With a head design and precise synchronous belt transmission that improve tracking accuracy with reduced vibration, the iOptron GEM28 GoTo EQ Mount makes an ideal mount for your astronomy and astrophotography needs when using small to medium refractors, reflectors, or Cassegrain optical tubes. Its combination of powerful computer hand controller, iPolar electronic alignment scope, and integrated Wi-Fi module will enable you to spend less time aligning your mount and more time enjoying the wonders of the universe. In addition to the mount head, you also get iOptron's LiteRoc tripod that provides the stability of a 2" tripod, but with lighter 1.75" diameter legs.
Mount
- Ideal for small to medium sized refractors, reflectors, and Cassegrain optical tubes
- German equatorial configuration provides smooth and accurate single axis celestial tracking for observation and astrophotography
- <±10 arcsec of periodic error that can be trained out over time with PPEC function on hand controller
- 28-pound payload capacity, excluding included counterweight
- 10-70° latitude; ±6° azimuth adjustment range
- Integrated iPolar electronic polar finder works globally; no Polaris (north) or Sigma Octantis (south) necessary; no need to rotate the mount during alignment
- Built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to control the mount via smartphones running controller app
- 3.8" Vixen-style dovetail saddle
- Retractable counterweight bar prevents hitting the tripod or otherwise interfering with the mount's movement; 10-pound counterweight included
- 1.5" stainless steel adjustable-height tripod with leg-spreader / accessory tray
Motors and Gears
- Synchronous belt transmission improves tracking accuracy, with reduced vibration, especially with heavy loads
- Less than ±10 arcsec periodic tracking error
- 1.8° stepper motor with 128x microdivision
- 88mm, 144-tooth right ascension (RA) and declination (dec) aluminum worm wheels with zero backlash
- 55mm RA and declination ball bearings provide smooth movement with minimal vibration
- 35mm steel RA and dec axis shafts
- RA and declination gear switches release the gears for balancing OTA
- 0.17 arcsec motor resolution
- Low-power consumption: 0.6A (tracking), 0.9A (using GoTo)
- Runs on included 12 VDC 5A power adapter; plugs into a standard 110-240 VAC North American outlet
Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller
- 212,000-object database includes the moon, sun, planets, stars, comets, asteroids, and constellations
- Multiple assisted alignment procedures use the iPolar electronic polar finder
- Slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x, MAX (6°/sec)
- Permanent periodic error correction (PEC) eliminates tracking errors for long-exposure astrophotography
- Automatic tracking rate based on the selected object being tracked
- ASCOM-compatible computer control with planetarium software via integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
- Serial port for firmware upgrade
- Adjustable key and display brightness
- 8-line/21-character LCD screen; backlit 19-button user interface
LiteRoc Tripod
- Innovative design provides the stability of a large 2" tripod, but with lighter 1.75" diameter legs
- Specially designed leg cuffs and sockets and locking levers add rigidity with less wobble when legs are fully extended
- Spreader locks legs into position to add stability and vibration suppression
- Minimum height: 30" (76.5 cm)
- Maximum height: 46" (116.8 cm)
- Weight: 15 pounds