New CEM40 EC Mount

[STEVE333]

Just got my new CEM40 EC mount. Looks very solid compared to my current ZEQ25 mount (both from iOptron).
A little intimidating with all the new features. However, I've been going through the setup (including adding my own ZERO POSITION marks). Unfortunately the power supply just died, so, no more setup until a new one arrives. Frustrating!!!

More to come (with some pictures) once the new power supply arrives.

Steve

[Aidi]

Looking forward to hearing how you get on with it Steve. I umm'd and arr'd about shifting over to iOptron when i decided to buy a new mount.. Only thing which kept me with Skywatcher was i pretty much know and like EQmod and its reliablity.. and didnt want to go though a new learning process..

But, these new iOptron mounts a becoming very popular so never say never. Hope you're back working pretty soon. I do hear good things about iOptron support

[bladekeeper]

Congrats on the new mount, Steve!

[bobharmony]

Congrats on the new mount, Steve, and bummer on the power supply. I am looking forward to hearing about your experience. (Don't tell SWMBO, I am eyeing a CEM60 , or maybe a 40).

Bob

[Kanadalainen]

This mount is interesting because of its super low weight and high capacity.

[STEVE333]

Congrats on the new mount, Steve!

Thanks - Can't wait to give it a try.

This mount is interesting because of its super low weight and high capacity.

The low weight was a must for me because I leave the mount on the tripod all the time. Total weight for mount + tripos is 29.2 pounds which I can still carry up/down my mobile home steps. My old ZEQ25 (which weighed 23.2 pounds on tripod) has developed a bad Dec backlash problem which I have not been able to correct. I'm assuming (and hoping) this new EC version will solve that problem forever.

Congrats on the new mount, Steve, and bummer on the power supply. I am looking forward to hearing about your experience. (Don't tell SWMBO, I am eyeing a CEM60 , or maybe a 40).

Bob

Thanks Bob, and, mum's the word to SWMBO.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on with it Steve. I umm'd and arr'd about shifting over to iOptron when i decided to buy a new mount.. Only thing which kept me with Skywatcher was i pretty much know and like EQmod and its reliablity.. and didnt want to go though a new learning process..

But, these new iOptron mounts a becoming very popular so never say never. Hope you're back working pretty soon. I do hear good things about iOptron support

As I mentioned to Kanadalainen, the low weight of this mount was essential for me. I certainly understand not wanting to learn new drivers/hardware/etc. I firmly believe the old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". We'll see how the iOptron Support is with the power supply issue.


I hope to do a mini-review (I don't know enough to do anything more than that) when all is up and running. It has a built in Polar Alignment system that looks very similar to Pole Master. It also has an opening under the dovetail mount where the cables can be fed through and come out about 5" below, just over the RA axis drive. I'm hoping it will resolve some of my "cabling issues" which always make it difficult to balance the scope in RA and Dec. I always find the balance changes significangtly as the RA axis moves through the night. Anyway, more to come.

Steve

[Kanadalainen]

Thanks Steve,

I look forward to your review, This mount is a candidate for my AP rig-soon-to-be-realized.

Ian

[OleCuss]

I'm hoping iOptron has come through for you. Over the years I've heard that they are good at customer support so I'm betting they either did - or will.