientation of the DEC axis.

You could setup a side by side config on your CG-5 tonight ... the firmware doesn't care (and yes you do have to ignore the index marks).

You really don't want to ignore the index marks. These mounts want you to start from the same position each time. Using the side-by-side feature means you don't have to move/make additional marks.

Post Extras:

Blixx
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/02/07

Loc: CO. Aurora, USA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: rmollise]
#2980113 - 03/12/09 06:04 PM

I just got another email from Celestron. All they will say is look on PG. 27 of the users manual. So on PG. 27 it says that you have to tell the mount which direction the scopes are facing(east or west). So, I guess I will have to see if it works when I get the mount.
Dan

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2980150 - 03/12/09 06:21 PM

Did a quick check indoors on my CG-5's behaviour with and without the side by side bar used.

My CG-5 has the new 4.15 HC firmware, and the original 5.04 MC firmware. I have an ADM Vixen side by side bar and a C6 to mount on it.

1) C6 in the stock CG5 saddle, Index marks aligned, scope pointed North, OTA Orientation is Normal. Time, date, Solar Systems alignment, Venus ... scope points roughly to where Venus currently is.

2) Add the side by side bar, turn the DEC axis 90°, DEC index mark not aligned, Scope pointed North, OTA Orientation is Normal. Time, date, Solar Systems alignment, Venus ... scope points roughly to where Venus currently is.

3) Side by side bar, don't turn the DEC axis 90°, both Index marks are aligned, Scope pointed East, OTA Orientation is Normal. Time, date, Solar Systems alignment, Venus ... scope does not point to where Venus currently is ... off by 90°.

4) Side by side bar, don't turn the DEC axis 90°, both Index marks are aligned, Scope pointed East, OTA Orientation is East. Time, date, Solar Systems alignment, Venus ... scope points to where Venus currently is.

The assumption is that this is also exactly how the CGEM will behave.

Quote:

That feature is mentioned in the user guide. My guess is that by turning on this feature you can still use the same index marks when performing initial setup with a side by side plate. You are telling the mount that the scopes are actually perpendicular to the index marks. If you choose not to use this feature then I think it would still work but you would have to ignore the index marks and point the scopes north when doing the setup.

Lane,

You're correct, that is how the mount behaves with the OTA Orientation function set to East or West (depending on how the DEC axis is oriented).

Dan,

I'm not sure why the folks on the phones would say that but I stand by my earlier statement with the addendum that Lane has added. The OTA Orientation function allows you to keep using the index marks but on the CG5 and CGEM if you ignore the index marks you can ignore the OTA Orientation function and the CG5 or CGEM will work just fine with a side by side saddle configuration.

Post Extras:

Hogarthd
newbie

Reged: 12/25/08

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#2983361 - 03/14/09 12:27 PM

I've been lurking on this forum for awhile now in anticipation of upgrading my Nexstar 8se for a CGEM-1100 in May or June. I'm just curious if any of you guys are using the CGEM with a c11 OTA. Is this mount substantial enough for visual and photographic use with that much weight on it? To be honest, I'm sort've waffling between the CGEM-1100 and the CGEM-925. I want more aperature, but my current Nexstar 8 is maddeningly wobbly on its single-arm fork mount.

thanks!

Hogarth de la Plante
Oakland, CA

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Hogarthd]
#2983539 - 03/14/09 01:59 PM

Hogarth,

Welcome to CN (well as a poster anyway

)

I'm not sure I'd want to do a lot of imaging with a 2850mm C11 on a CGEM. At the very least I'd want to use a focal reducer to bring this down to a more manageable 1800mm or so. I'd also work to keep the weight down as much as possible, so I'd look into a very small autoguiding setup. Something like the homemade 50mm finder/Orion SSG combinations, or the commercial version, the Kwiq guider from KW Telescope Kwiq guider.

In the short term though you might consider simply buying a CGEM by itself and using your C8 on that mount. Maybe get the Losmandy D to vixen adapter, or replacement saddle, or the side by side saddle so you can mount a small refractor beside your C8 (which would make for a really great setup).

I really like the combination of a 8SE for grab n go observing and the CGEM for imaging and more planned observing sessions. I know the "sickness" of aperture fever for visual work but you should really try and avoid it for imaging ... you'll get much better results from a smaller aperture lighter weight setup that tracks perfectly than a bigger aperture heavier config that may not track as well. If everything goes well with the C8 on the CGEM then maybe move up to a C9.25 or C11 in the future ... by then you'll also have all kinds of practical imaging knowledge which could really help you with those bigger scopes.

As for your SE, have you tried some add ons such as extra weight to the tripod spreader bar, anti vibration pads, and a Feathertouch SCT microfocuser to exorcise those "wigglies"?

Post Extras:

Dr Benway
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/27/08

Loc: Abilene, TX

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#2983549 - 03/14/09 02:04 PM

Pull the C8 out of the Nexstar mount and use it on the CGEM. Buy a QHY8 camera with what you would have spent on the C11.

John

Post Extras:

Hogarthd
newbie

Reged: 12/25/08

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Dr Benway]
#2984368 - 03/14/09 09:58 PM

Thanks for the good advice, guys. Part of my reason for upgrading the scope itself is that the primary mirror has a small scratch on it. I "inherited" the 8se from a good friend of mine a couple of years ago and while attempting to collimate it the first time, having no knowledge of what I was doing, I accidentally unscrewed the secondary mirror causing it to fall into the OTA and scratch the primary. I reassembled it, taking care to keep the corrector in alignment and, somehow, the performance doesn't seem terribly affected. However, I can't help that niggling feeling that for the last two years of usage, it hasn't been performing as well as it should.

I'd like to pick up a CGEM to learn my way around a GEM mount for a summer of visual observing and then try my hand at AP in a year. Maybe I should look into the less expensive CGEM-925 or CGEM-800 and put any extra money aside for imaging gear at a later date.

thanks again, guys -

Hogarth

Post Extras:

rawhead909
member

Reged: 06/26/08

Loc: Boston, MA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Hogarthd]
#2984609 - 03/15/09 01:16 AM

Hi guys; I'm looking to jump on the CGEM bandwagon sometime later this year, when I have more time, money, and, I guess better chance of purchasing one and getting it within 6 months :-)

Anyway, as far as OTAs go, I have a C8 and a Megrez 90; would a side-by-side setup with these two work well for imaging, without putting too much stress on the mount?

Post Extras:

Martin Lyons
sage

Reged: 10/06/08

Loc: Cape Town, South Africa

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2984696 - 03/15/09 03:25 AM

Quote:

You know this for a fact?

From measurements I have taken on my Atlas NEQ6 tripod and comparing my measurements with the image posted previously in this thread, I am confident that the Atlas NEQ6 tripod head and the CGEM tripod head are identical.

Post Extras:

Olivier Biot
Amused

Reged: 04/25/05

Loc: 51°N (Belgium)

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Hogarthd]
#2984754 - 03/15/09 05:27 AM

Quote:

Part of my reason for upgrading the scope itself is that the primary mirror has a small scratch on it. I "inherited" the 8se from a good friend of mine a couple of years ago and while attempting to collimate it the first time, having no knowledge of what I was doing, I accidentally unscrewed the secondary mirror causing it to fall into the OTA and scratch the primary. I reassembled it, taking care to keep the corrector in alignment and, somehow, the performance doesn't seem terribly affected. However, I can't help that niggling feeling that for the last two years of usage, it hasn't been performing as well as it should.

How bad it may look, many scratches go unnoticed most of the time. One thing you can do for reducing the effect of this scratch on image quality is having the scratch blackened with flat black paint. Use a small tipped brush for this job - plastic modeling enamel paint brushes will do fine.

If you're not convinced: try computing the area covered by the scratch (usually only a couple mm²). For most mirror diameters this loss of reflective surface is impossible to detect. I'm not sure you will even be able to see contrast differences due to this one scratch.

By the way, you may want to inspect the edge of the secondary mirror to look for dents at the edge. You can mask those edges the same way with flat black paint.

You can always ask for advice on this matter in the Reflectors board or in the ATM board.

Cheers,

Olivier

Post Extras:

phanf4
super member

Reged: 07/31/07

Loc: Over there in Chattanooga

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: rawhead909]
#2984776 - 03/15/09 06:07 AM

Quote:

Hi guys; I'm looking to jump on the CGEM bandwagon sometime later this year, when I have more time, money, and, I guess better chance of purchasing one and getting it within 6 months :-)

Anyway, as far as OTAs go, I have a C8 and a Megrez 90; would a side-by-side setup with these two work well for imaging, without putting too much stress on the mount?

Im waiting on this answer also.

Tom

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: phanf4]
#2985526 - 03/15/09 03:27 PM

Quote:

Anyway, as far as OTAs go, I have a C8 and a Megrez 90; would a side-by-side setup with these two work well for imaging, without putting too much stress on the mount?

C8 - 13lbs
M90 - 11lbs(guess)
Vixen side by side saddles - 3lbs
Rings on a rail (for the M90) - 3lbs
Cameras (primary and autoguider) - 2lbs
Misc (finderscope, etc.) - 1 lb

33lbs total.

Can the mount handle it for visual, sure. For imaging, yes but ... you'll likely be happier with a lighter setup for imaging ... maybe consider a compact 50mm finder/autoguider setup in place of the M90 and rings when imaging with the C8. That change could save you about 10lbs.

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Martin Lyons]
#2985893 - 03/15/09 07:03 PM

Quote:

Quote:

You know this for a fact?

From measurements I have taken on my Atlas NEQ6 tripod and comparing my measurements with the image posted previously in this thread, I am confident that the Atlas NEQ6 tripod head and the CGEM tripod head are identical.

I started another thread on this topic a few days ago. The answer is that the Atlas and CGEM tripod mounting holes are identical. Verified by OPT, they actually mounted the tripod extension on their display CGEM to make sure it would work.

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#2987105 - 03/16/09 02:08 PM

Another 3 weeks and I'll have mine

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2987117 - 03/16/09 02:16 PM

That's the same timeframe for mine!!

Post Extras:

Dr Benway
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/27/08

Loc: Abilene, TX

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#2987343 - 03/16/09 04:42 PM

Gary and PhilCo,

Do you have relatives working for Celestron? Mine has been on order since February 3rd, and it has always been 3 weeks away.....

John

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Dr Benway]
#2987368 - 03/16/09 04:52 PM

John,

We don't have them yet....

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#2987575 - 03/16/09 07:02 PM

I noticed my latest delay notification was not the usual "Your CGEM will arrive around..." message, but rather, "We do not expect to receive a CGEM shipment before...".

Beo

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#2987652 - 03/16/09 07:36 PM

Post Extras:

rawhead909
member

Reged: 06/26/08

Loc: Boston, MA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#2989993 - 03/18/09 04:35 AM

Mark,

Thanks for the breakdown. I get the gist. Whatever the caase, I do feel that my setup (C8, Megrez 90, and assortment of DSLR + lenses) is perfect for a CGEM system. Can't wait to get my hands on one :-)

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: rawhead909]
#2990410 - 03/18/09 11:24 AM

In Europe, quasi all suppliers are out of stock and the CGEM will be plenty available during the Easter holidays... what a better gift to wish

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#2996418 - 03/21/09 02:46 PM

Just learned that this half pillar will fit for the CGEM:
half pillar for EQ-6

Post Extras:

Trever
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/18/03

Loc: North Alabama

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Hogarthd]
#2996474 - 03/21/09 03:08 PM Attachment (98 downloads)

Quote:

I've been lurking on this forum for awhile now in anticipation of upgrading my Nexstar 8se for a CGEM-1100 in May or June. I'm just curious if any of you guys are using the CGEM with a c11 OTA. Is this mount substantial enough for visual and photographic use with that much weight on it? To be honest, I'm sort've waffling between the CGEM-1100 and the CGEM-925. I want more aperature, but my current Nexstar 8 is maddeningly wobbly on its single-arm fork mount.

I cannot speak for a true master of these mounts, but so far It seems rock solid especially compared to the Cg5. It comes with two 17 lb weights and when the legs are in the lower extension, feels sturdy. I did not notice any kind of problem with dampening. My issue right now is with the C11 OTA as I seem to have some image shift when focusing. But that is another topic.

I have only had the chance to use it outdoors once and had it setup in my house to work with the alignment procedures. But this mount is worlds better than the CG5 for an OTA of this weight. My CG5 will need the new hand controller to be broght up to the new updates though. I included a pic of the 2 systems side by side.

I am interested in getting the Atlas extension for the mount. Someday. I would like to get an F/12 D&G refractor to use with is for visual viewing. Maybe that is a pipedream, but supposedly, the mount should be beefy enough for it.

Post Extras:

Dr Benway
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/27/08

Loc: Abilene, TX

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#2996705 - 03/21/09 05:10 PM

I just received an email with a new estimated arrival date of 4/3/09. Shipping to follow in 3-5 days. Hmmmm...

John

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Dr Benway]
#2999925 - 03/23/09 12:16 PM

Teleskop-Service GERMANY lists this half pillar as fitting for the CGEM:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p421_Saeulenaufsatz-fuer-EQ6-und-Atlas.html

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3005884 - 03/26/09 02:06 PM

O.K. the above half pillar doesn't fit ...

Meanwhile CGEms are shipping;
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=3005882&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=all&fpart=1&vc=&PHPSESSID=

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3006129 - 03/26/09 03:59 PM

This half pillar fits perfectly on the CGEM, I am using right now. Mount Extension

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3007370 - 03/27/09 08:28 AM

Am I the only one who thinks the tripod for this new head will not be up to the task of carrying the load fully extended? I have one on order, I always thought that even the 2" tripod on the CG-5 was the weak link when fully extended...

The CGEM-11 pic back a page just doesn't look right on that tiny tripod! Can current users assure or defend...

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: t.r.]
#3007647 - 03/27/09 11:03 AM

t.r. - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when your arrives. Granted I'm not sporting the load your talking about, and I haven't even gotten mine outside yet, but I think you'll find it is plenty strong. The clamps on the legs are not like my CG5 and seem to have a much more positive 'lock' to them. Overall the tripod seems the same, but somehow different from my CG5.

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3007693 - 03/27/09 11:28 AM

Thanks waassaabee, just preparing myself to get the mount up and running as quickly as possible. I thought of the leg clamps too, thought about a quick release pin in each leg to "secure" the extension, but it sounds like celestron addressed it. Half-pier extension, I like'em high. There will be quite abit more weight placed on this tripod than the CG-5. I will be at 40#'s plus...C-11, losmandy plate, Tak sky 90, 2" diagonal, 2" ethos, etc. This thing has to be STABLE. We'll see...

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: t.r.]
#3007733 - 03/27/09 11:44 AM

t.r. - on the same note the mount itself adds a bit of height over the CG5 by itself. With my CG5 I would extend the legs about 18" and it got a bit wicked doing the alignment stars overhead. With the legs on the CGEM extended about the same, it appears as though I won't be doing the contortionist moves any longer.
But I'm stricly imaging, so the requirements are different.

Post Extras:

Skylook123
Postmaster

Reged: 04/30/05

Loc: Tucson, AZ

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3008228 - 03/27/09 03:44 PM

If the legs are anything like the Atlas/EQ6 legs, be VERY careful with tightening; the legs will easily get permanently deformed and will not extend/retract past the defect.

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Skylook123]
#3009876 - 03/28/09 01:11 PM

Lane could You post a photo of the mount with that extension pillar?

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3010480 - 03/28/09 07:04 PM Attachment (116 downloads)

Here is a pic of the mount with the extension pillar in place. Those upper pillar bolts with the big knobs on them are not standard, I got them at the hardware store. The normal bolts on the top are the same as the small silver hex bolts you see at the bottom of the pillar. It is just easier to remove the mount with the big bolts and not as easy to lose them in the dark either. With the tripod legs at their lowest position, it is 56.5 inches from the ground to the center of the Saddle plate.

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3010523 - 03/28/09 07:28 PM

The three bolts near the top of the pillar hold the plate that mounts to the bottom of the CGEM mount. The 3 bolts near the bottom of the pillar hold the plate that mounts to the tripod. These plates can both be completely removed which leaves you with a hollow aluminum tube that has an inside diameter of 3 5/8" and is about 1/8" thick and about 7 3/4" tall. So you could actually make your own pillar any size you want just by finding a tube with a similar inside diameter and thickness. The inside diamter of the replacement could be as much as a half inch larger and it would still work, you would just need longer bolts to secure the plates. That top plate could also be used to mount the scope on a permanent pier.

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3011429 - 03/29/09 10:12 AM

Now that looks interesting (Lane, you're a bad influence

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3012988 - 03/29/09 10:33 PM

Gary, I think this whole CN forum has had a bad influence on all of us. Everytime I see something someone else did to their telescope and mount it gets me to thinking and making more changes to my own. That mount in my picture above also has no vibration anymore, I don't even have to use vibration suppression pads with it. I partially filled the smaller inner legs with flexible silicon caulking about 10 ozs in each leg, put dynamat vibration control pads inside the tops of the outer legs. Then put 2 layers of dynamat inside the pillar. That eyepiece tray is also made of a pine, which is of course a soft wood that tends to absorb vibrations. So when you thump any part of this tripod it sounds like thumping the door of mercedes, the sound and vibration is just dead.

Post Extras:

Doug6952
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/24/08

Loc: West Milford, NJ

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3018960 - 04/01/09 08:54 PM

Will the counterweights from a CG-5 fit the CGEM? Or is the CW shaft a larger diameter?

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Doug6952]
#3018973 - 04/01/09 09:01 PM

Exact same diameter on the CG-5 and CGEM counterweight bars. I actually use CG-5 11 lb and 7.5 lb weights on my CGEM rather than the 17 lb that comes with the CGEM. I just like them better.

Post Extras:

Doug6952
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/24/08

Loc: West Milford, NJ

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3019092 - 04/01/09 10:20 PM

Thanks Lane! Good to know.

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Doug6952]
#3019797 - 04/02/09 10:51 AM

CGEMs shipped from today in Europe !

Customizing a CGEM: http://www.admaccessories.com/CGEM_KNOBS.htm

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3019806 - 04/02/09 10:55 AM

Sleep now PhilCo126... And get ready for some fun!!!

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3019994 - 04/02/09 12:57 PM

Oooo Anthony's got all the nice pics up ... and the are accessible from the main page (not hidden as "soon to be released" items). I'll bet he sells more of them just because the pics look so good.

Marketing sells.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3020032 - 04/02/09 01:15 PM

But where's the link for the new saddle? (Not that I'm willing to spring for it yet, esp. since I don't have anything to put it on!) It's in all the knob pics, but I didn't find it listed separately. Anthony needs to have a saddle + knobs package too.

Beo

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3020258 - 04/02/09 03:24 PM

Beo,

He probably should have labeled the link CGEM Products or something like that instead of CGEM Knobs.

That link has the pics of all the new CGEM specific products (knobs and saddles), then the product ordering links with descriptions are listed down the right hand side including specific ordering links for the new saddle ... with black or orange knobs.

It's just a little different than the way he's organized things in the past.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3020661 - 04/02/09 07:31 PM

Ah, just missed that as I scrolled down. Still, he needs a saddle/knob kit as who needs the two extra knobs then?

Beo

Post Extras:

NickCat
member

Reged: 11/08/08

Loc: Massachusetts

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3021030 - 04/02/09 10:50 PM

Just as a heads up...

I tried to update my HC and MC firmware today to 4.16 and 6.08 respectively. HC update went flawlessly, MC didn't work. Called and spoke with Celestron and it appears there is an issue with MCupdate that needs to be resolved. Tech wasn't to specific on a release date for the corrected software, but they are aware of the issue and working on it.

The error you'll get is about the bootloader needing to be updated in order to update the motor control, but when you agree to update the bootloader an error pops up saying it can't complete the programming.

I couldn't find any other reports yet, so I hope this helps shorten someone else's search for the answer.

And to jump back on topic, I ordered the orange set of knobs from ADM earlier this week, can't wait for them to arrive.

I was tempted to pick up the new saddle as well, but I already have the losmandy-to-vixen adapter for mine. Guess I'll just wait till the chipped powdercoating on the stock saddle bugs me enough to replace it.

I also found why I was having issue getting my initial alignments going faster. The index for "home" on the DEC axis was off by at least 3/16th to one side. I assumed they were adjusted properly from the factory, but I guess not.

Also where is everyone elses decal for "home" on the RA axis? Mine isn't on the adjustable collar, but above it on the mount itself. So the two decals aren't right next to each other. I wanted to peel and move it today, but I was afraid it would never stick right again.

Speaking of adjusting the axises... is there a proper method for finding that perfectly centered location in both directions? I could only really eyeball it today, along with using a level to try to narrow it down.

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: NickCat]
#3021140 - 04/02/09 11:59 PM

Thanks for the MCUpdate update..

If I'm not mistaken, the index marks are merely a reference point to start the alignment, to mark 0,0 so to speak. From there the model is made from the alignment and calibration stars. So if you are not exactly on the mark, no sweat.
With the CG5 I would point the counterweight shaft down and center polaris in the viewfinder as the stickers had fallen off.

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3022261 - 04/03/09 03:37 PM

Any more CGEM photos

Post Extras:

Doug6952
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/24/08

Loc: West Milford, NJ

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3026120 - 04/05/09 04:54 PM

Does the CGEM come with a dovetail plate? I would eventually get a plate from ADM, but wanted to know if it comes with one that I could use temporarily.

Post Extras:

AntarcticDave
sage

Reged: 02/03/09

Loc: Denver, CO

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Doug6952]
#3026152 - 04/05/09 05:07 PM

No, no plate with the mount.

Folks - just an FYI, Celestron now has an additional 11 lb weight for the CGEM. I ordered one this week from OPT, I had been using an old CG4 weight with the standard 17 lb. It'll be nice to have all CGEM weights.

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3027252 - 04/06/09 09:04 AM

Lane, is the half pillar similar like the one below?
How does the half pillar interface look like compared to the top interface of the CGEM tripod ?
I guess You have to remove the little 5 centimeters azimuth mast from the tripod head and put it ontop of the half pillar ?
http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/de/info/p421_Saeulenaufsatz-fuer-EQ6-und-Atlas.html

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3027262 - 04/06/09 09:10 AM

Meanwhile, You know what time it is when such pictures appear on CloudyNights.com

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3027452 - 04/06/09 10:53 AM

Quote:

Lane, is the half pillar similar like the one below?
How does the half pillar interface look like compared to the top interface of the CGEM tripod ?
I guess You have to remove the little 5 centimeters azimuth mast from the tripod head and put it ontop of the half pillar ?
http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/de/info/p421_Saeulenaufsatz-fuer-EQ6-und-Atlas.html

Yes - that is the same one I have.
The top looks the same as the existing mount.
You are correct, the 5cm mast is simply moved from the mount to the pillar.

Post Extras:

coopfore1
super member

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: il

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AntarcticDave]
#3027643 - 04/06/09 12:26 PM

Dave, Did you get the 11 lbs weight yet? Does it match the 17 lbs weight that came with the mount, or is it something diff. Thks Gary

Post Extras:

AntarcticDave
sage

Reged: 02/03/09

Loc: Denver, CO

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: coopfore1]
#3027912 - 04/06/09 02:34 PM

Hi Gary,

It hasn't arrived yet - sometime this week. The Celestron part number is CE-94203. The photos certainly appear to be CGEM, and the part number matches the Celestron page. OPT link Celestron link

Post Extras:

coopfore1
super member

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: il

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AntarcticDave]
#3028038 - 04/06/09 03:38 PM

Dave, Thank You for the info. Let us know what you think when you get it. For a long while everyone was saying extra matching cw was not available. Thanks for posting I would have never known... Gary

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AntarcticDave]
#3028047 - 04/06/09 03:39 PM

The 5 centimeters "mast" we're talking about is in fact AKA the tripod Alignement Peg

Post Extras:

AlienRatDog
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/15/05

Loc: Ann Arbor

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3028304 - 04/06/09 05:39 PM

Hey is there any polar alignment scope for it?

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AlienRatDog]
#3028361 - 04/06/09 06:07 PM

Quote:

Hey is there any polar alignment scope for it?

Not necessary, use the All Star Polar Alignment routine in the HC.

But there is the option of using the same (expensive) unit as provided for the CGE.

Edited by mclewis1 (04/06/09 06:10 PM)

Post Extras:

ned_l
sage

Reged: 03/12/07

Loc: north carolina

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3029451 - 04/07/09 09:29 AM

I am also considering getting one. My current scopes both have vixen style dovetail bars. Would it be better to replace them with the Losmandy style plates, or get the replacement saddle that ADM offers? I am mostly just trying to figure out costs. To put a Losmandy style plate on my SV 102ED, I would probably need to get rings for it to replace the clam shell. Though it looks like SV may have a plate that fits the clam shell. Either way, it seems easier to just replace the saddle, though that is not cheap.

Post Extras:

Blixx
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/02/07

Loc: CO. Aurora, USA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: ned_l]
#3029551 - 04/07/09 10:30 AM

Ned,
You can get a duel saddle plate that fits vixen style bars at scopestuff. It can also be turned in to a single style adapter plate for one scope. It costs about $100, I like it a lot. I can do side by side AP and I can put my C6R on it if I want to do visual. You get two for the price of one.
Dan

Post Extras:

PhilCo126
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/14/05

Loc: coastline of Belgium

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Blixx]
#3029852 - 04/07/09 01:11 PM

There're some good photos in the "Celestron CGEM" Yahoo Group

Post Extras:

AntarcticDave
sage

Reged: 02/03/09

Loc: Denver, CO

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: PhilCo126]
#3030494 - 04/07/09 06:43 PM Attachment (321 downloads)

Ok guys, I got the additional 11 lb. weight today. Here's a picture on the scope. It appears to be cast, where the 17 lb. that came with the scope appears to be machined. Other than that, it's the same shape, diameter, same knob, etc.

Post Extras:

AntarcticDave
sage

Reged: 02/03/09

Loc: Denver, CO

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AntarcticDave]
#3030496 - 04/07/09 06:44 PM Attachment (271 downloads)

Here's a second shot.

Post Extras:

coopfore1
super member

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: il

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AntarcticDave]
#3031111 - 04/07/09 11:57 PM

Thanks Dave

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: ned_l]
#3031214 - 04/08/09 01:11 AM

Quote:

I am also considering getting one. My current scopes both have vixen style dovetail bars. Would it be better to replace them with the Losmandy style plates, or get the replacement saddle that ADM offers? I am mostly just trying to figure out costs. To put a Losmandy style plate on my SV 102ED, I would probably need to get rings for it to replace the clam shell. Though it looks like SV may have a plate that fits the clam shell. Either way, it seems easier to just replace the saddle, though that is not cheap.

Just got my ADM dual saddle for the CGEM and I have to say Anthony really came through on this. Way nicer than the stock saddle. The only thing that kind of annoyed me was that he moved the knobs to the opposite side. I had just gotten use to mounting the scope with them the way they were. But I think the way Anthony made them is probably the best way to go.

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3031974 - 04/08/09 12:34 PM

Since the mount doesn't care about the orientation of the dec axis and the new saddle appears to be symmetrical what is stopping you from simply rotating the saddle 180°?

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3032283 - 04/08/09 03:00 PM

Quote:

Since the mount doesn't care about the orientation of the dec axis and the new saddle appears to be symmetrical what is stopping you from simply rotating the saddle 180°?

I am not sure that would work but I have not tried it yet to see. There are marks you are suppose to line up and if rotated they would be 180 degrees apart. If you do that then during the allignment process I think the scope would slew to the opposite side of the sky when looking for your 1st allignment star. The Hand Controller lets you tell it you have a side by side plate attached but I did not see anything about reversing the direction completely.

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3032393 - 04/08/09 03:55 PM

The scope's electronics have no idea where those index marks are ... they are there just to give you an appropriate starting point. The CGEM works just like the CG-5 when it comes to dec orientation ... it doesn't have any idea and assumes you are starting with the counterweight down and the RA axis and scope roughly pointed at Polaris. If you started with the scope pointed downwards (180°) then the mount would indeed point the scope at the wrong side of the sky for the alignment stars.

Being 90° off is something different since you can just as easily be 90° off in either east or west directions. You use the OTA orientation function on the Celestron gems so that the mount slews the right distance and direction from the assumed starting point when using a side by side (90° offset) saddle configuration.

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3032458 - 04/08/09 04:35 PM

Ok, that makes sense, because the hand controller does tell you to line everthing up and then press enter. So I guess pressing enter is telling the mount that you aimed roughly at polaris, so you are correct it should work either with the knobs on the left or right.

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: Lane]
#3041506 - 04/13/09 01:00 PM

How many screws, bolts or hex-bolts attach the new ADM replacement saddle to the mount? What I'm geting at is how solid are the two mated? Thanks...

Edited by t.r. (04/13/09 01:02 PM)

Post Extras:

donsinger1
sage

Reged: 10/28/07

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3041544 - 04/13/09 01:19 PM

"OTA orientation function on the Celestron gems..."

What function is this?

Don

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: donsinger1]
#3041751 - 04/13/09 03:08 PM

Don,

Under Scope Setup ... the OTA Orientation function allows you to tell the mount that you're using a side by side saddle configuration and therefore the OTAs will be turned 90° left or right from the default position. Then your gem can properly figure out where and how far to slew to the alignment stars when you're setting it up.

Post Extras:

LLEEGE
True Blue

Reged: 03/03/05

Loc: Cloud-chester,NY

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: donsinger1]
#3041766 - 04/13/09 03:13 PM

Page 27 of the manual.

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: t.r.]
#3041878 - 04/13/09 04:24 PM Attachment (119 downloads)

Quote:

How many screws, bolts or hex-bolts attach the new ADM replacement saddle to the mount? What I'm geting at is how solid are the two mated? Thanks...

It is a very snug but perfect fit. You just remove the 3 hex bolts that hold the old saddle in place and discard them with the old saddle. New hex bolts come with the adm saddle plate.

Post Extras:

jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan

Reged: 02/28/06

Loc: Petaluma, CA

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: AntarcticDave]
#3044185 - 04/14/09 08:22 PM

Dave:

Neither of those weights look to be machined. Perhaps simply different textures on the finish? The smaller weight looks like it uses a slightly cruder casting though.

Regards,

Jim

Edited by jrbarnett (04/14/09 08:24 PM)

Post Extras:

AntarcticDave
sage

Reged: 02/03/09

Loc: Denver, CO

Re: The ultimate CGEM topic ... new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#3045028 - 04/15/09 09:55 AM

The stock weight has much sharper edges and a flat surface along the circumference. The edges are more rounded, and you can see some curvature to the circumference on the small additional weight. Perhaps Celestron outsourced the 11 lb weight to someone else. Anyway, it works.

Edited by AntarcticDave (04/15/09 09:55 AM)

Post Extras:

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | (show all)

Extra information

25 registered and 22 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator: Bowmoreman, bilgebay, iceblaze

Print Thread

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Thread views: 11337

Jump to

CN Forums

Home

Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics