เมาท์ระบบคอมพิวเตอร์ iOptron CEM40 + iPolar #7400A-HC พร้อมขาตั้ง 1.5" และ Hard Case

• รีวิวโดย BBC Sky at Night magazine - ได้รับ 4.5 out of 5 stars!
• เมาท์สำหรับทั้งการดูด้วยตา (visual) และถ่ายภาพดาราศาสตร์อย่างจริงจัง สำหรับนักถ่ายภาพระดับกลาง (intermediate)
• นวัตกรรมใหม่ Center-Balanced equatorial mount (CEM) รับภาระได้สูงเทียบกับน้ำหนักตัวที่เบา
• รองรับการใช้งานได้ทั่วไทย ลงไปถึงเส้นศูนย์สูตรต่ำกว่า Singapore (Latitude 0 ถึง 60)
• ค่าผิดพลาดต่ำ Low periodic error (< ± 7 arc seconds), มี ระบบ Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC)
• รองรับน้ำหนักได้ 40 lbs (18kg) โดยตัวเมาท์มีน้ำหนักเพียง 15.8 lbs (7kg)
• เหมาะสำหรับพกพา น้ำหนักมากกว่า CEM25P เพียง 2.5kg แต่รับภาระเพิ่มขึ้นจาก 12kg เป็น 18kg!
• มีที่ปลดเฟืองทั้งแกน R.A. และ DEC เพื่อความสะดวกในการถ่วงน้ำหนัก (balance) อุปกรณ์อย่างอืสระเมื่อปลดเฟือง
• ที่ปรับ azimuth (แกนทิศทาง) แบบละเอียดฝั่งผู้ใช้ (User side azimuth fine adjusters) ในช่วง ±6° เพื่อความสะดวกในการทำ polar alignment
• Stepper motor ใช้พลังงานต่ำและให้เสียงเงียบในเวลาทำงาน
• ซอฟแวร์ชาญฉลาด! รองรับการตั้งแกนให้ตรงกับดาวเหนือได้โดยไม่จำเป็นต้องมองเห็นดาวเหนือเลย! เหมาะกับที่ๆแสงรบกวนมาก หรือตดาวเหนือใกล้เส้นขอบฟ้า
• นวัตกรรม iPolar ซึ่งระบุตำแหน่งของแกนดาวเหนือให้ทันที ถึงแม้ดาวเหนือจะถูกบังก็ตาม โดยอาศัย Plate Solving การทำ Polar Alignment จึงง่ายและรวดเร็วกว่าเดิม (ดูวีดีโอ iPolar ด้านล่าง)
• ระบบคอมพิวเตอร์ Go2Nova® 8407+ hand controller ขนาดจอ LCD ขนาดใหญ่ 8 แถว 21 ตัวอักษรต่อแถว ดูข้อมูลครบถ้วนและได้สบายตามากขึ้น พร้อมฐานข้อมูลวัตถุต่างๆ 212,000+ ดวง และกำหนดวัตถุเพิ่มได้เองอีก 60 วัตถุ
• มีระบบการจัดการสาย (cable management system) รวมช่องจ่ายไฟ DC12V (3A), ST4, USB เพื่อลดสายไฟเมื่อต่ออุปกรณ์หลายอย่างพร้อมกัน
• รองรับการอัพเด็ท firmware และ รองรับการควบคุมกล้องจากคอมพิวเตอร์ทั้งผ่านสายและ WiFi
• ตัวยึดกระบอก (saddle) มีความกว้าง 6" รองรับรางทั้ง Vixen/Lodmandy dovetail saddle plate ในตัวเดียว จึงนำกล้องดูดาวมาตรฐานทั้งใหญ่และเล็กมาใช้ได้
• รวมระบบ GPS 32 ช่องสัญญาณ
• รวม Hard Case และขาตั้งขนาดมาตรฐาน 1.5" พร้อมที่ถ่างขาแบบโลหะหล่อ (spreader) และถาดพักอุปกรณ์ (tray)
• สามารถเพิ่มอุปกรณ์ StarFi WiFi adapter (#8434) เพื่อการควบคุมกล้องผ่าน SmartPhone/Tablet/Computer แบบไร้สาย เพิ่มความสนุกและมิติในการเรียนรู้
• Optional PowerWeight^TM rechargeable battery pack (จำหน่ายแยก)
• แบรนคุณภาพจาก USA ; ประกัน 2 ปี

โปรดทราบ: เมาท์ CEM40 / CEM40G ได้เปิดตัวในปี 2019 และผ่านการแก้ไขแบบ minor change มาโดยตลอด รายละเอียดของสินค้าในแต่ละช่วงเวลาจึงอาจมีความแตกต่างกันเล็กน้อย เช่น รุ่นปี 2021 ได้เปลี่ยนแกนเหล็กลูกตุ้มให้มีความหนามากขึ้นแต่ความยาวสั้นลงเมื่อเทียบกับรุ่นดั้งเดิม ส่วนรางยึด (saddle) มีความกว้างมากขึ้นจาก 5" เป็น 6"  ช่องเสียบไฟและช่องต่ออุปกรณ์มีการย้ายตำแหน่งเพื่อการจัดการสาย (cable management) ที่ดีขึ้น รายละเอียดของภาพสินค้าในหน้าสินค้านี้มาจากแต่ละช่วงเวลา จึงอาจมีความแตกต่างจากรุ่นปัจจุบันเล็กน้อย ถ้าต้องการรายละเอียดล่าสุด ขอแนะนำให้ดูรายละเอียดจากคู่มือฉบับปัจจุบัน

BBC Sky at Night magazine rating

 4.5 out of 5 stars!

"..A compact platform with impressive load bearing and accuracy.."  - BBC Sky at Night magazine

Sample pictures from a ThaiExcite.com customer, Noppodol Prasertstit:

Credit: นพดล ประเสริฐสถิตย์ iOptron CEM40, William Optics ZS73II, ZWO ASI1600MM

Credit: นพดล ประเสริฐสถิตย์ iOptron CEM40, William Optics ZS73II, ZWO ASI1600MM

 
Credit: นพดล ประเสริฐสถิตย์ iOptron CEM40, William Optics ZS73II, ZWO ASI1600MM

NEAF CEM40 Intro..

CEM40 Slew Demo

CEM40 UnBoxing and Assembly

Note1: There is a similar model from iOptron called the iOptron GEM45, which supports a latitude range between 14º ~ 68º. We do not offer GEM45 because it does not support the latitude range of central and southern Thailand. 

Note2: For larger OTAs such as 8"/9.25" SCTs, the larger 1.75" LiteRoc tripod option is recommended. The 2" tripod has been discontinued and replaced by the 1.75" LiteRoc by iOptron. The following is iOptron's comment on the new 1.75" LiteRoc tripod:

"The 1.75” (LiteRoc) is an upgrade version from the 2” and 1.5”, which completely eliminated any flexibility. The lower leg is 1.5”, same as the 2” tripod. We intentionally made the top portion of the tripod 1.75” for better portability while not sacrifice the regality (the lower portion 1.5”, which rules). By the way, the cost of 1.75” tripod is higher than the 2” although we have not listed the 1.75” separately."

 
Credit: https://bbs.imufu.cn/thread-779999-1-1.html

The iOptron® CEM40 mount is the next generation of center-balanced equatorial mounts. This mount is incredibly eye-pleasing, and its beauty is found in more than its appearance. The functionality of the mount is superb. Weighing in at only 15.8lbs., this mount can support a payload of up to 40lbs.! That's incredible!

All New iPolar - get accurate alignment even without seeing the pole star!
The CEM40 mount has an integrated electronic polar finder scope known as the iPolar. This tool ensures the accurate alignment of a telescope, even when the pole star is obscured. There are large levers on the quick-lock drive engagement system; these large levers make it easy to snap the gears into place.

Shows polar alignment without seeing Polaris:

iPolar features:

• Fast and easy to use
• High precision (30 arcsec)
• No need to see the Pole Star
• No need to rotate the mount during alignment
• Unique imaging enhancement technique
• Smart plate solving
• On screen instruction during alignment
• Capable under poor sky visibility condition
• Windows 7 /8.1 /10, 32bit or 64 bit, with Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 installed

Innovative iOptron Technology
This iOptron CEM40G mount has a dual saddle that accommodates Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail plates. The CEM40 also uses iOptron's ultra-quiet, low-power consumption stepper motor drive system, aiding the mount in providing precise tracking.

Easily switch between Vixen and Losmandy saddle configurations

The CEM40 also uses iOptron's ultra-quiet, low-power consumption stepper motor drive system, aiding the mount in providing precise tracking.

GOTONOVA® computerized control system
The iOptron CEM40 mount uses the Go2Nova® 8407 hand controller to navigate the night sky. This incredible technology helps observers find celestial objects with the aid of the mount's 212,000+ object database! For those looking for a telescope that has the capability of tracking and finding beautiful night sky objects, this mount is a must have tool.

Credit: https://bbs.imufu.cn/thread-779999-1-1.html

The revolutionary GOTONOVA® computerized control system is by far the most technologically advanced automated goto and tracking system available on the market today. With its large celestial object database, including all of the well-known galaxies, nebulae, star clusters-- not to mention the planets, sun and moon-- you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a button. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit with optical encoders that provide accurate GOTO and tracking. The control system also allows you to slew the telescope at different drive speeds, keeping the object within the telescope's viewfinder for as long as you wish. 

The most easy to understand controller on the market 
The GoToNova hand controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories better organized. It also has a larger LCD screen with more lines of content compared with the competition. Using the easy-to-use hand controller and its large LCD screen, you can easily set up your telescope and select where you want to go.

The 8407 controller has 8-line/21-character LCD screen; backlit 19-button user interface
 

32-Channel GPS
All CEM40 telescope mounts come standard with a 32-channel GPS module for fully automated operation and alignment. Plug in the GPS module, then simply turn on the Go2Nova® Controller and the GPS module will automatically synchronize your telescope location and time with the Go2Nova® computerized control system. View celestial objects without having to manually punch in the date, time, latitude or longitude.

WiFi Support on Android/iOS/PC/MacOS (with optional iOptron iStarFi WiFi Adapter #7434)

Cable Management System

The CEM40 mount has a pre-wired Cable Management Panel (CMP) that extends connections to the ports on its dovetail saddle. Ports on dovetail saddle has the following connections:

• 1X USB 2.0 ports with standard type A connectors for connecting accessory;
• 2X DC12V power outlet (2.1mmX5.5mm, center positive, max. current 3A in total) for powering accessories such as CCD cameras, filter wheels, or electric focusers;
• ST-4: ST-4 compatible autoguiding port

FEATURES SUMMARY

Hard Case (depends on selected option)

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Mount head:
  • with iPolarTM electronic Polar Scope (CEM40);
  • with iPolar and High Precision Optical Encoder (CEM40EC); or
  • with iPolar and iGuiderTM guiding system (CEM40G)
• Hand Controller (HC) – Go2Nova® 8407+
• Counterweight – 11 lbs (5 kg, #8027)
• Stainless steel counterweight shaft  
• GPS module
• RJ11 coiled cables, x2
• USB cable
• AC adapter – 100-240V (DC output 12V/5A) with 2.5/5.5mm DC plug
• Alignment peg (located in mount head package)
• 1.5” or LiteRocTM heavy duty tripod and accessory tray
• Quick Start Guide

 OPTIONAL PARTS

• Tri-Pier (#8034)
• Hard Case
• iStarFi wireless adapter (#7434)
• USB to RS232 Converter with FTDI chipset (#8435)

SPECIFICATIONS

Support Documents

Manual:
Quick Start Guide
Instruction Manual
iPolar Operation Manual

Firmware and Software:
CEM40 Firmware
iPolar Software
FTDI VCP Driver, or go to FTDI Chip website to download the VCP driver

iOptron Telescope ASCOM Driver:
Install ASCOM Driver and Commander

REVIEW

BBC Sky at Night magazine
by Tim Jardine
July 2019

Our rating

 4.5

The iOptron CEM40 (centre-balanced equatorial mount) is an unusual design. If you’re used to looking at ‘traditional’ German equatorial mounts (GEMs) the CEM can initially be quite perplexing.

This shifts the load’s centre of gravity onto the RA axis so that it sits centrally on the shaft rather than at one end, as would be the case with a traditional GEM, offering a number of advantages (see ‘Style with substance’ section below).

At a little over £1,400 the CEM40 is an interesting prospect. With features normally found on high-end mounts, it also maintains a strong foothold in the portable grab-and-go arena.

It has an impressive 18kg load capacity (for comparison a Celestron C11 optical tube weighs 12.5kg), free-running lockable clutches, permanent periodic error correction, GPS and a semi-automatic electronic polar-alignment system.

It doesn’t skimp on quality: the mount body is solidly constructed from CNC machined aluminium. We were also impressed with the quality of the online electronic documentation provided for this mount.

It took us through the initial setup procedures in a well-organised, logical step-by-step fashion.

Testing alignments

The iPolar electronic polar alignment system recognises stars around your local celestial pole but doesn’t need to be able to see the pole itself; a useful option if visibility is limited.

On our first outing, our rough polar alignment was too rough and the star recognition system failed due to the pole being outside the image frame.

After realising what we’d done, we moved the mount into a better position. Although we assumed we would have to initiate another match attempt ourselves, the recognition software had kept watching and reported a match.

The software places a cross and circle on your laptop’s screen, typically misaligned. Adjusting the mount’s altitude-azimuth position is required to get both shapes to line up.

A couple of hex bolts need loosening to do this and a magnetically clipped hex key is kept on the mount.

The software zooms in on the cross and circle when alignment gets close. A 32-channel GPS dongle is provided, supplying location, date and time information automatically.

Once polar alignment has been achieved, it’s a simple process to run a one-, two- or three-star alignment to refine the mount’s pointing model.

We selected numerous targets. With a camera attached to a 1,000mm focal length scope, we instructed the mount to slew to each target and took an image. The object was fairly well centred each time.

Taking control

The CEM40 can be controlled via an optional Wi-Fi dongle, a USB connection to a computer running the Ascom platform, or via the Go2Nova 8407+ hand controller.

The GoToNova Go-To system has a database of 212,000 objects, all accessible via this controller. Native mount periodic error is quoted at +/-7 arcseconds.

We were able to set up the CEM40 in a couple of minutes with the ability for precise Go-To and excellent unguided tracking, achieving exposures at 1,000mm focal length of 2, 3 and 4 minutes without noticeable star elongation.

For extended exposure, the CEM40 provides an ST4-compatible guide port for autoguiding functionality. This is where the 18kg-load capacity is important, allowing for a substantial guidescope to be fitted to the main imaging scope.

Overall, we were impressed with the CEM40. It’s well designed and offers substantial functionality. It’s stable even with heavy loads, relatively quiet in operation and is ideal if you need to move location to get under dark skies.

Its excellent Go-To and tracking precision also make it an exciting prospect for astrophotography. Overall, it’s a great investment for both beginners and experienced astronomers alike.

Style with substance

The CEM40’s shape is distinctive and unusual. A conventional German equatorial mount places the declination axis at one end of the RA shaft, carrying both the mass of the counterweights and scope.

In the CEM design, the declination axis is staggered so the counterweights remain at one end of the RA axis with the scope sitting at the other.

This design balances the RA axis, placing its centre of gravity directly over the tripod or pier. The lack of bias to one side of the RA shaft helps improve stability.

It also makes fine adjustment of the mount’s altitude, used when fine-tuning the polar alignment, easy.

The CEM40 is designed to operate from the equator to 60° of latitude. It achieves this by providing two latitude ranges of 0-35° and 25-60°.

A straightforward mechanical procedure is required to select your desired range before initial operation.

The CEM40 operates via high-resolution stepper motors capable of 0.08 arcsecond movement steps combined with 110mm, 216 teeth RA and dec. gears.

Slew rates can be set from sidereal to 4.5° per second.

Cable management

A cable management plate on the dovetail clamp offers a USB 2.0 (but no USB 3.0) type-A connector, 12V DC (3A maximum current) and an ST4-compatible autoguider port.

It’s used to maintain tidy connections to mounted equipment and can be moved to the other end of the clamp assembly if required.

Go2Nova handset

The mount is natively controlled by a Go2Nova 8407+ hand controller. This presents a number pad, four direction arrows, menu, back and enter buttons.

Its LCD screen is heated to permit operation in temperatures as low as –20˚C and has a generous 8×21 character display which we found was well utilised.

iPolar electronic polarscope

Accurate polar alignment is performed via an in-built iPolar electronic polarscope. A dedicated USB port is provided for connection to your computer or laptop running the iPolar software.

Once connected to the scope, the software is able to detect and identify the stars around your local celestial pole, indicating how to adjust the mount for accurate polar alignment.

Self-centering dovetail clamp

The CEM40’s supplied 5-inch iOptron Universal Saddle can accommodate Vixen or Losmandy-D sized dovetails. A small mechanical procedure is required to set the clamp for the appropriate dovetail type.

The position of a fixed block – which the clamp locks the dovetail against – can be adjusted to ensure perfect dovetail rail-centering.

Free-running bearings

The CEM40 has free-running bearings. When an axis clutch is disengaged, it’s able to rotate freely without significant resistance.

As long as you keep hold of your scope when first disengaging the clutches, this allows you to fine tune your equipment’s balance to perfection.

Once achieved, clutch switches re-engage each axis to its drive system.

Original review can be viewed at https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/reviews/mounts/ioptron-cem40-centre-balanced-equatorial-mount/