Availability: Special order. The factory is backordered because of high demand. There will be a wait time of approximately 45 days after order placement and payment.

"We've been waiting for a sub 30lb mount with about 60lb maximum carrying capacity for some time now. The iOptron CEM60 fits into an ideal position in the market, where the portability vs. carrying capacity ratio allows for either observatory or field use with larger telescopes or dual-mounted refractor/reflector combos. The CEM60 is a pleasure to use, with almost zero backlash evident during autoguiding corrections and slewing. It slews and tracks very smoothly and quietly, so it won't wake up the neighbours. The CEM60 "standard" model is routinely autoguided down to a very low periodic error by experienced customers with a rigid optical tube. In fact, many customers have commented this is the best mount they've owned to date, and a significant upgrade to their previous mounts. The more expensive CEM60-EC with it's Realtime Periodic Error Correction or "RPEC", has been shown by customers to be capable of sub arc second periodic error with auto-guiding and a good quality rigid optical tube. Until now mounts offering this level of performance have cost a lot more. Stay tuned as more images appear from satisfied customers. This is truly a revolutionary product, and has changed the market and customer's expectations at this price-point. "  - Altair Astro Staff

Below are two images taken in London in 2014 with the RC250-TT and iOptron CEM60 mount by customer Jaspal Chadha. The left image is taken using narrowband filters (Ha 5x1200sec, SII 1x1800sec, OII 2x1200sec) and the right-hand image is taken using RGB filters (Red 3x600sec, Green 3x600sec, Blue 1x600sec, Ha 4x600sec) :

(Click to enlarge, opens new window)

Two versions of the CEM60 are available. The CEM60 which is the "Standard" model with Programmable Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) and the CEM60 "Advanced" model with optional Real-Time PEC for incredibly high tracking accuracy, intended for customers with longer focal length instruments, or those who want the very best tracking performance available. Either mount still offers simply amazing performance in it's class.

The iOptron CEM60 mount features a large dual 1.75" / 3" dovetail clamp for convenient use of most telescopes on the market. Other features include an adjustable counterweight bar to prevent obstruction with the tripod or pier. Polar alignment is quick and easy with the AccuAligning^TM polar scope, which can be viewed-through regardless of where the mount is pointing, because it isn't blocked by the declination shaft.

Another feature is through-cabling to reduce the number of cables around your telescope and imaging accessories. 2x 12v power-out ports and 4x USB ports are conveniently placed just below the dovetail clamp on the mount's RA axis.

Feature list:

• A new design, center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload and minimum mount weight
• Specialized astrophotography mount ideal for entry-level and intermediate Astro-photographers
• Patent pending non-contact magnetically loaded gear system
• Maximum Payload of 60 lbs (27.2 kg) with the mount-only weight of 27 lbs (12.3 kg)
• Gear switches on both R.A. and DEC axes for easy balancing when disengaged
• Adjustable counterweight shaft for 0º latitude operation
• Screw/worm type latitude adjuster for precision adjustments
• Milling machine tooling vise type latitude bearing and locks system for rock solid positioning
• User side azimuth fine adjusters for easy azimuth adjustment
• Precision stepper motor with 0.06 arcsec accuracy for precise GOTO and accurate tracking
• iOptron AccuAligning^TM calibrated polar scope with dark-field illumination and easy polar alignment procedure, allowing for fast and accurate polar alignment
• Polar alignment routine for those who can't see the Pole Star
• Go2Nova^® 8407 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA^® GOTO Technology with built in heater
• Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) or Realtime periodic error correction (RPEC)
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Built-in 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Built-in or customized cable management system
• Spring loaded Vixen/Losmandy dual saddle
• 150mm base size to match optional 2 inch heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (8kg) or 42/48 inch pier
• Optional PowerWeight^TM rechargeable battery pack

Technical Specifications:

For the ultimate in stability, consider the ultra-stable Altair Starbase Field Pier / Tripod, which sets a new standard for freedom from flex, strength and stability. For permanent mounting, consider the Altair/SkyShed 8" Steel Observatory Pier, with a unique design, making it the easiest-to-install pier on the market. (See thumbnail images and ordering options). 

 

 

To find out about other user's experiences with the CEM60 and other iOptron mounts, we suggest joining the existing iOptron Mount Yahoo User Group: Click here to join the iOptron Imaging Mount User Group (opens new window)

Download the iOptron CEM60 Mount Intruction Manual here! (PDF format, opens new window)

Customer Reviews

• Author: JASPAL CHADHA
  I have tested and owned a few mounts in the past.. My most recent was a Skywatcher EQ8 which had faults which couldn't be resolved to my satisfaction, so I decided to replace it with the CEM60. I was quite nervous as it's not really known in the UK. Once arrived and setup correctly I had a few technical queries and emailed the support team. Within four hours on a Sunday I got a detailed response. The support team are outstanding... very outstanding...
  
  The Mount so far is exceptional.. The tracking graph displayed flat even in poor windy viewing conditions.. The polar alignment is very very very easy just look the the picture on the handset and match though the never unobstructed polar scope...
  
  I decided to do a drift alignment.. I there for over 10 minutes and didn't even have to adjust anything the polar alignment is spot on
  
  I would definitely recommend this mount without any doubt