With precision synchronous belt transmission that improves tracking accuracy with reduced vibration, the iOptron CEM40 Equatorial GoTo Mount makes an ideal mount for your astronomy and astrophotography needs. A payload capacity of 40 pounds and a saddle that accepts both Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail plates allows it to handle just about any optical tube assembly (OTA) and gear you have. This version of the CEM40 comes with a standard 1.5" stainless steel tripod that offers solid support while still being highly portable for off-the-grid observation sessions.

Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount    Go2Nova 8407+ Computer Controller    212,000+ Object Database    Multiple Assisted Alignment Procedures    Permanent Periodic Error Correction    Built-In 32-Channel GPS Unit    Built-In iPolar Electronic Polar Finder    8" Dual-Fit Vixen & Losmandy Saddle    40-Pound Payload Capacity    1.5" Stainless Steel Tripod with Tray

• German equatorial configuration provides smooth and accurate celestial tracking for observation or astrophotography
• Center-balanced "Z" design places the weight over the mount's center of gravity to provide greater stability, smoother movement, and quieter running while requiring less counterweights
• 40-pound payload capacity, excluding included counterweight
• 0-60° 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 32-channel GPS receiver transmits accurate date, location, and time to the hand controller, so when you change your position, the telescope can be set up quickly with accurate information
• Dual-fit 8" Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail saddle accommodates most OTAs on the market today
• Retractable 28mm diameter & 11" long counterweight bar prevents hitting the tripod or otherwise interfering with the mount's movement; 11-pound counterweight included

• Less than ±7 arcsec tracking error
• 1.8° stepper motor with 128x microdivision
• 110mm, 216-tooth right ascension (RA) and declination (dec) worm wheels with zero backlash
• 68mm RA and declination ball bearings provide smooth movement with minimal vibration
• 45mm steel RA and dec axis shafts
• Synchronous belt transmission improves tracking accuracy, with reduced vibration, especially with heavy loads
• RA and declination gear switches release the gears for balancing OTA
• Precise 0.08 arcsec (200 pulse/sec) 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 built-in GPS module and iPolar electronic polar finder
• Slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x, MAX (4.5°/sec)
• Permanent periodic error correction eliminates tracking errors for long-exposure astrophotography
• Tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar, King's, user-defined from 0.99x to 1.01x of Sidereal
• Star Identification function will tell user what star the mount is pointed at after proper alignment
• Computer control with planetarium software via integrated autoguiding port
• Control for optional electronic focuser
• Control optional illuminated polar scope light intensity
• Fully compatible with mount's integrated GPS module to automatically determine day, date, time, and location
• Serial port for firmware upgrade
• Adjustable key and display brightness
• Integrated heater that ensures the LCD display will work at temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C)
• 8-line/21-character LCD screen; backlit 19-button user interface

Database details:

• Solar system: 9 objects, including the sun, moon, planets (& Pluto)
• Named objects: 92 deep-sky objects with their common names
• Messier catalog: 110 objects
• NGC catalog: 7840 objects
• IC catalog: 5386 objects
• PGC catalog: 73,197 objects.
• Caldwell catalog: 109 objects
• Abell catalog: 4076 objects
• Herschel catalog: 400 objects
• Named stars: 259 stars with their common names
• Double/multi stars: 208 stars
• Hipparcos catalog: 120,404 stars
• 88 modern constellations with their names
• 15 comets
• 116 asteroids
• 60 user-defined objects, including comets

• 1.5" stainless steel, two leg sections
• Adjustable height of 25-42"
• 48" maximum leg spread
• Accessory tray with a locking leg spreader
• Spiked feet for greater stability on uneven ground
• Weight: 10 lb (5 kg)

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How do you use this mount at 6 North latitude?

A: It has a 15-70° latitude adjustment range. Observers at lower latitudes will prefer to leave the alignment peg between two legs to avoid the counterweight from making contact with the tripod leg when the counterweight is in the lowest part of its swing.

Q: 2. Is this the regular HEQ5 or the HEQ5 PRO?

A: This is the information from Sky-Watcher website. No mention of the word pro. https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/heq5-mount

Q: 3. Is the tripod section on this mount the same tripod as is used in the Celestron VX Advanced mount?

A: No the Celestron CGEM II Tripod that comes with the Celestron CGEM II GoTo German Equatorial Mount is not the same tripod that comes with the Celestron Advanced VX GoTo German Equatorial Mount.

Q: 4. I have a skywatcher 250 model 10 inch. With the rings cradle attached it is 32.7 pounds. Will this mount handle it?

A: Yes, the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod Kit will handle it. The mount's maximum load is 44 lb.

Q: 5. Here is my question: Is Sky-Watcher HEQ5 GoTo Equatorial Mount with Tripod compatible with Losmandy-style dovetail plate (does it have Losmandy-style saddle?)? I plan to use this mount & tripod with Sky-Watcher Evostar 150DX ED APO 150mm f/8 Refractor. Thanks!

A: The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 GoTo Equatorial Mount with Tripod BH #SKS30400K • MFR #S30400 is compatible with the Losmandy-style dovetail plate

Q: 6. Will this mount handle the SkyWatcher 300mm (i.e., 12") aperture OTA?

A: The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod Kit BH #SKEQ6RV2 • MFR #S30300 maximum payload is 44 lbs. the Sky-Watcher Quattro 300P OTA Imaging Newtonian 12" is 57 lbs.

Q: 7. Is this the newer model which includes a USB A port for direct PC connection (by passing the hand controller)?

A: This is Sky-Watcher product # s30300 as per Sky-Watcher website: https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/eq6-r-pro

Q: 8. 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: 9. Mounting plates aren't listed under accessories: what mounting plate would I need for mounting super-telephoto lenses? (And WHY are none listed under "accessories" for the EQ6-R?)

A: Your lenses will require that they have a tripod collar to attach a Explore Scientific DSLR Camera Vixen-Style Dovetail Assembly (11") BH #EXDSLRCDA • MFR #DSLRCDA They do come in different lengths.

Q: 10. What is a recommended Tripod other than the 1.75 inch carbon fiber that ioptron offers?

A: For the iOptron HAE29 GoTo Alt-Az/Equatorial Mount one needs to make sure one uses a tripod with the correct mount for the head. The iOptron Carbon Fiber Tripod (21-36.8") is the best option, BH #IO8061 (https://bhpho.to/3LtX21A).