Recognizing the growing demand for an accurate and stable equatorial mount with the versatility to carry larger instruments and more complex imaging arrays, iOptron has extended its revolutionary center-balance design to the greater-than-100-pound-payload class with the iOptron CEM 120.
iOptron’s unique “center balance” design yields stability, accuracy and smooth mechanical operation, characteristics that become increasingly critical as payloads rise. The center-balance design is inherently stable due to its positioning of the center of gravity of the payload directly over the center of the pier or tripod.
The iOptron CEM 120 performance is demonstrated by its low periodic tracking error of ±3.5 arc seconds. The CEM120EC increases tracking accuracy to less than 0.15 arc second RMS. The CEM120EC2 utilizes two high resolution encoders, one on each axis. The two encoders enable the mount to perform dual axes tracking. With advanced sky modeling the CEM120EC2 accounts and adjusts for polar alignment error as well as changes in atmospheric (refractive) distortion. Fixed home sensors on each axis, allow the mount to save alignment models after power off too to be used on future nights.
Along with the stability aspect, the iOptron CEM 120 features an advanced cable management system that provides more ports in more locations preventing tangle ups and reducing the chance of fractured cables. It also includes Wi-Fi and LAN for remote operation and reliable, easy-to-use clutches on both axes.
Other features include precision azimuth and altitude adjustment with a range to latitude zero and a built-in 32-channel GPS system. The CEM120 weighs just 57 pounds (26 kilograms), yet is capable of a payload of 115 pounds (52 kilograms).
A rundown of the features includes:
– A center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload with natural stability
– Observatory class astrophotography mount ideal for both visual and astrophotographers
– Payload of 115 lbs (52 kg) with the mount weight of 57 lbs (26 kg)
– Easy to use and reliable gear clutches
– Precision altitude and azimuth adjustment.
– Precision stepper motor with 0.07 arcsec accuracy for precise GOTO and accurate tracking
– Polar alignment routine for those who can’t see the Pole Star
– Go2Nova 8407 V2 controller with Advanced Go2Nova GoTo Technology with built-in heater
– Dual high precision encoders on both RA and DEC
– High precision tracking with low periodic error (PE)<0.15 arcsec RMS
– Real time periodic error correction (RPEC)
– 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
– Built-in WiFi and LAN for remote operation
– Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
– Advanced cable management system with more choices
– Spring loaded, individual adjustable Losmandy saddle
For more information, visit iOptron.com.
And to make it easier for you to get the most extensive telescope and amateur astronomy related news, articles and reviews that are only available in the magazine pages of Astronomy Technology Today, we are offering a 1 year subscription for only $6! Or, for an even better deal, we are offering 2 years for only $9. Click here to get these deals which only will be available for a very limited time. You can also check out a free sample issue here.