Telescope Reviews: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomics

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meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomics
#4441498 - 03/11/11 01:01 AM Attachment (75 downloads)

Astronomics is having a great sale on the Celestron CG-4 Omni mount. Only $199.00 (plus shipping). I purchased one recently. It's a great mount for small scopes. I love the white color as it goes well with my AT72. The 1.75 inch stainless steel legs are far superior to the Orion Astroview version (which costs more). The motions are very smooth. The CG-4 is advertised as having roller bearings. I don't know what type bearings the Astroview has but I have owned that mount as well and the CG-4 seems smoother (maybe just my enthusiastic imagination

I would like to replace the slow motion cables with some solid aluminum knobes. Anyone know where they can be had?

Anyway, it a good deal.

http://www.astronomics.com/main/product.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_name/LRNUN3QEHVXV9JJ389JS82DRU0/product_id/CG-4

-Walter

Edited by meteorite (03/11/11 09:26 AM)

Post Extras:

Trev
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 12/18/05

Loc: Fort McMurray, AB

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomics new

[Re: meteorite]
#4441941 - 03/11/11 10:04 AM

Check these out

http://www.focusknobs.com/

Post Extras:

meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomics new

[Re: Trev]
#4441964 - 03/11/11 10:16 AM

I have already emailed him. Never got a reply but I will try again. Thanks.

-Walter

Post Extras:

Don Trinko
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/05/09

Loc: Ohio

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomics new

[Re: meteorite]
#4441993 - 03/11/11 10:29 AM

Radio Shack has knobs for old radios that should fit. They are cheap compared to the Astronomy ones. Look for the ones with brass inserts. You want the ones with a 1/4" hole.
If your slow motion is slightly smaller than 1/4" it will still work, if slightly bigger you may have to drill the insert slightly larger. ( some slow motion are 1/4" but some are metric but close to 1/4") Don T.

Post Extras:

dandabson
super member

Reged: 10/15/08

Loc: Dover, DE

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomics new

[Re: Don Trinko]
#4446157 - 03/13/11 07:16 AM

I have the aftermarket focus knobs as shown in the link above. Go for the extended version. These are extremely high quality and are a really nice addition.

Post Extras:

AlienRatDog
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/15/05

Loc: Ann Arbor

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: dandabson]
#4446367 - 03/13/11 10:14 AM

How do people think a 100ed f/9 scope would sit on that? Or am I better with cg5 type mounting?

Post Extras:

Bart
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/28/06

Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomics new

[Re: AlienRatDog]
#4446517 - 03/13/11 11:33 AM

What drive will fit the CG-4?

Edited by Bart (03/13/11 12:17 PM)

Post Extras:

Jim7728
Postmaster

Reged: 04/10/05

Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Bart]
#4446553 - 03/13/11 11:49 AM

This one fits:

http://www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/mount-accessories/celestronmotordrivedualaxismodelcg4mount.cfm

Post Extras:

meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Jim7728]
#4446593 - 03/13/11 12:05 PM

Thanks for the link for focus knobs. I ordered them from Lou yesterday.

-Walt

Edited by meteorite (03/13/11 08:49 PM)

Post Extras:

Bart
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/28/06

Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: AlienRatDog]
#4446678 - 03/13/11 12:33 PM

It should work just fine. The CG-4 has a 18lbs rating. The should be enough to work with the 100ED. If you were thinking about imaging it probably won't be big enough.

Post Extras:

AlienRatDog
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/15/05

Loc: Ann Arbor

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Bart]
#4446687 - 03/13/11 12:37 PM

I am using a Portamount II and would like some tracking and better stability...

Post Extras:

Bart
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/28/06

Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Bart]
#4446688 - 03/13/11 12:37 PM

Thanks for the tip Walter, I just ordered one. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, another toy!

Post Extras:

lfforte
member

Reged: 02/02/11

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Jim7728]
#4447589 - 03/13/11 08:20 PM

Quote:

This one fits:

http://www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/mount-accessories/celestronmotordrivedualaxismodelcg4mount.cfm

The Celstron dual axis-motor drive takes 4 D or C batteries. In the long run it will cost a fortune in batteries. Is there any dual axis drive that can run off AC?

Post Extras:

AlienRatDog
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/15/05

Loc: Ann Arbor

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: lfforte]
#4449136 - 03/14/11 01:25 PM

Use rechargeable batteries...I used to have a dual axis drive on the SKyview Pro way back when...the batteries easily lasted months...you aren't slewing...they really don't take that much juice...

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: lfforte]
#4449228 - 03/14/11 01:53 PM

Quote:

Quote:

This one fits:

http://www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/mount-accessories/celestronmotordrivedualaxismodelcg4mount.cfm

The Celstron dual axis-motor drive takes 4 D or C batteries. In the long run it will cost a fortune in batteries. Is there any dual axis drive that can run off AC?

Replace the battery pack with a 6V ac/dc supply. Radio Shack sells a variable output 1A supply.

Post Extras:

Nippon
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 10/22/09

Loc: Central Florida

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Doug76]
#4450457 - 03/14/11 11:06 PM

The single axis drive that Orion offers for their AstroView also works perfectly on the CG4. I bought one for my CG4 because it is just simpler and there are less wires. When polar aligned my CG4 will keep an object centered for hours. The controller has 8x slew speed in both directions plus 2x and stop. The mount is quite steady with my TV85. I paid about $269 a year or so ago. At $199... well what is not to like.

Post Extras:

lakeorion
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/03/10

Loc: Lake Orion MI

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Nippon]
#4451023 - 03/15/11 08:21 AM

Total torture. And I spent this months budget on a finderscope already...

Post Extras:

eric_zeiner
Phoenix's Dad

Reged: 12/09/06

Loc: Georgia USA 34 31'57.18N 83 53...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: lakeorion]
#4451038 - 03/15/11 08:33 AM

This really is total torture as I am so broke that I cannot even pay attention

How long are they on sale for?

Post Extras:

Gargoyle
sage

Reged: 03/13/08

Loc: Long Island, New York

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: eric_zeiner]
#4451582 - 03/15/11 01:45 PM

I'm usually not a sucker for these low price impulse purchase opportunities, but this just makes sense.

Jerry

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: AlienRatDog]
#4452170 - 03/15/11 06:57 PM

Quote:

I am using a Portamount II and would like some tracking and better stability...

http://www.jimsmobile.com/buy_acc_altaz.htm#Vixen

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: eric_zeiner]
#4452184 - 03/15/11 07:04 PM

Quote:

This really is total torture as I am so broke that I cannot even pay attention How long are they on sale for?

Until they are gone. It was a special buy, like the Omni XLT102ED kit they also have on sale.

Post Extras:

N1ghtSc0p3
member

Reged: 02/19/11

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Doug76]
#4454912 - 03/16/11 11:37 PM

I see the pic at the start of this thread with an AT72ED, and I'm wondering if that combo, when the mount is motorized, would make a decent budget imaging setup? Im considering the AT72, and would run either a CCD or my light DSLR. Thanks!

Post Extras:

Starhawk
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/16/08

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: N1ghtSc0p3]
#4455409 - 03/17/11 09:13 AM

Don't replace the battery pack. In periodic use, you'll go through a set if D cells in 6 months. The instant you set GOTO aside, power requirements drop to nothing. The controller has no voltage or current protection. It is safe on D cells. The replacement drive costs a lot of D cells.

-Rich

Post Extras:

meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Starhawk]
#4456137 - 03/17/11 02:50 PM

GOTO? This mount isn't GOTO.

-Walter

Post Extras:

N1ghtSc0p3
member

Reged: 02/19/11

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: meteorite]
#4456431 - 03/17/11 05:57 PM

I think the point is simply that GOTO consumes a LOT of power, and that this mount is 'aside' from GOTO, and therefore the drives will run much longer on D batteries...

Post Extras:

meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: N1ghtSc0p3]
#4456631 - 03/17/11 07:55 PM

ahhh, okay. I see.

-Walter

Post Extras:

Starhawk
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/16/08

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: meteorite]
#4456794 - 03/17/11 09:37 PM

GOTO has trained us to be ready for massive power demands. But non- GOTO mounts use very little power, so stop thinking about how you'll need to replace lots of batteries, because you won't.

-Rich

Post Extras:

meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Starhawk]
#4457338 - 03/18/11 08:14 AM Attachment (51 downloads)

Hello Everyone,

I am the OP. I ordered a pair of replacement RA and Dec knobs from http://www.focusknobs.com/ this week. I think they look great on the mount.

-Walter

Edited by meteorite (03/18/11 08:15 AM)

Post Extras:

N1ghtSc0p3
member

Reged: 02/19/11

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: meteorite]
#4457505 - 03/18/11 10:07 AM

Very nice addition Walter!! I picked up this mount last night w/ Astronomics' sale...can't wait to take receipt! Now debating between a used WO Zenithstar 80, or a new AT72ED...

Post Extras:

Bart
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/28/06

Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: N1ghtSc0p3]
#4458767 - 03/18/11 09:35 PM

The CG-4 came today. I was able to use it for about an hour before the clouds rolled in, I have to say that I really like this little mount. Sure it's not a GoTo, but with a drive installed it'll be perfect for my ED80.

I'm a happy camper.

Post Extras:

meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Bart]
#4459122 - 03/19/11 01:51 AM

Hello Bart,

I can't speak of the ZenithStar 80 because I don't own one. The only problem (a small one) I have noted with the AT72 is with my 2 inch diagonal, eyepiece and finder, the scope is heavy on the back end. The mounting foot on the scope is about as long as he saddle on the mount so there is no room to play with the Dec balance.

It doesn't affect me personally as I just tighten down on the Dec clamp a little more than I otherwise would. It may be an issue if you are attaching a dec motor drive. It may cause stress on the drive. I don't know. Anyone have an opinion on this?

I suppose you could attach the AT72 to an 8 inch dovetal plate. Has anyone done this?

This may be a good question for the Refractor forum or a new thread here.

-Walter

Post Extras:

Bart
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/28/06

Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: meteorite]
#4459430 - 03/19/11 08:29 AM

Walter,

I have the Orion ED80. The length of the scope, diagonal included, lends itself to being perfectly balanced. So far no problem. I should be getting the drive by this Friday. I'll let you know how it installs.

Post Extras:

meteorite

Reged: 01/28/06

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Bart]
#4459502 - 03/19/11 09:45 AM

Hello Bart,

Ahhh, that's good news. Single (RA) or dual drive? I have looked around and it appears no one except Orion is selling the single RA drive anymore. Maybe Celestron d/c the single drive?

-Walter

Post Extras:

Bart
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/28/06

Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: meteorite]
#4459505 - 03/19/11 09:50 AM

I sprang for the dual drive. Celestron doesn't sell a single drive.

I recently talked with an Orion sales persons. He said with all the GoTo mounts being sold, the market for single drives has all but dried up.

Post Extras:

AlienRatDog
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/15/05

Loc: Ann Arbor

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Bart]
#4462436 - 03/20/11 05:07 PM

Ok I may buy one at this point so in a nutshell, to double check...think the Orion 100ED f/9 be ok on the mount (better than portamount)? AND does the Orion Single Drive system for the Astroview mount work on this??

Post Extras:

Happy-Idiot
Stuck with it

Reged: 04/06/06

Loc: 3rd Rock

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: AlienRatDog]
#4466498 - 03/22/11 02:23 PM

Thanks everyone, now i am $200 poorer and im still just as ugly.

BTW nice knobs Walter. I will have to look into them myself.

Post Extras:

SteveG
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/27/06

Loc: Seattle, WA

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: AlienRatDog]
#4466590 - 03/22/11 03:00 PM

Quote:

Ok I may buy one at this point so in a nutshell, to double check...think the Orion 100ED f/9 be ok on the mount (better than portamount)? AND does the Orion Single Drive system for the Astroview mount work on this??

Abe

This mount would be excellent for the ED100. I'm sure you can find a single axis drive for it, and yes, an owner here posted that the Astroview drive works with this mount.

Post Extras:

Guy Noir
sage

Reged: 04/27/05

Loc: Stockholm Suburb - Sweden

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: SteveG]
#4466856 - 03/22/11 04:47 PM

Oh wow, that looks like a nice replacement for my Astroview mount ... it looks a bit like its built like the Orion SVP mount, and on the website it says its 33.5 lbs.

Can anybody comment on this? Is this mount comparable to the Orion SVP in terms of stability, max load, and vibration damping?

I would mount either a 5' MakCass or 120 mm ST refractor on it.

Thanks fo the advice,
Michael

Post Extras:

Guy Noir
sage

Reged: 04/27/05

Loc: Stockholm Suburb - Sweden

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Guy Noir]
#4466905 - 03/22/11 05:11 PM

Actually, this mount looks physically much like the skywatcher EQ3-pro mount, or EQ3 synscan
http://www.skywatcher.com/swtinc/product.php?id=121&class1=3&class2=304
So I guess it would be slightly less stable that the Skywatcher EQ5 mount or the Orion SVP mounts.

Basically, my question is if this Celestron CG-4 mount would be an improvement over my Astroview mount, and if so would this be a significant improvement ...

Comments apreciated.
Michael

Post Extras:

gustavo_sanchez
sage

Reged: 12/30/10

Loc: Puerto Rico, US

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Guy Noir]
#4467035 - 03/22/11 06:10 PM

Quote:

Actually, this mount looks physically much like the skywatcher EQ3-pro mount, or EQ3 synscan
http://www.skywatcher.com/swtinc/product.php?id=121&class1=3&class2=304
So I guess it would be slightly less stable that the Skywatcher EQ5 mount or the Orion SVP mounts.

Basically, my question is if this Celestron CG-4 mount would be an improvement over my Astroview mount, and if so would this be a significant improvement ...

Comments apreciated.
Michael

Well, I think the CG-4 is the same mount head as the Astroview. The tripod is a different story, as it uses the same tripod as in the EQ-G Sirius (I got both the CG-4 and the Sirius).

The SVP mount head is like the CG-5 head, but the CG-5 tripod legs are 2" instead of 1.75" (CG-4, Sirius).

Post Extras:

Starhawk
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/16/08

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: gustavo_sanchez]
#4468080 - 03/23/11 09:34 AM

Don't waste your time with the single axis drive. Having both axes able to move smoothly without shaking the mount is a good thing. The dual axis drive can even support autoguiding with a kit from shoestring astronomy.

Tip- use the polar alignment scope hole to run the cables through. In practice, the polar alignment scope really isn't very useful: either dead reckon and plop it down for visual, or you're doing drift alignment for photography. I took my polar scope out and do not miss it.

-Rich

Post Extras:

ScoobyDoo
member

Reged: 02/07/11

Loc: Central Illinois

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Starhawk]
#4469570 - 03/23/11 08:29 PM

Hey all,

I'm noodling on this mount, looks to be a good deal. My load will be somewhere around a 35-60 mm Ha scope. Will this mount serve me better than a Nextstar SLT that I already have? Or is there a third choice I should consider? Thanks,

Kenny

Post Extras:

Starhawk
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/16/08

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: ScoobyDoo]
#4470064 - 03/24/11 12:22 AM

For an Ha scope, this should be a slam dunk. Usually the sun isn't very hard to find.

-Rich

Post Extras:

nemo129
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/03/10

Loc: WMass

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: Starhawk]
#4471693 - 03/24/11 07:06 PM

Quote:

Usually the sun isn't very hard to find.

Unless of course the clouds find out you bought a new piece of astronomy gear and ...well you know the story!

Post Extras:

N1ghtSc0p3
member

Reged: 02/19/11

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: ScoobyDoo]
#4472425 - 03/24/11 11:54 PM

Just got back from 'first light' with the CG-4...$200 for my first 'real' GEM seemed about right, and I was definitely impressed. It's solid in my backyard, the motion is smooth, and it easily handled my new AT72ED. I did a rough polar alignment, and picked a few stars to try out. I wish it wasnt so cold out, but I had a blast for the hour or so that I got in. Only took me a few min to setup and I was observing in no time. Can't wait to get the dual drive pkg, and try some extended observing!!

Post Extras:

Bart
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/28/06

Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...

Re: Celestron CG-4 Mount only $199.00 at Astronomi new

[Re: N1ghtSc0p3]
#4472459 - 03/25/11 12:17 AM

First light here also.

For my ED80 it's steady as a rock. I installed the dual drive, it tracks very well. As others have said, for $200, the CG-4 is a bargain.

Post Extras:

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