CGX 1100 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) Equatorial Telescope (Old Version)
Item #: 12059- 11" RASA optical tube assembly
- CGX computerized equatorial mount
Overview
- 11" RASA optical tube assembly
- CGX computerized equatorial mount
Includes These Celestron Technologies
Compatible With
Description
Capturing impressive deep-sky astroimages is easier than ever with Celestron’s Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph, the perfect companion to today’s top DSLR or astronomical CCD cameras. This fast, wide-field f/2.2 system offers two huge advantages over traditional f/10 astroimaging: better apparent tracking and shorter exposures. That means you’ll create better-looking astroimages in a fraction of the time, even without the use of an autoguider.
The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph builds on the legacy of Celestron’s Schmidt Camera, which allowed astrophotographers to produce images on film in the 1970s.
Today, with CCD sensor sizes as large as film—or larger—the Schmidt Astrograph offers a 43.3mm optimized image circle to capture pinpoint stars on the largest imaging chips. (Note: We previously published 70mm which is actually the aperture of the last lens in the telescope. The optical design has not changed). Combine this large image circle with a focal length of just 620mm and you have an instrument suitable for wide-field imaging, creating huge mosaics of the night sky, surveying, and even comet hunting.
Optical Performance
The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph features newly designed optics with 4-element rare-earth glass for images free of false color and aberrations like coma and field curvature. The optical quality and spot size across the entire image circle is unprecedented for an astrograph in this price range—or even that of a much more expensive instrument. The design also provides minimal vignetting.
Advanced Features
Advanced features like a custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing and FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob allow you to make the fine adjustments you need to capture the perfect shot. Meanwhile, a12V MagLev fan reduces cool-down time and provides optimal airflow through the dust filtered optical tube.
Engineered as a complete astroimaging system, every component of the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph is optimized for peak performance with DSLR and astronomical CCD cameras. Down to the thickness of the glass used in the included fully-multicoated optical window or an optional imaging filter, every component of the system has been taken into careful consideration to work together seamlessly.
CGX Mount
Celestron’s workhorse CGEM mount lineup has been the German Equatorial backbone for telescopes ranging from 6 to 11 inches of aperture. Since that time, many more astro-imagers and planetarium controlled setups have emerged as backyard telescope technology has evolved. Celestron’s engineering team applied their years of experience designing German Equatorial mounts to the CGX EQ, a culmination of all the advancements made to our technologies, value, and ease-of-use.
The CGX was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. Key design goals included a lower profile EQ head, which provides a more compact and therefore more stable setup; a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easier polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management. In addition to that, we’ve made mechanical and ergonomic improvements throughout to make the mount sturdier, easier to use, and transport. The CGX is our Equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.
Technology
Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Features
- Ultra-fast, 11-inch f/2.2 optical design with rare-earth glass for images free of false color, coma, and field curvature. Cuts imaging time by more than half
- Expansive 43.3 optimized image circle maintains pinpoint stars to the far corners of even the largest astroimaging sensors, while the usable field extends even further to 52mm for larger format sensors.
- Custom engineered linear brass focuser bearing reduces image shift, while dual-speed 10:1 FeatherTouch Micro Focus Knob provides the most precise focusing
- Quiet, high-output 12V MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and blocks dust
- Common camera adapters (T-thread and M48) included for easy attachment to popular CCD and DSLR cameras
CGX Mount and Tripod Features
- Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time
- Increased load capacity to 55 lbs.
- Motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads
- Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads
- Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
- Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
- Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike
- Internal optical sensors on both axes for simple and safe remote operation
- Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
- Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe
- Control software developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging
- Software includes multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy and many more additional features for remote astroimaging
- Wider tripod stance for improved stability
- Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range
- Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle
Tripod includes:
- 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
- "Jack of all trays" can hold three 1.25" eyepieces, two 2" eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories
- +20° of additional tracking past the meridian on either side
- Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport
Ergonomics:
- Two handles for easy pickup and transport
- Ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
- Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system
- Ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads
- Optional add-on polar axis finderscope
Electronics
- NexStar+ hand control with USB port
- Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately)
- USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software
- Autoguider port
- PPEC ready
- Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector
- Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved
Specifications
| Optical Tube Info: | |
|---|---|
| Optical Design: | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph |
| Aperture: | 279mm (11") |
| Focal Length: | 620mm (24.4") |
| Focal Ratio: | f/2.2 |
| Central obstruction diameter: | 114mm (4.48") (41% of aperture diameter) |
| Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): | 1588x |
| Resolution (Rayleigh): | 0.49 arc seconds |
| Resolution (Dawes): | 0.41 arc seconds |
| Image Circle: | 43.3mm (1.7") Ø , 4.0° |
| Useable field: | 52mm (2.04") Ø , 4.8° only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV |
| Wavelength range: | 400 - 700 nm |
| Spot size: | < 4.4 μm RMS across FOV |
| Optical Coatings: | StarBright XLT |
| Off-axis Illumination: | 83% at 21mm (.82") off-axis |
| Optical Window: | 68mm (2.67") Ø |
| Back focus with included camera adapter: | 55mm (2.16") |
| Back focus from top of threaded collar: | 72.8mm (2.86") |
| Optical Tube: | Aluminum |
| Optical Tube Length: | 838.2mm (33") |
| Optical Tube Diameter: | 330.2mm (13") |
| Focuser: | FeatherTouch microfocuser, coarse and fine focus |
| Finderscope: | Not included |
| Optical Tube Weight: | 43 lbs (19.5 kg) |
| Other Features: | Ventilation fan, dual dovetail mounting bars, mirror support clutches |
| Included items: | 42mm (1.65") T-thread camera adapter, 48mm (1.89") camera adapter, fan battery pack |
| Dovetail: | CGE Dovetail Bar |
| Mount Info: | |
| Mount Type: | Computerized Equatorial |
| Instrument load capacity: | 55 lbs (25 kg) |
| Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): | 1200.15mm - 1968.5mm (47.25" - 77.5") |
| Tripod Leg Diameter: | 50.8mm (2") Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section |
| Latitude adjustment range: | 3° - 65° |
| Mount Head Weight: | 44 lbs (20 kg) |
| Accessory Tray: | Yes |
| Tripod Weight: | 19.2 lbs (8.7 kg) |
| Weight of Counterweights: | 4 x 11 lbs |
| Slew Speeds: | 9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second |
| Tracking Rates: | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking Modes: | EQ North and EQ South |
| GPS: | N/A |
| Dovetail Compatibility: | Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle) |
| Number of Auxiliary Ports: | 2 AUX Ports (Hand Control can use either AUX Port) |
| Autoguide Port: | Yes |
| USB Port: | Yes, input for Mount and Hand Control |
| Power Requirements: | 12V DC, 4 amps |
| Motor Drive: | DC servo motors |
| Alignment Procedures: | 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align |
| Periodic Error Correction: | Yes |
| Computer Hand Control: | 2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 Port for PC connection |
| NexStar+ Database: | 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects |
| Software: | CPWI Telescope Control Software, Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, and SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight: | 150.2 lbs (68 kg) |
| Included Items: |
CGX Equatorial Head CGX Tripod Accessory Tray 2 x 11 lbs counterweights NexStar+ Hand Control 8mm Allen Wrench 12V DC Power Cable Hand Control Holster |
Videos
Reviews
Hot Product Sky & Telescope Award 2017
Sky at Night Magazine Award 2017
“Celestron has gone to town in engineering the CGX with improved latitude and azimuth controls and a low-profile mount head.”
Sky & Telescope – CGX Review
“Slewing is smooth and very quiet, and the mount responded precisely and without backlash when I pressed the direction keys on the hand control.”
Accessories
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FAQ
What is the heaviest recommend load for mounting a camera onto the RASA 11?
We recommend a load of no more than 33 lbs. at 5.0 inches away from the 11" Schmidt corrector.
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