Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount with counterweight

Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount with Counterweight

Celestron CGX-L Computerized Equatorial Mount

The CGX-L is the newest addition to Celestron’s fully computerized equatorial mount lineup. Designed to effortlessly carry Celestron’s largest optical tubes, this mount is ideal for backyard observatories and remote imagers who demand exceptional load capacity-to-weight ratio, compact design, and innovative features supporting large telescopes, imaging setups, and the latest wireless accessories.

Key design enhancements include larger 144mm diameter worm wheels for smoother, more precise drive of heavier loads; a longer 270mm dovetail saddle to accommodate bigger optical tubes; and remote-friendly features such as home and limit optical sensors for safer operation. The mount also benefits from easier polar alignment adjustments and improved cable management. Mechanical and ergonomic refinements make the CGX-L sturdier, simpler to use, and easier to transport.

CGX-L Features

• Increased 75 lb load capacity: Exceptional load-to-weight ratio for supporting large setups
• Additional auxiliary ports: Extra accessory and autoguider ports on the Declination axis improve cable management
• Larger worm wheels: 144mm diameter worm wheels deliver precise control for heavy payloads
• Extended dovetail saddle: 270mm length to support large optical tubes securely
• Sturdy tripod legs: Massive 70mm stainless steel legs with a wider stance for improved stability
• Accessory tray: Holds three 1.25” and two 2” eyepieces plus an upright stand for smartphones or tablets
• Heavy-duty counterweight shaft: 31.5mm stainless steel shaft to accommodate extra counterweights
• Optional polar axis finderscope: Custom designed for CGX and CGX-L mounts
• Wireless operation: Supports WiFi accessories like StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module (sold separately)
• Mount Construction & Performance
• Compact, low-profile equatorial head for improved stability and portability
• Robust motors deliver high torque, enabling smooth slewing and tracking under heavy loads
• Heavy-duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash and ensures smooth operation at full capacity
• Clear motor cover windows allow easy monitoring of pulleys and belts
• Spring-loaded brass worm wheel with stainless steel worm gear reduces friction and optimizes gear mesh
• Internal cabling keeps power and accessory cables stationary while the mount slews, preventing snags
• Internal hard stops on both axes protect cables and prevent tripod strikes
• Optical home and limit sensors ensure safe, remote operation, preventing damage by shutting off slewing at physical limits

Software & Alignment

• Includes Celestron’s PWI telescope control software, co-developed with PlaneWave Instruments, featuring multi-point mount modeling for ultra-precise pointing accuracy
• “All-Star Polar Alignment” software allows fast, accurate polar alignment on any bright star without extra accessories or apps
• Adjustable equatorial head position optimizes center of gravity and accommodates latitudes from 3° to 65°
• Dual dovetail saddle fits both Vixen/CG-5 and Losmandy/CGE standards
• +20° additional tracking beyond the meridian on both sides

Tripod & Ergonomics

• Redesigned tripod with a wider stance for added stability and lowered minimum height for user convenience
• Tripod legs collapse with the accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport
• Integrated ergonomic carry handles for easy portability
• Ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs for secure tube mounting
• Improved polar alignment adjustments with low-friction Teflon bearings and a newly designed linkage system for smooth positioning under load
• Easy-to-read latitude scale

Electronics

• NexStar+ hand control with USB port
• USB 2.0 port for direct PC connection running PWI software
• Two autoguider ports for tidy cable routing
• PEC sensor compatible and PPEC ready
• Threaded 12V DC power input barrel connector
• Internal real-time clock stores time and location data
• On/Off rocker switch with red LED indicator

Precision Tracking Example
The CGX-L mount supports high-resolution astrophotography with large optics, as demonstrated by the detailed image of M51 captured with a Celestron EdgeHD 1400 and 0.7x focal reducer. Despite turbulent seeing, guiding accuracy was sub-arcsecond over multiple 5-minute guided exposures at 2,737mm focal length.