With the HAE, iOptron offers a mount with shaft gearing on both axes (Dual Strain Wave Gear SWG). This eliminates the need for heavy counterweights with a bulky counterweight rod! However, the load capacity can be increased with an optional counterweights.
The black anodised, CNC-machined metal housing is not only visually appealing, but also a robust platform.
One of the unique features is an electronic friction brake. It stops the movement of the mount immediately if the power supply is unintentionally interrupted. After switching on the mount, it calibrates itself automatically and also recognises its position.
The HAE mount can be controlled via a computer - either via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC or a third-party INDI driver for macOS software.
Look for the HAE B or C designation in the product name (e.g.: HAE43B and HAE43C):
- The "C" models (versions with internal mainboard) with integrated WLAN enable external controls via a Smartphone/tablet using the iOptron Commander Lite app or an app such as Sky Safari; or via a Raspberry Pi using an INDI driver.
- The "B" models are equipped with the iOptron iMate Control Box. With 32GB of eMMC memory and a slot for a TF card (microSD) with up to 64GB of storage, the iMate is capable of recording a night's worth of footage. The iMate is cross-platform and can be used with Windows, IOS, Linux, Android, etc. A HAE29B mount can also be controlled from a computer via the USB-C port on the mount base, either via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC or a third-party INDI driver for Mac OS software.
For those who prefer to use a handheld device, the optional 8411 Go2Nova® Controller is available.
All versions of the HAE have USB and 12 V connections on the saddle for easier cable management. A carrying case is included. A power supplies pack is also included: DC12V-5A (5.5/2.1mm DC plug)
Is the version with encoders (EC) worth the additional cost?
This is a question asked by many astrophotographers who are looking for a strain wave mount.
A precision encoder on an iOptron HAE mount (Hybrid Azimuth/Equatorial) with wave gear offers significant advantages, especially for astrophotography and high-precision astronomical applications. Here are some of the most important advantages.
- Exceptional tracking accuracy: The high-precision encoder for right ascension (RA) provides tracking accuracy of less than one arc second. This is crucial for long exposures in astrophotography.
- Strain wave gears have inherent periodic errors due to their mechanical design. The precision encoder significantly reduces these errors by providing real-time position feedback, enabling smoother movement. This eliminates the need for periodic error correction (PEC).
- The encoder's accuracy is so high that there is no need for an autoguider. This simplifies shooting and reduces equipment complexity.
- Improved performance under high loads: The encoder ensures precise control even with heavy payloads without counterweights.
- The encoder enables a closed-loop feedback system in which the mount continuously corrects its position based on the encoder data. The encoder acts as a "fast internal control loop" and supplements slower autoguider corrections, if used.
The question "Is it worth it?" is one that everyone must answer for themselves. Objectively speaking, however, current sales figures show that the trend is towards strain wave mounts with precision encoders (EC).
