Celestron Advanced VX 9.25" SCT
The Advanced VX (AVX) sets a benchmark in the realm of mid-level telescopes, incorporating many of the features found in Celestron's most sophisticated German equatorial mounts while maintaining an exceptionally affordable price point. The Advanced VX 9.25” Schmidt Cassegrain telescope caters to both imagers and visual observers, offering enhanced capabilities. Its 9.25” optical tube provides 33% more light-gathering capacity than an 8” telescope, and the Schmidt-Cassegrain design effectively eliminates chromatic aberration, rendering it an excellent choice for those new to astroimaging. Notably, each individual component of this telescope, including the optical tube and tripod, weighs no more than 20 lb, facilitating easy transport and assembly by a single person. The Advanced VX mount is engineered to deliver superior performance, harnessing Celestron's cutting-edge technologies. These include All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC). For experienced imagers, the portability of this mount allows for seamless setup in remote dark sky locations, offering the conveniences typically associated with larger observatory mounts. Conversely, newcomers to imaging will find the Advanced VX an ideal starting point for their journey, catering to their evolving needs over the years. Computerized German Equatorial Mount: The Advanced VX stands as the smallest within Celestron’s German equatorial mount lineup, yet it boasts impressive capabilities. Its computerized GoTo functionality automatically tracks celestial objects as they traverse the night sky. The mount is equipped with ports for a hand control, an autoguider, and two AUX ports for optional accessories. The NexStar+ hand control ensures quick access to all mount functions, simplifying operation for astronomers of all proficiency levels. Featuring automatic slewing and intuitive menu descriptions, mastery of this mount can be achieved in just a few observing sessions. Additionally, the Advanced VX comes with an impressive tripod that outperforms others in its class, boasting 2” diameter steel tripod legs, providing added stability. Payload Capacity: The Advanced VX supports a substantial payload capacity of 30 lb, making it a reliable platform for various Advanced VX optical tubes. This capacity remains robust even when supplementary accessories such as StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, or a camera are attached. It is important to note that Celestron's payload capacity specification does not encompass the weight of counterweights. Dual Saddle Plate: Commencing in early 2019, Advanced VX mounts feature a dual saddle plate that accommodates both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetail bars. The transition between these two saddle plates is straightforward, enabling compatibility with an extensive range of optical tubes that fall within the Advanced VX’s weight limit. The mount is compatible with Vixen format dovetails of 100mm or longer; however, it is not compatible with Losmandy D format plates, irrespective of the plate manufacturer. Software: Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software: Included with all current Celestron computerized telescopes, Celestron PWI (CPWI) represents an advanced astronomy software suite co-developed with PlaneWave Instruments. CPWI offers a comprehensive solution, equipping users with features akin to those employed on observatory-class telescopes. Features include a graphical planetarium interface, PointXP advanced mount modeling for precise alignment and tracking with the ability to add over 100 points to your alignment model, and compatibility with remote observatory setups. The software allows for the saving and reloading of alignment settings and facilitates telescope control via third-party ASCOM applications. Starry Night Software: With your purchase, you receive a complimentary download of Celestron’s Starry Night Special Edition Software, a sophisticated tool developed by Simulation Curriculum. This software furnishes comprehensive information about celestial objects and assists in planning observing or imaging sessions. Furthermore, it offers the convenience of telescope control through your computer interface. Specifications OPTICAL TUBE INFO: Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain Aperture: 235mm (9.25") Focal Length: 2350mm (93") Focal Ratio: f/10 Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (.98") Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 94x Finderscope: 6x30 Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal Optical Tube: Aluminum Highest Useful Magnification: 555x Lowest Useful Magnification: 34x Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 14.4 Resolution (Rayleigh): .59 arc seconds Resolution (Dawes): .49 arc seconds Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 1127x Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 85mm (3.35") Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 36% Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 13% Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT Optical Tube Length: 559mm (22") Optical Tube Diameter: 271.78mm (10.7") Optical Tube Weight: 20 lbs (9.07 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: 2 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 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: 79 lbs (35.83 kg) Included Items: Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripodAccessory Tray2 x 12 lbs counterweightsNexStar+ 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 MANUALS: Advanced VX Manual NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics Manual SOFTWARE & FIRMWARE: CPWI Software Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) Software NexRemote Telescope Control Software Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool) DRAWINGS: 9.25" Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly Dimensional Drawing Advanced VX 9.25" Schmidt-Cassegrain Dimensional Drawing OTHER PRODUCT FILES: SCT & EdgeHD Collimation Guide How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video Solar Safety Warning What are the Sizes of Collimation Screws Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control Troubleshooting Guide