INCOMING iOptron HEM27 Hybrid Harmonic Drive Equatorial GoTo Mount

[FLO]

iOptron have revealed their new HEM27 Hybrid Harmonic Drive Equatorial GOTO mount 🙂 

Using harmonic drive technology (first seen in robotics) for the RA movement and a backlash-free DEC worm/belt drive design, the HEM27 delivers remarkable weight to payload efficiency. 

Payload is 13.5 kg / 29.7 lbs (from a mount that weighs only 3.7 kg / 8.15 lbs) without needing a counterweight or shaft! 

iOptron HEM27 Hybrid Harmonic Drive Equatorial GoTo Mount

iOptron HEM27 Hybrid Harmonic Drive Equatorial GoTo Mount with iPolar

iOptron HEM27-EC Hybrid Harmonic Drive Equatorial GoTo Mount with Encoders

 

[wookie1965]

Does this not need any counterweights? What tripods fit this please.

Edited May 13, 2022 by wookie1965

[vineyard]

There now seem to be harmonic mounts from RST, ZWO, Pegasus, Avalon, iOptron (no doubt others too) - is anyone in a position to do a comparison?🍿

[The Admiral]

3 hours ago, vineyard said:

Avalon

I hadn't heard that Avalon were doing one. Do you have a link please?

I think it's too early for any comparisons, only Rainbow (and Crux?) have a product which is currently in the market place, and ZWO probably would have were it not for COVID in China. There is a ZWO Mount forum on Facebook where the results of actual use are available.

Ian

Edited May 13, 2022 by The Admiral

[vineyard]

1 hour ago, The Admiral said:

I hadn't heard that Avalon were doing one. Do you have a link please?

I think it's too early for any comparisons, only Rainbow (and Crux?) have a product which is currently in the market place, and ZWO probably would have were it not for COVID in China. There is a ZWO Mount forum on Facebook where the results of actual use are available.

Ian

My bad, Avalon is not harmonic but a belt-driven alternative: https://www.avalon-instruments.com/products-menu/mounts/evo-zero-detail to it.  Still v pricey, esp as a non-harmonic?

[The Admiral]

1 hour ago, vineyard said:

My bad, Avalon is not harmonic but a belt-driven alternative: https://www.avalon-instruments.com/products-menu/mounts/evo-zero-detail to it.  Still v pricey, esp as a non-harmonic?

But at least with some of their mounts it may not be necessary to do a meridian flip! (Shorter scopes mainly). Quality though.

Ian

[Adam J]

Odd choice as I consider zero backlash of a harmonic drive driven Dec to be one big advantage. So this is basically saving money and allowing no counterweight imaging by removing one harmonic drive.  But it's not significantly cheaper than the ZWO. So not sure hot to feel about this one. 

Edit, just noticed its 1kg lighter than the ZWO so that is nice. 

Adam

Edited May 15, 2022 by Adam J

[knobby]

So much choice 😃