Slightly used: iOptron GEM45 German Equatorial Mount head without tripod without counterweight

iOptron GEM45 German Equatorial Mount head

Innovative ideas applied to a time tested design, result in the iOptron® GEM45 next generation German equatorial mounts. A sharp looking CNC body is the first indicator the GEM45 is a top quality mount in both form and function.

Utilizing experiences gained during development of iOptron´s CEM series, they were able to remove unnecessary bulk giving the GEM45 an incredible 2.8 payload to mount weight ratio. This compact 15.8lb mount can precisely GOTO an object and track with up to 45 lbs of gear onboard.

Helpfully eqipped

With its integrated electronic polar scope (iPolarTM), polar alignment is a snap, even when the pole star is obscured.

Large levers on the quick-lock drive engagement system make it easy to snap its drive gears into place even when wearing gloves.

There is little chance of your cables getting snagged with the GEM45´s internal advanced cable management system.

A new, patent pending Universal Self-Centering Saddle (USCS) accommodates Losmandy and Vixen style dovetail plates.

GEM45 mounts utilize reliable stepper motor drive systems with iOptron´s low power consumption technology.

A 212,000+ object library with star identification, GPS, Wi-Fi (requires optional iStarFi adapter) are a few of the desirable features standard on a GEM45 mount.

Features

German equatorial mount with innovative features

Ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography

Maximum payload of 45 lbs (20 kg) with the mount weight of only 15.8 lbs (7.2 kg)

Easy to use quick-lock gear clutches

Integrated iPolarTM electronic polar finder

Low periodic error (< ± 7 arc seconds)

Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC)

Precision stepper motor for precise GOTO and accurate tracking

Go2Nova® 8407+ controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology and built-in heater

Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port

32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)

USB communication port

Cable management system

New, patent-pending iOptron universal saddle

All metal, CNC machined with red/black anodized

Optional WiFi for mount control via SmartPhone/Tablet/Computer

Downloads

The manufacturer has manuals, software and drivers available for download, you can get them here.

Original report of our customer Karsten Gaulke

Dear Mr. Ransburg

If you read a bit across the relevant forums, the skepticism about Ioptron mounts is quite high, especially because of the missing clamps and the gear switches. One user wrote: "Such mounts require a responsible user". I can confirm this after two nights. But if you balance the mount perfectly, it will also work perfectly with the Newtonian ONTC 808/Moonlite focuser + TS guide scope (324 mm focal length) and the Lacerta MGEN 2, even in gusty winds. I especially like the "Sync to Target" function, because it allows to improve the alignment continuously, even with deep-sky objects. The motors run very quietly and the interaction between the guider and the mount went smoothly right away. All in all a significant improvement over my old NEQ6 Pro, which I had used for 10 years. The weight advantage of the GEM45 is surely great for the mobile user, for me in my garden observatory it is not important


The photo of IC 1340 (part of the Veil Nebula) was taken shortly before bad weather (resolution 6 arcseconds!) started. Actually I just wanted to test the equipment and the workflow. Exposure time: 16 x 180 s, no darks, no flats, 100 bias frames. Processed with Pixinsight.



You are welcome to publish the report on your site, as well as the image, although there are certainly better ones and the positioning of the object also leaves a lot to be desired.

Thanks to your team for the always good advice!

Best regards

Karsten Gaulke

(Witzenhausen-Gertenbach)

Safety informations: PDF Download