iOptron CEM26 Center-Balance GoTo EQ Mount with Polar Scope, Tripod & Hard Carry Case

With a head design and precise synchronous belt transmission that improve tracking accuracy with reduced vibration, the iOptron CEM26 Center-Balance 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 a powerful computer hand controller, traditional polar alignment scope, and integrated Wi-Fi module 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, stable stainless steel tripod to support your gear and a hard carrying case for the mount head and accessories like the hand controller.

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
• Center-balanced "Z" design places weight over the mount`s center of gravity to provide greater stability, smoother movement, and quieter running while requiring less counterweight
• <±10 arcsec of periodic error that can be trained out over time with PEC function on hand controller
• 26-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 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) 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 (200 pulse/sec) motor resolution
• Low-power consumption: 0.5A (tracking), 0.8A (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 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

AccuAlign Polar Scope

• Factory installed in the altitude axis of the mount
• Helps you quickly and accurately equatorially align your mount without an external device
• Two sets of three concentric circles are clearly marked for aligning the mount on Polaris in the northern hemisphere or Sigma Octantis in the southern

Hard Carrying Case

• Holds mount head, hand controller, and accessories
• Custom-cut foam interior holds contents secure and prevents them from shifting or knocking together
• Foam lid insert provides complete protection for delicate gear
• Lightweight and durable aluminum exterior protects against impacts
• Reinforced edges and corners
• Dual locking lever latches
• Hard hinged carry handle