Celestron CPC 1100 GPS (XLT) Computerized Telescope

11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics: 0.42 Arc Second Planetary Resolution

The heart of the CPC 1100 is its 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube, an aperture class that delivers definitive views of the solar system and deep sky. With a light-gathering power 1593 times that of the human eye, this telescope pulls in the faint spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and resolves individual stars in the Hercules Cluster (M13). The 2800mm focal length provides the image scale needed to see Cassini's Division in Saturn's rings and the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, all with a theoretical resolution of 0.42 arc seconds.

Celestron’s StarBright XLT optical coatings are applied to the corrector plate and mirrors, increasing light transmission for brighter images and higher contrast. This is a critical advantage when observing faint nebulae or hunting for low-contrast details on Mars, ensuring that the maximum amount of light collected by the 11" mirror reaches your eye.

GPS-Integrated Dual Fork Arm Mount with SkyAlign

The CPC 1100 eliminates the most tedious parts of setup with its integrated 16-channel GPS and fully computerized mount. Once powered on, the GPS automatically links and downloads the precise time, date, and location, feeding the data to the NexStar+ hand controller. From there, Celestron's SkyAlign procedure requires you to simply center any three bright celestial objects in the eyepiece, and the telescope builds its own model of the night sky.

The dual fork arm design provides a rigid, vibration-resistant platform for the 65 lb optical tube and mount head, a necessity for high-magnification viewing. With nine slew speeds topping out at 5 degrees per second, the mount can move rapidly to any object in its 40,000+ object database and track it accurately using its DC servo motors with sidereal, solar, or lunar rates.

A Portable 84 lb Observatory with Autoguider Support

Engineered for serious observation from any location, the CPC 1100 is a complete observatory that breaks down into manageable components. The total kit weight is 84 lbs, supported by a heavy-duty tripod with 2-inch diameter stainless steel legs. Ergonomic handles on the fork arms and a clever tripod attachment system simplify assembly in the dark.

For those looking to venture into astrophotography, the mount includes an autoguide port for connecting a guide camera and offers EQ North and EQ South tracking modes for use with an optional equatorial wedge. This enables longer, unguided exposures for imaging brighter deep-sky objects. The system is powered by a 12 VDC-1.5A source, making it suitable for use with portable field batteries.

CPC 1100 vs. CPC 925: The 40% Light Gathering Advantage

When choosing a large SCT, the primary comparison is often between the CPC 1100 and its smaller sibling, the CPC 925. While both share the same mount, GPS, and GoTo technology, the optical differences are significant.

• Light Gathering: The CPC 1100's 11" aperture gathers 1593x the light of the human eye, a 41% increase over the 9.25" model. This translates directly to brighter images of galaxies and nebulae, and the ability to see deeper into space.
• Resolution: The larger aperture gives the CPC 1100 a higher resolving power (0.42 arc seconds vs. 0.5 arc seconds for the 9.25"), allowing it to split closer double stars and reveal finer planetary detail under steady seeing conditions.
• Portability: The main advantage of the CPC 925 is its lower weight and smaller size, making it easier to transport and set up. The CPC 1100, at a total weight of 84 lbs, represents a step up in commitment for a significant gain in optical capability.