iOptron HEM44 Instruction Manual
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iOptron HEM44 Instruction Manual

Hybrid strain wave goto equatorial mount
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iOptron
HEM44
Hybrid Strain Wave GoTo Equatorial Mount
Instruction Manual
Product HEM44 and HEM44EC

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Summary of Contents for iOptron HEM44

  • Page 1 ® iOptron HEM44 Hybrid Strain Wave GoTo Equatorial Mount Instruction Manual Product HEM44 and HEM44EC...
  • Page 2 Instruction Manual for details. Please hold the mount/scope when disengaging the gear switch. Any worm system damage due to improper operation will not be covered by iOptron’s limited warranty. If you have any questions please contact us at support@ioptron.com WARNING! NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    2.4.2. The LCD Screen ..........................9 2.5. Install and Check the Hand Controller Battery ..................10 2.6. Bench Testing the Mount ........................11 3. HEM44 Mount Assembly ..........................12 4. Getting Started .............................. 21 4.1. Setup the Mount and Polar Alignment ....................21 4.2.
  • Page 4 Appendix F. Go2Nova Star List ........................39 IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY ......48 Ver. 1.0 2022.10 iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design/function may differ from those described in this instruction.

  • Page 5: Hem44 Overview

    212,000+ object database! A HEM44 mount can be controlled by a computer, either via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC or a third party INDI driver for MacOS software; a SmartPhone/Tablet via iOptron Commander Lite or an App like SkySafari Pro;...

  • Page 6: Hem44 Terms

    HEM44 mount (#HEM44); ® iOptron HEM44 mount head with iPolar (#HEM44A); or ® iOptron HEM44 mount head with high precision encoder and iPolar (#HEM44EC)  ® Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller with USB port  Internal iPolar electronic polar scope (HEM44A or HEM44EC) ...

  • Page 7: Identification Of Parts

    ALT Locking Screws CW Shaft Thread Hole RA Axis/Polar Axis AZI Adj. Screws ALT Adj. Screw AZI Locking Screws DEC Axis Carbon Fiber Tripod (Optional) Figure 1.HEM44 mount assembly 2.3. HEM44 Port On the Mount: Figure 2. Ports on a HEM44 mount...

  • Page 8: Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller

    8409 hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 5 is the standard controller used on the HEM44 mount. It has a large LCD screen, function, direction, and number keys on the front; and an HBX (6- pin) and a USB port at the bottom.

  • Page 9: Key Description

    0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggling between starting and stopping tracking.  HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to the HEM44 mount using a 6P6C RJ11 cable.  USB port: connect the HC to a computer for firmware upgrade and computer control.

  • Page 10: Install And Check The Hand Controller Battery

    Zero Position: Mount is at Zero Position. When set the mount at Zero Position physically, the hand controller should display the same. 2. GPS Status: Indicates if there is GPS or GPS is connected to the satellite. HEM44 does not have a GPS. The GPS status will be always OFF.

  • Page 11: Bench Testing The Mount

    Figure 8. Install a CR2032 battery If the hand controller can’t display the correct date and time, most likely the battery is installed wrong, or power is low and needs be replaced. 2.6. Bench Testing the Mount Plug in the power and hand controller and turn the power on. Now you can bench test the mount manually.

  • Page 12: Hem44 Mount Assembly

    3. HEM44 Mount Assembly NOTE: The HEM44 mount is a precision astronomical instrument. It is highly recommended that you read the entire manual and become familiar with the nomenclature and function of all components before starting the assembly. Step 1. Set up tripod The mount has a 102mm base.
  • Page 13 Figure 12 Change latitude range Step 4. Install telescope HEM44 accepts a Vixen or a Losmandy-D dovetail mounting plate. The default is Vixen-type one. Release the dovetail Saddle Locking Lever and slide the telescope dovetail plate into the saddle with Gear...
  • Page 14 Locking Levers. Pull the lever and turn it to the position that the lever is parallel to the saddle to prevent it interfering with the DEC unit during mount GOTO and tracking. Locking Lever Figure 13. Dovetail saddle locking levers If you have a scope using a Losmandy dovetail plate, please follow the following steps to convert dovetail saddle from Vixen-type to Losmandy-type.
  • Page 15 Figure 15. Convert dovetail saddle to accept a Losmandy-D plate (2) (4) Put the dovetail saddle back and retighten the four yellow circled screws. Here is a dovetail saddle that can receive a Losmandy-D dovetail bar. Figure 16. Dovetail saddle for Loasmandy bar Step 5.
  • Page 16 Step 6. Balance payload No RA balance is needed for a HEM44 mount. Turn the mount power on. Press number 9 to change the slew speed to max. Press ◄ or ► button to slew the telescope to one side of the mount. Hold the telescope and disengage DEC Gear Switch to check the balance.
  • Page 17 Position to register the Zero Position. STEP 8. Set hand controller HEM44 mount does not equip with a GPS receiver. Hence one needs to manually enter the GPS location or sync it from the App. To set up the controller, turn the mount power ON. Press MENU=> “Settings”: Select and Slew Sync.
  • Page 18 2020-10-01 12:01:36 UTC -300 Minute(s) W071d08m50s DST: N42d30m32s Northern Set Local Time Use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor _ and use the number keys to change the numbers. Use the ▲ or ▼ button to toggle between “Y” and “N” for Daylight Saving Time, or “+” and “-“ for UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) setting.
  • Page 19 GPS info from a smartphone to the mount/hand controller. There is no worry about lacking internet, WiFi, and cell phone signals in rural areas; Commander Lite can always get GPS info from a smartphone to the HEM mount/hand controller, no dead corner. Please refer to iOptron Commander Lite for more details (https://www.ioptron.com/v/ASCOM/iOptronCommanderLiteAppNote.pdf).
  • Page 20 NOTE: The movement of the alignment star in your eyepiece may not be perpendicular depending on its location in the sky. iPolar Polar Alignment For a HEM44 with an iPolar, refer to iPolar Operation Manual from iOptron’s website to perform the polar alignment: https://www.ioptron.com/v/manuals/3339_iPolarOperationManual.pdf. The steps are briefly outlined below: ...

  • Page 21: Getting Started

    4.1. Setup the Mount and Polar Alignment Assemble your HEM44 mount according to Section 3. Mount an OTA and accessories, and balance the mount in DEC. Turn the mount power switch on. Check the date and site info. Perform polar alignment.

  • Page 22: Star Identifying Function

    4.6. Power-Down Memorization The HEM44 mount can memorize its R.A. and DEC positions if the mount power is lost during operation, even during high speed slewing. After the power is back, just do a Select and Slew to the same star when the power is lost.

  • Page 23: Complete Functions Of Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller

    5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller NOTE: Not all functions from the 8409 hand controller are available for a HEM44 mount. 5.1. Slew to an Object Press MENU => “Select and Slew.” Select an object that you would like to observe and press the ENTER key.

  • Page 24: User Objects

    5.3. Alignment 5.3.1. Pole Star Position ® This function displays the position of the Pole Star for Quick Polar Alignment using the iOptron AccuAlign polar scope. In the Northern Hemisphere the position of Polaris is displayed, while in the Southern Hemisphere the position of Sigma Octantis is shown.

  • Page 25: Set Beep

    5.4.2. Set Beep The Hand Controller allows a user to turn off the beep partially, or even go to a silent mode. To change this setting press MENU => “Settings” => “Set Beep”, Set Up Time and Site Set Beep Set Display Set Guiding Rate Select one of three available modes:...

  • Page 26: Set Tracking Rate

    There are five parking positions. Two positions that park the scope horizontally (Horizon Position). Two positions that park the scope vertically (Zenith Position). “Current Position” will park the scope at its current position. When the mount is turned on, it will use the last parking position setting as the default setting.

  • Page 27: Edit User Objects

    meridian if an object is close to the meridian, within the angle limit. There will be no meridian flip when pass the meridian. 5.5. Edit User Objects Besides various star lists available in the hand controller, you can add, edit or delete your own user- defined objects.

  • Page 28: Firmware Information

    Select “Add a New Object”. A screen will be displayed asking you to Enter R.A. and DEC coordinates: Enter R.A. and DEC R.A.: 00h00m00s DEC: +00d00m00s You may enter the R.A. and DEC coordinates of the object you want to store, and press ENTER to confirm.

  • Page 29: Maintenance And Servicing

    Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Call in the U.S. 1.781.569.0200. In the unlikely event that the mount requires factory servicing or repairing, write or call iOptron Customer Service Department first to receive a RMA# before returning the mount to the factory. Please provide details as to the nature of the problem as well as your name, address, e-mail address, purchase info and daytime telephone number.

  • Page 30: Appendix A. Technical Specifications

    Appendix A. Technical Specifications Mount Hybrid Equatorial Mount (HEM) RA gear system StrainWave DEC gear system Backlash-free worm/belt system RA reduction ratio 640:1 Payload w/o CW* 44 lbs (20kg) 13 lbs (5.9kg) w/o dovetail saddle Mount weight 13.65 lbs (6.2kg) with dovetail saddle Payload/Mount weight 3.23 Payload with CW...
  • Page 31 Figure 23 Distance between HEM44 RA axis and base of dovetail saddle...

  • Page 32: Appendix B. Go2Nova

    ® Appendix B. Go2Nova 8409 HC MENU STRUCTURE MENU Select and Slew Solar System Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Moon Deep Sky Objects Named Object Messier Catalog Caldwell Catalog Abell Catalog Herschel Catalog Stars Named Stars Double/Multi Stars Hipparcors Catalog Comets Asteroids...
  • Page 33 Settings Set Time and Site Set Beep Set Display Set Maximum Slew Rate Set Guiding Rate Set Parking Position Set Tracking Rate Automatic Rate User Defined Speed Meridian Treatment Set Position Limit Set Behavior Set Altitude Limit Wi-Fi Option GPS Status Set RA Guiding Language Enable CW Up Pos.

  • Page 34: Appendix C. Gear Switch Meshing Adjustment

    Appendix C. Gear Switch Meshing Adjustment One may adjust a HEM44 DEC gear meshing, although it may not be necessary in most of the cases. If you experienced DEC motor stall occasionally, or there is a small free play between the worm and gear, follow this instruction to adjust the gear meshing.
  • Page 35 3. To Adjust DEC Gear Disengage DEC gear switch. Rotate DEC saddle to exposure the small hole (3mm in diameter) that is blocked by the dovetail saddle. Another larger hole (5mm) is located on the side of the DEC gear housing.
  • Page 36 Adjust again if needed, but no more than ¼ turn in total. If you feel there is free play between the worm and gear, you may tighten the meshing adjustment plunger to see if it can be eliminated. If not, contact iOptron for service. NEVER...

  • Page 37: Appendix D. Firmware Upgrade

    Appendix D. Firmware Upgrade The firmware in the 8409 hand controller and motor control boards can be upgraded by the customer. Please check iOptron’s website, www.iOptron.com, under the product page or Support Directory.

  • Page 38: Appendix E. Computer Control An Hem44 Mount

    Appendix E. Computer Control an HEM44 Mount The HEM44 mount can be controlled by a SmartPhone, a Tablet or a computer. It is supported by two types of computer connections:  Connect to a computer via USB port on hand controller. The mount can be controlled via ASCOM protocol (Windows OS), or directly by some software, such as Sky Safari (Mac OS) ...

  • Page 39: Appendix F. Go2Nova Star List

    ® Appendix F. Go2Nova Star List Named Deep Sky Object ID No. OBJECT ID No. OBJECT Andromeda Galaxy Hind's Variable Nebula Barnards Galaxy Hubble's Variable Nebula Beehive Cluster Integral Sign Galaxy Blackeye Galaxy Jewel Box Cluster Blinking Planetary Nebula Keyhole Nebula Blue Flash Nebula Lagoon Nebula Blue Planetary...
  • Page 40 Messier Catalog This table is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article List of Messier objects...
  • Page 41 Named Star Acamar Alrescha Deneb el Okab Lalande 21185 Achernar Alshain Deneb Kaitos Lesath Achird Altair Denebakrab Mahasim Acrab Altais Denebola Maia Acrux A Alterf Dschubba Marfik Acrux B Aludra Dubhe Marfikent Acubens Alula Australis Edasich Markab Adhafera Alula Borealis El Rehla Markeb Adhara...
  • Page 42 Proxima Centauri Sadalbari Sulafat Vindemiatrix Rasalas Sadalmelik Syrma Vrischika Rasalgethi Sadalsuud Talitha Wasat Rasalhague Sadr Tania Australis Wazn Rastaban Saiph Tania Borealis Regor Sargas Tarazed Wezen Regulus Scheat Taygeta Yed Posterior Rigel Schedar Tejat Posterior Yed Prior Rigel Kentaurus A Seginus Thuban Zaniah...
  • Page 43 Modern Constellations Constellation Abbreviation Constellation Abbreviation Andromeda Lacerta Antlia Apus Leo Minor Aquarius Lepus Aquila Libra Lupus Aries Lynx Auriga Lyra Boötes Mensa Caelum Microscopium Camelopardalis Monoceros Cancer Musca Canes Venatici Norma Canis Major Octans Canis Minor Ophiuchus Capricornus Orion Carina Pavo Cassiopeia...
  • Page 44 Double/Multi Stars HC Item Constellation Name Rigel Kentaurus A Alpha Centauri Centaurus 71683 14396-6050 252838 Rigel Beta Orionis Orion 24436 05145-0812 131907 Gacrux Gamma Crucis Crux 61084 12312-5707 240019 Sargas Theta Scorpii Scorpius 86228 17373-4300 228201 Castor A Alpha Geminorum Gemini 36850 07346+3153 60198...
  • Page 45 HC Item Constellation Name 53 HIP 95771 Alpha Vulpeculae Vulpecula Anser 19287+2440 87261 54 HIP 30867 Beta Monocerotis Monoceros 06288-0702 133316 55 HIP 35363 NV Puppis Puppis 07183-3644 197824 56 HIP 94761 Gliese 752 Aquila Wolf 1055, Ross 652 19169+0510 57 HIP 21683 Sigma2 Tauri Taurus...
  • Page 46 HC Item Constellation Name 105 HIP 40167 Zeta1 Cancri Cancer Tegmen 08122+1739 97645 106 HIP 40817 Kappa Volantis Volans 08198-7131 256497 107 HIP 81292 17 Draconis Draco 16362+5255 30013 108 HIP 80197 Nu1 Coronae Borealis Corona Borealis 16224+3348 65257 109 HIP 88060 HD 163756 Sagittarius 17591-3015...
  • Page 47 HC Item Constellation Name 157 HIP 28790 HD 41742 Puppis 06047-4505 217706 158 HIP 4675 HD 5788 Andromeda 01001+4443 36832 159 HIP 31676 8 Lyncis Lynx 06377+6129 13897 160 HIP 10176 59 Andromedae Andromeda 02109+3902 55330 161 HIP 25950 HD 36408 Taurus 05322+1703 94630...

  • Page 48: Ioptron Two Year Telescope, Mount, And Controller Warranty

    As a condition to the obligation of iOptron to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to iOptron together with proof-of-purchase satisfactory to iOptron.

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