iOptron HAE29 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount

Strain Wave Drive: 480:1 and 360:1 Zero-Backlash Gearing

At the core of the HAE29 are two separate strain wave gear assemblies, one for each axis. The Right Ascension axis uses a 480:1 reduction ratio, while the Declination axis uses a 360:1 ratio. Both axes are driven by stepper motors, and the gear period is 360 seconds.

iOptron does not state a backlash figure for the HAE29.

Payload vs. Weight: A 3.65 Ratio Carrying 29.7 lbs Unbalanced

The HAE29C, HAE29C-EC and original HAE29 heads weigh 8.15 lbs (3.7 kg) with the dovetail saddle and support a 29.7 lb (13.5 kg) payload without any counterweights, achieving a ratio of 3.65. The HAE29B versions, which include an onboard computer, weigh 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) and carry 29 lbs (13 kg) for a 3.33 ratio.

The manual warns that the HAE is operated unbalanced and could tip over if the tripod is not secured. You can increase the total capacity to 40 lbs (18 kg) by adding the optional 10 lb (4.5 kg) counterweight and Φ20x200mm counterweight shaft.

Dual AZ/EQ Modes: Equatorial Imaging and Alt-Azimuth Simplicity from 0-90°

The HAE29 works in both modes. Set to 90° latitude, the mount is used as an altazimuth mount, which needs no polar alignment.

For equatorial use, set the mount to your latitude. The 0° to 90° range is covered in four steps (0°~22°, 22°~45°, 45°~67° and 67°~90°), so the mount can be set up from the equator (0°) upward.

Tracking Accuracy: < ±18 Arcsec PE and Real-Time Correction on EC Models

Standard HAE29C and HAE29B models feature a native periodic error of less than 36 arcseconds (< ±18 arcsec) over the 360-second gear period. There is an ST-4 compatible autoguiding port, and the manual also describes guiding through the ASCOM protocol.

The EC versions (HAE29C-EC, HAE29B-EC, and HAE29EC) incorporate a high-precision encoder on the RA axis. iOptron lists it as providing real-time PEC (RPEC).

The Electronic Friction Brake: Protecting Your Gear from Power Loss

The HAE29 has an electronic friction brake on both RA and DEC, which iOptron says safely stops movement during a planned or unplanned power interruption.

The original-generation models also list power-down memory: the mount memorizes its R.A. and DEC positions if power is lost, and after a Select and Slew to the same star it continues tracking.

Control Architecture: Wi-Fi, USB, Go2Nova, and the Onboard iMate Computer

The HAE29 series offers multiple control pathways to suit your workflow. The method of connection is specific to the version you choose.

• HAE29C Versions: Feature built-in Wi-Fi and a USB port directly on the mount. iOptron lists the control system as GOTONOVA/Commander. The Go2Nova® 8411 hand controller is optional.
• HAE29B Versions: Integrate an iMate onboard computer with an open-source architecture, preloaded with KStars/Ekos and iPolarServer. It provides 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, and 3x DC 12V outputs to power and connect your camera, guider, and other accessories.
• Original Versions: Are controlled via the included Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller, which contains a database of approximately 212,000 objects. Wi-Fi and USB are via the hand controller. The manual lists control from a Windows PC via ASCOM/Commander, from a smartphone or tablet via iOptron Commander Lite, or via INDI.

Polar Alignment and the iPolar Electronic Polar Scope

In equatorial mode, the manual describes polar alignment by levelling the mount, setting the Zero Position and aligning the telescope to the R.A. axis, or with the iPolar electronic polar scope.

The iPolar is included with the original HAE29 w/ iPolar and HAE29EC w/ iPolar versions and is available as an optional accessory for all other models. On the HAE it is an external unit placed over the bubble level.

Mechanical Interfaces: Dual Saddle, 102mm Base, and Optional Counterweights

The HAE29 is designed for broad compatibility with telescopes and tripods. The body is all metal, CNC machined and anodized black.

• Dovetail Saddle: The included Vixen & Losmandy dual saddle accepts Vixen or Losmandy-D style dovetail bars.
• Mounting Base: A 102mm diameter mounting base has 2 x M6 mounting holes. The tripod is optional.
• Counterweight System: While designed for counterweight-free use, an optional SS Φ20X200mm counterweight shaft with a 3/8"-16 thread can be added. This allows the use of an optional 10 lbs (4.5 kg) counterweight to boost the payload capacity to 40 lbs (18 kg).

Power System: 12V DC Operation with 0.6A Tracking Consumption

The HAE29 runs on DC 12V, 5A. An AC adapter (100V-240V, 12V/5A output) is included, for indoor use only.

It draws 0.6A during tracking and 1A during GoTo. The HAE29B versions with the iMate computer also provide three 12V DC power outputs.

Understanding the HAE29 Versions: C, B, EC, and Original Models

Every HAE29 shares the core strain wave drive, AZ/EQ functionality, and electronic brake. The primary differences lie in control systems, onboard electronics, and included accessories.

• HAE29C: The current baseline model with built-in Wi-Fi and USB. It has an 8.15 lb head weight and 29.7 lbs counterweight-free payload.
• HAE29C-EC: Adds the high-precision RA encoder and real-time PEC to the HAE29C.
• HAE29B w/ iMate: Integrates the iMate onboard computer with KStars/Ekos, plus USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and 12V DC power outputs. The head weighs 8.6 lbs with a 29 lb payload rating.
• HAE29B-EC w/ iMate: Combines the iMate computer and power hub with the high-precision RA encoder.
• Original HAE29 / HAE29 w/ iPolar / HAE29EC w/ iPolar: The first generation, controlled via the included Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller. The 'w/ iPolar' models include the electronic polar scope, and the 'EC' model includes the RA encoder and iPolar.

First Night Out with the HAE29: A Step-by-Step Guide

After assembling the mount on a level tripod, attach your telescope to the dual saddle. Connect power and your chosen control device (hand controller, PC, or smartphone).

For equatorial use, the first step is polar alignment. Set the latitude range, then polar align with the iPolar or the Zero Position method. Once aligned, perform a star alignment using your control software or hand controller to build a pointing model. You can then use the "Sync to Target" function on a bright star to refine GOTO accuracy for your target area. With alignment complete, you are ready to slew to your target and begin imaging or observing.