Celestron CGEM II 8" SCT Telescope (12010)

The CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope features Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coated optics and the newly redesigned CGEM II computerized equatorial mount. It is the most lightweight and portable of the three size models. This telescope is especially at home as a solid platform for long exposure photography with optional CCD cameras or photographic equipment. At 8 inches of aperture with our premium StarBright XLT coatings, the CGEM II 800 gives you over 800 times the light gathering power than the unaided eye.

A fresh update to the venerable CGEM mount, the CGEM II has a fresh, attractive, bold appearance and is capable of carrying Celestron’s higher-end SCT optical tubes (up to 11") securely and vibration free, which is ideal for both imaging and visual observing. Capable of holding 40 lbs. of payload and slewing at 5° per second, you will be able to instantly point to any of the celestial objects in the database.

ERGONOMIC DESIGN

CGEM II was designed to be ergonomically friendly with large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs for quick and easy polar alignment adjustment. The internal RA and DEC motor wiring provides a clean look and an easy and trouble free set up.

INNOVATION

The CGEM II series features Celestron’s innovative Polar alignment procedure called All-Star™. All-Star allows users to choose any bright star, while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment. Another great feature of the CGEM II sure to please astroimagers, is the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) which will allow users to train out the worm gears periodic errors, while the mount retains the PEC recordings.

PERFORMANCE

For objects near the Meridian (imaginary line passing from North to South), the CGEM II will track well past the Meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky. The CGEM II mount has a robust database with over 40,000 objects, 100 user defined programmable objects and enhanced information on over 200 objects. Celestron's CGEM II mount is the perfect fit between the Advanced Series and CGE Series. Offering the portability of the Advanced Series and the precision of the CGE.

OPTICAL TUBE FEATURES

• 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube assembly
• Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings
• 2032 mm focal length (f/10)
• 6x30 finderscope to help accurately center alignment objects
• Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky
• Includes large CGE style dovetail mounting bar

COMPUTERIZED MOUNT FEATURES

• 40 lbs payload capacity
• Dual-fit Vixen/CG-5 and Losmandy/CGE dovetail saddle
• 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
• USB 2.0 port on hand control for direct links to a PC via ASCOM supported software
• 40,000 object database with over 100 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
• Internal cabling throughout for worry-free remote operation
• Low cog DC Servo motor with integrated optical encoders offer smooth, quiet operation
• Able to track past the meridian allowing seamless imaging
• Permanent periodic error corrections allow users to train out the worm gears periodic errors once, while the mount retains the PEC recordings
• Software Features include: Mount Calibration, Database Filter Limits, Hibernate, five Alignment Procedures, and user-defined slew limits
• Built-in polar alignment program to polar align on any star in the sky
• Longer clutch levers to make tightening and loosening of clutches easier
• Custom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number
• Solar System alignment method allows to view the moon and planets during the day
• Permanent Programmable Periodic Error Correction (PEC) corrects periodic tracking errors inherent to all worm drives
• Custom Rate 9 feature allows to set maximum slew rate
• Tandem mode allows to star align the mount even when positioned for tandem scope use
• USB hand control to control the telescope via a personal computer
• Includes NexRemote telescope control software, for advanced control of telescope via computer
• Precision machined 40 mm diameter steel Polar shafts supported by multiple tapered roller bearings and ball bearings
• GPS-compatible with optional SkySync GPS Accessory