Building on the successes of earlier CEM mounts, the iOptron CEM70EC Equatorial GoTo Mount Head has an impressive payload capacity with a suite of hardware and software improvements that produce highly accurate alignment and tracking capabilities to make this an ideal mount for observation and astroimaging applications—even with large-aperture OTAs and large imaging systems that include filter wheels and guidescopes. Included with the mount is their iconic Go2Nova hand controller, iPolar electronic polar finder, and a hard carrying case to hold it all. You will need to supply a reliable support system for the mount head, such as iOptron's LiteRoc tripod or a permanent pier.

Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount    High Tracking Accuracy with RPEC    Go2Nova 8407+ Computer Controller    212,000+ Object Database    Built-In iPolar Electronic Polar Finder    Built-In 32-Channel GPS Unit    8" Dual-Fit Vixen & Losmandy Saddle    70-Pound Payload Capacity    Hard Case for Mount Head    Mount Only—Tripod or Pier Required

• 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 counterweight
• 70-pound payload capacity, excluding included counterweight, allows the use of larger catadioptric OTAs with imaging systems, filter wheels, and guide scopes
• 0-65° latitude; ±4° azimuth adjustment range
• Able to go -10° past the meridian when viewing from high locations like a mountain or balcony with automatic meridian flip
• 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 for accurate day, date, time, and location information
• 16" counterweight bar with massive 21-pound counterweight included for proper OTA and load balancing
• Cable management system utilizes two panels with strategically placed ports to help prevent cord wrap and snag hazards

• Real-Time Periodic Error Correction system with high-resolution encoders continuously and automatically identifies and corrects intrinsic tracking errors to constantly improve accuracy over time
• Precision tracking with less than ±0.25 arcsec error
• 128x microdivision 0.07 arcsec resolution stepper motor
• 151mm, 248-tooth right ascension (RA) and declination (dec) worm wheels with zero backlash
• 80mm RA and declination ball bearings provide smooth movement with minimal vibration
• 55mm steel RA and dec axis shafts
• RA and declination gear switches release the gears for balancing OTA
• Low-power consumption: 0.6A (tracking), 0.8A (using GoTo)
• Runs on included 12 VDC 5A power adapter

• 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 (3.5°/sec)
• 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 ASCOM-compliant 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

• Mount head only—tripod or other support system required for proper use; iOptron recommends their LiteRoc tripod or pier
• Large dual-fit 8" Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail saddle accommodates most OTAs on the market today
• Mount head weight; 30-pounds, so make sure the tripod or pier can accommodate that weight plus any accessories, filter wheels, guidesopes, or imaging systems

• Safely carry, transport, and store mount head, hand controller, and counterweight shaft
• Aluminum case with reinforced corners
• Dual latches
• Molded hinged handle
• Foam-lined lid and custom-cut foam insert prevent items from shifting

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the dove tail mounting plate included?

A: For the iOptron SkyHunter Portable EQ/AZ GoTo System with iPolar BH #IOSHEQA • MFR #SHEQA the base for the dove talpe plate is included. The dove tale plate is not.

Q: 2. Is a computer required for polar alignment and if one is needed will it work with a Mac?

A: An electronic polar scope is built into the mount and a computer is not required to use it.

Q: 3. I see earlier questions on the use of IOS i see there is an IOS app, does that work in conjunction with the polar scope?

A: The Polar Scope Align Pro App for Scope alignment & astro tools will work with Apple products like an iPhone, and iPad to to aim.

Q: 4. Can iPolar align during daytime or does it only work with a night sky?

A: It works best at night. It can be used in daylight but it is tricky and not always accurate in daylight.

Q: 5. So I bought this mount several months ago during the winter. I tried using their software to polar align (i bought the iPolar version), but was having a really difficult time doing so. The software seems to be super slow and getting an accurate lock on polaris was challenging. Does anyone have any tips?

A: I would recommend getting in touch with the Manufacturer directly for this kind of inquiry. They will be the best assistance for something like this. iOptronTel: (866) 399-4587 or (781) 569-0200 Website http://www.ioptron.com/ Email support@ioptron.com

Q: 6. Why don't you support Apple Mac?

A: My apologies I do not understand your inquiry. Can you possibly better explain your inquiry?

Q: 7. Can a Samsun Galaxy S10+ phone be used for the alignment?

A: The iOptron Skyguider Pro does not use a smart phone for alignment. It used the built in polar alignment scope.

Q: 8. It says head and mount only, does that mean the counterwieght, bag and cable is not included?

A: This is what is listed as Ïn the Box" Padded Carrying Bag Counterweight Shaft 3-pound Counterweight Declination Mounting Bracket Micro-USB Battery Charging Cable Limited 1-Year Warranty Limited 90-Day Warranty on Battery

Q: 9. 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).

Q: 10. Do I need special software for southern atmosphere?

A: The iOptron SkyGuider Pro works in both the northern and southern hemispheres. There is no extra software needed.