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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 HAZ46 Alt-Az Strain Wave Mount

iOptron HAZ46 Alt-Az Strain Wave Mount

by iOptron
SKU IOP-HZ462
$2,849.00 - $2,849.00
$2,849.00
$2,849.00 - $2,849.00
$2,849.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Supports a 44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights
  • Lightweight mount head weighs only 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)
  • Strain wave gear system with 640:1 reduction ratio
  • Internal 11.1V, 4.4AH rechargeable Li-ion battery
  • Go2Nova® 8409 controller with ~212,000 object database
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron HAZ46 Alt-Az Strain Wave Mount

    The iOptron HAZ46 Alt-Az Strain Wave Mount leverages a high-resolution strain wave gear system to support a 44 lb payload on a mount head that weighs only 12.3 lbs. This delivers an exceptional payload-to-weight ratio of 3.57, eliminating the need for counterweights entirely. The internal 11.1V, 4.4AH rechargeable battery and built-in GPS create a completely self-contained grab-and-go system for serious visual astronomy, while the Go2Nova 8409 controller puts a database of ~212,000 objects at your fingertips.

    Strain Wave Gearing: A 44 lb Payload on a 12.3 lb Mount

    At the core of the HAZ46 are dual strain wave gears on both axes, providing the torque and precision needed to handle heavy optical tubes without counterweights. With a 640:1 reduction ratio, the stepper motors execute quiet, precise movements, slewing at up to 6º/sec between targets and tracking smoothly with a power consumption of just 0.7A. This technology makes setting up a large refractor or SCT a single-trip affair from your car to the observing site.

    Field-Ready Design: 4.4AH Internal Battery, GPS, and Wi-Fi

    The HAZ46 is engineered for rapid deployment and cable-free operation. A built-in 11.1V, 4.4AH rechargeable Li-ion battery powers the mount for an entire observing session, while integrated GPS automatically supplies the time, date, and location to the hand controller for faster alignment. Built-in Wi-Fi enables direct connection to planetarium software on your smartphone or tablet, offering a modern, streamlined control interface.

    Go2Nova Controller: Navigating ~212,000 Objects

    The included Go2Nova 8409 hand controller is your command center for exploring the night sky. Its extensive database of ~212,000 objects includes planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and clusters, ensuring you always have a new target to explore. The intuitive menu system makes alignment and object selection straightforward, even for users new to GoTo systems.

    Mechanical Integrity: Dual Saddle and -20°C Operation

    Constructed from CNC-machined, all-metal components, the HAZ46 is built for durability and can operate in temperatures as low as -20ºC. An electronic friction brake engages when power is off, preventing your telescope from moving unexpectedly while changing eyepieces or accessories. The mount includes a dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle for broad compatibility, though for longer refractors or OTAs approaching the 44 lb payload limit, an aftermarket saddle can provide enhanced stability.

    HAZ46 vs. AZMP: Choosing Your Alt-Az Mount

    The HAZ46 is often compared to iOptron's AZ Mount Pro. The choice depends on your primary use case.

    • iOptron AZ Mount Pro Advantage: The AZMP is renowned for its exceptional GoTo pointing accuracy, often making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize dead-center target acquisition above all else.
    • iOptron HAZ46 Advantage: The HAZ46's strain wave gearing gives it a decisive edge in portability and capacity, supporting a 44 lb payload versus the AZMP's 33 lbs, all on a lighter mount head. Its internal battery, quiet slewing, and lack of counterweights make it the superior "grab-and-go" solution for heavy instruments.

  • What is the main advantage of the iOptron HAZ46's strain wave gear system?

    The primary advantage is a very high payload-to-weight ratio. The strain wave gears generate enough torque to handle a 44 lb payload without needing any counterweights, all on a mount head that weighs only 12.3 lbs. This makes it exceptionally portable and easy to set up compared to traditional mounts.

    Can the iOptron HAZ46 handle a Celestron C11 for visual observing?

    Yes, comfortably. A standard Celestron C11 optical tube weighs around 27.5 lbs, which is well within the 44 lb (20 kg) payload capacity of the HAZ46. The mount's electronic friction brake also ensures the telescope remains stationary when you swap out heavy 2-inch eyepieces or other accessories.

    How long will the HAZ46's internal battery last during a typical session?

    While an exact duration depends on usage, we can estimate based on the power consumption. The mount uses 0.7A while tracking and 1.2A during GoTo slewing. The 4.4AH battery should provide several hours of continuous operation, with longer life for sessions focused on observing single objects (mostly tracking) and slightly less for sessions involving frequent slewing across the sky.

    Do I need to purchase counterweights for the iOptron HAZ46?

    No. The strain wave gear drive provides sufficient torque to handle the full 44 lb payload without the need for any counterweights or shafts. This significantly reduces the total weight and complexity of your setup.

    What do I need to control the iOptron HAZ46 wirelessly?

    Nothing extra is required. The HAZ46 has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect directly to a smartphone, tablet, or computer running compatible planetarium software. This lets you control the mount without being tethered to the hand controller.

    How does the HAZ46 perform for outreach events with a 120mm refractor?

    The HAZ46 is an excellent choice for outreach. Its low weight (12.3 lbs) and internal battery make for a fast, hassle-free setup. The stepper motors are very quiet when slewing, which is less distracting for crowds. Most importantly, the electronic friction brake provides an added layer of safety, ensuring the telescope won't swing freely if accidentally bumped or when power is off.

  • Mount Type Strain Wave Altazimuth Mount
    RA Gear System Strain Wave Gear
    DEC Gear System Strain Wave Gear
    Reduction Ratio 640:1
    Payload 44 lbs (20 kg), no counterweight
    Mount Weight 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) with dovetail saddle
    Payload to Mount Weight Ratio 3.57
    Drive Motor Stepper motor
    Slew Speed Up to 6º/sec
    Control System GoToNova / Commander
    Hand Controller Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database
    Tracking Automatic
    Power Consumption 0.7A (Tracking), 1.2A (GOTO)
    Battery Built-in rechargeable Li-ion (11.1V, 4.4AH)
    Battery Charger 100-240V AC input / 12.6V DC 2A output
    Power Off Brake Electronic friction brake
    GPS Built-in
    Wi-Fi Built-in
    Communication Port Wi-Fi and USB (via Hand Controller)
    Firmware Upgrade Yes
    Dovetail Saddle Vixen & Losmandy Dual Saddle
    Structure Material All metal, CNC machined
    Exterior Finish Anodized black
    Level Indicator Level bubble
    Operating Temperature -20ºC ~ 40ºC
  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty