iOptron 10kg Counterweight for CEM120 (Low Latitude)
- 10kg Counterweight
- Designed for iOptron CEM120 Mounts
- Optimized for use at latitudes below 10°
- Prevents collision with tripod or pier legs
- OEM iOptron Accessory (7326LL)
This iOptron 10kg counterweight (7326LL) is the specific solution required for balancing heavy payloads on iOptron CEM120 mounts operating at latitudes below 10°. Its specialized, compact design provides essential clearance between the counterweight and the tripod or pier, a critical factor when the counterweight shaft is nearly horizontal.
On a German Equatorial Mount, as your observing latitude approaches the equator, the polar axis becomes more horizontal. This causes the counterweight shaft to swing lower, increasing the risk of a standard-diameter counterweight colliding with the tripod legs. This 10kg low-latitude counterweight is engineered with a smaller physical diameter to provide the necessary clearance, ensuring safe, full-range motion for your CEM120 mount in equatorial locations.
Achieving perfect balance is fundamental to the sub-arcsecond tracking of the CEM120. This 10kg weight allows you to precisely balance heavy optical tubes and imaging trains, minimizing stress on the drive motors and enabling the mount to deliver its peak tracking accuracy. As an official iOptron accessory (7326LL), it is manufactured to match the fit and finish of your mount, featuring a secure locking knob that ensures it remains firmly in place throughout an imaging session.
When using a CEM120 mount near the equator (at latitudes below 10°), the counterweight shaft hangs at a very low, almost horizontal angle. A standard counterweight's diameter is often too large, causing it to collide with the tripod or pier legs during slewing. This specialized iOptron 10kg low-latitude counterweight has a more compact physical profile specifically to prevent this collision and allow for unrestricted movement.
Yes, absolutely. While it is designed to solve a problem unique to low latitudes, the counterweight functions perfectly well at any latitude. If you travel with your CEM120 or simply prefer its form factor, it will provide 10kg of counterbalance regardless of your location.
This counterweight is specifically recommended for observers operating their CEM120 mount at latitudes of less than 10 degrees. Above this threshold, a standard counterweight typically has sufficient clearance from the tripod or pier.
No, this counterweight is designed specifically for the counterweight shaft diameter of the iOptron CEM120 series mounts. It will not fit smaller mounts like the CEM70, GEM45, or CEM40, which use a different shaft diameter. Always use counterweights designed for your specific mount model.
The number of counterweights depends entirely on your payload weight. A common rule of thumb is to match the weight of your optical tube, camera, and all accessories. For a 20kg telescope setup, you would typically require two of these 10kg counterweights for proper balance.
The iOptron 10kg Low Latitude counterweight slides onto the CEM120's counterweight shaft and is secured in place by a large, tool-free locking knob. This allows for quick, secure adjustments along the shaft to achieve perfect balance.
| Product Code | 7326LL |
| Weight | 10kg |
| Compatible Mount | iOptron CEM120 |
| Intended Use | Observing at latitudes below 10° |
iOptron 10kg Counterweight for CEM120 (Low Latitude)
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