How to Use a Celestron AVX Mount (with a C8 Telescope)
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- This video is an overview of the Celestron C8 telescope paired with the Celestron Advanced VX (AVX) mount for visual observation. We'll setup the telescope, do a 2 Star Align, and do a precision polar align. Finally, I'll show you how to use the mount's go-to capabilities to view deep sky objects.
110 Things to See with a Telescope:
www.amazon.com/110-Things-See...
50 Things to See with a Telescope - Kids:
www.amazon.com/50-Things-See-...
50 Things to See on the Moon:
www.amazon.com/Things-See-Moo... 
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Does your neighbor know he has the most well known chimney on RUclips?
Backlash: Gear's teeth mesh in the direction of rotation. The sides touch under pressure during the process. The space between the gears are then slightly off center to hold position. When they stop they mostly stay together, but if you reverse the direction (of the driving side) of the gear, it must recenter and then travel to the other side of the gear's face to push on that direction.
That reverse movement contributes to error (among other things).
Similar to tuning a guitar string, you always tune up to the note, never down, to keep the pressure tight at pitch.
Thank you for your practical but concise reviews!
Moving one direction (two full turns on the azmuth for instance) and moving the other direction (two full turns) will put you very near but not exactly in the same place. The difference is called hysteresis.
The fact that you’re showing the control on its own makes a huge difference, it really helps. Thanks for this video and taking the effort to do it so well explained.
JOHN, you absolutely nailed it! I'm a first-time astronomer with a shiny new C6 and AVX combo. After weeks of wading through mumbo-jumbo and my own misunderstandings, I now feel I can use and enjoy my scope. I am hugely grateful, just subscribed and will be watching for more. Best wishes to you and hugs to the kids. Bob
Thanks for the great comment, Bob!
The best video I have found for this mount. Thank you!
I've been looking for a video with the instructions on how to get my C8 (older model) set up and working, and this is the most useful one I have found so far. It explains very clearly many of the procedures that the manual is kind of vague about. I feel I'm much better prepared to get it set up correctly now and can't wait for the next clear night.
This is a really great video, very helpful. Thanks!
Thank you for a clear, detailed, and useful tutorial.
Amazing since I just got a used Celestron C8 SCT and a used AVX mount as well.
I did get it up and running (visual) last night (in spite of the clouds).
However, I look forward to redoing the process next time with your methodical process -including the polar alignment (I had done a “classic” polar alignment prior to trying two stars).
From the first Video I watched by you last year (I think it was making a C70 or C80 travel scope into a usable telescope) to now, I have enjoyed your professional, straightforward, and understandable explanations and suggestions. (At the time I had just purchased a used C70 travel scope. But I did not punch my OEM mount to test it! 😊)
Thank you again! I hope you keep making more enthusiastic and informative videos like this!
This was very helpful. Thank you for making this video.
Good job on video production as well. 👍
Thanks!
Very nice video, congrats!
You are very clear and easy to understand. Your telescope is top of the crop.
Merci
Thanks!
Just about getting ready to head out to the Oregon Star Party after Covid. Had to refresh my mind on the setup. Thanks.
Awsome video, thanks!
Great explanation.
I really enjoyed your video. I have been looking for a video that explains visual astronomy without incorporating astro astronomy. I haven’t reviewed your other videos at this time. Have full intentions. If you haven’t included more visual astronomy please do so.
Most of my videos are visual :-) thanks for the kind note!
Great and informative video, many thanks for this.
Thanks!
My Celestron EdgeHD 8" and AVX mount is due to arrive in a few hours. This must be the 10th time I've watched this video. Thanks for a detailed explanation on setting up and aligning the telescope. I'm located just above the equator (Polaris is typically barely above the horizon) so I'm not entirely sure how alignment will work.
What a great location! I bet there is a forum for best practices for alignment on the equator. There are several ways to polar align for when you can’t see the pole, debatable which method is best.
Thanks great!!!
I recently got this mount used. Can't wait to do some EAA with it. I know that may be cheating but with my skies if I want to see something other then a very faint smudge I feel this is the way to go and I can share images of what I see. Love your 110 things book. Will be getting you moon one soon. Clear skies
Clear skies to you too!
Really impressive editing
Thanks! That may have been when Halley was helping us edit. She’s a pro.
Great video, purchased your 110 book.
Thanks, Jon!
Thanks!
So this would be a good first glass scope/mount combo? I'm in a 10" dumb dobsonian with some decent lenses now. And craving something with goto. And great video!
Hi, I’m thinking of getting a van conversion when I retire, and seeing as I’ll be able to get away to darker skies, I’m exploring options. This setup (haven’t figured out which C8 variant to get yet, but like the mount for getting more observing in) is what I decided on. It has both the aperture and focal length I want in a compact, portable package. Finding and tracking stars automatically at consumer prices is kind of mind boggling to me.
By the way, in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I was a C-130 navigator. This was before GPS, so we still did celestial navigation. You’d do a ‘precomp’ using three stars at night, about 120 degrees apart and look up the expected azimuth and elevation for each shot (accounting for plane movement and other factors). There’s more to it, but I’m finally at the stage of my life where I’ll enjoy gazing at the stars instead of using them for work!
Anyway, I’m really glad I stumbled upon your video, as I just preordered the spiral bound version of your 110 Things to See With a Telescope. It looks like a fantastic way to get started, thanks!
I won’t retire for 2 or 3 more years, so I’ll use that time to get used to the telescope and mount in my light polluted suburban landscape.
Was there a celestial navigation sphere in the herc?
@@LearnToStargaze No, the sextant had a tube with the optics that went through a hole made for it in the roof of the cockpit. You can see one by googling C-130 sextant.
Thankyou for all this clearly presented useful info. Im currently considering this mount and scope (probably 8 edge hd, or maybe even 9.25) to progress from my starter setup of skywatcher 150 explorer (newtonian) on basic eq3 mount. This will help me decide wether to make the investment or not (£2.3k UK), for visual use first, learning the sky, maybe photos later. I have also learned what a reducer is, and that book looks very useful too. Now im off to look for images from this scope to help me decide.
Make sure you check out the hyperstar images as well, since these telescopes can image at F2 if you remove the secondary mirror.
Sir, what is your opinion on GSO Profesional Dobsonian 8", Is it good for planetary & deep sky viewing
Cool mount! For precise polar alignment, does Polaris itself need to visible from the observing position (not behind a tree, like in my backyard)?
A related question is, does precise polar alignment work in the Southern Hemisphere, where there is no obvious star near the celestial pole?
No, you do not need to see the North Star. Yes, it works in the Southern Hemisphere (I actually learned this from someone living in Australia.)
Very helpful video. Thank you! Question: I'm an absolute beginner here (for AP and star-watching). Is it possible to buy a Celestron NexStar 8SE with a motorized altazimuth mount and then, later, place the scope on an EQ mount like the one in this video (for greater stability and flexibility)?
Yes! You can place the telescope on any mount. The brackets are standardized.
Should you polar align before you do the 2 star alignment because you’re physically moving the mount? Great video, its good to see someone finally explaining this telescope with this mount lol
Thanks! Yes, but sometimes it helps to star align before and after polar align for whatever reason.
I’m looking at a Celestron Nexstar 6SE and Evolution 6. Would the Celestron Advanced VX Schmidt-Cassegrain be more versatile for future growth if I want to try to venture into some photography since the optics are the same for these three models? The Advaned VX is the same price range of the Evo 6. I’m new to the hobby and looking to buy my first telescope. Had a refractor when I was a teenager so I’m not a completely newbie and have been looking at this telescope design because I’m retired and travel full time in a motorhome in the US so storage space is at a premium. I can store the tripod in the basement (under floor) storage and the optical tube inside the living area. I would have to disassemble the telescope after every session. I was first keen on the 6 Se but started looking at the EVO 6. Then saw your video and found the 6” available on the VX mount. Even if I don’t get into complicated photography would the VX mount be preferable over the EVO mount or SE mount. The best pro of the SE 6 is it would be easier to store in the motorhome. What are the dimensions of the VX mount when folded up? What size tripod bag would best to store? Thanks
Hi! The trend in astrophotography these days is smaller mounts, and wider fields. An SCT like the 6SE / Evolution 6 etc, it extremely challenging for astrophotography. Most people would have a separate scope for photography. That said, the AVX, and Evolution are quite large for a small SCT like the 6. You could probably get a reasonably sized mount like the Star Adventurer GTi which is designed for astrophotography. It could also hold a 6 inch SCT for visual observations. This mount is FAR more portable than the AVX. For astrophotography, you could start with a little sharpstar telescope on this same mount.
Nice video, regarding the polar alignment, I noticed you left it until the end. Was not supposed to be done as you step outside before the 2 stars alignment?
If I recall, the mount requires a two star align to get started (this only takes a few seconds). Of course you do a rough polar alignment when you set up the telescope, point it generally north, etc.
I have just purchased your 110 objects and am enjoying it and your videos. I live in Vancouver and have dabbled in Astronomy for a long time more off than on and have an 80mm f6 refractor with an alt azimuth mount and only do visual star gazing and would like to get a red head lamp like you use and am having trouble picking one out could you please help?
I did get started with binoculars and still use them a lot and my favourite set are Kowa YF30-6 , they are 6X30 which gives an extremely good wide view.
Glad you enjoy the book! This is almost identical to the one I use: www.amazon.ca/BRIGHTEST-LED-Headlamp-Comfortable-Rechargable/dp/B00OR7H8AM
@@LearnToStargaze thank you it’s what I am looking for.
One question, John. If I'm feeling like going for max alignment precision tonight, can I do the Polar Align as my first procedure, rather than last? Also, just received my copy of "110 Things" and it's excellent. I made a few edits. I added dots of coffee at appropriate pages for Winter Targets. Bob
That’s a good experiment. I’ve found the precision alignment with the hand controller hit or miss. Sometimes I’ve had to repeat the process a few times before I’m happy with it. It’s been a while since I’ve used that mount though.
Hello, in your opinion is this scope and mount better than 9.25 nexstar evolution? I am only visual. Thanks.
I’d get the evolution. It’s much more portable, and you’ll appreciate the internal battery and cell-phone connectivity.
Hi John, Thanks for this very informative Video! I am debating between NexStar Evolution mount and this mount. Evolution can be used in a manual fashion (by loosening the clutches, one can use move alt and az to manually locate an object and observe). I saw you move the AVX manually in the above video. Was it to mainly align only? How about observation? Let us say in case we run out of power or no access to power etc., How easy is it to observe thru AVX with only manual control ? Thanks - Muru
I’d say each telescope would be equally difficult to move manually. The challenge is the long focal length. You’d have to be constantly moving adjusting the scope even after you’d found your target.
@@LearnToStargazeI see what you are saying. Makes sense because of high magnification. Thanks John
What kind of dovetail bar is that on the c8?
It looks like the standard size. This one came with it, but I’ve bought similar ones on B&H photo for about $20.
Hi ,can this carry an 8 inch newtonian,plus zi counteweights,camera,findea?
Yes, I have. For visual astronomy. I wouldn’t want to attach a Newtonian and a camera, though I believe some people have.
Hi John. I just purchased a new AVX mount to use with my 8" Celestron Evolution telescope instead of the NexStar Alt/Az mount that came with the telescope.
I really appreciate this video as it explains the setup and alignment process better than the user manual! I do have one question though, why wouldn't you do the Polar Alignment before the 2-star alignment? At every Star Party I've been to, everyone is doing their polar alignment even before they put the tube on the mount. Seems like that would be the first alignment you would want to do to get better tracking right from the start. Please forgive my ignorance as I'm new to astronomy and wanting to delve into astrophotography at some point. Just trying to simplify an already steep learning curve! Thanks!
Hi! There is a rough polar alignment, which you need for the mount to function, and a fine polar alignment that helps with more accurate tracking. Rough polar alignment is done by getting the North Star centered in the hole in the RA axis (this can be improved with a polar scope that slides into this hole). If I remember correctly, the AVX uses the view though the eyepiece, and a known star, for the fine polar alignment.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks John, I appreciate the quick reply. I'm sure that I'll get everything figured out with practice.
Hope I can purchase a AVX mount somewhere in SouthEast Asia. Tried looking in Ebay but its quite expensive.
Try B&H photo early next year (they’re probably out of stock now). They ship worldwide.
Q. I have the AVX with 8in Newt when the two-star alignment it suggests stars to my west but that view is obstructed so my view is all of north and to the east but It doesn't suggest as an example Betelgeuse
Yeah, I have a similar issue. I often do a dummy alignment (just pretend it’s pointed at the right spot) and then replace the alignment stars.
Have you used the sky portal dongle and app for alignment on this yet?
I have not! It’s been very cloudy here. I’ll be sure to try soon.
@@LearnToStargaze thanks, I have not seen one video review on the AVX Mount using Sky portal
I am going to be buying a 10 Celestron Dobsonian. Later on I want to buy a proper mount. Will this particular mount handle the 10 inch Newtonian scope from my dob.
No, it won’t. And it’s not common to mount a Dobsonian. Better to get a telescope designed to be mounted.
@@LearnToStargaze This 10 inch dob is also available in a mountable system two clamps and a track is all that needs to be added
another youtuber stated that you do the polar align first and then the star alignment. does it matter?
I’ll have to test that! Thank figure the telescope needs to know where it is before polar alignment (via software) but I could be wrong. Obviously you need to do a rough polar alignment before you do star alignment, which is good enough for visual observation.
Backlash is when the ALL threaded rod it goes in one direction and then you you reverse it and it goes back you have a little slack in there so one way the thread is pushing forward and then you hit reverse Makes a partial turn before it starts actually going backwards. You commonly feel this when you’re driving a car return a little bit to the left a little bit to the right and there’s a little slack in between ….. That is backlash.
Have you had any issues with it? I bought mines 3 months ago but i havent used it yet but i tested it and it works good. Some people say that they have backlash and issues with it which makes me really scared. Do you have any More tips to prevent backlash and any other issues? Thanks
It’s a great mount for visual astronomy. I only had issues when I tried to do astrophotography. The mount would slowly walk away from the target.
@@LearnToStargazeI have the new version of this mount. Which means it has improved optics. This mount is meant for astrophotography And people say it is normal for a mount to have tracking problems. What I'd do is re align everything and re balance the telescope.
Hey if its 11 aclock at night wouldn’t you put 23:00? Because otherwise how will it know if your in the am pm?
Correct.
if you run out of ideas the C8 comes with 1.25 plossls in another video you discussed setting it up with a 2" magnifier but glossed over it with little detail. I am 65 years old and have a slight cataract issue and I am looking for something of a fix as I am too close to Philadelphia, so we take the scope to other areas. Please discuss your conversation to 2"
This would be a great topic for our next Q&A video. Basically, I bought a 2 inch visual-back, and used a two inch diagonal from another scope and that was it.
How good are the avx mounts motors?
did you get any issue in tracking ,slewing or any other?
as I am looking forward to buy it
Yes, I had guiding issues with astrophotography, not sure what the cause was, could have been the ASIair. I since upgraded to the EQ6-R pro for astrophotography.
@@veerastro7969 I don’t remember. Just that this mount was great for visual, but not so great for astrophotography.
@@veerastro7969 Can you not order them on Amazon? For example: www.amazon.com/Things-See-Small-Telescope-Hindi/dp/1523815795
@@veerastro7969 Pretty much any thing in that books can be seen with any telescope. No need to list equipment. A "how to" guide was included in the beginning. Note that this book is very old. The newer versions are in English, and are of a much higher quality.
What should I buy nexstar or avx please help me
Avx if you can afford it and don’t mind the extra weight. The AVX is very capable and can be used for astrophotography.
@@LearnToStargaze with the AVX, do you have to do this entire setup you showed on this video every single time you want to observe the night sky? or do you do this once?
I know alignment you have to do each time but with the pad, but all the other stuff you did with AVX do we have to do all that each time? i hope not, i want to buy this setup but wanted to ask this question first, thanks for all your hard work brother! We really appreciate you Sir
@@Humble452 if you move the mount, you need to redo the alignment.
I have 2 of your books
Nice! Which ones?
You do know that the AVX does not need to do a polar alignment on Polaris?
You do not need an osteopath to look up the polar scope tube.
It wants to be roughly level but does not need to be perfect.
It does need to be approximately pointed in the direction of true north. Just eyeing up Polaris over the scope is suitable, if is is visible, (or Southern Cross if ...).
It does need the pointer pointed at your latitude, approx.
It does need the clock set to the right time and date, and your lat and lon. This is important.
You run the basic star alignment so the mount knows roughly where it is. Then you dive into the menu and select Polar Align, it will goto to a star you select from a list. Preferably one on the meridian. It knows where that star should be. Follow the instructions, you will turn the big knobs to bring the star to the centre. (Read the manual). You will need to repeat star alignment now it is polar aligned.
Yes to all points. Except I haven’t found the polar align feature to be particularly accurate.
@@LearnToStargaze I find it very accurate. It gets more accurate after the second star alignment, and then repeating polar align on another star (and another star align). The clock and location must be spot-on.
Done manually it might take a long time and be boring.
But then I do use a StarSense to do the Auto-Align, it is very quick, then the Polar, then Auto-align again. You have to do the second alignment after moving the alt-az knobs. When you do the polar again you probably only have to move the az (east-west) a little bit. You can check up the polar tube scope, it gets better each time you run it (assuming you're in the same location). The StarSense can do the equivalent of the two-star in about 20 seconds on a good night (if it is behaving*). Then calibration points (if I have time). It does remember calibrations and gets more accurate every time you use it. During the night the StarSense will occasionally pop in another star alignment to check itself, nb it is not a tracking tool. The time and custom location must be correct (not nearest city), phone GPS.
The compass is not needed (except for you) as the metal and motors will send the thing potty anyway. At 51+ºN looking up the tube is nigh-on physically impossible without a r/a. In any case the tube will set the mount, a camera/lens may be offset slightly.
* StarSense - I have the StarSense mounted to the side of the AVX head so I can change OTA without disturbing it. I can also mount it (mini-vixen) on the remnants of the Alt-Az 130SLT (very quick, very light, and good for moon with camera/lens, not much else), StarSense can support multiple mounts (in its handset). I already had the Celestron StarSense which influenced my choice of the AVX, there is also a Sky-Watcher flavour (and the HEQ5 may be better for imaging).
I had issues with it being out of focus and not counting stars. In consultation with Celestron Tech - to wind it out 2-turns at a time until star count was maximised (all night, lots of hot cocoa, and very boring). Celestron Tech got a similar problem to me with their kit, and there is nothing in the instruction manual about it. So we figured it out. It plate-solves, it aligns, it does not track. Its camera may want to be slightly out of focus to blob the stars, but there is no camera image output.
back lash the space between the gear teeth.
Learn your constellations and location of objects in the night sky and you can GOTO fast with your own eyes.
Yes, learning things has its advantages.
15:50 ..... really 42? XD "The meaning of life the universe and all things."
Of course! Adams did get that from the Orion Nebula designation right?
I rather dislike Daylight Savings time, first none of the Planispheres use it and Arizona doesn't plus several counties in Indiana used to not use it, but all do now. AZ's reason is quite understandable, it is cooler in the morning and I live in New Mexico, _SOUTHERN_ NM and it gives us longer cooler mornings. Then add to that the Sunsets an hour earlier so doesn't keep me up past 2300 hours or 11:00 PM to view stars. I can pack up and be in bed by midnight.
I stopped using any eyepieces and use my camera and lab top for an eyepiece. I do EAA.
That’s a fun way to do it!
More 2000€