· 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 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 NHRob Post Laureate Reged: 08/27/04 Loc: New Hampshire bulkier/heavier ... CGEM or Atlas?       #2983184 - 03/14/09 10:12 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   OK, I've been reading many posts regarding the CGEM. There have been conflicting claims on its bulk and weight. Some claim that it is heavier and bulkier than an Atlas and others have claimed the reverse. Any definitive word on this? Rob Post Extras:       Dave H. sage Reged: 02/29/08 Loc: Northern Virginia Re: bulkier/heavier ... CGEM or Atlas? [Re: NHRob]       #2983224 - 03/14/09 10:43 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Rob, I have owned them both, having elected to sell my Atlas the very day I read about the launch of the new CGEM as the All Star Polar Alignment is a feature I really need. These mounts are both so similar it would be hard to honestly say one is bulkier than the other. These are of course both EQ6 mounts made by Synta the parent company of Celestron, and IMHO synta designed the CGEM to be an updated or refreshed version of the EQ6 that had been marked sucessfully under the Orion and Skywatcher brands. The weight capacity, tripod construction, and overall mount weight without counter weights is virtually identical, the EQ head design of the CGEM is a newer design. The big difference in these mounts is the operating software, and having used them both, the CGEM software is without question superior. However the 3rd party freeware EQMod PC based software developed for the Atlas mount has many very loyal fans and certainly there are those that would contend with EQMod the Atlas software is superior. Hope this answers your question. Post Extras:       NHRob Post Laureate Reged: 08/27/04 Loc: New Hampshire Re: bulkier/heavier ... CGEM or Atlas? [Re: Dave H.]       #2983294 - 03/14/09 11:41 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Dave. That is a clear answer. Are you happy with the CGEM so far? Rob Post Extras:       Lane Post Laureate Reged: 11/19/07 Loc: Frisco, Texas Re: bulkier/heavier ... CGEM or Atlas? [Re: NHRob]       #2983809 - 03/14/09 04:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The Atlas mount head of course has the counterweight bar permanently attached and weighs 36 lbs according to a few folks out here who actually took the time to weigh it. The CGEM mount head with it couterweight bar and bar lock attached weighs 40 lbs. Without it the weight is 38 lbs. The CGEM is slightly bulkier but not so much that it is an issue. Those giant knobs tend to add to the bulky look. Post Extras:       Dave H. sage Reged: 02/29/08 Loc: Northern Virginia Re: bulkier/heavier ... CGEM or Atlas? [Re: Lane]       #2984310 - 03/14/09 09:03 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Rob, Like most folks, I am very happy with my CGEM when the weather cooperates and I can use it... I often observe and practice imaging on my back deck, and my home blocks out polaris. Since in the recent past that used to leave only the drift align option for polar alignment (and I just can't justify the time to drift align), the All Star Polar Align routine is perfect for me. At this point my largest optical tube used on the CGEM is a F6.7 150ED Borg refractor, and with this 6" OTA coupled to my 450D, and an ST80 with the Star Shoot Autoguider, the CGEM tracks great and handles this moderate payload almost like it is not even there. While my imaging skills certainly still need improvement, I am pretty confident that the CGEM provides me with an EQ platform that represents an optimum balance of value and performance consistent with my budget and skill level. Best of luck! Post Extras:       tboss70 Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/25/05 Loc: Missouri Re: bulkier/heavier ... CGEM or Atlas? [Re: Dave H.]       #2984328 - 03/14/09 09:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How long are your subs while still retaining round stars? Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 26 registered and 35 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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