Description
Introducing the HEM15, the latest addition to iOptron’s revolutionary hybrid strain wave drive mounts. This light weight tiny titans will deliver an astronomy experience like never before. With a mount head weighing 5.5lbs, it can carry an 18 lbs payload without needing a counterweight. Applying iOptron’s multi-decade experience creating precision mounts, the HEM15 brings this vision to reality.
Utilizing state of the art strain wave drive technology for the RA movement in tandem with backlash-free DEC worm/belt drive design, the HEM15 delivers unparalleled weight to payload efficiency. Its black anodized all metal CNC machined body is not only appealing to the eye, it’s a rugged platform that will perform at the highest level for many years to come. Unique features such as an electronic friction break and power down memory allow the mount safely stop and resume a GoTo slew or continue tracking even after an abrupt power loss (No need to realign and start from the beginning).
A HEM15 mount can be controlled by a computer, either via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC or a third party INDI driver for a MacOS software; a SmartPhone/Tablet via iOptron Commander Lite or an App like SkySafari; or a Raspberry Pi device via INDI driver.
Features
- Advanced strain wave gear technology
- Payload capacity of 18 lbs (~8.2 kg) with the mount weight of 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
- CNC machined
- Unique friction brake to safely stop movement during a planned or unplanned power interruption
- 360 second gear period
- Go2Nova® hand controller with ~212,000 object database
- iPolar electronic polar scope for easy and accurate polar alignment
- No moving, no wrapping cable system
- Vixen dovetail saddle
- Built in zero position search and locator
- Power down position and location memory
- Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
- Built-in Wi-Fi (via hand controller)
- USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
- Soft carrying case
- Optional counterweight shaft (#P-SGP-CWS) and counterweight (#3006-05)
- Optional external iGuider for autoguiding (#3360-HEM)
- Two year warranty
Specifications
Mount | Hybrid Equatorial Mount |
RA gear system | StrainWave 14 |
DEC gear system | Backlash-free worm/belt system |
RA reduction ratio | 360 |
Payload w/o CW * | 18 lbs (8.17 kg) |
Payload with CW | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
Mount weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5kg) with dovetail saddle |
Period | 360 second |
Drive motor | Stepper motor |
Structure Material | All metal, CNC machined |
Exterior finish | Anodized black |
PEC | Yes, Permanent PEC |
Latitude adjustment range | 15º ~ 65º |
Azimuth adjustment range | ± 5º |
Polar Scope | iPolar electronic polar scope |
Level indicator | Level bubble |
Control system | GOTONOVA/Commander |
Hand Controller | Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database |
Tracking | Automatic |
Maximum slew speed | 6º/sec |
Power consumption | 0.5A(Tracking), 0.8A(GOTO) |
Power requiremention | DC12V-5A (5.5/2.5mm DC plug) |
AC adapter | 100V ~ 240V (included, indoor use only) |
Cable | No moving/wrapping |
Power off brake | Electronic friction brake |
Power-down memory | Yes |
Wi-Fi | Built-in |
Communication port | Yes (Wi-Fi and USB) |
Autoguide port | Yes (ST-4 compatible) |
Firmware upgrade | Yes |
Dovetail saddle | Vixen |
Tripod | Optional |
Operation temperature | -20ºC ~ 40ºC (hand controller -10ºC ~ 40ºC) |
Warranty | Two year limited |
* 200mm, with payload center of gravity to the RA rotation axis. Or an OTA size of ~220mm.
Buy risk-free: When it’s time to trade up you’ll get the most value for your used gear.