Meet the next-gen GEM28 by iOptron, your go-to compact German equatorial mount! Designed for easy portability, this bad boy weighs just 10 lbs but can hold a payload of up to 28 lbs. That's a stellar 2.8-to-1 weight-to-payload ratio, thanks to the same design techniques we've honed in our CEM mounts. Prefer the traditional German EQ setup and live at higher latitudes? This mount's got you covered.
We've packed the GEM28 with a ton of upgrades to make your life easier and your stargazing sharper. A glove-friendly positive lock gear system, built-in Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity, and recordable PPEC for consistent performance—what's not to love? Precision pointing and rock-solid tracking are just the cherry on top, setting a new benchmark for compact German equatorial mounts with goto capabilities.
Under the hood, the GEM28 sports cutting-edge GOTONOVA® GOTO tech, with a mind-boggling 212,000-object library. The user-friendly Go2Nova® controller makes setup a breeze, and its 4-line LCD screen keeps things straightforward.
Oh, and did we mention polar alignment is a cinch? The AccuAlign™ optical polar scope is there to help you line things up in a jiffy. All of this comes on a sturdy LiteRoc stainless steel tripod, and it's all packed into an aluminum case for travel ease.
What's in the Box?
- Box #1: G282B-GEM28 Head, complete with AccuAlign, case, and tray.
- Box #2: The 8283 LiteRoc tripod without a tray, designed for both the CEM26 and GEM28.
Feature Highlights
- German equatorial design with a latitude range from 10° to 70°
- Perfect for both visual stargazing and astrophotography
- Impressive low periodic error of < ± 12 arc seconds
- Carries up to a 28-lb payload while weighing only 10 lbs
- Crafted from CNC machined and cast metal
- Spring-loaded gear system and big, easy-to-use quick-lock clutches
- Energy-efficient stepper motor
- AccuAlign™ polar scope, calibrated for quick polar alignment
- Special polar alignment routines if you can't see the North Star
- Equipped with Go2Nova® 8409 controller boasting advanced GOTONOVA® tech
- ST-4 autoguiding port integrated
- Built-in Wi-Fi and USB port for firmware updates and computer control
- Comes with a 7.5kg LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod
- Die-cast metal tripod spreader with accessory tray
- Aluminum carrying case included
- Optional 32-channel GPS and optional iGuider™ autoguiding system (#3360)
So there you have it. The GEM28 is packed to the gills with features and functionality, setting a new standard in the world of compact German equatorial goto mounts.
Specifications
| Mount | German Equatorial Mount |
| Payload * | 28 lbs (12.7kg), exclude counterweight |
| Mount weight | 10 lbs (4.5kg) |
| Payload/Mount weight | 2.80 |
| Structure Material | All metal, Casting CNC machined |
| Exterior Finish | Powder coating |
| Periodic error (PE) ** | <±12 arcsec |
| PEC | Yes, Permanent PEC |
| Worm period | 600 sec |
| Right Ascension worm wheel | Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum |
| Declination worm wheel | Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum |
| Right Ascension axis shaft | Φ35mm steel |
| Declination axis shaft | Φ35mm steel |
| Right Ascension bearing | Φ55mm ball bearing |
| Declination bearing | Φ55mm ball bearing |
| Worm gears | Φ15.2mm, Brass |
| Motor drive | 1.8º stepper motor, 128X microdivision |
| Resolution | 0.17 arc seconds |
| Transmission | Synchronous belt |
| Latitude adjustment range | 10º ~ 70º |
| Azimuth adjustment range | ± 6º |
| Polar Scope | AccuAlign TM optical polar scope |
| Level indicator | Level bubble |
| Hand Controller | Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database |
| Tracking | Automatic |
| Slew speed | 1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(6º/sec) |
| Power consumption | 0.6A(Tracking), 0.9A(GOTO) |
| Power requirement | 12V DC, 5A |
| AC adapter | 100V ~ 240V (included) |
| Power-down memory | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in |
| Communication port | Yes (Wi-Fi and USB) |
| Autoguide port | Yes (ST-4 compatible) |
| Firmware upgrade | Yes |
| PC computer control | Yes (ASCOM) |
| Counterweight shaft | Φ20X200mm (M16), Stainless Steel |
| Shaft extension | Φ20X120mm (M16), Stainless Steel |
| Counterweight | 10 lbs (4.5kg) |
| Tripod | LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (7.5kg) |
| Dovetail saddle | 3.8" Vixen-style, center adjustable |
| Carrying case | Included |
| GPS | Optional external 32-channel GPS |
| Autoguiding | Optional external iGuider 1 |
| Operation temperature | -10ºC ~ 40ºC |
| Warranty | Two year limited |
* OTA size and length dependent, smaller than 6" in diameter recommended
** Measured with encoder on bench, 10 minutes
