iOptron CEM40EC-NUC GoTo EQ Mount with LiteRoc Tripod & Hard Case

In addition to a precision synchronous belt transmission that improves tracking accuracy while reducing vibration, the iOptron CEM40EC-NUC GoTo EQ Mount gets an upgrade from the standard CEM40 mount that brings periodic tracking errors down to less than 0.25 arcsec by using high-resolution encoders and their Real-Time Periodic Error Correction (RPEC) system. The encoders and RPEC continuously monitor tracking accuracy and make any necessary corrections as soon as errors are detected. This is an invaluable upgrade for astrophotographers who practice long-exposure techniques to keep their star fields tack sharp without streaking or blurring. The mount also has a redesigned control panel and cable management system that will accept an optional Intel NUC minicomputer that will eliminate cables that would normally run to your laptop and help to avoid connection errors to control interfaces.

The CEM40EC has a payload capacity of 40 pounds and an 8" saddle that accepts both Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail plates, so it can handle just about any optical tube assembly (OTA) and gear you have. This version of the CEM40EC includes the motorized mount, the Go2Nova 8407+ computer hand controller, an upgraded tripod to their LiteRoc model, the iPolar electronic polar finder, and a hard carrying case to safely transport everything except the tripod.

NUC-Ready

• Add computer control utilizing the optional iOptron-subsidized TheSky imaging software (available for purchase and download on the iOptron website) to improve tracking, control autoguiding, and integrate imaging systems to capture thousands of images for stacking in post
• Redesigned interface panel and cable management system to accept an optional Intel NUC minicomputer
• NUC mounts directly to bottom front of the dovetail saddle that keeps it safe and out of the way
• NUC measures only about 1.5" thick, so it won't interfere with the movement of the mount and OTA
• NUC mounting adapter for dovetail included

Mount

• 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
• 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 for accurate day, date, time, and location information
• Dual-fit 6" Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail saddle accommodates most OTAs on the market today
• Retractable 11" long counterweight bar prevents hitting the tripod or otherwise interfering with the mount's movement while still providing a long adjustment range for proper balancing
• 11-pound counterweight included
• Cables are run internally to avoid cable wrap during long observation sessions and snag hazards

Motors and Gears

• 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
• 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

Go2Nova 8407+ Hand Controller

• 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)
• 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, and planets (and 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

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

Hard Case

• 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