iOptron CEM120 Center-Balanced Equatorial GoTo Mount (Mount Head Only)

This model of the CEM120 is engineered with a tracking error of less than ±3.5 arcsec, with a Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) system to train out this intrinsic error over time to improve tracking and GoTo accuracy. In addition to improving astrophotography/imaging results, the extended tracking accuracy makes long-term observation of specific objects or areas of interest easier.

Included with the mount is the Go2Nova 8407v2 controller. This handheld computer guider has a database of over 350,000 objects and is flash updatable from the iOptron website with firmware updates that increase its accuracy and add celestial objects. The database includes the planets, galaxies, star clusters, quasars, and nebulae as well as seven astronomical catalogs including Messier and NGC IC. It also has stars, comets, asteroids, and constellations, and can store user-defined objects to easily find and go to favorites. The mount has nine slew speeds up to 4° &/second and can be manually controlled for quick observations. Adding to its ease of use, iOptron outfitted the mount with a 32-channel GPS receiver that sends highly accurate location coordinates, date, and time information automatically to the hand controller for more precise setup. The CEM120 also comes with built-in WiFi and LAN interfaces to make wireless or wired remote control fast and easy.

Mount

• Motorized and computer-guided equatorial mount
• Innovative design puts the payload weight on the mount`s center of gravity for greater stability and better counter-balancing
• 115 lb payload capacity, excluding counterweight
• Large spring-loaded 17.2` Losmandy saddle is designed to carry large and heavy OTAs
• Track objects below the horizon line when observing from an elevated position
• Declination shaft doesn`t obstruct optional alignment scope when installed for faster and easier polar alignment
• Manual clutches on both right ascension (RA) and declination (dec) axes for fast and easy movement by hand
• Integrated 32-channel GPS receiver communicates information to the Go2Nova controller
• Built-in WiFi and LAN antennae for wireless or wired remote operation
• ST-4 autoguiding port to interface with optional autoguiding computer software for improved long-duration tracking
• Automatic meridian flip allows for better long-duration tracking
• Advanced cable management system has multiple identical-use ports to reduce cable wrap and limit obstruction
• 22 lb counterweight and stainless steel shaft included
• 9.1 x 8.3` (23 x 21cm) mount base size
• Mount only; tripod or pier required for proper use

• Utilizes a primary connection panel on the mount base
• Secondary port panel on the back of the dovetail saddle moves with the OTA while slewing and tracking for accessory communication and power without cable wrap

Primary Panel:

• Mount on/off switch
• 12 VDC mount power-in port
• Hand controller port
• RS232 serial port for mount computer control/firmware update
• USB port for computer control
• LAN network port
• WiFi and GPS antennae mini coaxial connectors

• Four USB 2.0 type A unpowered communication-only ports for accessories
• ST-4 autoguiding port
• DIN-422 auxiliary output port
• iPort for compatible iOptron accessories like electronic focusers
• Powered USB 3.0 port connected to USB port on primary panel
• 5 VDC 1A output port for powered accessories

Motors and Gears

• Permanent Periodic Error Correction allows user to train out intrinsic tracking errors to improve GoTo and tracking accuracy over time; ±3.5 arcsec tracking error
• Precise 128 micro-step stepper motors allow accurate tracking without vibration
• 0.07 arcsec motor resolution
• 216mm, 360 teeth, zero backlash RA and dec worm wheels
• 80mm, steel RA and dec axles
• 125mm RA and dec bearings
• 110-240 VAC power adapter included; consumption: 0.7A tracking only, 1.8A using GoTo

• User-friendly menu-driven interface
• 350,000+ object database includes planets, stars, constellations, and seven complete astronomical catalogs
• Multiple tracking rates including lunar, solar, sidereal, and King`s; programmable custom user-defined speed
• Nine selectable slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x, 4° &/sec (max)
• Multiple alignment assistance methods: Solar System Align, One-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment, Three-Star Alignment, Polar Iterate Align
• Pole Star Position function displays the position of Polaris (Northern) or Sigma Octantis (Southern)
• Enter specific RA and dec coordinates of objects for immediate GoTo
• Identify function allows user to center a star and the database will match it to a known star
• Programmable anti-backlash adjustment for smoother tracking
• Updatable firmware through built-in serial port
• 8-line, 21-character/line, red-light backlit LCD screen
• Integrated red reading/task light on back
• Built-in heater for larger operating temperature range
• Powered by mount for ease of use and to reduce weight

Database Details:

• Solar system: 9 objects including Moon, Sun, planets
• 92 popular deep-sky objects with their common names
• Messier Catalog: Consists of all 110 Messier objects
• NGC Catalog: Consists of 7840 objects
• IC Catalog: Consists of 5386 objects
• PGC Catalog: Consists of 73,197 objects
• Caldwell Catalog: Consists of 109 objects
• Abell Catalog: Consists of 4076 objects
• Herschel Catalog: Consists of 400 objects
• 259 stars with their common names
• 208 double/multi stars
• HIP catalog consists of 120,404 records
• 15 comets
• 116 asteroids
• 88 modern constellations
• Up to 73 user-defined comets, and/or up to 64 stars