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iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount

iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount

by iOptron
SKU IOP-HE182C
CA$2,309.00 - CA$2,309.00
CA$2,309.00
CA$2,309.00 - CA$2,309.00
CA$2,309.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Payload Capacity: 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) without counterweight, 26.5 lbs (12 kg) with
  • Mount Head Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.82 kg)
  • Payload-to-Weight Ratio: 3.01
  • Drive System: Dual Strain Wave Gear with 360:1 reduction
  • Operational Modes: Alt-Azimuth & Equatorial
  • Control: Built-in WiFi, USB, and ASCOM pulse guiding
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount

    The iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount uses strain wave gears on both axes (360:1 reduction on RA and DEC) to carry an 18.7 lb (8.5 kg) payload without counterweight. The all-metal, CNC-machined head weighs 6.2 lbs (2.82 kg) with its saddle, a 3.01 payload-to-mount weight ratio. With dual alt-azimuth and equatorial modes, a maximum slew speed of 6º/sec, and integrated WiFi control, the HAE18C can be used for imaging and visual observing.

    Strain Wave Gear Drive: 360:1 Reduction & Counterweight-Free Operation

    At the heart of the HAE18C are its strain wave gear drives on both the RA and DEC axes. Each axis has a 360:1 reduction and a stepper motor. The mount is rated at 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) without a counterweight.

    A 3.01 Payload-to-Weight Ratio: 18.7 lbs of Capacity at 6.2 lbs

    The mount head weighs 6.2 lbs with its Vixen saddle and carries up to 18.7 lbs without counterweight, a payload-to-weight ratio of 3.01.

    The capacity can be increased to 26.5 lbs with a counterweight; the optional shaft is stainless steel, Φ20 x 200 mm with a 3/8"-16 thread, and the optional counterweight is 10 lbs (4.5 kg).

    Dual-Mode Versatility: Alt-Azimuth and Equatorial Operation at 6°/sec

    The HAE18C is a strain wave altazimuth/equatorial mount. Altazimuth mode moves in altitude and azimuth; equatorial mode tracks around one axis aligned with the celestial pole, which avoids field rotation in long exposures. The maximum slew speed is 6º/sec.

    Tracking for Astrophotography: <36 Arcsecond PE and ASCOM Pulse Guiding

    The HAE18C's stepper motor and strain wave gear system have a periodic error of less than 36 arcsec (less than ± 18 arcsec) over a 360-second period. Autoguiding is by pulse guiding via ASCOM.

    • ASCOM Pulse Guiding: Guide corrections are sent to the mount through ASCOM. iOptron does not list an ST-4 port for the HAE18C.

    Integrated Control System: GoToNova with Built-in WiFi and USB

    The control system is GOTONOVA/Commander, and tracking is automatic. The mount requires a standard DC 12V, 5A power source, drawing 0.6A during tracking and 1A while slewing. The Go2Nova 8411 handset is optional.

    • Built-in WiFi: The mount has built-in Wi-Fi.
    • USB Connectivity: A USB port provides a wired connection.

    Electronic Brake and Vixen Saddle

    The HAE18C's body is constructed from all-metal, CNC-machined components with an anodized black finish, and a level bubble. It is rated for -20ºC to 45ºC, and the firmware is upgradeable.

    • Electronic Friction Brake: The power-off brake is an electronic friction brake.
    • Vixen Dovetail Saddle: The mount has a Vixen dovetail saddle.

  • What is the main advantage of the iOptron HAE18C's strain wave gear system?

    The iOptron HAE18C mount head weighs 6.2 lbs and carries 18.7 lbs without counterweight, a payload-to-weight ratio of 3.01.

    Can I use the iOptron HAE18C for astrophotography without a counterweight?

    Yes. The HAE18C is rated at 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) with no counterweight or shaft attached.

    How do I control the iOptron HAE18C mount?

    The HAE18C offers multiple control options. It has built-in Wi-Fi and a USB port, with the GOTONOVA/Commander control system and pulse guiding via ASCOM. An optional Go2Nova 8411 hand controller is also available for those who prefer a dedicated handset.

    What is the difference between the HAE18C's AZ and EQ modes?

    Alt-Azimuth (AZ) mode moves in altitude and azimuth. Equatorial (EQ) mode aligns the mount's axis with the Earth's rotational axis. This allows it to track celestial objects with a single motion, which is essential to prevent star trails during long-exposure astrophotography.

    What power supply does the iOptron HAE18C require in the field?

    The HAE18C requires a DC 12V, 5A power source. An AC adapter (100V ~ 240V, indoor use only) is included. The mount consumes 0.6A while tracking and 1A during GoTo.

    How does the electronic friction brake on the HAE18C work?

    The power-off brake is an electronic friction brake, so the axes are held when the mount is not powered.

    How does autoguiding work with the HAE18C since it doesn't have an ST-4 port?

    The mount uses pulse guiding via ASCOM: your guiding software on the computer sends corrections to the mount through the ASCOM driver.

    What do I need to add to the base iOptron HAE18C mount to get started?

    The base HAE18C includes the mount head and an AC adapter for indoor use. To use it in the field, you will need to provide:

    • A sturdy tripod
    • A 12V DC, 5A supply for use away from mains power
    • Your telescope and camera
    • A computer or smart device for control
    A counterweight and shaft are optional and only needed if your payload exceeds 18.7 lbs.

    Is the Go2Nova hand controller included with the HAE18C?

    No, the Go2Nova 8411 hand controller is an optional accessory for the HAE18C. Without it, the mount is controlled through its built-in Wi-Fi or USB port.

  • Mount Type Strain Wave Altazimuth/Equatorial Mount
    RA Gear System Strain Wave Gear
    DEC Gear System Strain Wave Gear
    Reduction Ratio RA 360:1, DEC 360:1
    Payload (without CW) 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)
    Payload (with CW) 26.5 lbs (12 kg)
    Mount Weight 6.2 lbs (2.82 kg) with dovetail saddle
    Payload/Mount Weight Ratio 3.01
    Drive Motor Stepper motor
    Periodic Error (PE) < 36 arcsec (< ± 18 arcsec)
    Period 360 seconds
    Control System GoToNova/Commander
    Slew Speed Maximum 6º/sec
    Power Requirement DC 12V, 5A
    Power Consumption 0.6A (Tracking), 1A (GoTo)
    Power Off Brake Electronic friction brake
    Connectivity Built-in Wi-Fi and USB
    Autoguiding Pulse guiding via ASCOM
    Dovetail Saddle Vixen
    Structure Material All metal, CNC machined
    Finish Anodized black
    Level Indicator Level bubble
    Operating Temperature -20ºC ~ 45ºC
    Handset Optional Go2Nova® 8411
    Tripod Optional
    Counterweight Shaft Optional (SS Φ20X200mm, 3/8"-16 thread)
    Counterweight Optional (10 lbs / 4.5kg)
    Firmware Upgradeable Yes
    AC Adapter 100V ~ 240V (included, indoor use only)
    Payload 8.5 kg

    • HAE18C mount head with Vixen dovetail saddle

      × 1

    • AC adapter 100V ~ 240V

      × 1

  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty