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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts
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WiLL_FLY
super member


Reged: 12/12/08

Loc: KC, Mo - Lat. 39.18, Long. -94...
CG-4 GEM ?
      #2845688 - 01/05/09 05:58 PM
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I was wondering how much wieght a CG-4 GEM can handle? I currently have the Celestron Omni XLT 150 Telescope but might want to upgrade some time in the future. Does any body know how much it can handle with out causing any real problems?

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Levente
sage


Reged: 01/20/04

Loc: Budapest, Hungary
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: WiLL_FLY]
      #2845943 - 01/05/09 08:05 PM
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I don't think you can go up in aperture. A 200 mm reflector would be killing for the mount.

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oldtimer
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 11/13/08

Loc: Lake County Illinois
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: Levente]
      #2846018 - 01/05/09 08:42 PM
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I agree; a 6" f8 newt or 4" f10 achro are about its limit. It is a nice mount.

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letimotif
No Complaints
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Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Actually, right here.
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: oldtimer]
      #2846034 - 01/05/09 08:51 PM
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I third the opinions already provided. I've used this mount with an Omni 120mm refractor, which is about half a pound heavier than your 150mm reflector. But, it is longer, so incurs more of a stability issue than your shorter reflector.

With patience and a light touch, focusing is right at the edge of stability for visual. In a wind of any degree the vibration can be exasperating occasionally.

I think you're right up against it, with the exception of a more compact SCT that won't cause the mount to flex or vibrate perhaps quite as much.

The CG4 is a good lightweight mount. But lightweight it is.

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WiLL_FLY
super member


Reged: 12/12/08

Loc: KC, Mo - Lat. 39.18, Long. -94...
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: letimotif]
      #2846047 - 01/05/09 09:02 PM
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Thanks Guys. It was just a thought but I appreciate the input. Guess if i want to up size I will have to look for something else.

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Terrance
professor emeritus


Reged: 08/11/04

Loc: Near Portland Or.
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: WiLL_FLY]
      #2846419 - 01/06/09 12:10 AM
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Celestron has just recently posted on their web site a new Omni XLT series offering, which is a 150mm f/5 achromatic wide field refractor. The specs say the Refractor OTA is 16 pounds, but they still put it on the CG4 mount. I doubt the utility of of a 16 pound scope on that particular mount, but it looks like they are trying to market it that way.

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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
*****

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: WiLL_FLY]
      #2847645 - 01/06/09 04:45 PM
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Quote:

I was wondering how much wieght a CG-4 GEM can handle? I currently have the Celestron Omni XLT 150 Telescope but might want to upgrade some time in the future. Does any body know how much it can handle with out causing any real problems?



I have that same rig, and I think it is about max weight-wise.

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WiLL_FLY
super member


Reged: 12/12/08

Loc: KC, Mo - Lat. 39.18, Long. -94...
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: Doug76]
      #2848326 - 01/06/09 10:05 PM
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Hmm Sounds like Celestron found a way to sell upgrade mounts then lol

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WiLL_FLY
super member


Reged: 12/12/08

Loc: KC, Mo - Lat. 39.18, Long. -94...
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: WiLL_FLY]
      #2848335 - 01/06/09 10:10 PM
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Second after thought how much can the tri-pod that comes with it handle?

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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
*****

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: WiLL_FLY]
      #2848921 - 01/07/09 08:32 AM
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It's a good tripod, 1.75" legs. Very sturdy. I'd venture it can handle a bit more than the mount can.

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WiLL_FLY
super member


Reged: 12/12/08

Loc: KC, Mo - Lat. 39.18, Long. -94...
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: Doug76]
      #2850040 - 01/07/09 07:19 PM
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Well sounds like I would just have to redo the upper parts of my rigging if I choose to upgrade.

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Doug76
Long Achro Junkie
*****

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven
Re: CG-4 GEM ? new [Re: WiLL_FLY]
      #2850748 - 01/08/09 12:50 AM
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Just upgrade the whole thing to a CG-5ASGT. That'll Git'R'Done!

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