iOptron CEM70 / CEM70G — Medium Payload Center-Balance Mounts
Following up on the success of the iOptron CEM60 center balance equatorial mount, we at iOptron are excited to introduce two new medium payload center balance mounts. The CEM70 and CEM70G are new standard bearers for equatorial mounts in the 31.8 kg payload segment. Both models are packed with advanced features; however, the CEM70G is the first of its type with an onboard optical guiding system, increasing tracking accuracy while streamlining components for a more portable imaging setup.
Retaining the inherent properties of the center balance design, these relatively compact medium payload mounts deliver what astronomers expect in an efficient, accurate, portable mount. With precise GOTO pointing and accurate tracking (PE ≤ ±3.5 arcsec) the CEM70 is a solid performer for observers and imagers alike.
Innovative operational features such as the internal iPolar electronic polar scope, easy-lock drive gear engagement (levers large enough to use with gloves), and an advanced cable-management system for the mount, iPolar, guider and camera cumulatively assure users the CEM70 and CEM70G are designed with their needs in mind.
Features
- New center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) design for maximum payload and natural stability
- Ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography
- Payload of 70 lb (31.8 kg) with mount weight of 30 lb (13.6 kg)
- Easy-to-use, reliable gear clutches
- Precision altitude and azimuth adjustment
- Precision stepper motor with 0.07 arcsec resolution for precise GOTO & accurate tracking
- iPolar™ electronic polar scope
- Go2Nova® 8407+ V2 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology and built-in heater
- High precision tracking with low periodic error (PE ≤ ±3.5 arcsec)
- Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC)
- 32-channel GPS
- USB connection
- Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
- Advanced cable management system with more choices
- Spring-loaded 8" Vixen/Losmandy dual saddle
- NEW iOptron subsidized TheSky Imaging Edition
- Supplied with an American power supply from factory
Package Contents
- Box 1 of 2: #C702A — 1× CEM70 mount head in hard case with accessories
- Box 2 of 2: #7226 — 1× 9.5 kg counterweight
*Tripod not included.
Specifications
| Mount | Center-balanced Equatorial Mount (CEM) |
|---|---|
| Payload* | 31.8 kg (70 lb), excludes counterweight |
| Mount Weight | 13.6 kg (30 lb) |
| Payload / Mount Weight Ratio | 2.33 |
| Material | All-metal construction |
| Latitude Adjustment Range | 0° – 65° |
| Azimuth Adjustment Range | ± 4° |
| Periodic Error (PE)** | < ±3.5 arcsec |
| Worm Period | 348 sec |
| PEC | PPEC |
| RA Worm Wheel | Φ151 mm, 248 teeth |
| DEC Worm Wheel | Φ151 mm, 248 teeth |
| Worm | Φ21.2 mm |
| RA Axle | Φ55 mm, steel |
| DEC Axle | Φ55 mm |
| RA Bearings | Φ80 mm |
| DEC Bearings | Φ80 mm |
| Counterweight Shaft | Φ28 × 415 mm (stainless steel, 1.9 kg) |
| Counterweight | 9.5 kg (20 lb) × 1 |
| Mount Base Size | Φ152 mm |
| Motor Drive | Precision stepper motor w/ 128 micro-step |
| Resolution | 0.07 arcsec |
| Slew Speed | Up to 3.75°/sec (900×) |
| Hand Controller | Go2Nova® 8407+, 8-line, 21-character LCD |
| Power Requirement | DC 12 V, 5 A (5.5 mm / 2.5 mm plug) |
| Power Consumption | 0.6 A (Tracking), 0.8 A (GOTO) |
| Polar Scope | Internal electronic polar scope (iPolar) |
| Meridian Treatment | Stop (0–10° pass), auto flip |
| Zero Position | Automatic zero search |
| Park Position | Horizontal, vertical, current, alt/azi input |
| Level Indicator | Yes |
| Dovetail Saddle | 8" Losmandy D & Vixen |
| GPS | Yes (32-channel) |
| Guiding Port | ST-4 |
| Communication Port | USB 2.0 |
| Cable Management | 2× DC 12 V (3 A), 3× USB 2.0, 1× DC in / 1× DC out, iPort; 1× USB input for mount & USB hub |
| Operating Temperature | −10 °C to +40 °C |
| Hard Case | Yes |
| Pier / Tripod | Optional LiteRoc tripod (8023ACC) or pier |
| Warranty | Two-year limited |
*Payload excludes counterweight.
**By encoder; typical performance may vary by setup.
Manuals & Software
- Quick Start Guide
- Instruction Manual
- iPolar Operation Manual
- Firmware & Software: Latest firmware
- iPolar Software
- FTDI VCP Driver (or visit FTDI Chip to download the VCP driver)
- iOptron Telescope ASCOM Driver: Install ASCOM Driver & Commander
