The Advanced VX 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain (AVX 700 Mak) telescope stands out as a specialized instrument designed to deliver detailed, high-contrast views, setting a new standard for mid-level telescopes. This kit, featuring the Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube paired with the robust Advanced VX equatorial mount and tripod, offers unparalleled observations of planets and close-up views of the lunar surface, showcasing craters and maria.

Urban astronomers, in particular, will appreciate the Mak's ability to enhance contrast in celestial objects. The kit's advantage lies in its disassemblability, breaking down into separate, lightweight, and manageable pieces, making it an excellent choice for transport to dark sky sites.

Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design:

The Mak employs a catadioptric design, incorporating both a lens and a mirror. Light travels through a corrector lens to the primary mirror and then reflects off a spherical secondary mirror before reaching the eyepiece. This design produces bright, sharp images virtually free of chromatic aberration.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain design offers unique benefits, such as a "secondary spot" of reflective coating on the corrector plate, eliminating the need for frequent collimation seen in Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. The smaller secondary spot contributes to the Mak's distinctive high-contrast views. However, it's important to note that the larger, heavier Maksutov corrector plate requires more time to cool down compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture.

Advanced VX & Tripod:

The Advanced VX mount is tailored for superior performance with smaller telescopes, incorporating Celestron’s advanced technologies like All-Star Polar Alignment, PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC).

Whether you're an experienced imager seeking portability or a newcomer to imaging, the Advanced VX mount caters to your needs, providing the convenience of a larger observatory mount at dark sky sites.

Computerized German Equatorial Mount:

The Advanced VX, Celestron’s smallest German equatorial mount, features automatic GoTo capability for tracking celestial objects. It includes ports for a hand control, autoguider, and 2 AUX ports for optional accessories. The NexStar+ hand control ensures easy access to all mount functions, making it user-friendly for astronomers of all skill levels. The mount's impressive tripod, with 2”-diameter steel legs, offers enhanced stability.

Payload Capacity:

The Advanced VX boasts a payload capacity of 30 lb, providing a sturdy platform for the 7” Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube and optional accessories. Note that Celestron's payload capacity does not include the weight of counterweights.

Dual Saddle Plate:

Since early 2019, Advanced VX mounts feature a dual saddle plate accommodating both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetails. Switching between the two saddle plates is easy, allowing use not only with the 7” Mak but virtually any optical tube within the Advanced VX’s weight limit. It is compatible with Vixen format dovetails 100mm or longer but not with Losmandy D format plates, regardless of the manufacturer.

Specifications

MOUNT INFO:
Optical Deisgn:	Maksutov-Cassegrain
Aperture:	180mm (7.08")
Focal Length:	2700mm (106.3")
Focal Ratio:	f/15
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1:	28mm (1.1") 2" eyepiece
Magnification of Eyepiece 1:	96x
Finderscope:	8x50 Straight Through
Star Diagonal:	2" Star Diagonal with 1.25" adapter
Optical Tube:	Aluminum
Highest Useful Magnification:	420x
Lowest Useful Magnification:	67x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude:	13.9
Resolution (Rayleigh):	0.64 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes):	0.52 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye):	661x
Central Obstruction Diameter:	42mm (1.65") (5.45% of aperture area; 23.3% by diameter)
Optical Coatings:	StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length:	571.5mm (22.5")
Optical Tube Diameter:	222.25mm (8.75")
Optical Tube Weight:	19 lbs (8.6 kg)
Dovetail:	CGE Dovetail Bar
Mount Type:	Computerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity:	30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod):	1118mm - 1626mm (44" – 64")
Tripod Leg Diameter:	50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel
Latitude adjustment range:	7° - 77°
Mount Head Weight:	17 lbs (7.71 kg)
Accessory Tray:	Yes
Tripod Weight:	18 lbs (8.16 kg)
Weight of Counterweights:	2 x 12 lbs
Slew Speeds:	9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second
Tracking Rates:	Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes:	EQ North and EQ South
GPS:	N/A
Dovetail Compatibility:	Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle)
Number of Auxiliary Ports:	3 AUX Ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX Ports for optional accessories)
Autoguide Port:	Yes
USB Port:	Yes, input on Hand Control
Power Requirements:	12V DC 3.5A (tip positive)
Motor Drive:	DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures:	2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align
Periodic Error Correction:	Yes
Computerized Hand Control:	NexStar+ hand control with LCD display, 19 fiber-optic backlit LED buttons
NexStar+ Database:	40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software:	Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight:	75 lbs (34.02 kg)
Included Items:	Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripod Accessory Tray 2 x 12 lbs counterweight NexStar+ Hand Control DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)
Solar Warning	Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result. Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it. Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
California Residents	WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Software and Documentation


Advanced VX Manual
NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual
7" Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube Manual
CPWI Software
Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) Software
NexRemote Telescope Control Software
Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool)

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Celestron Advanced VX 7" Maksutov Cassegrain

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