How does the CPC Deluxe 800 HD perform on Jupiter or Saturn?
The CPC Deluxe 800 HD is an excellent planetary telescope. Its long 2032mm focal length provides high magnification with standard eyepieces, allowing you to easily resolve features like Jupiter's Great Red Spot, cloud bands, and the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings. The 0.57 arc second Dawes resolution limit is well-suited for capturing fine planetary detail.
What's the advantage of the CPC Deluxe 800 HD's EdgeHD optics for viewing globular clusters like M13?
For a dense object like the Hercules Cluster (M13), EdgeHD optics provide a significant advantage. A standard Schmidt-Cassegrain can exhibit coma at the edge of the field, causing stars to appear elongated. The EdgeHD design in the CPC Deluxe 800 HD corrects for this, ensuring that stars remain sharp, pinpoint objects all the way to the edge of the eyepiece's view, making the cluster appear more resolved and three-dimensional.
Is the 61 lb total weight of the CPC Deluxe 800 HD manageable for one person to set up?
Yes, for most people. The system breaks down into two main components: the 19 lb tripod and the 42 lb optical tube/mount assembly. While 42 lbs is substantial, the integrated carrying handles on the fork arms make it easier to lift and place onto the tripod. It is designed for portability and can be assembled by one person without assistance.
Do I need an optional wedge for astrophotography with the CPC Deluxe 800 HD?
It depends on your goals. For short exposures of the Moon and planets, no wedge is needed. For long-exposure deep-sky imaging of nebulae and galaxies, a wedge is required to convert the mount to equatorial tracking. This eliminates the field rotation inherent in alt-azimuth mounts, preventing stars from trailing in your images.
What does the internal GPS on the CPC Deluxe 800 HD do?
The internal 16-channel GPS automatically detects the telescope's precise location (latitude and longitude) and the current time. This information is fed directly to the NexStar+ hand control, simplifying the initial setup and making the SkyAlign procedure faster and more accurate, as you do not have to manually enter this data.
Can I control the CPC Deluxe 800 HD with my phone or computer?
Yes. The NexStar+ hand control has a USB 2.0 port for direct connection to a PC, allowing control via the included Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software. To control it wirelessly with a smartphone or tablet, you can add the optional SkyPortal WiFi Module, which connects to one of the two available AUX ports on the mount.
