The advantages at a glance:

• A new design, center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload with natural stability
• Ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography
• Payload of 70 lbs (31.8 kg) with the mount weight of 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
• Easy to use and reliable gear clutches
• Precision altitude and azimuth adjustment.
• Precision stepper motor with 0.07 arcsec accuracy for precise GOTO and accurate tracking
• iPolar electronic polar scope
• Go2Nova® 8410 controller with advanced GOTONOVA® technology and a built-in heater
• High precision tracking with low periodic error (PE <0.3 arcsec rms)
• realtime periodic error correction (RPEC)
• 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
• USB 3.0 powered connection
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Advanced cable management system with more choices
• Spring loaded 8" Vixen/Losmandy dual saddle
• Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity

Following up on the success of the iOptron CEM60 center balance equatorial mount, iOptron is introducing two new medium payload center balance mounts. The CEM70 series mounts are new standard bearers for equatorial mounts in the 70lb payload segment. The mounts are packed with advanced features, while streamlining the components resulting in a more portable imaging setup.

Retaining the inherent properties of the center balance design, these relatively compact medium payload mounts deliver what astronomers expect in an efficient, accurate and portable mount. With precise GOTO pointing and accurate tracking, the CEM70EC is a solid performer for observers and imagers alike. Innovative operational features such as the internal iPolar electronic polar scope, easy lock drive gear engagement (levers large enough to use with gloves), an advanced cable management system for the mount, iPolar, guider, and camera assure users that the CEM70 was designed with their needs in mind.

The CEM70 mount can be seamlessly connected with an Intel® NUC mini-computer (thickness 38mm) using the mount’s cable management system on the front of the top plate. Innovative operating utilities such as the built-in iPolar electronic polarscope, quiet drive with “easy lock” stepper motors, large levers and clamps for gloved operation, and an internal cable management system for the mount, iPolar, guider and camera are part of the design of the CEM70 EC2N-NUC.