Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope SC 203/2032 CGX 800 GoTo (52295)

Despite the long focal length of these telescopes, the optical tube assembly (OTA) is compact and easy to transport due to its short length. Light first passes through an aspherically figured Schmidt corrector plate, which directs it onto a spherical main mirror. The main mirror reflects the light back to a secondary mirror, which redirects it through a central hole in the main mirror and into the focuser at the bottom of the OTA. This closed system prevents air turbulence and dust contamination, ensuring optimal image quality. The Schmidt plate is multi-coated for bright images with minimal stray light reflections.

Image Quality and Versatility
This telescope delivers high-contrast, sharp images, making it ideal for planetary observation. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain design is versatile, suitable for both visual observation and astrophotography, with a wide range of optional accessories available. The bottom-mounted focuser makes orientation simple, and the system can even be used for occasional terrestrial observation, such as birdwatching. With an aperture ratio of approximately f/10, it is well-suited for astrophotography.

Advanced Focusing Mechanism
The main mirror focusing system provides a wide range of focus, accommodating virtually any standard accessory. To minimize "mirror shift," two pre-loaded ball bearings are used in the focusing mechanism instead of simple bushings. High-quality materials like CNC-milled aluminum components, cast steel, and stainless steel ensure durability while keeping the weight low. This makes a heavy mount unnecessary, unlike other telescope designs.

Key Optical Features:

• Long focal length with a short OTA

• Lightweight aluminum construction

• High-quality XLT multi-coating

• Closed system for protection against turbulence and dust

• Pre-loaded ball bearings to reduce mirror shift

CGX Equatorial Mount and Tripod
Celestron’s CGX mount represents a significant evolution in German Equatorial mount design. It incorporates advancements to improve stability, ease of use, and performance for both visual observation and astrophotography.

Mount Features:

• Improved Design: Sturdier construction with quicker dampening time and better torque from enhanced motors for smoother slewing and tracking under heavy loads.

• Belt-Drive System: Reduces backlash while ensuring smooth operation under heavy loads.

• Precision Engineering: Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear minimize friction for optimal gear mesh.

• Internal Cabling: Power input and accessory ports remain stationary during slewing to prevent cable snags. Hard stops on both axes prevent cable tension or tripod strikes.

• Sensors: Home sensors ensure accurate starting positions after power resets, while limit sensors automatically stop slewing or tracking before reaching hard stops.

• Adjustable EQ Head: Optimizes center of gravity over the tripod with a latitude range of 3°–65°.

Tripod Features:

• 2-inch steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling

• Accessory tray accommodates eyepieces, smartphones, or other tools

• Collapsible legs with tray installed for fast setup and transport

Electronics:
The CGX mount includes advanced electronics designed for modern astrophotography setups:

• NexStar+ hand control with USB port

• Two AUX ports compatible with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module (sold separately)

• USB 2.0 port for PC connection with included software

• Autoguider port and PPEC-ready system

• Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector

• Internal Real-Time Clock to save time and location data

Enhanced Design Goals:
The CGX mount was designed for greater stability, better drive systems, improved polar alignment adjustments, and superior cable management. Its ergonomic improvements make it easier to use and transport while supporting a wide range of telescopes.

Control Software (PWI Telescope Control):
Developed in partnership with PlaneWave Instruments, PWI software unlocks the full precision of CGX mounts:

• PointXP Mount Modeling allows numerous reference stars for maximum alignment accuracy. This accommodates alignment errors such as device deflection to improve GoTo precision.

• Sky Viewer Star Chart offers an intuitive interface to locate astronomical objects easily. The extensive object database connects to SIMBAD’s online database for additional targets.

PWI software runs on Windows 7, 8, and 10 systems.

Specifications:

Optics:
Type: Reflector (Schmidt-Cassegrain)
Aperture: 203 mm (8 inches)
Focal Length: 2032 mm (f/10)

Mount:
Type: CGX Equatorial Mount with GoTo control (40,000-object database)
Load Capacity: 25 kg

Tripod:
Material: Steel (2-inch legs)

Included Accessories:
1.25" eyepiece (25 mm), star diagonal (90°), 6x30 finder scope, Losmandy-style prism rail, two 5 kg counterweights

This system is ideal for beginners and advanced users alike who are interested in planetary observation or astrophotography!