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 a solid, yet stable, stainless steel tripod to support your gear.

Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount    Go2Nova 8409 Computer Controller    212,000-Object Database    Multiple Assisted Alignment Procedures    Permanent Periodic Error Correction    Built-In Wi-Fi Module    Built-In iPolar Electronic Polar Finder    Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle    28-Pound Payload Capacity    1.5" Stainless Steel Tripod with Tray

• 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

• 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

• 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

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Built in wi fi. So my laptop can control the mount and not use the hand control. ??

A: According to iOptron the Built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to control the mount via smartphones running controller app. Do not know if your laptop can download apps.

Q: 2. Can it be mounted on CGEM tripod?

A: I don't think so and I don't know why you would want to. It's going to perform best as a complete design. The legs that come with it are rock solid and the it has individual bubble levels for E/W and N/S instead of one of those maddening 'central bubble' levels on my other mount.Also, if you're going to use the Gemini 2 control system, the mounting bracket for that is on the top part of the tripod legs.

Q: 3. Does this have the latest one piece spring loaded worm block?

A: Yes all of the G11 goto mounts now have the tucked version of the motors, one piece worm and spring loaded worms. Here is a great reference Spread Sheet: http://losmandy.com/files/collateral/Losmandy_G11G_datasheet.pdf

Q: 4. once polar alignment has been established can the iPolar be removed from the mount?

A: Yes, it is possible to remove the iPolar from the iOptron SkyHunter Portable EQ/AZ GoTo System with iPolar after alignment has been achieved.

Q: 5. Will this tracker work in the Southern Hemisphere?

A: I have not taken is south of the equator yet, but yes, it has a setting for the southern hemisphere and the polar alignment scope has the ring for Sigma Octanis to do a polar alignment in the southern hemisphere.

Q: 6. Can a Wimberly Quick Release Plate (P-10) be attached to the base of the iOptron to slide into a Really Right Stuff Quick Release Clamp?

A: The Base is for Vixen Style Plates only. This will not work with a Wimberly Plate.

Q: 7. I have a standard camera tripod dovetail plate at hand, do I need anything else to attach my camera to this mount?

A: Yes as long as it's a standard Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle that is all you need.

Q: 8. What does the camera mount on if the tracker attaches to the tripod? Where is the ball head used?

A: The Ball Head is used on the left hand side of the Tracker. The bottom of the Mount attaches to the Tripod.

Q: 9. Has anyone used this with heavy equipment such as a Nikon D750 and 200-500 f5.6 lens? Combined this setup would weigh 7lb (with tripod mount), which is under the 11lb load rating of the mount. However I'm after the experience of someone who's actually used similar, heavy equipment with this mount, to understand if it still tracks well and is up to the task.

A: I used it with a Nikon D800 and the 200-500 f5.6 lens (with a 1.4x teleconverter) during the solar eclipse last year with no issues. I can't really comment on actual tracking accuracy with this setup, since my daytime polar alignment was far from perfect. It did seem to track reasonably well, but due to my poor polar alignment I had to make periodic adjustments.

Q: 10. How is polar alignment accomplished?

A: Alignment options: One or Two-star, Solar system, Quick, and Last