iOptron CEM40 Equatorial GoTo Mount with iPolar, LiteRoc Tripod, Hard Case

iOptron CEM40 Overview

With precision synchronous belt transmission that improves tracking accuracy by reducing vibration and a center-balanced design for a higher weight-to-payload ratio than traditional EQ m0unts, the iOptron CEM40 Equatorial GoTo Mount makes an ideal support for your astronomy and astrophotography needs. A payload capacity of 40 pounds and a saddle that accepts both Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail plates enables it to handle just about any optical tube assembly (OTA) and gear you have. This version of the CEM40 comes with an upgraded tripod to their LiteRoc model that offers the solid support of a 2" tripod with the portability of a smaller one for off-the-grid observation sessions and a hard carrying case for the mount head, hand controller, and accessories.

• 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
• 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

iPolar Electronic Polar Finder

• Integrated into the RA axis the same way as a traditional optical polar finder scope
• Requires a user-supplied Windows computer running downloadable software
• Works globally no Polaris (north) or Sigma Octantis (south) necessary
• Functions even if the pole stars aren't visible or the night is cloudy or suffers from light pollution
• No need to rotate the mount during alignment
• Power comes from the included 24" USB cable that tethers it to your computer
• Plug-and-play— no drivers need to be installed before your computer recognizes it

LiteRoc Tripod

• Innovative design provides the stability of a large 2" tripod, but with lighter 1.75" diameter legs
• Specially designed leg cuffs and sockets and locking levers add rigidity with less wobble when legs are fully extended
• Spreader locks legs into position to add stability and vibration suppression
• Minimum height: 30" (76.5 cm)
• Maximum height: 47" (116.8 cm)
• Weight: 15 pounds

• 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