GEM28

iOptron

GEM28

Regular price
$ 1,348.00
Sale price
$ 1,348.00
Unit price
per 

This item is out of stock but you can place an order now and we’ll ship when it becomes available.

Description

Introducing iOptron’s new compact next-generation German equatorial mounts the GEM28!

Like their predecessors, the GEM28 is designed with portability in mind, weighing in at only 10 lbs it can support up to a 28lb payload an incredible 2.8 mount weight to payload ratio. We achieved this using design methods developed to reduce mount mass in our CEM family of mounts. The German EQ versions were created to satisfy consumer that prefer a more traditional mount and to function at higher latitudes.

Building on the legacy of earlier GEM models we have added features for convenience and functionality. A positive lock gear engagement system (easy to use even when wearing gloves), Built-in Wi-Fi enabling unparallel connectivity and recordable permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) to repeat optimal PEC training sessions. Regarding functionality the GEM28 delivers precise pointing and accurate tracking. The GEM28 sets the new standard for compact German equatorial goto mounts.

The GEM28 is equipped with the latest advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO technology, making it one of the most powerful and accurate GOTO mounts available. The 212,000 object library ensures you’ll never run out of targets to see or image. The Go2Nova® Hand Controller is intuitive to use and its large 4-line LCD screen simplifies the process of setting telescopes and locating objects.

The GEM28 mount has an optional integrated electronic polar finder scope known as the iPolar. This tool ensures the accurate alignment of a telescope, even when the pole star is obscured. It is available with an optional LiteRoc heavy duty stainless steel tripod and an optional aluminum carrying case

Features

  • German equatorial design, latitude range of 10° ~ 70°
  • Ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography
  • Low periodic error (< ± 10 arc seconds)
  • Payload of 12.7 kg (28 lbs) with the mount-only weight of 4.5 kg (10 lbs)
  • CNC machined and cast metal body
  • Spring loaded gear system
  • Large easy to use quick-lock gear clutches
  • Stepper motor with low power consumption
  • Optional Integrated iOptron iPolarTM electronic polar scope
  • Polar alignment routine for those who can’t see the Pole Star
  • Go2Nova® 8409 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology
  • Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
  • Optional Standard LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod w/ vibration suppression pads (7.5kg)
  • Die-cast metal tripod spreader with accessory tray
  • Optional Hard carrying case
  • Optional 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
  • Optional iGuiderTM autoguiding system (#3360)


Specifications

Mount German Equatorial Mount
Payload * 28 lbs (12.7kg), exclude counterweight
Mount weight 10 lbs (4.5kg)
Payload/Mount weight 2.80
Structure Material All metal, Casting + CNC machined
Exterior Finish Powder coating
Periodic error (PE) ** <±10 arcsec
PEC Yes, Permanent PEC
Worm period 600 sec
Right Ascension worm wheel Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Declination worm wheel Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Right Ascension axis shaft Φ35mm steel
Declination axis shaft Φ35mm steel
Right Ascension bearing Φ55mm ball bearing
Declination bearing Φ55mm ball bearing
Worm gears Φ15.2mm, Brass
Motor drive 1.8º stepper motor, 128X microdivision
Resolution 0.17 arc seconds
Transmission Synchronous belt
Latitude adjustment range 10º ~ 70º
Azimuth adjustment range ± 6º
Polar Scope AccuAlign TM optical polar scope
Level indicator Level bubble
Hand Controller Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database
Tracking Automatic
Slew speed 1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(6º/sec)
Power consumption 0.6A(Tracking), 0.9A(GOTO)
Power requirement 12V DC, 5A
AC adapter 100V ~ 240V (included)
Power-down memory Yes
Wi-Fi Built-in
Communication port Yes (Wi-Fi and USB)
Autoguide port Yes (ST-4 compatible)
Firmware upgrade Yes
PC computer control Yes (ASCOM)
Counterweight shaft Φ20X200mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Shaft extension Φ20X120mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Counterweight 10 lbs (4.5kg)
Tripod LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod w/ vibration suppression pads (7.5kg)
Dovetail saddle 3.8" Vixen-style, center adjustable
Carrying case Optional
GPS Optional external 32-channel GPS
Autoguiding Optional external iGuider 1
Operation temperature -10ºC ~ 40ºC
Warranty Two year limited

* OTA size and length dependent, smaller than 6" in diameter recommended
** Measured with encoder on bench, 10 minutes

Personal Upgrade Path

Buy risk-free: When it’s time to trade up you’ll get the most value for your used gear.