17 replies to this topic

[Yossa_the_Pirate]

Greetings!

 

I have been looking at this mount as it's an affordable entry into the harmonic drive mount world. The trouble I'm finding is that no-one appears to have bought one and posted anything on here or Stargazers lounge about this unit. I have also considered the HEM15, but the whole USB via handset doesn't appeal, especially given you can't use FTDI cable in the HC port - it's 2025 iOptron, in case you hadn't noticed.

 

The iOptron website is sub-optimal (I'm being generous!) when it comes to documentation and I was curious to see some real-World reviews/feedback on this.

 

It's predominately for use with a DSLR and lenses, as well as small refractors/astro cams/eaf etc. My work as a Chef impacts on my ability to spend much time doing this sort of thing these days, so spaffing a few grand on an AM5 is not going to happen in anytime soon, unless someone on here is feeling generous!

 

I'm not sold on importing a Juwei as I've had issues buying on Ali-Express and the support/warranty angle may be a concern.

 

Thoughts/feedback very much appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

[scanner97]

My first question would be why you want to explore strainwave mounts.  I have an AM5n that I'm happy with so far and that's a serious question.  I bought it because I wanted a really portable imaging rig that I could keep in one piece and easily carry to the back yard.  Essentially no set-up other than a few minutes for PA, and 30 lbs all in is nice!

 

For something even smaller, say for air travel, there is the AM3.  You might want to compare that to the HAE18C, although they are both only about $500 less than the AM5 and comparables - other than the Juwei - and have rather lower payload capaciity.

 

To reframe my original question, what do you currently have for gear and why are you interested in upgrading your mount?  The strainwaves do not have better tracking/guiding performance than similar-price traditional mounts.  Their main selling point in my mind is portability.

Edited by scanner97, 11 January 2025 - 12:37 PM.

[Bob_Gardner]

The trouble I'm finding is that no-one appears to have bought one and posted anything on here or Stargazers lounge about this unit.

I googled HAE18C and iOptron appears to have only just announced this new mount in November 2024.  Unless I'm missing something, I don't see anyone on YouTube offering a review of it yet.  I notice that iOptron is listing this mount as "unavailable" on their website, Woodland Hills lists it as "pre-order"and Agena Astro lists it as "out of stock".  Since it's so new and possibly still hard to get, there may not be many people out there who have this mount yet. And even after they get their hands on it, it may take a while to build enough experience using it to form an opinion.  FWIW, I have had a GEM45 for over 2 years and it is rock solid.  I have an Askar 151PHQ mounted on the GEM45 which it handles effortlessly.  I had a major issue crop up with the GEM45 after a year but iOptron fixed it.  They were very good at service after the sale.  I rate them very highly. 

[Cliff Hipsher]

I have a GEM 45 carrying an AT130EDT and an AM3 carrying at AT80ED.

 

From an operational standpoint there is nothing that I do not like about either mount.

 

However, the GEM45 has a couple of quirks.  One example is the iPolar camera (which I never did get to work properly), and the other is the way the USB ports are configured.  One would think that when the mount is powered up all three ports would be "active," but the fact of the matter is you cannot  use either of the saddle A  ports to connect a control computer (Air, Mini-PC, Stellarmate, etc.) to the mount.  You MUST use the USB "B" port on the rear of the RA housing and that creates a dangling cable.  One thing I really like about the AM3 is that pairing it with the new Air Plus 256G you can use Bluetooth to connect Air to the mount which eliminates a dangling cable.  What would make the AM3 mount even better would be to have the power input port on the back of the RA housing like the GEM45.

[Tapio]

This is interesting mount. I've had no complaints of iOptron (mounts).

I'm waiting for use reviews.

[Yossa_the_Pirate]

To reframe my original question, what do you currently have for gear and why are you interested in upgrading your mount?  The strainwaves do not have better tracking/guiding performance than similar-price traditional mounts.  Their main selling point in my mind is portability.

 

Well, it get's complicated. My workshop/studio was destroyed in a fire, which spread to part of my house, rendering it uninhabitable. Tripods, mount (and then some) were all destroyed in the fire. All I have left is my camera gear, and my small refractors, with some accessories, which were in an undamaged part of the house.

 

I am living, temporarily (1 year probably) in a 2nd floor apartment that has a South facing balcony and that is my only option, unless I go somewhere else, which isn't a regular thing as I don't get back home most nights until quite late (often after midnight). The size/portability is key, as well as quick setup. HEQ5 or EQ6 are too big/cumbersome for this use case.

 

Re AM3 upgrade - I am haemorrhaging money on all fronts as the insurers are taking their sweet time to start paying out on the losses incurred. I'm paying bills on two properties as the insurers are still not able to provide me documentation to prove that my house is uninhabitable and therefore free from property taxes - I live in town to close to Windsor (UK) and the council tax is very high. Like most insurance companies globally, they move at glacial speed, which is painful to watch/deal with!

 

I am also considering cutting my losses and just getting a SW SW GTi instead as it would probably do as a short term solution. The idea of not being able to do any AP or EAA for a year kinda sucks.

 

As use cases go, this one is a doozy! 

[scanner97]

As use cases go, this one is a doozy! 

That definitely sucks!  Given budget and space for the next year, the Star Adventurer with one of your small refractors does seem like a good temporary option.

 

All the best! 

Edited by scanner97, 12 January 2025 - 10:44 AM.

[Yossa_the_Pirate]

That definitely sucks!  Given budget and space for the next year, the Star Adventurer with one of your small refractors does seem like a good temporary option.

 

All the best! 

 

Thanks mate!

 

Yeah it's probably the way to go in the short term. I think the fact that HAE18 could operate in AZ as well as EQ was a major plus point for me. Shame that there are none out in the wild to find out about. Meh. I suppose I can probably use the cash difference on an Askar SQA55 - I mean, I had already "spent" that in my head, so it seems to be the only logical thing to do under the circumstances.

[Bob_Gardner]

However, the GEM45 has a couple of quirks.  One example is the iPolar camera (which I never did get to work properly), and the other is the way the USB ports are configured.  One would think that when the mount is powered up all three ports would be "active," but the fact of the matter is you cannot  use either of the saddle A  ports to connect a control computer (Air, Mini-PC, Stellarmate, etc.) to the mount.  You MUST use the USB "B" port on the rear of the RA housing and that creates a dangling cable.  

With apologies to the OP, but to add to Cliff's comment about using the USB-B port on the GEM45, I was unable to get my ASIAIR to communicate with the GEM45 via this cable at first.   I found out the hard way that the USB-A port on the ASIAIR doesn't work when directly connected to the USB-B port on the GEM45.  I had to include a USB hub between them because there is some kind of incompatibility between the two.  This is a hidden flaw for new users of ASIAIR on the GEM45.  I'm not sure why it doesn't work, or which side of the interface is at fault, but it doesn't really matter, it just doesn't work.  

 

Here's the USB "hub" that I'm currently using.  It plugs directly into the ASIAIR and accepts the USB-A end of the USB-B cable that plugs into the GEM45.  I recommend it.

https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Another comment: When I bought the GEM45 over 2 years ago, I only needed the mount head (I already had a 2" heavy duty tripod) but there didn't seem to be an option that didn't include the iPolar (which I didn't want).  I didn't want iPolar for 2 reasons: (1) because I already have the ASIAIR and (2) there was no iOS app to run iPolar from my phone.  I had no intention of setting up a laptop just to run iPolar at my dark sky site.  

Edited by Bob_Gardner, 12 January 2025 - 12:20 PM.

[DeepSky Di]

I saw the HAE18 at NEAF last year. It is teacup sized and weighs next to nothing (about 6lb). Compared to the ZWO equivalents, the iOptron mounts are lighter for the same payload.

 

I have been using a HEM27 for a couple of years and am happy with it although I added an ADM saddle which probably makes it heavier. That said I prefer the HAE design over the HEM design.

 

I was recently looking for a new travel mount and was considering an AM3 or HAE18. However, for a third of that price I was able to get a Star Adventurer GTi, which has some pros and cons but for a travel mount, working on AA batteries is an advantage - it could be used with a modded DSLR and not need an external power supply. I already had a SolarQuest and its tripod; the SA GTi fits on the same tripod or a photo tripod. It works with ASIAIR. 

 

I'm really sorry to read about the fire and losing so much. Best wishes.

[BlueMoon]

 

I saw the HAE18 at NEAF last year.

<Musing out loud> I wish they'd produce a light weight HAE EC model. (even with the extra cost for encoders). RPEC is very enticing to me right now. Cheers.

[Tapio]

<Musing out loud> I wish they'd produce a light weight HAE EC model. (even with the extra cost for encoders). RPEC is very enticing to me right now. Cheers.

You mean lighter than HAE29C EC?

Let's see if there will be one, although the EC almost doubles the price of the cheaper mounts. And in SW mounts they can only improve so much.

[Yossa_the_Pirate]

I saw the HAE18 at NEAF last year. It is teacup sized and weighs next to nothing (about 6lb). Compared to the ZWO equivalents, the iOptron mounts are lighter for the same payload.

 

I have been using a HEM27 for a couple of years and am happy with it although I added an ADM saddle which probably makes it heavier. That said I prefer the HAE design over the HEM design.

 

I was recently looking for a new travel mount and was considering an AM3 or HAE18. However, for a third of that price I was able to get a Star Adventurer GTi, which has some pros and cons but for a travel mount, working on AA batteries is an advantage - it could be used with a modded DSLR and not need an external power supply. I already had a SolarQuest and its tripod; the SA GTi fits on the same tripod or a photo tripod. It works with ASIAIR. 

 

I'm really sorry to read about the fire and losing so much. Best wishes.

Re fire - things can be replaced, I can't, so all good 

 

I really like the HAE18 as it offers a lot, included power to the saddle etc. I think the GTI is probably the way to go for now. I've researched the HEM15 and there a few things about the engineering that didn't appeal - bolts/adjusters and some other stuff. Maybe I shouldn't be so picky, given the price point?

 

I'm used to SW mounts/sw, so the learning curve isn't too steep (foreshadowing...) When I had an AZ GTI I could stick it in a backpack with a DSLR and tripod and off I went. Very easy to deploy/use.

 

My refractors with rings, EAF/ASIAir etc are around 4kg (8.5lbs?) so I should get away with it.

 

Thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated!

[BlueMoon]

 

You mean lighter than HAE29C EC?

Yep. The mount weight is fine but I don't need the payload weight of 29.7 lbs. (Doing AP with light gear.)

 

 

... although the EC almost doubles the price of the cheaper mounts.

That's okay with me right now. Looking to buy one last mount for my AP endeavors and the RPEC capabilities are what I'm really interested in. Some reading in Roger Clark's website: https://clarkvision....racking.mounts/ in the Measuring Periodic Tracking Errors section was a bit of an eye opener. Cheers.

[DeepSky Di]

Re fire - things can be replaced, I can't, so all good 

 

I really like the HAE18 as it offers a lot, included power to the saddle etc. I think the GTI is probably the way to go for now. I've researched the HEM15 and there a few things about the engineering that didn't appeal - bolts/adjusters and some other stuff. Maybe I shouldn't be so picky, given the price point?

 

I'm used to SW mounts/sw, so the learning curve isn't too steep (foreshadowing...) When I had an AZ GTI I could stick it in a backpack with a DSLR and tripod and off I went. Very easy to deploy/use.

 

My refractors with rings, EAF/ASIAir etc are around 4kg (8.5lbs?) so I should get away with it.

 

Thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated!

With the GTi that counterweight still has to go in your backpack. It's not that heavy I guess.

 

What I like about my HEM27 - light weight, through cabling, decent payload. At first I didn't like to go back to using a handset, but it's actually useful for parking the mount pointing at the zenith to balance a flat panel.

 

What I dislike about my HEM27 and my workarounds:

- polar alignment goes well or badly according to how the friction is set with the bolts that hold it onto the tripod or minipier. These are set with fiddly allen keys. You can change them for ratchet wingnuts but to do this you need a stack of business cards to pack the space so that you can access the hex head with the allen key. The body of the mount comes over the  allen key making adjusting it very tiresome. I used the wingnuts until I started traveling with the mount. They have to be removed for travel and it just takes too long.

- by contrast, the hex heads for tightening altitude can be replaced by ratchet wingnuts; easy and worthwhile, plus they can be red

- altitude ranges - I forgot about this when I took the mount north and ended up scraping a hole in my finger trying to adjust the altitude beyond the range. You have to disassemble and reassemble to change to the other altitude range.

- the saddle had a single lever to hold the OTA; the lever was a cable snagger and it had to be disassembled and reassembled to switch from Vixen to Losmandy. I codesigned a saddle attachment with ADM and I know have two knobs holding the OTA and it's a dual Vixen / Losmandy saddle

- with the ADM saddle fitted, it no longer goes in its case - I use a pelican that also holds a camera

- I used wifi to connect to the  ASIAIR for quite a while but found it disconnected at certain slew angles due to the OTA getting between the handset (source of Wifi on the HEM 27) and ASIAIR. I would hang the handset on a tripod to get around this. Now I use a wired connection.

- The wired connection to the saddle needs a "cable that should not exist" - USB-A at both ends. My solution to this is to use a USB-A to C cable and a USB A to C dongle. 

 

Many of these issues go away with the HAE design. 

[Cliff Hipsher]

With apologies to the OP, but to add to Cliff's comment about using the USB-B port on the GEM45, I was unable to get my ASIAIR to communicate with the GEM45 via this cable at first.   I found out the hard way that the USB-A port on the ASIAIR doesn't work when directly connected to the USB-B port on the GEM45.  I had to include a USB hub between them because there is some kind of incompatibility between the two.  This is a hidden flaw for new users of ASIAIR on the GEM45.  I'm not sure why it doesn't work, or which side of the interface is at fault, but it doesn't really matter, it just doesn't work.  

 

Here's the USB "hub" that I'm currently using.  It plugs directly into the ASIAIR and accepts the USB-A end of the USB-B cable that plugs into the GEM45.  I recommend it.

https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Another comment: When I bought the GEM45 over 2 years ago, I only needed the mount head (I already had a 2" heavy duty tripod) but there didn't seem to be an option that didn't include the iPolar (which I didn't want).  I didn't want iPolar for 2 reasons: (1) because I already have the ASIAIR and (2) there was no iOS app to run iPolar from my phone.  I had no intention of setting up a laptop just to run iPolar at my dark sky site.  

I  ran into that same problem when I first got the mount so I added powered hub. I wasn't pleased with that "solution," so I did some experimentation and it turned out that using an Air USB 3.0 port did the trick.

 

I almost forgot about iPolar.  What a joke.  I spent a good portion of my first night out fiddling with that stupid thing and I could never get  it to work.  Thank the stars for the Air Plus.

Edited by Cliff Hipsher, 12 January 2025 - 01:18 PM.

[Bob_Gardner]

I  ran into that same problem when I first got the mount so I added powered hub. I wasn't pleased with that "solution," so I did some experimentation and it turned out that using an Air USB 3.0 port did the trick.

Thanks, I'll give that a try next time I've got it set up for AP (it's configured for visual right now - hoping to get a peak at Mars between the clouds).  

[scanner97]

What I like about my HEM27 ...

What I dislike about my HEM27 and my workarounds: ...

It's always great to see these kinds of details.  Nearly all gear decisions involve trade-offs, and we each have personal criteria.  This kind of information helps make better decisions!