- 203mm Schmidt-Cassegrain OTA
- 2032mm Focal Length, f/10 Focal Ratio
- CGEM II Motorized Equatorial Mount
- NexStar+ Computer Controller
- Database of 40,000+ Objects
- Multiple Assisted Alignment Procedures
- Guided Tours and Custom Object Filters
- Backlash Compensation and PPEC
- 1.25" 25mm Eyepiece and 90° Diagonal
- 2" Adjustable Stainless Steel Tripod
OPTICAL TUBE FEATURES
- 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube assembly
- Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings
- 2032 mm focal length (f/10)
- 6x30 finderscope to help accurately center alignment objects
- Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky
- Includes large CGE style dovetail mounting bar
COMPUTERIZED MOUNT FEATURES
- 40 lbs payload capacity
- Dual-fit Vixen/CG-5 and Losmandy/CGE dovetail saddle
- 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
- USB 2.0 port on hand control for direct links to a PC via ASCOM supported software.
- 40,000 object database with over 100 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
- Internal cabling throughout for worry-free remote operation
- Low cog DC Servo motor with integrated optical encoders offer smooth, quiet operation
- Able to track past the meridian allowing seamless imaging
- Permanent periodic error corrections allow users to train out the
worm gears periodic errors once, while the mount retains the PEC
recordings.
- Software Features include: Mount Calibration, Database Filter
Limits, Hibernate, five Alignment Procedures, and user-defined slew
limits
- Built-in polar alignment program to polar align on any star in the sky
- Longer clutch levers to make tightening and loosening of clutches easier
- Custom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number
- Solar System alignment method allows to view the moon and planets during the day
- Permanent Programmable Periodic Error Correction (PEC) corrects periodic tracking errors inherent to all worm drives
- Custom Rate 9 feature allows to set maximum slew rate
- Tandem mode allows to star align the mount even when positioned for tandem scope use
- USB hand control to control the telescope via a personal computer
- Includes NexRemote telescope control software, for advanced control of telescope via computer
- Precision machined 40 mm diameter steel Polar shafts supported by multiple tapered roller bearings and ball bearings
- GPS-compatible with optional SkySync GPS Accessory
Some 40 years ago, Celestron founder - Tom Johnson - introduced the
first Celestron C8 telescope into the amateur astronomy market and began
a revolution. Now, Celestron's CGEM-II-800 takes performance to a new
level beginning with the extreme optical quality of the 8" Schmidt
Cassegrian combined with Starbright XLT coatings mounted on Celestron's
newly engineered and innovative CGEM-II mount. This new take on a tried
and true design has given the world another Celestron "classic" - one
capable of carrying the load securely and vibration free... and taking
both astro imaging and visual observing to new heights.
With a telescope capable of gathering 843X more light than the human
eye, the precise f/10 optics of the Celestron C8 SCT offer up an
incredible .57 arc seconds of resolution spread out over a 0.62 °
angular field of view. With a limiting magnitude factor of 14 and a
practical magnification limit of 480X, we're talking about a telescope
able to deliver remarkable planetary and lunar views. When sky permits,
you can expect to see details like delicate divisions in Saturn's ring
structure, details on Mars and follow Jupiter events like shadow
transits and Great Red Spot appearances with ease. Star clusters will
transform into well-resolved facets, galaxies will take on structure and
difficult double stars will yield their companions. With a low end
magnification limit of 29X, just add a wide field eyepiece, or open both
eyes wide with Celestron Stereo Binocular Viewers and enjoy panoramic
vistas of extended nebulae and sweep the heavens for every last photon!
What sets the 8" Celestron CGEM-II 11097 apart from competitor models is
simplicity and durability. The 8" CGEM-II was designed to be
ergonomically friendly with large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs
for quick and easy procedures and adjustments. The intuitive All-Star
system allows users to choose any bright star from the NexStar hand
control, while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment.
Then, just kick back and enjoy. The CGEM-II-800 database will provide
over 40,000 objects, 100 user defined programmable objects and enhanced
information on over 200 objects for your celestial viewing pleasure.
But it's more than just to "GoTo" functions which will make the
Celestron CGEM-II 800 SCT telescope one of the most worthy optical
investments you'll ever consider... It's the design qualities which
make this telescope last that count. Unlike less expensive models, the
Celestron CGEM Schmidt-Cassegrain mechanism that moves the primary
mirror to adjust focus is supported by two pre-loaded ball bearings,
minimizing the "mirror flop" typical of bushing focus mechanisms.
There's nothing to get dragged or snagged during set-up or
transportation because the RA and Dec motor wiring is all internal. The
drive incorporates a low cog DC Servo motor with integrated optical
encoders which ensure smooth, quiet operation and long life... a the
motor armatures are skewed to minimize cogging which is required for low
speed tracking. Precision machined 40mm diameter steel polar shafts are
supported by multiple tapered roller bearings and ball bearings while
the mount utilizes a steel worm gear and 90mm pitch diameter brass worm
wheel. Even a secure power plug is employed, so the mount's 12V DC 1.5
Amp power source can't be accidentally disconnected. The Celestron
CGEM-II-800 comes equipped with a car battery adapter, but you'll find
this telescope so fascinating you might just want to add a AC adapter or
Celestron Power Tank, too! Furthermore, the dual plate design allows
you to choose between the CGE-Pro or CG-5 style dovetails, meaning that
you can freely utilize a much wider range of scopes and accessories in
conjunction with this mount!
Still more? Then consider the many features that make the Celestron
CGEM-II a "gem" for astrophotography, too. It can be as simple as adding
a Celestron NexImage Solar System Imager to the CGEM-II-800, or even
just adapting a digital camera. Not only will it track well past the
meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the
sky, but the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) will allow users
to train out the worm gears periodic errors, while the mount retains
the PEC recordings. Autoguide port and auxiliary ports are conveniently
located on the electronic plate for long exposure astrophotography and
include a designated six-pin RJ-12 modular jack and ST-4 compatible
guide port. You'll find an RS-232 communication port on hand control to
control the telescope via a personal computer and NexRemote telescope
control software, for advanced control. Software features include;
mount calibration, database filter limits, hibernate, five alignment
procedures, and user-defined slew limits. What's even better is that
it's all flash upgradeable. Just connect to the Internet to update your
hand control software and motor control units. You can even add an
optional Celestron GPS unit!
The Celestron CGEM-II 800 carries on the Celestron C8 tradition of
performance, durability and value. Major colleges and universities
worldwide use Celestron telescopes in their astronomy programs and the
Celestron telescope line has been chosen over all competing models by
NASA to be taken on several space shuttle research missions. Why not add
a Celestron SkyScout to the fun? Carry on the trend started by the 2009
International Year of Astronomy with Celestron and bring that kind of
quality home to your backyard tonight...
Optical Tube Info:
|
|
Optical Design |
Schmidt-Cassegrain |
Aperture (mm) |
203.2 mm (8 in) |
Focal Length |
2032 mm (80 in) |
Focal Ratio |
10 |
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 (mm) |
25 mm (0.98 in) |
Magnification of Eyepiece 1 |
81 x |
Finderscpoe |
6x30 |
Star Diagonal |
1.35 |
Optical Tube |
Aluminum |
Highest Useful Magnification |
480 x |
Lowest Useful Magnification |
29 x |
Limiting Stellar Magnitude |
14 |
Resolution (Rayleigh) |
0.69 arc seconds |
Resolution (Dawes) |
0.57 arc seconds |
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) |
843 x |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction |
2.5 in (64 mm) |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter |
31% |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area |
9.77% |
Optical Coatings |
StarBright XLT |
Optical Tube Length |
17 in (432 mm) |
Optical Tube Weight |
12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) |
Dovetail Compatibility |
CGE Mount |
|
|
Mount Info: |
|
Mount Type |
German Equatorial Mount |
Tripod |
2” Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section |
Dovetail Mount |
Directly connects to both CG-5 & CGE dovetail bars |
Payload Capacity |
40 lbs |
Latitude Range |
15º – 70º |
Power Requirements |
12 VDC, 3.2 amps |
Ports |
1x Hand control port, 1x Auxiliary Port, 1x Auto guider port, 1 USB 2.0 port (on hand control) |
Motor Drive |
Low cog DC servo motors |
Slew Speeds |
9 slew speeds |
Tracking Rates |
Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
Tracking Modes |
EQ North and EQ South |
Alignment Procedures |
AutoAlign, 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last Alignment, Solar System Align |
Computerized Hand Control |
Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons, USB 2.0 port for PC connection |
Database |
40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects |
Mount Weight |
40 lbs |
Tripod Weight |
20 lbs |
Weight of Counterweight |
17 lbs |
Total Weight of Mount Kit |
77 lbs |
In the Box
- C8 SCT Optical Tube Assembly
- CGE-II Mount
- Heavy duty 2" Aluminum Tripod
- Accessory Tray
- NexStar Control
- PPEC (Permanent Periodic Error Compensation)
- RS-232 Port
- Software
- Star Diagonal
- 25mm Eyepiece
- 6X30 Finderscope
- Car Battery Adapter
- Cables
- Drive Motors
- Counterweight
- Dust Caps
