CGE

after receiving the new CGE-1400 on March 7, 03 I could not use it because of cloud cover. I decided to set it up and look at some of the improvements to the mount. Lets start with the Tripod, it is basically the same tripod with the added feature of adjustable legs
aside from the adjustable legs there were anodized ends on the legs, the old tripod had hollow ends and would fill with dirt and rocks
The next change to the tripod was the spreader's threaded rod, Celestron milled away a section of the threads that allows the knob to drop down enough for the spreader to come away from the legs but still not fall off because of a few threads at the end.
The lower section of the legs are a heavy plastic with a T-Handle knob for locking the moving leg section.
The next piece to go on was the electronic base section, it basically has the same ports as the GPS 8 and 11 scopes, the mount is finished in what I believe is a charcoal gray powder coat.
The GEM was then set into the electronics base, one of the first things I noticed was in the adds for the mount it showed four RA clutch locks but it appears that Celestron did a little more thinking and changed to a single. The clutches work fantastic, even with the C-14 and a couple of 23lb weights the clutches don't slip. I went as far as unbalancing the setup slightly and the clutches did not slip and there were no motor stalls.
The new extended dovetail lock knobs are a big plus, they are very easy to grip.
The change to the RA lock down knobs is a plus also, very easy to grip over the old style aluminum knobs of the CI-700
Weight shaft is a solid Stainless Steel bar
Included were two 23lb weights
The hand controller and holder were next to go on
Then it was time for the big boy C-14 OTA, the unit came with a 2" diag, along with a new 2" 40mm EP
A fancy new orange anodized dovetail bar stands out on the bottom of the OTA
The secondary mirror is now consistent with the GPS-11 that has the plastic cover that hides the collimation screws on the front
On the side of the corrector there are nylon screws all around that center and keep centered the corrector plate.
A few test images taken with a C-14 Hyperstar and a ST-8XE/CFW8A If your interested in the Hyperstar click here