Celestron Polar finder for CG-5/Advanced Series/CGEM mounts

$59.95

Availability: In stock

This Celestron polar alignment finder lets you line up your Celestron CG-5 German equatorial mount, Advanced Series, or CGEM mount scope precisely on either celestial pole for more accurate tracking and computerized object locating . . .
Our Product #: 3910
Celestron Product #: 94224
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Product Description

This new non-illuminated 18mm polar alignment finderscope is an option for the current Celestron CG-5, Advanced Series, and CGEM German equatorial mounts and scopes only. It contains a reticle with patterns for polar alignment in both northern and southern hemispheres. It will not work with Celestron CG-4 or Omni mounts. For a polar finder for a CG-4 or Omni mount, use our part #3912.

This new finder threads into the rear of the polar axis of your mount after removing the black ring with three chrome thumbscrews from the mount. The chrome thumbscrews were used to collimate the previous version of the finder, but were susceptible to damage in transit and use. Instead of using the three exposed chrome thumbscrews to collimate the finder with the rotation axis of the mount, this new finder uses three small setscrews in the finder body to accurately align with the axis of rotation of the scope. Their recessed location makes them essentially immune to damage or accidental miscollimation. One of the setscrews is visible, but just barely, in the close-up photo. It is located at the 12 o'clock position at the top of the finder between the eyepiece and the aluminum trim plate.

Aligning the finder to the mount's axis of rotation is a one-time procedure that takes only a few minutes and is done during the day. Full instructions are included with the finder. The finder can be left installed in the mount permanently.

Once aligned, to use the polar finder each evening thereafter in the northern hemisphere, the mount is first roughly aligned on the north celestial pole. The scope is rotated in right ascension until the stars in either Cassiopeia or the Big Dipper line up with the corresponding constellation pattern etched in the finder reticle. The mount's right ascension clutch is locked firmly so the mount can't lose its orientation on the stars. The altitude and azimuth controls are then adjusted to move the mount while looking through the polar finder until Polaris falls into a small circle etched into the reticle. When Polaris is located within the circle, the axis of rotation of the mount is aligned on the north celestial pole (not just on Polaris) with enough accuracy to permit casual long exposure guided astrophotography for the evening.

A similar procedure is used in the southern hemisphere, except that the Constellation Octans is used instead of Cassiopeia or the Big Dipper. After rotating the mount until Octans lines up with its reticle pattern, the altitude and azimuth controls are adjusted until the stars in Octans fall into the appropriate circles in the Octans reticle pattern.

Tech Details

Weight 4 oz.
Warranty 2 years

Reviews

Review by:
This PA scope works well, I would like it to be illuminated but since I am using SharpCap to PA it isn't that big of an issue. With SharpCap I just get it close and finish aligning with the software and that has worked wonderful. (Posted on 10/4/2019)
Review by:
It works, but it could be much better. The alignment screws are a PAIN to adjust. And why in the world Celestron does not make an illuminated option for this is beyond me. The reticle is next to impossible to see in the dark. Could be much much better. (Posted on 7/24/2019)
Review by:
I recently got a CGEM mount used from a guy on Craigslist and it didn't have the polar alignment scope. When I fount this alignment scope and installed it on the mount the alignment process was quite painless. It took about 10 minuets to achieve alignment and I haven't had to touch it since. A perfect fit. (Posted on 7/22/2019)
Review by:
Pro: If you are in the ballpark of seeing polaris, and it isn't too dark out yet, it is pretty easy to get a decent alignment.
Con: Since it is not illuminated, the black graphics can be pretty hard to see once it gets dark out. You'll want to have a small light with you and shine it in the opposite end at a glancing angle. For more than 2 minute exposures, you'll still definitely need to do a full polar alignment through the mount's UI. (Posted on 12/27/2018)
Review by:
Using this with my AVX mount and it enables a quick polar alignment close enough for good visual tracking. Calibration was a bit tricky and you have to be careful not to adjust the calibration screws to the point they fall into the tube, and possibly dislodge the reticle lens/cell. I did that and, of course, then you have to disassemble a bit to retrieve the screw and place the reticle back into correct position. That’s not a flaw of the scope though, just a caution from my experience, to be careful. Finally, it would be great if the scope were illuminated but I think it would cost a lot more if that were the case. (Posted on 11/26/2018)
Review by:
Bought this item for my avx. Astronomics provides excellent service (Posted on 10/6/2018)
Review by:
I bought this Polar scope to help align my C6-NGT accurately. The polar scope does not come with time marker plate. You have to change the time marker plate out with the one that is attached to the CG-5 mount. Aligning the polar scope does take some patience, but once it is done you will have a very easy time of polar aligning your mount. I gave the polar scope a 3 because if the time markers missing and the price is a bit on the high side for a scope missing something that should be included. All in all this is an essential tool and is needed for astrophotography. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
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