Skip to content
Price match 30-day returns* Talk to an astronomer before you buy
iOptron HEM44 Mount
iOptron HEM44 Mount
iOptron HEM44 Mount - HEM44EC Mount
iOptron HEM44 Mount - HEM44EC Mount

iOptron HEM44 Mount

by iOptron
SKU IOP-H442
$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00
$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights
  • 55 lbs (25 kg) capacity with optional counterweight
  • 13.65 lbs (6.2 kg) mount head for a 3.23 payload-to-weight ratio
  • Hybrid drive: StrainWave RA gear (640:1) with backlash-free worm/belt DEC
  • High-precision RA encoder with Realtime PEC (EC versions)
  • Available with internal iPolar electronic polar scope (~30 arcsec precision)
  • Go2Nova® 8409 controller with ~212,000 objects and built-in Wi-Fi
Backordered
Request Stock Alert
Availability Info
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron HEM44 Mount

    The iOptron HEM44 Mount carries a 44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweight on a mount head weighing 13.65 lbs (6.2 kg) with its saddle, a 3.23 payload-to-weight ratio. It uses a hybrid drive that combines a StrainWave gear on the Right Ascension axis with a backlash-free worm/belt system for Declination. The included Go2Nova® 8409 controller provides access to a database of ~212,000 objects, and Wi-Fi is built in. It is offered with a high-precision RA encoder for Realtime PEC (HEM44EC versions) and with or without the internal iPolar electronic polar scope.

    Hybrid Drive: A 640:1 StrainWave RA and Backlash-Free DEC

    The Right Ascension axis uses a StrainWave gear with a 640:1 reduction ratio, driven by a stepper motor, with a period of 270 seconds.

    For the Declination axis, iOptron uses what it calls a backlash-free worm/belt system.

    A 3.23 Payload Ratio: 44 lbs Capacity on a 13.65 lbs Mount

    The all-metal, CNC-machined head weighs 13 lbs (5.9 kg) without the saddle and 13.65 lbs (6.2 kg) with the dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle. It carries up to 44 lbs (20 kg) without a counterweight.

    With the optional stainless steel counterweight shaft (Φ20 x 200 mm, M16 thread) and the optional 10 lbs (4.5 kg) counterweight, the rated payload is 55 lbs (25 kg).

    Realtime PEC: High-Precision Tracking with HEM44EC Models

    The HEM44EC versions incorporate a high-precision encoder on the RA axis. It enables Realtime PEC (Periodic Error Correction).

    PEC is available only on the EC versions, and no periodic error figure is published for the HEM44, so none is stated here.

    iPolar Alignment: 30 Arcsecond Precision On-Screen

    The "w/ iPolar" versions include the internal iPolar electronic polar scope, listed at about 30 arcsec precision. The other versions have no polar scope.

    The latitude adjustment range is 15º to 65º and the azimuth range ± 6º, with a level bubble.

    Go2Nova® 8409 Control: 212,000 Objects and 4.5°/sec Slewing

    The HEM44 is controlled by the Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller, which features a database of approximately 212,000 celestial objects. The stepper motors can slew the mount at a maximum speed of 4.5° per second, quickly moving your telescope between targets. The mount has built-in Wi-Fi.

    • Wired Connectivity: Wi-Fi and USB communication run via the hand controller, and the firmware is upgradeable.
    • Autoguiding: There is an ST-4 compatible autoguide port.
    • Control System: The control system is GOTONOVA/Commander.

    Field-Ready Design: 2 x 12V Power, USB 2.0, and Power-Off Brake

    Cable management provides two 12V outputs (3A max.) and one USB 2.0 port, and the cables do not move or wrap. The mount operates on a standard 12V DC, 5A power supply and consumes 0.6A while tracking and 1.2A during GoTo slews.

    • Electronic Friction Brake: The power-off brake is an electronic friction brake.
    • Power-Down Memory: The mount has power-down memory.
    • Dual Saddle: The included Vixen and Losmandy dual saddle accepts both dovetail standards.

    HEM44 vs. HEM44EC: Choosing Between 4 Mount Configurations

    All iOptron HEM44 mounts share the same core 13.65 lbs body, 44 lbs counterweight-free payload, hybrid drive, and Go2Nova® controller. The key differences lie in the presence of the RA encoder and the internal iPolar, creating four distinct options for different users.

    • HEM44 (IOP-H442): The standard model, without a polar scope.
    • HEM44 with iPolar (IOP-H442A): Adds the internal iPolar electronic polar scope for fast, precise polar alignment.
    • HEM44EC (IOP-H444): Adds the high-precision RA encoder for Realtime PEC.
    • HEM44EC with iPolar (IOP-H444A): Combines the RA encoder for Realtime PEC with the internal iPolar.

  • What are the main differences between the iOptron HEM44 versions?

    All versions share the same hybrid StrainWave drive, 44 lbs (20 kg) counterweight-free payload, and Go2Nova® 8409 controller. The primary differences are:

    • EC vs. non-EC: The HEM44EC models include a high-precision RA encoder that enables Realtime PEC.
    • iPolar: Versions designated "w/ iPolar" include the internal iPolar electronic polar scope (about 30 arcsec precision).

    What is the benefit of the HEM44's hybrid StrainWave design?

    The payload-to-weight ratio is 3.23: the iOptron HEM44 mount head weighs 13.65 lbs with its saddle and carries 44 lbs without counterweights. RA uses a 640:1 StrainWave gear, and DEC uses a backlash-free worm/belt system.

    Do I need counterweights for the iOptron HEM44 mount?

    For payloads up to 44 lbs (20 kg), the HEM44 does not require a counterweight or shaft. If your payload exceeds this, you can add the optional counterweight shaft (Φ20x200mm, M16 thread) and a 10 lbs counterweight to increase the maximum capacity to 55 lbs (25 kg).

    How do I polar align an iOptron HEM44 mount?

    The "w/ iPolar" versions include iOptron's internal electronic polar scope. It is listed at about 30 arcsec precision. The other versions have no polar scope, and no alternative method is specified for the HEM44.

    How do I control the iOptron HEM44 remotely?

    Every HEM44 version has built-in Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi and USB communication run via the Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller, with the control system GOTONOVA/Commander.

    What does the electronic friction brake on the HEM44 do?

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

    Can the iOptron HEM44 power my camera and other accessories?

    Yes. Cable management of two 12V outputs (3A max.) and one USB 2.0 port, and the cables do not move or wrap.

    What's the first-night setup process for the iOptron HEM44?

    First, level the tripod and attach the mount head. Set the mount's latitude adjustment to your location's latitude. Attach your telescope (balancing it if you use the optional counterweight), then connect the power and hand controller. Polar align (with the iPolar if fitted), then align the GoTo system from the hand controller.

  • Mount Type Hybrid Strain Wave Equatorial Mount
    RA Gear System StrainWave
    DEC Gear System Backlash-free worm/belt system
    RA Reduction Ratio 640:1
    Payload (No Counterweight) 44 lbs (20 kg)
    Payload (With Counterweight) 55 lbs (25 kg)
    Mount Weight 13 lbs (5.9 kg) w/o saddle, 13.65 lbs (6.2 kg) with saddle
    Payload to Mount Weight Ratio 3.23
    Drive Motor Stepper motor
    Drive Period 270 seconds
    High Precision Encoder Yes, RA axis (EC versions); none (non-EC versions)
    Periodic Error Correction (PEC) Realtime PEC via RA encoder (EC versions)
    Structure Material All metal, CNC machined
    Finish Anodized black
    Latitude Adjustment Range 15º ~ 65º
    Azimuth Adjustment Range ± 6º
    Dovetail Saddle Vixen & Losmandy dual saddle
    Level Indicator Level bubble
    Control System GoToNova® / Commander
    Hand Controller Go2Nova® 8409
    Object Database ~212,000 objects
    Tracking Automatic
    Maximum Slew Speed 4.5º/sec
    Power Requirement DC 12V, 5A (5.5/2.5mm plug)
    Power Consumption 0.6A (Tracking), 1.2A (GoTo)
    AC Adapter 100V ~ 240V (included, indoor use only)
    Power Off Brake Electronic friction brake
    Power Down Memory Yes
    Built-in Wi-Fi Yes
    Communication Ports Wi-Fi and USB (via Hand Controller)
    Autoguide Port Yes (ST-4 compatible)
    Cable Management 2 x 12V (3A max), 1 x USB 2.0
    Electronic Polar Scope Internal iPolar, ~30 arcsec precision (iPolar versions)
    Operation Temperature -20ºC ~ 40ºC (hand controller -10ºC ~ 40ºC)
    Tripod Optional
    Counterweight Shaft Optional (Φ20x200mm, M16 thread)
    Counterweight Optional (10 lbs / 4.5 kg)

    • HEM44 Mount Head

      × 1 (non-EC versions)

    • HEM44EC Mount Head with RA Encoder

      × 1 (EC versions)

    • Go2Nova® 8409 Hand Controller

      × 1

    • AC Power Adapter (100-240V)

      × 1

    • Hand Controller Cable

      × 1

    • USB Cable

      × 1

    • Internal iPolar Electronic Polar Scope

      × 1 (iPolar versions)

  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty