Having the Mini PC there in a little bag good idea Pat, I might do that with my setup. I have one mount with a mini PC the other connected via a long USB cable direct to my PC. Clear skies Pat.
Nice to see your mounts looking brand new again Pat. I have just installed a mini pc for my garden rig. Makes life a lot easier. Don’t let Trevor Jones see you dismissing that handset lol
Great video Pat. I have the C14 Edge HD. I use to lift its 50 pound OTA but not anymore. I use the card table loading technique I saw on UA-cam. No energy required. BTW you can order removable handles from Far Point that attach to the upper dove tail.
Thanks Craig. My main issue is that I tore my right rotator cuff several years ago beyond repair so I have light strength from that area of my shoulders so I prefer to just leave the scope on the mount when at all possible.
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy I understand and I’m sorry. My rig is on wheels and each morning I roll it under the deck so the sprinklers can operate. I keep it covered and in the evening roll it back out to image. I do this for about week. Then I break it down and bring everything inside.
Thanks Pat. I have a similar set of scopes, mounts and set up (C11; 8" Newt astrograph: Heq6-r; heq5; mini-computer controlled through remote deskop; pegasus micro powerbox) up here in ottawa, so your videos are very useful (and enjoyable)! Doug
Pat...Another great video...enjoy seeing your finished products...FYI...ADM Accessories makes a handle that attaches to your upper D dovetail plate that will help when lifting/lowering your OTA! I have one and Anthony even changed out the knobs to Celestron Orange so it will match my scope and CGX-L mount!
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy I'm always behind on my UA-cam watching between work, astrophotography, and trying to make videos, it doesn't leave much time. I try to post a video at least weekly, but sometimes I'm a little late lol
Thanks Simon. Well, actually, once my CGEM returns from it's west coast spa, I will have 4 rigs set up. Is that too much??? What can I say, I love this hobby
Top tip - **always ** tighten the RA & Dec clutches before attempting the CGX / CGXL mount out of the boax and make sure both axis are as they would be in switch position. Thanks for this and all your vidoes! Do you mind sharing how much that service & repair costs you? Celestron certainly did a nice job by the look of it! Clear skies!!
Glad to see you have the mount back and that they made it as good as new. Bit of weight training putting those scopes on and off I see. As you are someone who is interested in weather, we are about to get hit by cyclone Fili tomorrow so I'm hoping the observatory stays in one piece 😬
Hi Logan, Wow, looks like a doozy of a storm. For some reason, I thought you lived in Australia, but I assume I am wrong as it appears you live in New Zealand. Our tropical cyclone season is about to start here. It's expected to be another active year for the North Atlantic basin. As per the mount, you might have noticed I was struggling with my right arm in lifting ... about 10 years ago, I ripped my rotator cuff on the right shoulder. When I went into surgery to have it repaired, the surgeons said it was ripped beyond repair. Hence, I don't have much strength in that shoulder for lifting upward, but I can manage.
Yes, it seems to me that NZ is MUCH more tamed and pleasant. Are you anywhere near Christchurch? I've seen some beautiful gardens from there (on TV).@@LogansAstro
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy No I am in Auckland, North Island. Yes ChCh has been nicknamed “the Garden City” for a long time although that name has lost its focus a bit because of all the terrible earthquakes down there.
Hi Dale, If there is a way, I would like to know. I wish Celestron would develop their mounts so that they could be controlled by EQMOD, but they don't. The only way I know how is to use CPWI ... which then NINA uses to communicate to the mount. NINA needs a way to communicate to the mount via a 3rd party ASCOM software. The only 3 that I know is CPWI, EQMOD, and Green Swamp Server (GSS).
HI Amy, Well, sort of. The mount will slew back to the North Celestial Pole SETTINGS after the mount has be properly polar aligned. You can move the RA and Dec axis to any point and the mount and it will know where the celestial pole is located and will go to it when you start it up.
These are great videos that you have created to educate us on the CGX. I gotta say my heartrate went up when I saw you place the huge scope on! I was curious what your backyard looked like during imaging, does the surround light get blocked with a dew shield or does one need to make a sky box to surround the scope? Thanks and clear skies!
Hi Jason, Yes, I was struggling to lift that beast ... partly because my right shoulder has a torn rotator cuff that the surgeons could not repair. I injured it about 10 years ago. As per night light, I am in a rather dark location ... Bortle 4-5. The dew shield does help with any stray light, but the filters that I use help more.
Just ordered a new CGX mount for my 10" astrograph. I am wondering? how much did the preventive maintenance cost? I always have done my own work, but perhaps this might be too much! Glen Moultrie, GA
I just cover my rig with a heavy duty cover designed for telescopes. I did send it back to the factory after about 4 years of use to get it hypertuned, but that was because the declination motor failed ... a worn out plastic washer, I believe used for insulation. That was about $400
Thank you for watching my video. I had to contact Celestron to get a return shipping permit. The turn-around wasn't too long, considering I am on the east coast, and I think they are on the west coast of America. The cost was around $350 (I think ... I don't fully rember, it might have been a bit more, but not much), but considering that mount is around $2,500, not too bad. Once they received the mount, they serviced it the next day and sent it back. I was quite pleased. I paid for shipping there, they paid for shipping back.
Thanks. That is better than the guy in Arkansas who charges close to $500 and you cover both shipping. Right now I have mine broken down (pray for it!!) and I have my little brother on standby (ex Navy ET) if it doesn't work when I get it back together, which is a distinct possibility as my training in the bomb squad (EOD in the Marine Corps) is to take it apart so that it doesn't work!@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy
Having the Mini PC there in a little bag good idea Pat, I might do that with my setup. I have one mount with a mini PC the other connected via a long USB cable direct to my PC. Clear skies Pat.
Hi Ollie,
I did cut out some slots in the bag to allow the cables in and to let any heat get out.
Nice to see your mounts looking brand new again Pat. I have just installed a mini pc for my garden rig. Makes life a lot easier. Don’t let Trevor Jones see you dismissing that handset lol
Hi Glenn,
Ha ... I really don't like those hand controllers, as you might already know. Operating through the mini-computers is soooooo much easier.
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy totally agree Pat, I ever use mine. Got 2 just sitting in a box somewhere
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy totally agree Pat, I ever use mine. Got 2 just sitting in a box somewhere
Great video Pat. I have the C14 Edge HD. I use to lift its 50 pound OTA but not anymore. I use the card table loading technique I saw on UA-cam. No energy required. BTW you can order removable handles from Far Point that attach to the upper dove tail.
Thanks Craig.
My main issue is that I tore my right rotator cuff several years ago beyond repair so I have light strength from that area of my shoulders so I prefer to just leave the scope on the mount when at all possible.
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy I understand and I’m sorry. My rig is on wheels and each morning I roll it under the deck so the sprinklers can operate. I keep it covered and in the evening roll it back out to image. I do this for about week. Then I break it down and bring everything inside.
Thanks Pat. I have a similar set of scopes, mounts and set up (C11; 8" Newt astrograph: Heq6-r; heq5; mini-computer controlled through remote deskop; pegasus micro powerbox) up here in ottawa, so your videos are very useful (and enjoyable)!
Doug
Hi Doug,
Thank you for watching my video. It looks like great minds think alike ... ha!
Pat...Another great video...enjoy seeing your finished products...FYI...ADM Accessories makes a handle that attaches to your upper D dovetail plate that will help when lifting/lowering your OTA! I have one and Anthony even changed out the knobs to Celestron Orange so it will match my scope and CGX-L mount!
That's good to know. With the permanent injury to my right shoulder (torn rotator cuff that was turn beyond repair), that could come in handy.
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy Just wanted to try and help…I saw the ding/scratch on your OTA and I don’t want you to drop that beautiful scope
Great video Pat! Glad to see you got your mount back and it's all working as intended. Also, some great galaxy shots.
Thank you, Joe.
I am also trying to catch up on my UA-cam watching. Have you posted anything lately?
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy I'm always behind on my UA-cam watching between work, astrophotography, and trying to make videos, it doesn't leave much time. I try to post a video at least weekly, but sometimes I'm a little late lol
Great video Pat, they really made a nice job of your CGX mount! Great images! Nice to see two rigs up when your other mount comes back👍
Thanks Simon.
Well, actually, once my CGEM returns from it's west coast spa, I will have 4 rigs set up. Is that too much??? What can I say, I love this hobby
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy wow, 4! You must love it😀 Looking forward to seeing all of them running together 🤣
Top tip - **always ** tighten the RA & Dec clutches before attempting the CGX / CGXL mount out of the boax and make sure both axis are as they would be in switch position.
Thanks for this and all your vidoes! Do you mind sharing how much that service & repair costs you? Celestron certainly did a nice job by the look of it! Clear skies!!
Great tip!
Glad to see you have the mount back and that they made it as good as new. Bit of weight training putting those scopes on and off I see. As you are someone who is interested in weather, we are about to get hit by cyclone Fili tomorrow so I'm hoping the observatory stays in one piece 😬
Hi Logan,
Wow, looks like a doozy of a storm. For some reason, I thought you lived in Australia, but I assume I am wrong as it appears you live in New Zealand. Our tropical cyclone season is about to start here. It's expected to be another active year for the North Atlantic basin.
As per the mount, you might have noticed I was struggling with my right arm in lifting ... about 10 years ago, I ripped my rotator cuff on the right shoulder. When I went into surgery to have it repaired, the surgeons said it was ripped beyond repair. Hence, I don't have much strength in that shoulder for lifting upward, but I can manage.
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy ouch! - well you manage extremely well. My rotator cuffs are intact and I still struggle with my 10 inch.
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy and yes, I’m in NZ. Australia is way too dangerous - all the wild life there is trying to kill you 🤣🤣
Yes, it seems to me that NZ is MUCH more tamed and pleasant. Are you anywhere near Christchurch? I've seen some beautiful gardens from there (on TV).@@LogansAstro
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy No I am in Auckland, North Island. Yes ChCh has been nicknamed “the Garden City” for a long time although that name has lost its focus a bit because of all the terrible earthquakes down there.
Mr. Pat…….that’s quite a setup……now all that’s needed is a permanent housing
Structure so you don’t need to move it
That's the dream ... Someday to build an observatory
Thanx Pat for a good video! Is it possible to control the CGX with NINA and not through the CPWI?
Hi Dale,
If there is a way, I would like to know. I wish Celestron would develop their mounts so that they could be controlled by EQMOD, but they don't. The only way I know how is to use CPWI ... which then NINA uses to communicate to the mount. NINA needs a way to communicate to the mount via a 3rd party ASCOM software. The only 3 that I know is CPWI, EQMOD, and Green Swamp Server (GSS).
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy Thanx for your answer. I'm afraid you are right. Thats a pity.
Looks fantastic. What a beast! Wait did that just polar align itself???
HI Amy,
Well, sort of. The mount will slew back to the North Celestial Pole SETTINGS after the mount has be properly polar aligned. You can move the RA and Dec axis to any point and the mount and it will know where the celestial pole is located and will go to it when you start it up.
@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy ah, I did not see you adjusting any knobs so thought magic just happened.. Great video!
These are great videos that you have created to educate us on the CGX. I gotta say my heartrate went up when I saw you place the huge scope on! I was curious what your backyard looked like during imaging, does the surround light get blocked with a dew shield or does one need to make a sky box to surround the scope? Thanks and clear skies!
Hi Jason,
Yes, I was struggling to lift that beast ... partly because my right shoulder has a torn rotator cuff that the surgeons could not repair. I injured it about 10 years ago. As per night light, I am in a rather dark location ... Bortle 4-5. The dew shield does help with any stray light, but the filters that I use help more.
Just ordered a new CGX mount for my 10" astrograph. I am wondering? how much did the preventive maintenance cost? I always have done my own work, but perhaps this might be too much!
Glen
Moultrie, GA
I just cover my rig with a heavy duty cover designed for telescopes. I did send it back to the factory after about 4 years of use to get it hypertuned, but that was because the declination motor failed ... a worn out plastic washer, I believe used for insulation. That was about $400
Quick question - how much did they charge for the repair? What was the turnaround? Where did you have to send it.
Thank you for watching my video.
I had to contact Celestron to get a return shipping permit. The turn-around wasn't too long, considering I am on the east coast, and I think they are on the west coast of America. The cost was around $350 (I think ... I don't fully rember, it might have been a bit more, but not much), but considering that mount is around $2,500, not too bad. Once they received the mount, they serviced it the next day and sent it back. I was quite pleased. I paid for shipping there, they paid for shipping back.
Thanks. That is better than the guy in Arkansas who charges close to $500 and you cover both shipping. Right now I have mine broken down (pray for it!!) and I have my little brother on standby (ex Navy ET) if it doesn't work when I get it back together, which is a distinct possibility as my training in the bomb squad (EOD in the Marine Corps) is to take it apart so that it doesn't work!@@HeavenlyBackyardAstronomy
Telescope and mount look good but astro photos are unacceptable.
Thanks, John. No argument here. That video was from a year or so ago and my guiding and processing techniques have improved (greatly) since then.