Review for Celestron CG-5 Computerized German Equatorial Mount 91518

Author: johal {!} , Amateur astronomer, I like being outside at night, from Wickenburg, AZ on Jun 7, 2010
Pros:  Very Sturdy, Easy to use
Cons:  None found yet
Would recommend:  yes

johal wrote:

I wanted the CG5 for a 4" refractor. I was expecting something shaky and was pleased to find a pretty sturdy GOTO mount. My refractor weighs 6 lbs. This mount is rated for 30 lbs of instrument and 33 lbs of weights. Read the manual several times to learn about features. If you have any experience with computorized mounts, this one is a snap to learn. The one tricky thing I found was that upon power up, you needed to push the undo button to get to the setup location menu when prompted to do a 2 star alignment, (the default screen that comes up upon power on) I used a GPS to get my location, or you can pick a major city if you live near one. add time and date, and then align the scope. When I first set it up, I was extreme about aligning it with the pole so that the GOTO would be accurate. I needn't have worried as by the 3rd use, I just set it up pointing closely at polaris and did a 2 star alignment with 3 calibrate stars and it put every object chosen into my eyepiece at about 50X. It does make a bit of noise when it slews, but it isn't too bad. I also removed all the plastic motor covers and lubed the gears which were almost dry. I used lubriplate 105 which is a recommended lite grease for most motorized mounts. I am going to try my C11 optical tube on this mount. As it weighs about 27 lbs, put in your heaviest eyepiece, finderscopes etc. on and then carefully balance the mount as suggested. I will be interested in seeing the pointing accuracy with a higher power scope. The first time I used this mount, it slewed off course a few times, that may have been due to low voltage on my power pack, as the last 2 times of use have had no repeat of that problem. Although I haven't loaded this mount up to its' maximum, I would certainly recommend it as a good choice. Lastly, the price & free shipping from Optics Planet beat a HIGHLY known name by about $75.00