HEM44EC Hybrid Equatorial Mount w/ iPolar & High Precision Encoder

The iOptron HEM44EC is a revolutionary hybrid equatorial mount featuring strain wave drive technology on the RA axis combined with a backlash-free worm/belt drive on the declination axis, delivering exceptional tracking accuracy without the need for counterweights. Weighing just 13.65 lbs while supporting a 44 lb payload, this portable mount includes a high-precision RA encoder with real-time periodic error correction (RPEC) enabling unguided imaging with shorter focal lengths, plus an integrated iPolar electronic polar scope for rapid and accurate polar alignment. The mount features an electronic friction brake for safe power-loss protection, power-down memory to resume slewing automatically, dual saddle compatibility (Vixen and Losmandy-D), and the Go2Nova hand controller with access to over 212,000 celestial objects, making it ideal for astrophotographers seeking observatory-grade performance in a travel-friendly package.