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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
iOptron HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az

iOptron HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az

by iOptron
SKU HZ312
$2,098.00 - $2,098.00
$2,098.00
$2,098.00 - $2,098.00
$2,098.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 31 lb (14 kg) instrument payload capacity
  • 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) mount head weight
  • Dual-axis strain wave gear system with 480:1 reduction ratio
  • Go2Nova controller with ~212,000 object database
  • Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for streamlined operation
  • Dual Vixen & Losmandy dovetail saddle
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az Mount

    The iOptron HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az Mount redefines grab-and-go astronomy by delivering a 31 lb payload capacity from a mount head that weighs only 8.2 lbs. This remarkable 3.78 payload-to-weight ratio is achieved through its dual-axis strain wave gear system, which features a 480:1 reduction ratio for precise, backlash-free tracking. With built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and a Go2Nova controller holding a database of ~212,000 objects, the HAZ31 eliminates the complexity and weight of traditional setups, getting you observing in minutes.

    Strain Wave Drivetrain: 480:1 Gearing with Zero Backlash

    At the core of the HAZ31 are strain wave gears on both axes, a technology originally developed for robotics that is perfectly suited for astronomy. This design provides exceptional torque and a high 480:1 reduction ratio from a compact, lightweight mechanism. For you, the observer, this means there is no backlash to manage and no need for periodic gear meshing adjustments, resulting in immediate response to GoTo commands and smooth, reliable tracking.

    A 3.78 Payload-to-Weight Ratio: Carry 31 lbs on an 8.2 lb Mount Head

    The single most compelling feature of the HAZ31 is its incredible portability. The mount head weighs a mere 8.2 lbs yet securely carries telescope packages up to 31 lbs, achieving an unmatched payload-to-weight ratio of 3.78. This completely eliminates the need for counterweights and heavy, cumbersome mount designs. You can now take a substantial refractor or Schmidt-Cassegrain to a dark sky site without dedicating your entire vehicle to astronomy gear.

    Integrated GoTo: Built-in GPS, WiFi, and a 212,000 Object Database

    The HAZ31 is engineered for rapid setup and modern control. Built-in GPS automatically detects your location and time, simplifying the initial alignment process. Onboard Wi-Fi allows for wireless control, reducing cable clutter at the telescope. The included Go2Nova 8409 hand controller gives you access to a ~212,000 object database and enables slewing at up to 8º per second to quickly move between targets.

    • All-Metal Construction: The CNC-machined body ensures rigidity and durability for years of field use.
    • Dual Saddle: The Vixen and Losmandy compatible saddle accommodates a wide range of optical tubes without needing different adapters.
    • Electronic Brake: An electronic friction brake securely locks the axes when powered off, preventing your telescope from moving unexpectedly.

    HAZ31 vs. Traditional GEMs: The Counterweight-Free Advantage

    For visual astronomy, the HAZ31 presents a clear advantage over German Equatorial Mounts (GEMs) in the same payload class. A traditional GEM capable of carrying 31 lbs would require a heavy mount head plus 15-20 lbs of counterweights, easily totaling over 40-50 lbs of equipment to set up. The 8.2 lb HAZ31 carries the same telescope with zero counterweights, making it faster to assemble, easier to transport, and far less physically demanding for a night of observing.

  • What is the main advantage of the iOptron HAZ31's strain wave design?

    The primary advantage is its extremely high payload-to-weight ratio of 3.78. The strain wave gear system allows the compact, 8.2 lb mount to carry a 31 lb payload without needing any counterweights. This makes it incredibly portable and quick to set up compared to conventional mounts.

    Can the iOptron HAZ31 handle an 8" SCT for visual observing?

    Yes, absolutely. A typical 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain OTA weighs between 12-15 lbs, which is well under the HAZ31's 31 lb payload capacity. This combination creates a powerful and highly portable setup for visually observing planets like Jupiter and Saturn, or deep-sky targets like the Hercules Cluster (M13).

    How does the iOptron HAZ31's portability compare to a GEM with a 31 lb payload?

    The difference is dramatic. A German Equatorial Mount (GEM) supporting 31 lbs would typically have a head weight of 15-20 lbs and require an additional 15-20 lbs of counterweights. The HAZ31 provides the same capacity in a single 8.2 lb unit, cutting the total transport weight by more than 75%.

    Does the iOptron HAZ31 need counterweights?

    No. The high-torque strain wave gear system completely eliminates the need for counterweights or precise balancing. You can simply mount your telescope and begin observing, saving significant time and effort during setup.

    What do I need to power the iOptron HAZ31 mount in the field?

    The mount requires a DC 12V power source capable of supplying at least 5A, connected via a standard 5.5/2.1mm plug. A portable astronomy power tank or a deep-cycle battery is the ideal solution for field use. An AC adapter is included for indoor or backyard use.

    Can I do long-exposure astrophotography with the alt-azimuth iOptron HAZ31?

    As an alt-azimuth mount, the HAZ31 is primarily designed for visual astronomy and short-exposure imaging of the Moon and planets. Long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography requires an equatorial mount to prevent field rotation. While the HAZ31 tracks objects across the sky, it does not correct for this rotation, which would cause stars to trail in exposures longer than a few seconds.

  • Mount Type Strain Wave Altazimuth Mount
    Drive System Strain Wave Gear (RA & DEC)
    Reduction Ratio 480:1
    Payload 31 lbs (14 kg)
    Mount Weight 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) with dovetail saddle
    Payload to Mount Weight Ratio 3.78
    Drive Motor Stepper motor
    Structure All metal, CNC machined
    Dovetail Saddle Vixen & Losmandy Dual Saddle
    Control System GoToNova / Commander
    Hand Controller Go2Nova® 8409
    Object Database ~212,000 objects
    Maximum Slew Speed 8º/sec
    GPS Built-in
    Wi-Fi Built-in
    Communication Port USB (via Hand Controller)
    Power Requirement DC 12V, 5A
    Power Consumption 0.6A (Tracking), 1A (GoTo)
    Power Off Brake Electronic friction brake
    Level Indicator Bubble level
    Firmware Upgradeable Yes
    Tripod Optional
    Operating Temperature -20ºC ~ 40ºC

    • HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az Mount Head

      × 1

    • Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller

      × 1

    • AC Power Adapter (100V-240V)

      × 1

  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty