What is the main advantage of the CGEM II 1100 EdgeHD over a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain?
The primary advantage is its flat-field, aplanatic optical system. A standard SCT produces a curved focal plane, causing stars at the edge of a camera sensor to appear out of focus and misshapen (coma). The EdgeHD design corrects for both of these aberrations, producing pinpoint stars across the entire 42mm image circle, which is critical for astrophotography with modern DSLR and CCD cameras.
Is the 40 lb payload capacity of the CGEM II mount enough for the 11" EdgeHD OTA and imaging gear?
The tube weighs 28 lbs against the CGEM II's 40 lb capacity, and the mount carries SCT tubes up to 11" securely and vibration free.
How does the All-Star Polar Alignment work on the CGEM II mount?
All-Star is a software-assisted routine that allows you to achieve a precise polar alignment even if you cannot see Polaris. After performing a standard 2-star alignment, you select a bright star from the hand control's database. The telescope will slew to it, and the mount moves it to where it would be if accurately polar aligned, and you center it with the mount's altitude and azimuth adjustment knobs, not the hand control's direction buttons.
What accessories are needed to start imaging with the CGEM II 1100 EdgeHD?
To attach a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera, you will need a T-adapter and a T-ring specific to your camera model. The required back focus is 146.05mm from the rear cell thread. The optional 0.7x reducer for the 1100 (#94241) uses the same 146.05mm distance and widens the field.
What does "Fastar-compatible" mean for the CGEM II 1100 EdgeHD?
Fastar compatibility means the secondary mirror can be removed and replaced with an optional third-party lens accessory. This converts the telescope from its native f/10 focal ratio to an incredibly fast f/2 system.
How difficult is it to transport and set up the CGEM II 1100 EdgeHD?
The total kit weight is 106 lbs, and it breaks down into several manageable components for transport. The heaviest individual parts are the mount head (40 lbs), the optical tube (28 lbs), the tripod (20 lbs), and two 17 lb counterweights. The CGEM II offers the portability of the Advanced Series with the precision of the CGE.
Can I use 1.25" and 2" eyepieces with the CGEM II 1100 EdgeHD?
Yes. The telescope includes a 2" star diagonal that attaches to the rear cell, which can hold 2" eyepieces directly. A 1.25" adapter is also included, allowing you to use the more common 1.25" eyepieces as well. A 23mm eyepiece is included.
Is the CGEM II 1100 EdgeHD suitable for planetary viewing of Jupiter and Saturn?
Yes. Every EdgeHD should resolve double stars to the Dawes limit (0.42 arc seconds here), show subtle shadings in Jupiter's belts and reveal the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings on a night of good seeing, and a Barlow adds power for high-resolution planetary imaging.
What power source is required for the CGEM II 1100 EdgeHD?
The mount needs 12V DC, 3.2 amps. The included DC power cable plugs into a car's cigarette lighter outlet or a portable power supply, and a 12V AC adapter can also be used.
