Meet the GEM28EC, iOptron's latest compact German equatorial mount that's engineered for both convenience and performance. Building on the strengths of its earlier models, this mount is featherlight at just 10 lbs, but don't let that fool you. It's robust enough to handle a 28lb payload—a whopping 2.8-to-1 weight-to-payload ratio! We pulled this off by applying design innovations from our CEM mount family.

For those of you who are fans of traditional German equatorial mounts and require functionality at higher latitudes, the GEM28EC is for you. We've also layered in features to make your stargazing or photography sessions a breeze. Glove-friendly positive lock gear systems, real-time PEC with a high-res optical encoder boasting a PE of less than 0.3 arcsec RMS, and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity make the GEM28EC a game-changer in compact mounts.

This mount comes equipped with cutting-edge GOTONOVA® GOTO tech, elevating it as one of the most precise and powerful GOTO mounts out there. With a library of 212,000 celestial objects, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to observing or imaging targets. The intuitive Go2Nova® Hand Controller features a large 4-line LCD, making setup and navigation a walk in the park.

But wait, there's more. Say goodbye to alignment woes with the integrated iPolar electronic polar finder scope—your secret weapon for accurate alignment, even if the pole star plays hard to get. Included in the package are a heavy-duty LiteRoc stainless steel tripod and an aluminum carry case for your on-the-go adventures.

What's in the Box?

Shipping Box #1: GEM28EC Head complete with iPolar, Case, and Tray (Model: G284A)
Shipping Box #2: LiteRoc Tripod for CEM26/GEM28 without Tray (Model: 8283-CEM26/GEM28 LiteRoc)

Specs at a Glance:

German equatorial mount with a latitude range between 10° and 70°
Tailored for both visual astronomy and astrophotography
PE < 0.3 arcsec RMS
12.7 kg (28 lbs) payload, 4.5 kg (10 lbs) mount weight
Crafted from CNC-machined and cast metal
Spring-loaded gear system
Oversized quick-lock gear clutches
Energy-efficient stepper motor
In-built iPolarTM electronic polar scope
Go2Nova® 8409 controller featuring Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology
Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
Wi-Fi enabled
USB port for updates and computer control
Comes with a standard LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod weighing 7.5kg
Metal tripod spreader with an accessory tray
Hard carrying case included
Optional 32-channel GPS and iGuiderTM autoguiding system (#3360) available

So, whether you're a newbie or a pro, the GEM28EC offers a well-rounded package that's both user-friendly and performance-oriented.

Specifications

Mount	German Equatorial Mount
Payload *	28 lbs (12.7kg), exclude counterweight
Mount weight	10 lbs (4.5kg)
Payload/Mount weight	2.80
Structure Material	All metal, Casting + CNC machined
Exterior Finish	Powder coating
Periodic error (PE) **	< 0.3 arcsec rms
PEC	Real-time PEC
Worm period	600 sec
Right Ascension worm wheel	Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Declination worm wheel	Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Right Ascension axis shaft	Φ35mm steel
Declination axis shaft	Φ35mm steel
Right Ascension bearing	Φ55mm ball bearing
Declination bearing	Φ55mm ball bearing
Worm gears	Φ15.2mm, Brass
Motor drive	1.8º stepper motor, 128X microdivision
Resolution	0.17 arc seconds
Transmission	Synchronous belt
Latitude adjustment range	10º ~ 70º
Azimuth adjustment range	± 6º
Polar Scope	iPolar ^TM electronic polar scope
Level indicator	Level bubble
Hand Controller	Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database
Tracking	Automatic
Slew speed	1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(6º/sec)
Power consumption	0.6A(Tracking), 0.9A(GOTO)
Power requiremention	12V DC, 5A
AC adapter	100V ~ 240V (included)
Power-down memory	Yes
Wi-Fi	Built-in
Communication port	Yes (Wi-Fi and USB)
Autoguide port	Yes (ST-4 compatible)
Firmware upgrade	Yes
PC computer control	Yes (ASCOM)
Counterweight shaft	Φ20X200mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Shaft extension	Φ20X120mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Counterweight	10 lbs (4.5kg)
Tripod	LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (7.5kg)
Dovetail saddle	3.8" Vixen-style, center adjustable
Carrying case	Included
GPS	Optional external 32-channel GPS
Autoguiding	Optional external iGuider 1
Operation temperature	-10ºC ~ 40ºC
Warranty	Two year limited

* OTA size and length dependent, smaller than 6" in diameter recommended
** Measured with encoder on bench, 10 minutes

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iOptron GEM28EC with LiteRoc Tripod

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