{"product_id":"ioptron-he182c","title":"iOptron HAE18C AZ\/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayload (without counterweight): 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount Head Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.82 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayload-to-Weight Ratio: 3.01\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrive System: Dual Strain Wave Gear with 360:1 reduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOperational Modes: Alt-Azimuth \u0026amp; Equatorial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl: Built-in WiFi, USB, and ASCOM pulse guiding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eiOptron HAE18C AZ\/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iOptron HAE18C AZ\/EQ dual SWG mount leverages a strain wave gear system with a 360:1 reduction ratio to support an 18.7 lb (8.5 kg) payload without any counterweights. Weighing just 6.2 lbs (2.82 kg) itself, the all-metal HAE18C achieves a remarkable 3.01 payload-to-mount weight ratio, while its dual AZ\/EQ functionality and 6º\/sec slew speed make it an exceptional platform for both quick visual observing and portable astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStrain Wave Gearing: A 3.01 Payload-to-Weight Ratio\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the HAE18C is its strain wave gear (SWG) drive on both axes. This technology eliminates the need for heavy, bulky worm gears and counterweights for many setups, allowing the mount head to weigh a mere 6.2 lbs while carrying up to 18.7 lbs. This 3.01 payload-to-weight ratio is class-leading, making it possible to travel with a capable imaging rig that fits in a carry-on bag. For heavier setups, the payload can be increased to 26.5 lbs with an optional counterweight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual-Mode Operation: 6º\/sec Slewing for Visual and Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HAE18C's hybrid design allows you to switch between two distinct operational modes. In Alt-Azimuth (AZ) mode, the mount operates like a simple up-down, left-right system, perfect for quick setup and intuitive visual observation. For long-exposure astrophotography, you can set it up in Equatorial (EQ) mode to track the sky's rotation and prevent field rotation in your images. The fast 6º\/sec maximum slew speed gets you to your next target quickly in either configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e12V-5A Control System: WiFi, USB, and ASCOM Guiding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull remote control of the HAE18C is built-in, requiring only a 12V-5A power source. The mount features integrated WiFi for wireless control from a smartphone or tablet using iOptron's Commander software. A dedicated USB port provides a reliable, wired connection to a PC for control via the iOptron ASCOM driver and your preferred imaging software. For precise tracking, the mount supports ASCOM pulse guiding, allowing an autoguiding camera to make fine corrections. When powered down, an electronic friction brake engages automatically, securing your equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHAE18C vs. Traditional EQ Mounts: The Strain Wave Advantage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared to a traditional German equatorial mount in the same payload class, the HAE18C offers a revolutionary shift in portability. A conventional mount capable of carrying 25 lbs might weigh 15-20 lbs before adding counterweights. The HAE18C carries 18.7 lbs with a head weight of only 6.2 lbs and zero counterweights, fundamentally changing what is possible for travel and field astronomy. The trade-off for this compact design is a native periodic error of \u0026lt; 36 arcseconds; while this is excellent for a strain wave system, it necessitates autoguiding for critical long-exposure imaging, a standard practice for most imagers today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the main advantage of the HAE18C's strain wave gear system?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary advantage is an extremely high payload-to-weight ratio. The HAE18C mount head weighs only \u003cstrong\u003e6.2 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e but can carry an \u003cstrong\u003e18.7 lb\u003c\/strong\u003e telescope setup without counterweights. This makes it incredibly portable for travel and field use compared to traditional mounts that are much heavier and always require counterweights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the iOptron HAE18C for astrophotography without a counterweight?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, absolutely. The HAE18C is designed to handle imaging rigs up to \u003cstrong\u003e18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)\u003c\/strong\u003e in EQ mode with no counterweight or shaft attached. This is ideal for setups like a wide-field refractor, a guide scope, and a dedicated astronomy camera, keeping your entire kit lightweight and easy to transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I control the iOptron HAE18C mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HAE18C offers multiple control options. You can use its \u003cstrong\u003ebuilt-in Wi-Fi\u003c\/strong\u003e to connect to a smartphone, tablet, or computer for wireless control via iOptron's software. It also has a \u003cstrong\u003eUSB port\u003c\/strong\u003e for a stable, wired connection to a PC for use with ASCOM-compatible software like N.I.N.A. or Sequence Generator Pro. An optional Go2Nova hand controller is also available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the difference between the HAE18C's AZ and EQ modes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlt-Azimuth (AZ) mode\u003c\/strong\u003e is for simple, terrestrial-style movement (up-down, left-right) and is primarily used for visual observing. It's fast to set up and very intuitive. \u003cstrong\u003eEquatorial (EQ) mode\u003c\/strong\u003e aligns the mount's axis with the Earth's rotational axis. This allows it to track celestial objects with a single motion, which is essential to prevent star trails during long-exposure astrophotography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the HAE18C perform for imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a wide-field refractor?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HAE18C is an excellent choice for this scenario. Its 18.7 lb capacity easily handles a compact refractor, and its portability makes getting to a dark sky site simple. While its native periodic error is under \u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt; 36 arcseconds\u003c\/strong\u003e, pairing it with an autoguiding system (via ASCOM pulse guiding) will ensure round stars for the multi-minute exposures needed to capture the faint dust lanes of M31.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the HAE18C mount require balancing like a traditional GEM?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Due to the high torque and zero-backlash nature of the strain wave gears, the HAE18C does not require precise balancing. This significantly speeds up setup time in the field. The mount also features an electronic friction brake that engages when power is cut, preventing your telescope from swinging freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrain Wave Altazimuth\/Equatorial Mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRA Gear System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrain Wave Gear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDEC Gear System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrain Wave Gear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReduction Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRA 360:1, DEC 360:1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePayload (without CW)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePayload (with CW)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e26.5 lbs (12 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.2 lbs (2.82 kg) with dovetail saddle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePayload\/Mount Weight Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.01\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrive Motor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStepper motor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeriodic Error (PE)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt; 36 arcsec (\u0026lt; ± 18 arcsec)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeriod\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e360 seconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControl System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGoToNova\/Commander\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlew Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum 6º\/sec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDC 12V, 5A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.6A (Tracking), 1A (GoTo)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Off Brake\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronic friction brake\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnectivity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuilt-in Wi-Fi and USB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAutoguiding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePulse guiding via ASCOM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDovetail Saddle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStructure Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll metal, CNC machined\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnodized black\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel Indicator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel bubble\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-20ºC ~ 45ºC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHandset\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional Go2Nova® 8411\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTripod\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCounterweight Shaft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional (SS Φ20X200mm, 3\/8\"-16 thread)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCounterweight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional (10 lbs \/ 4.5kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirmware Upgradeable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAC Adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100V ~ 240V (included, indoor use only)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron_HAE_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eiOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917271822621,"sku":"IOP-HE182C","price":2309.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-HAE18C-AZ-EQ-dual-SWG-1_ec3e3f52-e291-448f-81c8-3b7988be6459.jpg?v=1789141624","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/ioptron-he182c","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}