CGEM vs a 13kg OTA

[LewisM]

Just weighed my Orion MN190 Mak-Newt, all-up with guidescope and camera and it comes in at 15kg.

The CGEM is rated to 18kg - I assume Celestron means an ALL UP WEIGHT, not photographic weight. Is this weight going to be an issue for the CGEM?

I have heard the CGEM DX is merely a different motor chip and a better tripod - can a plain jane CGEM be upgraded to DX standard by purchasing the motorboard from a DX?

[Rod771]

The CGEM DX mount it self is a little bigger than the CGEM. The counter weight bar is thicker and longer and the weights are the same as the CGE PRO - 10 kgs each.

The dovetail lock down handles are longer and the RA/Dec clutches are bigger.

As you say it has a larger power chip and the tripod is also the same as the CGE-PRO.

The payload capacity for the DX is 22.5 kgs

I would say if all the gear is 13kg the CGEM should be ok.

[LewisM]

All up, looking just shy of 15kg photographically (thank goodness I use a Starlight Express OSC CCD! NO FW!), which is a little outside my comfort zone for a mount of 18kg all up carrying - 3 kg MAY be OK photographically - will have to see.

That Mak Newt is a beast! Better yield the exquisite results that are reported ;)

[Rod771]

:rolleyes: yes , sorry Lewis , just under 15 should be ok :thumbsup:

Dont know why I wrote 13kg :screwy:

[orion69]

I also had (have) concerns about CGEM imaging with near limit weight since my new refractor (TS 150mm APO) arrived recently. Total weight is somewhere around 17kg, but will be around 18+ when I install reducer.
CGEM performed very well, but I must test it somewhere near equator to be sure.
First test image:

http://astrob.in/full/52696/

[LewisM]

WOW! What a test image!!!! Love that!

I am VERY happy with my decision to go CGEM. Just wish the darned courier would get it here - 5 days in transit from NSW so far - so much for express...

[Gem]

I have a CGEM and image with a 9.25" OTA and an 80mm F6.25 Long Pern guide scope on top. Not sure the total weight, but it handles it well.

[Bassnut]

Test Image :eyepop: :thumbsup:That's funny,gaud what will a "proper" image look like ?.