Meet iOptron's latest innovation in compact German equatorial mounts: the GEM28! Taking inspiration from its predecessors, the GEM28 is engineered for portability. Weighing just 10 lbs, it's capable of supporting a hefty 28-lb payload. That's a stunning 2.8-to-1 mount weight-to-payload ratio! We made this possible by applying weight-reduction techniques from our renowned CEM mount series. If you're a fan of traditional German EQ mounts and require higher latitude functionality, the GEM28 is for you.
We've taken the best of our earlier GEM models and leveled up. Added perks include a positive lock gear engagement system that's glove-friendly, built-in Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity, and recordable Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) for reusing optimal PEC training settings. When it comes to performance, the GEM28 offers spot-on pointing and stable tracking, setting a new benchmark for compact German equatorial mounts with goto capabilities.
Under the hood, the GEM28 is loaded with our most advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO tech, making it a powerhouse in accurate target locating. With a library boasting 212,000 celestial objects, you'll never run out of things to observe or photograph. Plus, the Go2Nova® Hand Controller is user-friendly, featuring a generous 4-line LCD screen that makes setting up and navigating a breeze.
The GEM28A version comes with an integrated electronic polar finder called iPolar, ensuring precise telescope alignment even when Polaris is hidden from view. Package it with a robust LiteRoc stainless steel tripod and an aluminum carrying case, and you're ready to go!
📦 What's in the Box?
- Shipping Box #1: GEM28 Head with iPolar, Case, and Tray (Model: G282A)
- Shipping Box #2: LiteRoc Tripod without Tray (Model: C26/G28 LiteRoc)
🌟 Key Features
- German equatorial design with a latitude range of 10° to 70°
- Suitable for visual observations and astrophotography
- Low periodic error (< ± 12 arc seconds)
- Payload capacity: 28 lbs, mount-only weight: 10 lbs
- Body crafted from CNC machined and cast metal
- Spring-loaded gear mechanism
- Quick-lock gear clutches that are easy to operate
- Energy-efficient stepper motor
- Integrated iPolar™ electronic polar scope
- Go2Nova® 8409 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology
- ST-4 autoguiding port
- Built-in Wi-Fi via the hand controller
- USB port for firmware updates and computer control
- Heavy-duty LiteRoc stainless steel tripod (weight: 7.5kg)
- Die-cast metal tripod spreader with an accessory tray
- Secure aluminum carrying case
- Optional 32-channel GPS
- Optional iGuider™ autoguiding system (#3360)
With all these features, the GEM28 is setting a new standard for what a compact, portable, and high-performance mount can offer.
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 | iPolar TM electronic 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 requiremention | 12V DC, 5A |
| AC adapter | 100V ~ 240V (included, for indoor use only) |
| Power-down memory | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in (via hand controller) |
| 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
