The freedom from bulky counterweights and shafts is finally here!

Discover the HEM44 and HEM44EC, the latest revolutionary mounts with hybrid strain wave technology from iOptron. These compact and lightweight titans with a medium load capacity will offer an unprecedented astronomical experience. Imagine a mount head weighing only 6.2 kg with a load capacity of 20 kg, without the need for bulky counterweights or shafts. Thanks to decades of iOptron's experience in creating precision mounts, the HEM44 embodies this vision.

Using cutting-edge strain wave technology for right ascension (RA) motion combined with a play-free drive design for declination (DEC), the HEM44 provides unmatched weight-to-load efficiency. Its fully CNC machined body in black anodized metal is not only aesthetic but also a robust platform that will perform at the highest level for many years. Unique features such as the electronic brake and position memory allow the mount to safely stop and resume a GoTo rotation or continue tracking even after a sudden power loss (no need for realignment).

A HEM44 mount can be controlled by a computer via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC or a third-party INDI driver for MacOS software; a smartphone/tablet via iOptron Commander Lite or an application like SkySafari; or a Raspberry Pi device via an INDI driver.

The HEM44EC is equipped with a high-precision encoder on the RA axis that offers incredible tracking accuracy, sufficient for many to choose to do imaging without guiding.

The HEM44 mounts with a low latitude range (0~50 degrees) are available upon special order.

Features:

• Advanced strain wave drive technology
• Load capacity of 20 kg (44 lbs) with a mount weight of 6.2 kg (13.65 lbs)
• CNC machining
• Unique brake for safely stopping in case of planned or unplanned power interruptions
• Gear period of 270 seconds
• Go2Nova® controller with a database of ~212,000 objects
• iPolar electronic polar finder for easy and precise polar alignment
• Cable management system, no dangling external cables on moving parts
• Dual saddle (Vixen and Losmandy-D styles)
• Integrated zero position search and location
• Position and location memory after power off
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Integrated Wi-Fi (via manual controller)
• USB port for firmware updates and computer control
• Aluminum transport case
• Two-year warranty

Technical Specifications:

• Mount Type: Hybrid strain wave equatorial mount
• RA Gear System: StrainWave
• DEC Gear System: Play-free worm gear/belt system
• RA Reduction Ratio: 640:1
• Load Capacity without Counterweight: 20 kg (44 lbs)
• Mount Weight: 5.9 kg (13 lbs) without dovetail saddle, 6.2 kg (13.65 lbs) with dovetail saddle
• Load Capacity with Counterweight: 25 kg (55 lbs)
• Period: 270 seconds
• Drive Motor: Stepper motor
• Structure Material: All metal, CNC machined
• Exterior Finish: Black anodized
• Latitude Adjustment Range: 15º ~ 65º
• Azimuth Adjustment Range: ± 6º
• Polar Finder: iPolar electronic polar finder
• Level Indicator: Bubble level
• Control System: GOTONOVA/Commander
• Manual Controller: Go2Nova® 8409 with a database of ~212,000 objects
• Tracking: Automatic
• Maximum Rotation Speed: 4.5º/sec
• Power Consumption: 0.6A (Tracking), 1.2A (GOTO)
• Power Supply: DC12V-5A (DC plug 5.5/2.5mm)
• Power Adapter: 100V ~ 240V (included, indoor use only)
• Cable: No mobile/wound cable
• Cable Management: 2X12V (4A max.), 1X USB2.0
• Power Cut-Off Brake: Electronic brake
• Stop Memory: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Integrated
• Communication Port: Yes (Wi-Fi and USB, via manual controller)
• Autoguiding Port: Yes (ST-4 compatible)
• Firmware Update: Yes
• Dovetail Saddle: Vixen & Losmandy
• Tripod: Optional
• Counterweight Shaft: SS Φ20X200mm, M16 threading (Optional)
• Counterweights: 4.5 kg (10 lbs) (Optional)
• Operating Temperature: -20ºC ~ 40ºC (manual controller -10ºC ~ 40ºC)