iOptron GEM28 Overview
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1Description
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2Mount
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3Motors and Gears
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4Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller
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5Hard Carrying Case
With a head design and precise synchronous belt transmission that improve tracking accuracy with reduced vibration, the iOptron GEM28 GoTo EQ Mount makes an ideal mount for your astronomy and astrophotography needs when using small to medium refractors, reflectors, or Cassegrain optical tubes. Its combination of powerful computer hand controller, iPolar electronic alignment scope, and integrated Wi-Fi module, will enable you to spend less time aligning your mount and more time enjoying the wonders of the universe. In addition to the mount head, you also get a solid, yet stable, stainless steel tripod to support your gear and a hard carrying case for the mount head and accessories like the hand controller.
Mount
- Ideal for small to medium sized refractors, reflectors, and Cassegrain optical tubes
- German equatorial configuration provides smooth and accurate single axis celestial tracking for observation and astrophotography
- <±10 arcsec of periodic error that can be trained out over time with PPEC function on hand controller
- 28-pound payload capacity, excluding included counterweight
- 10-70° 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 Wi-Fi module allows you to control the mount via smartphones running controller app
- 3.8" Vixen-style dovetail saddle
- Retractable counterweight bar prevents hitting the tripod or otherwise interfering with the mount's movement; 10-pound counterweight included
- 1.5" stainless steel adjustable-height tripod with leg-spreader / accessory tray
Motors and Gears
- Synchronous belt transmission improves tracking accuracy, with reduced vibration, especially with heavy loads
- Less than ±10 arcsec periodic tracking error
- 1.8° stepper motor with 128x microdivision
- 88mm, 144-tooth right ascension (RA) and declination (dec) aluminum worm wheels with zero backlash
- 55mm RA and declination ball bearings provide smooth movement with minimal vibration
- 35mm steel RA and dec axis shafts
- RA and declination gear switches release the gears for balancing OTA
- 0.17 arcsec 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 8409 Hand Controller
- 212,000-object database includes the moon, sun, planets, stars, comets, asteroids, and constellations
- Multiple assisted alignment procedures use the iPolar electronic polar finder
- Slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x, MAX (6°/sec)
- Permanent periodic error correction (PEC) eliminates tracking errors for long-exposure astrophotography
- Automatic tracking rate based on the selected object being tracked
- ASCOM-compatible computer control with planetarium software via integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
- Serial port for firmware upgrade
- Adjustable key and display brightness
- 8-line/21-character LCD screen; backlit 19-button user interface
Hard Carrying Case
- Holds mount head, hand controller, and accessories
- Custom-cut foam interior holds contents secure and prevents them from shifting or knocking together
- Foam lid insert provides complete protection for delicate gear
- Lightweight and durable aluminum exterior protects against impacts
- Reinforced edges and corners
- Dual locking lever latches
- Hard hinged carry handle
In the Box
- iOptron GEM28 GoTo EQ Mount with Tripod & Hard Carry Case
- Hard Mount Head Carrying Case
- 1.5" Stainless Steel Tripod
- iPolar Electronic Polar Scope
- Go2Nova 8409 Controller
- Counterweight Shaft
- 10 lb Counterweight
- 110-240 VAC Power Adapter
- Limited 2-Year Warranty
Table of Contents
- Description
- Mount
- Motors and Gears
- Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller
- Hard Carrying Case
iOptron GEM28 Specs
Mount
Mount Type |
Motorized; German Equatorial |
GoTo Capability |
Yes, Go2Nova 8409 |
Payload Capacity |
28 lb / 12.7 kg (without Counterweight) |
Motor |
Dual Axis |
Tracking Rates |
King, Lunar, Sidereal, Solar, User |
Altitude Adjustment |
12° |
Latitude Adjustment |
70° |
Counterweight |
1 x 10.0 lb / 4.5 kg |
Polar Axis Scope |
Yes (Included) |
Tripod
Leg Diameter |
1.5" / 3.8 cm |
Leg Sections |
2 |
Environmental
Operating Temperature |
14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C |
General
Power Source |
AC Adapter (Included) |
DC Input Power |
12 VDC |
Mounting |
To Optical Tube Assembly: Vixen-Type Saddle |
GPS |
No |
Wi-Fi |
Yes (Built In) |
Materials |
Steel (Tripod) |
Dimensions |
Not Specified by Manufacturer |
Weight |
10 lb / 4.5 kg (Mount) 11 lb / 5 kg (Tripod) |
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