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iOptron IEQ45-AZ 2013 Azimuth-Equatorial Mount with Pier & Azimuth Adapter
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iOptron IEQ45-AZ 2013 Azimuth-Equatorial Mount with Pier & Azimuth Adapter
New AZ & Pier Version of the iEQ45 2013
Initially, the iEQ45 mount was aimed at the imaging market. It's light-weight, high capacity, and and fast easy setup make it a great mount for visual observers too - especially with the addition of the new Alt-Azimuth Mode.
In Alt-Azimuth mode, the iEQ45-AZ allows very rapid setup in the field for portable visual astronomy, planetary imaging with a webcam and of course video astronomy. Featuring a super-quick and simple alignment procedure - just like the hugely popular iOptron Minitower. However, no compromises have been made on the imaging capability of the mount, and it can still be used in Equatorial Mode for accurate long exposure imaging.
In Equatorial Mode the iEQ45-AZ is also very quick mount to set up and use in the field, because it has an extremely accurate polar alignment scope, working in concert with a 32-Channel GPS Module to improve polar alignment and GOTO accuracy. A display on the hand controller shows you where to place the pole star within the illuminated polar scope reticule for greater precision. With a combination of Alt-Azimuth Mode and Equatorial Mode, you have an extremely versatile product, which does it all.
Dual telescope mounting: The iEQ45-AZ mount can be used in Alt-Az Mode for visual observing with two telescopes simultaneously, one on each side. This is achieved with an optional, additional shaft and dovetail clamp - which replace the normal counterweight shaft. The mount features a dual Losmandy-format & Vixen-Japanese-format dovetail clamp. The lightweight, yet extremely rigid iOptron portable pier is also included. The pier legs and steel tensioning rods fit into the hollow pier cylinder for easy transport as a single unit. The pier legs are adjustable for levelling.
Portability and light weight: The iEQ45 is the lightest mount in it's price range, and it's very easy to carry, weighing only 25lb (11.4kg). The iEQ45 weighs 5 to 7 kg less than other mounts in this price bracket. If you divide the payload by the weight of the iEQ45 you get a ratio of 1.7 which is the best ratio on the market for a mount in this price range. (Please note the stated capacity applies to one side. It doesn't include the supplied counterweights, which weigh an additional 22lb. If you load the mount to it's 45lb maximum capacity, you'll need to balance it with approx. 45lb counterweights, in which case the mount will be carrying about 90lb total weight).
More features than other mounts: Extra features make the iEQ45 stand out in the marketplace. The software based polar aligment routine was (at the time of writing) unique in the market. A dark field illuminated reticule that matches the angle display in the handset makes the mount very quick and easy to polar-align. Setup time and accuracy are further improved via a built in 32 channel GPS module. PC control is possible using planetarium software, and for fast, accurate autoguiding an ST4 port is provided. The heated, brightness adjustable multi-line display hand control module is extremely easy-to-use, and contains an enormous 130,000 object database. No other mount (at time of writing!) has all these features combined in this way, showing true innovation.
Reviews and accolades: The iEQ45 is one of the most anticipated products amongst the astro-imaging community and customers have captured some excellent images.
Astronomy Now Magazine Review of the earlier iOptron iEQ45 (opens new window).
Here's a link to a French Customer's review of the first version of the iEQ45 in French (with images) and the same iEQ45 review translated into English (sans images - use the French review to see the images). (Review credit P. Barrraud)
To find out about other user's experiences, we suggest joining the Yahoo Group for IEQ45 users, to share technical tips to get the most out of your new mount:
Above, an image of the Iris Nebula exposed for 12 Hours with the iEQ45 v1 mount and the Altair 115-805 ED Triplet APO & 3" flattener. Image credit: Olly Penrice of Les Granges Astronomy Holidays, www.sunstarfrance.com.
IEQ45-AZ feature highlights:
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Ideal for entry-level and experienced astrophotographers alike.
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Portable pier included.
- Can be used in Alt-Azimuth (for visual observing) or Equatorial mode (for imaging).
- An additional telescope can be mounted with the optional counterweight shaft clamp.
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NEW Dual Vixen-Japanese-format and Losmandy-US-format mounting clamp in one unit.
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Portable with very quick setup and very accurate GoTo slewing.
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20.5kg / 45lb Payload yet only weighs 25lb / 11.4kg (quoted capacity excludes counterweights).
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A higher payload capacity to wait ratio of 1.7 which is less than any comparable mount on the market.
- Easy-to-use SmartStar controller with large multi-line backlit display, large 130,000 object database.
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ST-4 autoguiding port capable of reverse guiding with auto-protection.
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Programmable Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC).
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Accurate tracking with temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO).
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Gap-free structure for both R.A. and declination worms.
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Built-in 32-channel GPS & Polar Alignment assistance.
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#8407 controller with Advanced SmartStarTM GoTo Technology.
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Mount firmware can be upgraded.
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Supports ASCOM control through various astornomy software programs.
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2 inch heavy-duty stainless steel tripod.
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Precision DC Servo motors for smooth torque, and accurate tracking.
- High 0.09 Arc sec resolution encoders for increased pointing accuracy.
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Thick 28mm Counterweight bar with zero flex. (Optional longer bars are available).
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2x 5kg Counterweights included - a total of 10kg.
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Calibrated polar scope with dark-field illumination (so you can see background stars easily) and an easy software driven polar alignment procedure, allowing for fast and accurate polar alignment. Mount displays polar alignment accuracy and builds up a pointing model.
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Meridian flip can be enabled or disabled for extra long imaging sessions.
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Low power consumption - as low as 0.2 A while tracking.
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Comes standard with: 2 x 5kg counterweights (22lb total), 12V DC car plug adaptor, USB cable, RS232 Cable.
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All officially imported iOptron products sold by official distributor Altair Astro (and our European partner companies) have a unique serial number for warranty purposes, to help us support you.
Technical specifications:
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Payload
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45 lbs (20kg)
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Mount Weight
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11.4kg
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Payload / Mount Weight Ratio
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1.75
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Right Ascension Worm Gear
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216 Teeth (Gap-free)
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Ø130mm
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Declination Worm Gear
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192 Teeth (Gap-free)
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Ø115mm
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Motor Drive Type
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Precision DC Servo
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Encoder Resolution
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0.09 Arc Seconds
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Latitude Adjustment Range
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5-70°
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Azimuth Adjustment Range
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±6°
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Counterweight Bar
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Ø28mm
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Counterweight included
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5kg x 2 Total 10kg
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Field Tripod
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2" Stainless Steel (8kg)
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Polar Scope
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Included - dark-field illumination.
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Ascension Axis
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Ø50mm
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Dovetail interface
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Dual Vixen / Losmandy dovetail.
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Power Consumption
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0.2A (Tracking) 1A (Slewing)
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Power Requirement
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12V DC (11-15V), 2 Amps
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Transmission
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Hybrid drive
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Level Indicator
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Precision Bubble
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GPS
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Internal 32-channel GPS
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PLEASE NOTE: Do not be concerned if the box appears to have been opened. All mounts are removed from their boxes, and checked. We then apply a unique one-off, anti-tamper serial number to every product supported under our warranty. An image of the serial number is shown below. Legitimate iOptron products purchased from Offical EU Distributor Altair Astro UK and our official European partners all have this unique serial number either on the mount as shown, or inside the battery compartment. This entitles you to two years of warranty support from date of purchase, provided you can produce the original sales invoice with that serial number on it and the serial number on the product isn't showing signs of tampering.
To find out more about astro photography with the iEQ45 as well as other products such as the Skytracker iEQ30, Smart EQ and ZEQ range of mounts, we suggest joining the existing iOptron Imaging Yahoo User Group: Click to join the iOptron Imaging Mount User Group
Where to buy iOptron products:
- For European orders, you can order online here.
- Astronomia (2x shops, London and Surrey, stockist)
- IO Astronomy (Hampshire, stockist)
- Green Witch (2x shops, Birstal and Cambridge)
- Ian King Imaging (Kent)
- Opticstar (Manchester)
- Widescreen Centre (London)
- 365 Astronomy (online)
This product is extremely popular and each shipment goes out of stock soon after they arrive. If showing as out of stock here, please check with your nearest iOptron stockist, or click the "Notify when in stock" button above.
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