How do I know if I need this 11 lbs Celestron counterweight?
If you've added accessories like a camera, guidescope, or heavy eyepiece to your telescope, your mount's original balance will be off. If the telescope is "heavy" on the optical tube side and requires constant motor effort to hold its position, you need to add more counterweight. This 11 lbs weight is the standard unit for achieving balance on Celestron's Advanced VX, CGEM, and CGX mounts.
Will this counterweight fit my Celestron Advanced VX mount?
Yes. This counterweight is designed specifically for the 19mm (0.74") diameter shaft used on the Celestron Advanced VX mount, as well as the CG-5, CGEM, CGEM II, and CGX mounts. It will not fit larger mounts like the CGX-L or CGE Pro.
My CGEM mount struggles to track accurately with my 9.25" SCT and a camera. Is one 11 lbs counterweight enough?
While a CGEM often ships with one counterweight, a fully loaded 9.25" SCT for imaging will almost certainly require a second 11 lbs counterweight. The goal is to achieve balance with the counterweight(s) positioned as close to the mount head as possible to reduce the moment of inertia, which improves the mount's responsiveness.
Can I stack multiple 11 lbs counterweights on the shaft?
Yes, you can add multiple counterweights to the shaft as needed. For best results and to minimize stress on the mount, try to space them out slightly rather than having them all clamped at the very end of the bar. This helps distribute the mass more effectively.
What's the difference between this Celestron 11 lbs counterweight and other models?
The key specification is the shaft diameter. This model is made for a 19mm shaft. Other counterweights, even if they weigh 11 lbs, may be designed for larger or smaller shafts and will not fit your mount. Always match the counterweight to your specific mount model, such as the Advanced VX or CGEM.
Is it better to have one heavy counterweight or two lighter ones like this 11 lbs model?
Using two 11 lbs counterweights offers more flexibility than a single, heavier one. It allows for finer balance adjustments and can reduce the total moment arm by keeping the weight closer to the RA axis. For most setups on an Advanced VX or CGEM, using one or two of these 11 lbs weights is the ideal solution.
