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Product Description
Introducing iOptron’s new compact next-generation center-balance equatorial mounts the CEM26!
Like their predecessors, the CEM26 is designed with portability in mind, weighing in at only 10 lbs it can support up to a 26lb payload an incredible 2.6 mount weight to payload ratio. The key to enable such ratios is the CEM design focuses the mount and payload weight directly on the center of the tripod rendering “natural stability”.
Building on the legacy of earlier CEM models we have added features for convenience and functionality. A positive lock gear engagement system (easy to use even when wearing gloves), Built-in Wi-Fi enabling unparallel connectivity and recordable permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) to repeat optimal PEC training sessions. Regarding functionality the CEM26 delivers precise pointing and accurate tracking. The CEM26 sets the new standard for compact equatorial mounts.
The center-balanced design mount puts the weight of the payload at the center of gravity allowing for greater natural stability. Other features include an adjustable counterweight bar to prevent obstruction with the tripod. And polar aligning is quick and accessible all the time since the polar scope is not blocked by the declination shaft.
The CEM26 is equipped with the latest advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO technology, making it one of the most powerful and accurate GOTO mounts available. Its database includes over 212,000+ objects. The Go2Nova® Hand Controller is intuitive to use and its large 4-line LCD screen simplifies the process of setting telescopes and locating objects.
The CEM26A mount has an integrated electronic polar finder scope known as the iPolar. This tool ensures the accurate alignment of a telescope, even when the pole star is obscured. It comes with a 1.5" heavy duty stainless steel tripod and an aluminum carrying case.
What's in the Box
Specifications
| Mount | Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount |
| Payload * | 26 lbs (12kg), exclude counterweight |
| Mount weight | 10 lbs (4.5kg) |
| Payload/Mount weight | 2.6 |
| Structure Material | All metal, Casting + CNC machined |
| Exterior Finish | Powder coating |
| Periodic error (PE) ** | <±10 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 | 0º ~ 60º (special CW shaft mounting if <10° ) |
| 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 | 0.5A(Tracking), 0.8A(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 with a 120mm extension (M16, SS) |
| Counterweight | 10 lbs (4.5kg) |
| Tripod | 1.5" Stainless Steel (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 |
Customer Reviews
I've had this mount in use with four telescopes and a camera and several lenses since purchase; everything from a David Levy 152 Mak-Newt to a Lunt 60 Solar scope to a Bresser MC-100 (for planets). It has performed very well.
Pros:
- light weight, reasonably priced mount
- no backlash per iOptron's approach to spring loaded clutches
- solid, even with the 1-1/2" tripod
- good GoTo even with a one star alignment
- reasonable tracking w/o guiding
- I love the iPolar for polar alignment
- the design makes the unit very stable on its tripod
Cons:
- really wish iOptron had the equivalent of Celestron's StarSense for star alignment
- it would be super nice if the mount had a built-in rechargeable battery; just dreaming on this feature but it would add weight which I don't want.
- iOptron could build the GPS unit into the mount with little to no problem as opposed to having a separate module hanging from the mount.
- not really a Con but it is taking me some time to get used to the iOptron hand controller since I've used Celestron mounts for decades
I had one of iOptron's original mounts and had nothing but problems with it right out of the box; however, it looks like they've upped their game and I'm generally quite pleased with the CEM26 to this point. Looks like this mount is a keeper!
The attached picture was shot with a David Levy 152 Mak-Newt off the CEM26 mount, unguided.
Bought this on owners recommendation and it works great. Perfect mount for entry level astrophotography