Celestron CGEM II 925 9.25" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Product Highlights

• 235mm Schmidt-Cassegrain OTA
• 2350mm 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

• 9.25" Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly
• Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings
• 2350 mm focal length (f/10)
• 25 mm eyepiece included (94x)
• Visual back allows for use with 1.25" accessories
• 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
• 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 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes into the amateur astronomy market and began a revolution. Now, Celestron's CGEM-II-925 takes performance to a new level beginning with the extreme optical quality of the 9.25" 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 1127X more light than the human eye, the precise f/10 optics of the Celestron C925 SCT offer up an incredible 0.49 arc seconds of resolution spread out over a 0.53° angular field of view. With a limiting magnitude factor of 14 and a practical magnification limit of 555X, 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 34X, 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 9.25" Celestron CGEM-II apart from competitor models is simplicity and durability. The 9.25" 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-925 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-925 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-II 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-925 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-925, 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 925 carries on the Celestron 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? Celebrate the 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)	234.95 mm (9.25 in)
Focal Length	2350 mm (93 in)
Focal Ratio	10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 (mm)	25 mm (0.98 in)
Magnification of Eyepiece 1	94 x
Finderscpoe	6x30
Star Diagonal	1.25
Optical Tube	Aluminum
Highest Useful Magnification	555 x
Lowest Useful Magnification	34 x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude	14.4
Resolution (Rayleigh)	0.59 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes)	0.49 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye)	1127 x
Secondary Mirror Obstruction	3.35 in (85 mm)
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter	36%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area	13%
Optical Coatings	StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length	22 in (559 mm)
Optical Tube Weight	20 lbs. (9.07 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	1x 17 lbs, 1x 11 lbs Counterweights
Total Weight of Mount Kit	77 lbs

In the Box