Celestron Advanced VX 6" Refractor

  The Celestron Advanced VX (AVX) sets a new benchmark for mid-range telescopes by incorporating features commonly found in Celestron’s more sophisticated German equatorial mounts, all at a highly competitive price point. Its 11-inch Schmidt Cassegrain optical tube not only makes it one of the most portable 11-inch scopes around but also offers 41% more light-gathering ability compared to its 9.25-inch counterpart. The optical design effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, making it an excellent entry point for astroimaging. The AVX mount comes packed with some of Celestron's most advanced tech, including All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC). So whether you're an experienced astro-imager looking for a portable solution or a newcomer, the AVX has you covered for years to come. In terms of mount features, the AVX is the most compact in Celestron’s German equatorial lineup. Its computerized GoTo system smoothly tracks celestial objects, making it user-friendly for astronomers of any level. Connectivity isn't an issue either, with ports for a hand control, autoguider, and two AUX ports for extra gadgets. Its NexStar+ hand control puts a range of functions right at your fingertips, allowing for quick mastery of the mount. Additionally, the 2-inch diameter steel tripod legs provide exceptional stability. Payload Capacity The AVX mount can support up to 30 lbs, offering a robust platform for various optical tubes and additional equipment like StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, and a camera. Note that this capacity doesn’t include counterweights. Dual Saddle Plate From early 2019, the AVX features a dual saddle plate compatible with both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetails. Switching is as easy as repositioning the hand knobs. The mount is compatible with Vixen format dovetails that are 100mm or longer but does not support Losmandy D format plates. Software Offerings The AVX comes with Celestron PWI (CPWI), an advanced telescope control software suite co-developed with PlaneWave Instruments. This all-encompassing software offers functionalities commonly seen in observatory-grade telescopes. Features include: Graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modeling for ultra-precise tracking and pointing. Ideal for remote observatory setups with features like saving your alignment and parking your telescope. Full ASCOM telescope interface for third-party software integration. Moreover, your purchase includes a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software by Simulation Curriculum, which provides in-depth information about celestial bodies and helps plan your observing sessions. It also enables computer control of your telescope. Specifications Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector Aperture: 150mm (6") Focal Length: 750mm (30") Focal Ratio: f/5 Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 20mm (.8") Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 38x Finderscope: 6x30 Star Diagonal: N/A Optical Tube: Aluminum Highest Useful Magnification: 354x Lowest Useful Magnification: 21x Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.4 Resolution (Rayleigh): .93 arc seconds Resolution (Dawes): .77 arc seconds Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 459x Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 44mm (1.75") Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 30% Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 8.78% Optical Coatings: Fully Coated Optical Tube Length: 686mm (27") Optical Tube Diameter: 184.15mm (7.25") Optical Tube Weight: 10 lbs (4.54 kg) Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar MOUNT INFO: Mount Type: Computerized Equatorial Instrument load capacity: 30 lbs (13.6 kg) Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 1118mm - 1626mm (44" - 64") Tripod Leg Diameter: 50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel Latitude adjustment range: 7° - 77° Mount Head Weight: 17 lbs (7.71 kg) Accessory Tray: Yes Tripod Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg) Weight of Counterweights: 1 x 12 lbs Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Tracking Modes: EQ North and EQ South GPS: N/A Dovetail Compatibility: Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle) Number of Auxiliary Ports: 3 AUX Ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX Ports for optional accessories) Autoguide Port: Yes USB Port: Yes, input on Hand Control Power Requirements: 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive) Motor Drive: DC servo motors with encoders on both axes Alignment Procedures: 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align Periodic Error Correction: Yes Computerized Hand Control: 2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 Port for PC connection NexStar+ Database: 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App Total Kit Weight: 57 lbs (25.85 kg) Included Items: Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripodAccessory Tray1 x 12 lbs counterweightNexStar+ Hand ControlDC Power Cable (item# 18769)Hand Control Holster Solar Warning Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result. Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it. Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present. California Residents WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.   Software and Documentation Advanced VX Manual NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual   CPWI Software Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) Software NexRemote Telescope Control Software Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool)