The Celestron CGX-L GoTo mechanism does everything the Celestron CGX does, but the CGX-L is designed to move larger telescopes with even more precision, making it a safe choice for those looking for a mechanism with even more power and a good use for serious astrophotography.
With the respectable 5 cm thick steel legs of the smaller CGX, the Celestron CGX-L GoTo mechanic has 7 cm thick steel legs. This is needed for the heavier weight of the sturdy mechanics head for excellent stability The redesigned eyepiece tray has space for three 1.25" and two 2" eyepieces, plus a standard smartphone or other accessory. Well-designed handles on the Celestron CGX-L GoTo head help ensure secure, non-slip portability. Thanks to the ball-bearing shafts, periodic error is very low, which can be almost completely eliminated by driving through the built-in autoguide port. Astrophotographers will appreciate the very fine corrections (up to 0.25x stellar speed) that can be made, as well as the possibility of a teachable periodic error correction (PEC). The built-in ribbed belt drive and the increased pulley diameter of 144 mm also help to minimize periodic error.
The NexStar handheld controller allows a maximum motion speed of 5 degrees/second. Its database stores data on more than 45,000 objects, any of which can be accessed with the push of a few buttons. It also supports communication with a computer, so it can be controlled from a PC, and last but not least, it can be connected to a GPS receiver, which makes it as easy as possible to train the mechanics.
Accurate pole positioning is almost essential for astrophotography. The All-Star algorithm of the NexStar handheld controller ensures more accurate pole alignment than even pole telescopes, even when the Polaris is not visible. The CGX-L GoTo, unlike other mechanisms, takes care to ensure that the tube of its telescope does not get stuck in the mechanism during tracking. Its load capacity is 34 kg, which makes it recommended for use with Newton telescopes up to 30 cm, SC/MC systems up to 35 cm and 18 cm lens telescopes! The steel legs are increased by 270 mm long stabilizing rods.
In addition to receiving Vixen standard prism rails, the mechanics head is also capable of receiving Losmandy prism rail mounted tubes.