iOptron HEM44A GoTo Mount with iPolar and Encoder up to 20 kg

iOPtron HEM44EC with iPolar and Encoder - a revolutionary hybrid strain wave drive mount

These light weight, high payload mount will deliver an astronomy experience like never before. Imagine a mount head weighing in at 6.2 kg with a payload capability 20 kg, without needing a cumbersome counterweight or shaft. Applying iOptron´s multi-decade experience creating precision mounts, the HEM44 brings this 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 mount is designed for equatorial use only), the HEM44 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).

An HEM44 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.

Precision encoder on the RA axis
The HEM44EC features a high precision RA axis encoder that delivers incredible tracking accuracy, enough that many will choose to image "sans" guiding.

iPolar, the electronic polar finder.
The mount features the iPolar integrated electronic polar finder scope. The polar finder ensures accurate alignment of a telescope even when Polaris is obscured.

Weight only 6.2 kg
Although the carrying capacity is 20 kg, the mount weighs only 6.2 kg. It is very compact and easy to transport. The lighter the mount is, the more often it will be used.

No counterweights required
No counterweights are required even when fully loaded. This is especially convenient for mobile observing.

Balancing unnecessary
Mounts with worm gear drives are sensitive to balance. The HEM44, on the other hand, does not need to be rebalanced when you change cameras, for example.

Astrophotography with the HEM44
Mounts from iOptron equipped with the Harmonic Drive system are only suitable for astrophotography when autoguiding is used. The autoguider corrects the periodic error of the mount that would otherwise be visible on the image. Of course, the HEM44 has the ST-4 autoguiding connector. However, with the HEM44EC, guiding may not be necessary at lower focal lengths.

Strain Wave Gear (Harmonic Drive)
Instead of worm gears, a new type of reducer called strain wave gear (harmonic drive) is used. Almost no backlash and no maintenance is required. As it is widely used in industrial robots, it is very durable.



HEM and HAE mounts do not have GPS, but they do have WiFi:
The mount does not have a GPS module. The location information can be easily synchronized with Commander Lite for iOS or AOS.

When designing the HEM and HAE series, iOptron judged between WiFi and GPS, and chose WiFi instead of GPS. When Commander or Commander Lite is in use (WiFi version ASCOM), a GPS module is unnecessary; you can simply transfer the GPS information from a smartphone to the mount/hand controller. There are no problems with lack of internet, WiFi or cell phone signals in rural areas; Commander Lite can always transfer GPS information from a smartphone to the HEM/HAE mount/hand controller.

HEM44 mounts with low latitude range (0 to 22 degree) are available via special order.

Manual

iOptron provides an English manual for this mount. You can find it here.

Safety informations: PDF Download