With a head design and precise synchronous belt transmission that improve tracking accuracy with reduced vibration, the iOptron CEM26EC GoTo EQ Mount Tripod Hard Casegets an electronics & encoder upgrade compared to the standard CEM26 mount's that brings periodic tracking error down to less than 0.3 arcsec with a Real-Time Periodic Error Correction (RPEC) system. These design features and upgrades makes this mount an ideal for your astronomy and astrophotography needs when using small to medium refractors, reflectors, or Cassegrain optical tubes. In addition to the mount head & computer hand controller, 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.

Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount    High Tracking Accuracy with RPEC    Go2Nova 8409 Computer Controller    Multiple Assisted Alignment Procedures    Built-In Wi-Fi Module    Built-In iPolar Electronic Polar Finder    Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle    26-Pound Payload Capacity    Hard Case for Mount Head & Accessories    1.5" Stainless Steel Tripod with Tray

• 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
• Center-balanced "Z" design places weight over the mount's center of gravity to provide greater stability, smoother movement, and quieter running while requiring less counterweight
• <±10 arcsec of periodic error that can be trained out over time with PEC function on hand controller
• 26-pound payload capacity, excluding included counterweight
• 0-60° latitude; ±6° azimuth adjustment range
• Conventional AccuAlign illuminated polar scope
• 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

• Real-Time Periodic Error Correction system with high-resolution encoders continuously and automatically identifies and corrects intrinsic tracking errors to constantly improve accuracy over time
• Less than ±0.3 arcsec periodic tracking error
• Synchronous belt transmission improves tracking accuracy, with reduced vibration, especially with heavy loads
• 1.8° stepper motor with 128x microdivision
• 88mm, 144-tooth right ascension (RA) and declination (dec) 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 (200 pulse/sec) motor resolution
• Low-power consumption: 0.5A (tracking), 0.8A (using GoTo)
• Runs on included 12 VDC 5A power adapter; plugs into a standard 110-240 VAC North American outlet

• 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 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

• 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

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How is polar alignment accomplished?

A: Alignment options: One or Two-star, Solar system, Quick, and Last

Q: 2. Are the motors tucked in this version?

A: The motor and gears of the Losmandy G-11 GFT are internal.

Q: 3. Does it have automatic alignment similar to "Level and Go" in iOptron AZ Mount Pro ? I just want to push the button, and it aligns itself, without the need to hunt for the three bright stars.

A: iOptron has released new firmware correcting the tracking and guiding issues. They are currently making new control board for those who suffered from slew speed slow down due to a chip zapping. New boards should be available in 3 weeks.

Q: 4. Can I use a second camera to counterbalance the first?

A: The iOptron SkyGuider Pro EQ Camera Mount has only one location to mount a camera.

Q: 5. Does this have the latest one piece spring loaded worm block?

A: Yes all of the G11 goto mounts now have the tucked version of the motors, one piece worm and spring loaded worms. Here is a great reference Spread Sheet: http://losmandy.com/files/collateral/Losmandy_G11G_datasheet.pdf

Q: 6. Has anyone used this with heavy equipment such as a Nikon D750 and 200-500 f5.6 lens? Combined this setup would weigh 7lb (with tripod mount), which is under the 11lb load rating of the mount. However I'm after the experience of someone who's actually used similar, heavy equipment with this mount, to understand if it still tracks well and is up to the task.

A: I used it with a Nikon D800 and the 200-500 f5.6 lens (with a 1.4x teleconverter) during the solar eclipse last year with no issues. I can't really comment on actual tracking accuracy with this setup, since my daytime polar alignment was far from perfect. It did seem to track reasonably well, but due to my poor polar alignment I had to make periodic adjustments.

Q: 7. can I attach a Celestron Evolution 6" to this mount?

A: Yes, you can

Q: 8. I have a standard camera tripod dovetail plate at hand, do I need anything else to attach my camera to this mount?

A: Yes as long as it's a standard Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle that is all you need.

Q: 9. Is the battery replaceable?

A: Yes it is user replaceable. Here is a link to the replacement battery: https://bhpho.to/33qO9Rg

Q: 10. My tripod does not have a leveling base. Could I mount this tracker on top of my ball head to get it level or does this tracker need to mount directly to the tripod and therefore requires adjusting leg length to be level?

A: The Model has a 3/8"-16 socket, so you would need an Adapter to reverse it to a 1/4"-20. I don't recommend doing this, and the weight could be top heavy. I would recommend just mounting this onto the Legs only.