iOptron Ultra Compact GoTo Dual SWG Mount
Portable Dual Strain Wave Gear Power
The iOptron Ultra Compact GoTo Dual SWG Mount brings you the New Wave gear technology in a portable package! Featuring strain wave gear (SWG) on both axes, you'll be able to bring 18.7 lb. of telescope and gear wherever you go for just 6.2 lb. of mount. Put iOptron's multi-decade experience in compact powerhouses behind your grab-and-go setup today, with the HAE18C!
With its lightweight construction, high payload for its size, dual equatorial and Alt/Az capabilities, and host of control options, the HAE18C Ultra Comapact GoTo Dual SWG Mount may be small but it is also mighty! For this mount's mechanical muscle, iOptron has packed in two strain wave gear reducers on both the RA and Dec axes which can lift 18.7 lb. of equipment unassisted or 26 lb. of gear when combined with a counterweight (sold separately). These high gear reduction SWGs have been paired with zero position/auto-homing locator technology; and an electronic friction brake has been added to save your gear from coming crashing down in a worse case scenario. These high-performance internals are housed in a premium CNC machined aluminum housing featuring a sleek black anodized finish, leveling aids, printed altitude scale, easily adjustable polar alignment controls, and external antenna for a clear WiFi signal. This built in WiFi hotspot allows you to establish control from a distance with your smartphone or tablet and the iOptron Commander Lite app available for both iOS and Android. If an app isn't your preferred control style then don't fret as ASCOM and INDI control through compatible astronomy software suites is here too, along with the more hands-on hand controller experience (compatible hand controller sold separately)!
Please Note: This mount does not come with a tripod.
Equatorial and Alt/Az All in One!
This dual strain wave gear mount sports dual equatorial and Alt/Az functionality for even more space savings! Go from the easy to set up and control alt/az mode when observing or solar imaging to the more astrophotography optimal equatorial mode in just a few moments. This powerful multi-mode functionality allows you to save even more space by allowing you to pack just one mount to pull double duty, without some of the added bulk of more conventional dual systems!
Robust Feature Set, Small Size
iOptron has excelled at creating some stellar 'big features, big payload, compact footprint' conventionally geared options, and with the New Wave of harmonic mounts they've continued the tradition! With the cutting edge gear technology paired with modern quality-of-life features and control solutions, the HAE18C Ultra Compact GoTo Dual SWG Mount promises to shine as the base of your next build!
Dual Strain Wave Gear (SWG) Powered
The iOptron AZ/EQ
Dual SWG Mount HAE18C features two strain wave gear/ harmonic gear reducers
on its axes, providing a high gear reduction to motors within. This reduction
is much higher than conventional mount gearing solutions, giving the driving
force behind them more torque to lift your equipment with! These mechanisms
are cool under pressure, able to provide their lifting power without needing
to be counter balanced; giving the HAE18C a payload capacity of 18.7 lb. in
a mount weighing just 6.2 lb.! Set up in a conventional mount style with a
counterweight shaft and counter weight (both sold separately), this capacity
can be pushed even further to 26 lb. Supporting these powerful gears are
great quality-of-life features such as an electronic friction brake that
locks your gear in place in the event of power loss, and zero position
locator technology that can automate parking your mount — perfect for
remote setups in your backyard or a dedicated dark site observatory!
Modern Control Options: Covered!
The iOptron Ultra
Compact GoTo Dual SWG Mount has modern control solutions to match its
advanced axis gearing technology, with wireless control, USB control, and
conventional hand controller options all supported! With ASCOM driver
support, the HAE18C can be controlled either through the iOptron Commander
software or a plethora of other Windows ASCOM compatible astronomy software
suites. For users of other operating systems such as Mac OS or Linux, this
mount is INDI compatible as well! More conventional wired communication can
additionally be established with the
iOptron GoTo Nova Controller 8411(sold separately). For those looking to cut the cord, iOptron has also
added in a WiFi hotspot which allows you to command your mount right from
your smartphone or tablet via the iOptron Commander Lite app. With all these
options the HAE18C has something for everyone — allowing you to GoTo
and track thousands of objects regardless of which control solution works
best for you!
New Wave Harmonic
With the iOptron AZ/EQ Dual SWG
Mount HAE18C's dual strain wave gear design, this mount gets our New Wave
Harmonic badge! This emerging technology is quickly proving itself in the
astronomy hobby, providing excellent performance, payload capacity, and
compactness. The HAE18C embodies this exciting technology perfectly, with a
3:1 payload to mount weight ratio that makes it both a perfect travel
companion (especially with the included case!) or lighter duty dedicated
backyard mount; able to be pressed into more middleweight systems should you
add a separate counterweight shaft and counterweight. To read more about
strain wave gearing and our New Wave Harmonic badge, stop by our
Astrophotography Mount Buying Guide!
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
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