Celestron Motor Drive for AstroMaster/CG-3 & PowerSeeker/CG-2

Quick Setup Guide - English

Components:

• A. Motor Drive
• B. 3/8" Allen Wrench
• C. Phillips-head Screwdriver
• D. 9V Battery
• E. CG-2 Bracket (for PowerSeeker EQ mounts)
• F. CG-3 Bracket (for AstroMaster EQ mounts, preinstalled on motor drive housing)
• G. Power Indicator
• H. Speed Rate Regulator
• I. On/Off Switch
• J. North/South Switch
• K. Mounting Screws

The motor drive runs on a single 9V alkaline battery, providing up to 40 hours of operation depending on the speed setting and ambient temperature.

Powering the Motor Drive / Attaching the Bracket

1. Remove the two cover plate thumb screws (K) from the motor drive cover plate.
2. Remove the cover plate to reveal the battery compartment.
3. Connect the battery to the wire harness inside.

Installing the Motor Drive on Your Mount

The motor drive attaches to your PowerSeeker/CG-2 or AstroMaster/CG-3 mount using a bracket and a flexible coupler that connects to the RA slow-motion shaft. Ensure the correct bracket is mounted to the motor drive.

1. On your mount, remove the RA slow-motion cable from the RA slow-motion shaft.
2. Slide the open end of the flexible motor coupler over the RA shaft. Ensure the screw on the coupler is positioned over the flat section of the shaft.
3. Tighten the coupler screw onto the flat side of the shaft using a flathead screwdriver (not included).

Bracket Installation Notes:

• The motor drive includes two mounting brackets: a PowerSeeker/CG-2 bracket and an AstroMaster/CG-3 bracket. The CG-3 bracket comes preinstalled.
• If you need the CG-2 bracket, proceed to step 4. Otherwise, proceed to step 7.
• Before installation, confirm the bracket is marked with a sticker indicating compatibility with the CG-2 mount.
• Remove existing bracket screws and nuts from the motor drive housing, keeping them safe.
• Attach the CG-2 bracket using the same bracket screws and nuts.
• Re-attach the cover plate and secure it with the cover plate thumb screws.

Attaching the Bracket to the Mount (Steps 4A, 4B, 5, 6):

• Locate the 3/8" Allen screw on the polar shaft and remove it with the included 3/8" Allen wrench. On the CG-2, it's opposite the latitude scale. On the CG-3, it's on the side of the polar housing shaft.
• Align the slotted hole on the motor bracket with the threaded hole where the Allen screw was. If necessary, pivot the RA worm shaft by rotating the connected motor drive to align the holes.
• Insert the Allen screw through the bracket and into the mount. Tighten with the 3/8" Allen wrench.

North/South Hemisphere Switch:

The motor drive includes a North/South switch (J) for use in either hemisphere.

• Set to "N" in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Set to "S" in the Southern Hemisphere.

Adjusting the Tracking Speed:

The drive features a speed rate regulator (H) to fine-tune tracking speed. This is useful for observing non-stellar objects like the Moon or Sun, which travel at slightly different rates than stars.

1. Slide the On/Off switch (I) to the "On" position. A red LED will illuminate.
2. Turn the speed rate regulator (H) clockwise to increase speed or counter-clockwise to decrease speed.

Tracking Celestial Objects with the Motor Drive

For the most accurate tracking, start by roughly polar aligning your mount using Polaris, the North Star. Polaris appears nearly fixed in the night sky, allowing your mount to track objects along one axis (RA).

How to roughly polar align:

• Find Polaris in the Little Dipper constellation.
• Point your mount's RA axis toward Polaris.

How to find the right tracking speed:

1. Select an eyepiece and insert it into the focuser.
2. Center a star near the celestial equator (around 0° declination) in your eyepiece.
3. With the drive off, observe the star's drift direction (it will move West).
4. If using a crosshair eyepiece, align one of the lines with the drift direction.
5. Recenter the star.
6. Turn the drive on and let it track for 1-2 minutes. Check the star's position:
• If centered: speed is correct.
• If drifted West: increase speed slightly.
• If drifted East: decrease speed slightly.

Safety Instructions:

• Risk of explosion if battery is replaced with an incorrect type.
• The included battery is not rechargeable.
• Use the battery only as intended to avoid short circuits.
• Do not use a damaged battery.
• Do not store the battery in extreme temperatures.
• Remove batteries if drained or if the product will be unused for a long time.
• When replacing the battery, refer to the instruction manual and ensure correct orientation.
• Do not dispose of the battery in fire.
• Dispose of the battery according to local regulations.

Solar Warning:

Never attempt to view the sun through any telescope.

FCC Notice:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Assistance:

Contact Celestron Technical Support at celestron.com/pages/technical-support.

©2025 Celestron. Celestron and Symbol are trademarks of Celestron, LLC. All rights reserved. Celestron.com

US: Celestron, 2835 Columbia Street, Torrance, CA 90503 USA

UK: Celestron Global Ltd., Unit 2 Transigo, Gables Way, Thatcham RG19 4JZ, United Kingdom

Product design and specifications are subject to change without prior notification. This product is designed and intended for use by those 14 years of age and older.

Warranty: 2 Year

www.celestron.com/pages/warranty