iOptron HEM44 EC Mount iPolar: hybrid precision mount with RA encoder
The iOptron HEM44 is a hybrid equatorial mount: strain wave drive on the right ascension axis, backlash-free worm and belt drive on the declination axis. Without a counterweight, it carries 20 kg (44 lbs) in a head that remains light enough for mobile use.
The EC version measures the right-ascension axis using a high-resolution encoder and corrects the periodic error in real time. For short and medium brand point distances, you can take photos without autoguiding, silently, and unattended.
The built-in iPolar also makes polar alignment exact: together the shortest route to sharp stars.
Real-time error correction on the RA axis
The encoder continuously adjusts without PEC training or a guiding camera. For long brand point distances, the ST-4 port remains available.
When combined with precise iPolar alignment, the usable unattended exposure time increases significantly.
Hybrid drive without counterweight
The combination of strain wave on RA and worm/belt on declination provides the load capacity of a harmonic drive with the refined tracking behavior of a traditional drive. A counterweight is unnecessary in most setups.
The electronic friction brake safely stops the mount during a power failure, and the power-down memory preserves position and alignment.
Complete control
The Go2Nova 8409 hand controller contains over 200,000 objects; Wi-Fi is routed through the hand controller, and computer control is possible via ASCOM, INDI, or iOptron Commander. Autoguiding via the ST-4 port and PEC correction are built-in.
The internal cable management and the dual Vixen/Losmandy-D saddle keep the photo setup tidy; the built-in zero-position finder automatically finds the starting position.
Included
- HEM44 EC mounting head with RA encoder and built-in iPolar
- Go2Nova hand controller
- Transport bag
- Power adapter and USB cable
Featured accessories
Combine the mount with the LiteRoc tripod for this class and the 15 cm MiniPier for clearance around the zenith.
For whom yes and for whom no
- ✓ Astrophotographers who want to image without guiding up to 20 kg
- ✓ Those looking for the most accurate HEM
- ✗ Who does not need the encoder: the HEM44 with iPolar is more affordable
Specifications
| Type | Hybrid EQ mount, strain wave RA plus worm/belt DEC |
| Carrying capacity | 20 kg (44 lbs), without counterweight |
| Manual | Go2Nova, over 200,000 objects |
| Friction brake | Electronic |
| Connections | WiFi, USB, ST-4 |
| Saddle | Dovetail, Vixen, and Losmandy-D |
| Tripod | Not included |
| Nutrition | 12 V DC |
| Error correction | Real-time via high-resolution RA encoder |
| Pole finder | iPolar electronic, built-in |
| PEC | Realtime |
You can find more mounts and accessories for this brand at the iOptron brand page.
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