When do I need this 17 lb Celestron counterweight?
You should upgrade to the 17 lb counterweight when your telescope and accessories (camera, guide scope, filter wheel) are too heavy to be balanced by the stock weight that came with your mount. If you have to slide the original weight to the very end of the shaft and still can't achieve balance, this 17 lb weight is the necessary next step.
Is the 17 lb Celestron counterweight compatible with my Advanced VX mount?
Yes. This counterweight is fully compatible with the 19mm shaft of the Celestron Advanced VX mount, as well as the CG-5, CGEM, CGEM II, and CGX mounts.
How do I know if my telescope is properly balanced with the 17 lb counterweight?
To check for proper balance, disengage the clutches for both the Right Ascension and Declination axes. The telescope should remain stationary in any position you move it to, without drifting or swinging. If it moves on its own, you need to adjust the position of the 17 lb counterweight or the telescope's position in its cradle.
Can I use two smaller counterweights instead of one 17 lb Celestron counterweight?
Yes, you can stack multiple smaller weights. However, using a single, heavier 17 lb counterweight often allows you to achieve balance with the weight closer to the mount's central axis. This reduces the system's moment of inertia, which can lead to better autoguiding performance and responsiveness.
I have a Celestron 8" EdgeHD with a camera and guide scope on my CGEM II mount. Is one 17 lb counterweight sufficient?
For a typical Celestron 8" EdgeHD imaging setup, a single 17 lb counterweight is usually the perfect match. It should allow you to achieve balance without having to slide the weight all the way to the end of the shaft, providing stable and reliable tracking for long-exposure astrophotography.
What is the risk of using my CGX mount without enough counterweight?
An improperly balanced mount puts significant strain on the worm gears and motors, leading to premature wear and damage. It will also cause poor tracking and guiding, resulting in trailed stars in your images. Using the correct weight, like this 17 lb counterweight, is critical for the health and accuracy of your mount.
