The CGX mount only looks similar to the cheaper CGEM-II at first glance, but it has been completely redesigned and offers many more features.

The 20kg mount has a real photographic payload of 25kg, so you can really work with 25kg payload and don't have to plan for generous reserves for photography, as is often the case. Thanks to the large carrying handles, it is even easier to transport than a comparable, slightly lighter classic parallactic mount! With the dual dovetail clamp for CG-5 (Vixen, Celestron) or CGE (3-inch), you can easily switch between small solar telescopes and large Schmidt-Cassegrains, for example.

The mount has been given more powerful, faster-reacting motors that are connected to the axes via a sturdy toothed belt. This means the mount responds almost immediately to control commands, even from an autoguider. There is no play in the gears, and since the worm gears are also spring-loaded, the play is largely eliminated - you don't have to readjust even when there are large temperature differences, as the worms and gears have optimal contact.

The new, large screws are easy to grip, so you can loosen or tighten them easily even when wearing gloves - the polar height adjustment has also been revised so that you can easily adjust the mount even when it is fully loaded. A polar finder will be available as an option, but is generally unnecessary: ​​With the All-Star Polaralign you can align the mount to any brighter star through the telescope, and for perfection, the polar finder has always been superior to the polar finder. As a special feature, you can move the mount on the base plate of the extra-wide tripod head - this allows you to position the center of gravity perfectly over the tripod, for the entire usable latitude range from 3 to 65° north or south latitude. The flat base can also be easily adapted to your own columns. Celestron provides a flange drawing ( PDF ) for fixed installation.

As a photo mount, it is just as suitable for mobile use as it is for remote operation. Internal sensors (“switches”) automatically bring the mount into the home position and prevent it from moving too far and hitting something when panning. The internal cabling also serves to ensure safety: all connections (power, hand controller, AUX and autoguider) are in the base of the mount and do not move with it.

The hand controller can be controlled in the traditional way via ASCOM and the hand controller (new: with USB connection) via PC, or you can use the control software included in the delivery, which was developed together with Planewave Instruments. Multipoint GoTo modeling, plate solving and control of the focuser are just a few functions that you normally have to add for remote operation - with the CGX this software is included in the delivery. Here you do not need the hand controller, but can use the USB connection on the mount directly.

The Telescope Optics:
The EdgeHD optics (Edge High Definition) combine the compact design of a Schmidt-Cassegrain with significantly improved imaging at the edge of the image. This optical system not only offers the properties of astrographs, but also produces completely undistorted, sharp images right up to the edge of the large visual and photographic field of view. Not only is the coma outside the optical axis corrected - as with other so-called "coma-free" optical designs available on the market (see also our test image) - but also the field curvature!

Many optical systems are promoted as "astrographs"; however, they produce the coveted "pinpoint" star image along a curved image plane. On images taken with modern CCD cameras, the result is a noticeable field curvature that increases towards the edge of the image field and becomes stronger the larger the chip is; i.e. the stars remain round, but are blown up into small rings ("donuts") towards the edge.

With the Celestron Edge HD telescopes, this field curvature is corrected right up to the edge in addition to the coma, so that even images taken with large CCD chips are completely sharp, with a uniformly large star image across the entire chip - right into the corners of the image field.

This also significantly improves the resolution and limiting magnitude compared to competing optical systems with a similar aperture. The Celestron XLT multi-coating also helps the Edge HD optics to achieve a significant increase in performance compared to similar systems on the market.

In addition to the new optics, the mechanics and tube have also been completely redesigned. The new features include:

• Mirror locks hold the main mirror in any focus position without exerting pressure on the optical elements. The image always remains stable on the chip, even with long exposure times.
  
• Ventilation openings behind the main mirror ensure rapid air exchange, so that the optics cool down at an unrivalled speed. Thanks to an air filter system, no dust gets into the tube.
  
• HyperStar Compatible – All EdgeHD tubes allow you to remove the secondary mirror and replace it with the optional HyperStar optics. The result: your standard Celestron EdgeHD telescope becomes a digital Schmidt Design for your CCD or DSLR camera for primary focus photography at f/2 (C8, C11) and f/1.9 (C14).
  To learn more about this system, visit the dedicated EdgeHD website .
  
• Adapted telecompressors (f/7.5) and Barlow lenses (f/20) are under development.
  
• Axiom eyepieces - The Edge HD 9.25 comes with an Axiom eyepiece from Celestron. With a 23mm focal length and 82° field of view, you get an impressive combination of magnification and field of view.

Spec:

• Optical design: EdgeHD
  
• Optical coating: Starbright XLT (Fully multi-coated)
  
• Telescope aperture: 234.95mm (9.25")
  
• Focuser size (inches): 2" SC thread, 1.25"
  
• Tube (material): Aluminum
  
• Tube weight: 9.53kg
  
• Tube length: 22in (559mm)
  
• Aperture ratio: f/10
  
• Resolution (DAWES): 0.49 arcseconds
  
• Resolution (RAYLEIGH): 0.59 arcseconds
  
• Focal length: 2350mm (93 in)
  
• Secondary mirror obstruction: 8.5cm
  
• Secondary mirror obstruction relative to diameter:36.20%
  
• Secondary mirror obstruction relative to surface: 13.00%
  
• Visual field: 0.55°
  
• Limit size:  14.4
  
• Highest useful magnification: x555
  
• Light gathering capacity (compared to the human eye): x1127

Mount Spec:

• Alignment Methods: AutoAlign, 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last
• Alignment, Solar System Align
  
• Database: Over 40,000+ properties, 100 custom listings, More information on over 200 properties
  
• Mount: Equatorial mount (motorized)
  
• Mount weight (EQ): 20kg
  
• Mount control: Computer controlled (GOTO)
  
• Tracking speeds: Sidereal, solar and lunar
  
• Tracking modes: EQ North and EQ South
  
• Pole height adjustment: 3º-65º
  
• Dovetail compatible: CGE (3“)
  
• Panning speed: 5º/second (4º/second as default)
  
• Features: PWI Telescope Control Software
  
• Carrying capacity (kg): 25kg
  
• Connections: 2x AUX (also for hand controller), 1x autoguider port, 1x USB 2.0, 1
• USB 2.0 (on hand controller)
  
• Hand controller: NexStar+ hand controller, two-line LCD display with 16 characters, 19 backlit keys, USB 2.0 port for PC connection.

Whats included:

1. Focal length eyepiece: 23mm
   
2. Incl. accessories: 9.25" EdgeHD telescope with 3" rail (Losmandy style) 9x50 finder, 2" star diagonal, 1.25" adapter, 23mm Luminos wide angle eyepiece, CGX mount, tripod, tray, 2 x 5 kg counterweights, NexStar+ hand controller, DC power cable for cigarette lighter
   
3. Viewfinder: 9x50
   
4. Zenith prism: 2" with 1.25" adapter
   
5. Accessory tray: With eyepiece holder