iOptron CEM70EC-NUC GoTo EQ Mount with Hard Case

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.

In addition to the encoders, the mount 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 to avoid connection errors with control interfaces. 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.

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
• 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

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
• 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

Go2Nova 8407+ v2 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 (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, and 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

Mounting

• 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

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