Celestron CGEM DX 1100 Computerized Telescope

Description

CELESTRON CGEM DX 1100 COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE

The Celestron CGEM DX 1100 Computerized Telescope from Celestron features a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system. This compound, or catadioptric, light-path employs a combination of mirrors and lenses that offer a large high-resolution aperture, a shorter tube length, and enhanced portability. This telescope has an 11″ aperture, a focal length of 2800mm, and a focal ratio of f/10.0.

The optical path consists of a zero power corrector plate, a spherical primary mirror, and a secondary mirror along with a set of field flattening lenses integrated into the baffle tube. The resulting imaging plane is 3 times flatter than the field produced by a standard SCT telescope.

The StarBright XLT coatings are designed to produce fairly flat reflectivity across the spectrum, optimized for both CCD imaging and visual use. This high performance optical system utilizes multi-layer, anti-reflective coatings and high transmission Water White glass for the corrector lens. This results in a peak light transmission for the system of 89% at 520 nm.

The OTA comes with a very useful 9×50 finderscope fitted to its exterior. Due to its wider field of view, this ancillary optic can offer assistance in locating objects to view with the main scope.

Normal image orientation for the Schmidt-Cassegrain design is upside-down and reversed. The 90° diagonal inverts this image so it is right-side-up, but reversed. This diagonal directly accepts 1.25″ eyepieces.

The CGEM DX Mount is fully computerized with a database of over 40,000+ celestial objects, and it offers numerous design advantages. The CGEM DX is a sturdy and reliable mount with an excellent feature set that fills the niche between the advanced and pro series mounts. The software-assisted all-star polar alignment feature allows the viewer to choose any bright star for alignment of the mount’s polar axis, even if the North Star isn’t visible. Large hand-knobs offer easy altitude and azimuth adjustments. With just a standard hand-control alignment, the CGEM DX is capable of centering a star to within 5 arc minutes. The NexStar program’s advanced pointing feature further improves the pointing accuracy to as low as 1 arc minute. Additionally, extended meridian tracking, nine available slew speeds from .5 to 5° per second, and a precision tracking system all combine to provide outstanding tracking and viewing performance

The CGE PRO style, 2.75″ tripod legs holds the OTA securely while dampening vibration and steadying both imaging and visual observing.

The All-Star polar alignment procedure allows a user to choose any bright star, after the telescope has been aligned with 2 bright stars, and the software then calculates and assists with the telescope’s alignment for more precise accuracy.

NexRemote allows control of the computerized telescope from a personal computer. Everything that is usually done with the telescope’s hand control can be done remotely from a PC or laptop. Software can be kept current with downloadable upgrades via the internet.

Optical Performance

Aperture: 11″

Focal Length: 2800 mm / Focal Ratio: f/10

Schmidt-Cassegrain system for aberration-free imaging

Premium StarBright XLT coatings for enhanced light transmission

40 mm Plossl Eyepiece

Construction Details

Aluminum tube

Mirror support knobs reduce image shift

Filtered tube vents release hot air from behind the primary mirror

Designated six-pin RJ-12 modular jack, ST-4 compatible guide port

RS-232 port and cable for laptop/personal computer telescope control

Autoguide port and Auxiliary ports located on the electronic plate for long exposure astrophotography

Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control for operation of GoTo features

9×50 Finderscope

Assists in locating objects

All mounting hardware is included in kit

90° Diagonal

Accepts 1.25″ eyepieces

Image orientation: right-side-up, laterally reversed

CGEM Computerized Equatorial Mount

One 22 lb counterweight

Stainless steel tripod: 2.75″ legs, accessory tray

NexStar technology: 40,000+ object database, expanded information on 200+ objects, 100+ user-definable objects. Custom database lists famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number

All-Star” polar alignment uses any bright star for a quick and accurate Polar alignment, even if the North Star is not visible

Software features: mount calibration, database filter limits, hibernate, five alignment procedures

Flash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the Internet

Programmable periodic error correction (PEC) corrects tracking errors

Low cog DC servo motors with integrated optical encoders offer smooth and quiet operation and long-term reliability. The motor armatures are skewed to minimize cogging which is required for low speed tracking

Designated six-pin RJ-12 modular jack, ST-4 compatible guide port, Autoguide port, and auxiliary ports located on the electronic plate for long exposure astrophotography.

Double line, LED backlit 16-character LCD hand control simplifies ‘Go-To’ operation. NexRemote software for computerized telescope control via RS-232 port. Flash upgradeable hand control, software, and motor control units. Product updates available over the Internet. Internal cable wiring for trouble-free setup and transportation.

Precision machined 40 mm diameter steel Polar shafts supported by multiple tapered roller bearings and ball bearings

SPECIFICATIONS

• Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Aperture: 11.0″ / 279.4 mm
• Focal Length: 110.24″ / 2800 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/10.0
• Resolving Power Rayleigh: 0.5 arc/sec
• Resolving Power Dawes: 0.41 arc/sec
• Theoretical Minimum Magnification:40x
• Maximum Magnification: 661x
• Dovetail Plate: Included
• Visual Back: Included
• Eyepiece Barrel Diameter: 1.25″
• Finderscope: 9×50
• Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 4.5″ / 114.3 mm; By Area: 10.3%; By Diameter: 32.1%
• Power Requirements: 12 VDC 3.5 Amps; Car Battery Adapter included
• Optical Tube Dimensions: 24.0″ / 609.6 mm
• Weight: OTA: 27.5 lb / 12.47 kg ; With tripod/mount: 145 lb / 65.8 kg