Introducing the GEM28EC, iOptron's latest addition to its line of German equatorial mounts, compact yet packed with features!
Taking a cue from its predecessors, the GEM28EC is all about portability. With a weight of just 10 lbs, this baby can hold a payload of up to 28 lbs—that's a whopping 2.8-to-1 weight-to-payload ratio! Credit for this impressive spec goes to our innovative design approaches, originally honed in our CEM mount range. The German EQ style of the GEM28EC is aimed at folks who like a traditional mount and those living at higher latitudes.
But hey, we didn't just stop at portability. We've tossed in a bunch of extra goodies for ease of use and functionality. Gloved hands? No problem. The mount comes with a quick and easy positive-lock gear system. It also has a high-res optical encoder offering real-time Periodic Error Correction (PEC) for crazy-accurate tracking with a PE less than 0.3 arcsec RMS. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi is a game-changer for connectivity. Long story short, the GEM28EC is your new go-to for German equatorial mounts.
Tech-wise, this mount is a beast. It comes with the latest GOTONOVA® GOTO tech, featuring a vast 212,000 object library. So yeah, you'll never run out of celestial wonders to check out or snap pics of. The Go2Nova® Hand Controller makes it all super user-friendly with its 4-line LCD display.
The integrated iPolar electronic polar finder is the cherry on top, ensuring precise alignment, even when you can't see the pole star. You'll also get a 1.5" heavy-duty stainless steel tripod and a sleek aluminum carrying case.
What's in the Box?
- Box #1: GEM28EC Head with iPolar, Case, and Tray (G284A)
- Box #2: 1.5" Tripod without Tray (C26/G28 1.5T)
Key Features
- German equatorial design for 10° to 70° latitude range
- Perfect for both visual stargazing and astrophotography
- PE < 0.3 arcsec RMS
- Supports 28 lbs payload with only a 10 lbs mount weight
- CNC machined and cast metal build
- Spring-loaded gear system
- Quick-lock gear clutches for ease of use
- Energy-efficient stepper motor
- Integrated iPolar™ electronic polar scope
- Polar alignment feature for those with an obstructed view of the pole star
- Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO technology via the Go2Nova® 8409 controller
- ST-4 autoguiding port
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- USB port for updates and computer control
- 1.5" heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (weighs 5kg)
- Tripod spreader made of die-cast metal with an accessory tray
- Sturdy carrying case
- Optional GPS with 32 channels
- Optional iGuider™ autoguiding system (#3360)
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) ** | < 0.3 arcsec rms |
| PEC | Real-time 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) |
| 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" heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (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
