iOptron HEM15 Hybrid SWG GoTo Mount with iPolar up to 8.17 kg

iOptron HEM15 Hybrid SWG GoTo Mount with iPolar and Case

With a mount head weighing 2.5 kg, it can carry an 8.1 kg payload without needing a counterweight.

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.

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 2.5 kg
Although the carrying capacity is about 8 kg, the mount weighs only 2.5 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 HEM15, on the other hand, does not need to be rebalanced when you change cameras, for example.

Astrophotography with the HEM15
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 HEM15 has the ST-4 autoguiding connector.

Strain Wave Gear (Harmonic Drive)
Instead of worm gears, a 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.