Unveiling iOptron's GEM28—a next-gen German equatorial mount that's both compact and cutting-edge! Designed to be super portable, this 10-pound wonder can handle a hefty 28-pound payload. That's a nearly 3:1 payload-to-weight ratio, thanks to tech borrowed from our CEM mount series. Plus, the German EQ model is built to work beautifully at higher latitudes and will be a hit with fans of more classic mount styles.
What's new, you ask? Well, we've added a bunch of cool stuff. Think positive lock gear that’s glove-friendly, onboard Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity, and permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) that you can record and play back for optimal tracking performance. When it comes to precision and tracking, the GEM28 is an absolute beast.
Dive into stargazing or astrophotography with our advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO tech. With a massive library of 212,000 celestial objects and an intuitive Go2Nova® Hand Controller that sports a big 4-line LCD, your night sky exploration just got a lot easier.
The GEM28 also includes an AccuAlign™ optical polar scope for quick polar alignment. And to hold it all up, we’ve thrown in a solid 1.5-inch stainless steel tripod.
Shipping Details:
- Box #1: GEM28 Head with AccuAlign and Tray (G281B)
- Box #2: 1.5-inch Tripod without Tray for CEM26/GEM28 (C26/G28 1.5T)
Feature Highlights:
- German equatorial layout with a latitude scope of 10° to 70°
- A dream for visual astronomy and astrophotography
- Low periodic error of less than ± 12 arc seconds
- Mount-only weight of 10 lbs supporting a 28 lb payload
- Crafted from CNC-machined and cast metal
- Spring-loaded gear mechanics
- Easy-to-operate quick-lock gear clutches
- Energy-efficient stepper motor
- AccuAlign™ polar scope pre-calibrated
- Alternative polar alignment routine if you can’t see the North Star
- Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller with top-tier GOTONOVA® GOTO capabilities
- Integrated ST-4 port for autoguiding
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi and USB ports for firmware and computer interfacing
- Comes with a standard 1.5-inch, 5kg heavy-duty stainless steel tripod
- Die-cast metal tripod spreader and accessory tray included
- Options for a sturdy carrying case, 32-channel GPS, and iGuider™ autoguiding system (#3360) available
Get ready to redefine what you expect from a compact German equatorial mount. The GEM28 is where tech meets tradition, and it's a game-changer.
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 | AccuAlignTM 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, for indoor use only) |
| 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 | 1.5" Stainless Steel (5kg) |
| Dovetail saddle | 3.8" Vixen-style, center adjustable |
| Carrying case | Optional |
| 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
