iOptron HEM44EC Hybrid Strain Wave Mount Head – High-Precision Imaging Without Counterweights
iOptron Part Number: H444A
iOptron continues to reshape the portable mount category with the HEM44EC, a precision-engineered hybrid mount head that blends strain wave drive technology with real-time periodic error correction (RPEC). Capable of supporting a 44-pound payload, the HEM44EC does it all without a counterweight or shaft, and still weighs in at a travel-friendly 13.65 pounds.
For imagers who want observatory-class tracking performance in a mount they can carry with one hand, the HEM44EC checks every box.
Hybrid Drive Engineering – Smooth Performance with Reduced Weight
The HEM44EC’s drive system is a clever fusion of two technologies:
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The RA axis is powered by a strain wave gear drive (harmonic drive), which provides high torque, backlash-free motion in a compact format. This lets the mount handle heavier imaging payloads with incredible tracking smoothness, all while eliminating the need for traditional counterweights.
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The DEC axis uses a belt-driven worm gear, a proven system that combines precise motion with long-term reliability and simple maintenance.
Together, these drive systems give you the best of both worlds—ultra-compact portability and buttery-smooth tracking—with a gear period of 270 seconds, suitable for long exposures and narrowband imaging even at moderate to long focal lengths.
High-Resolution RA Encoder – Guiding Optional
What sets the HEM44EC apart from its base-model sibling is its high-precision encoder on the RA axis, which enables real-time periodic error correction (RPEC). This encoder continuously monitors the position of the mount and makes active corrections without user input.
The result? Tracking performance so precise that many users can image unguided, particularly with shorter focal lengths (under 800mm). For those running larger optical tubes, the encoder still significantly reduces the guiding workload, allowing your autoguider to focus on smaller, atmospheric fluctuations rather than large-scale mechanical corrections.
This encoder performance is particularly appealing to imagers who:
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Want a truly minimalist setup
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Are tired of guiding issues caused by software or cable snags
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Need to set up and break down quickly and efficiently
All-Metal Construction – Built for the Long Haul
The HEM44EC’s CNC-machined aluminum body is black anodized for both aesthetics and durability. This is a serious piece of gear, designed not just to look good in the field, but to withstand years of temperature swings, dew, bumps, and hard travel.
Despite its rugged build, the mount head itself weighs just 13.65 lbs (6.2 kg), making it light enough for carry-on transport and easy to mount atop iOptron’s 8061A carbon fiber tripod or equivalent field supports.
Friction Brakes and Power Memory – Smarter Fail-Safes
Unexpected power cutoffs are no problem for the HEM44EC, thanks to two key features that protect your equipment and workflow:
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Electronic Friction Brakes: These automatically engage if power is lost, safely halting mount motion and preventing your telescope from drifting or colliding with the tripod.
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Power-Down Memory: Once power is restored, the mount remembers its last position and resumes where it left off. There’s no need to realign or reset your session—a huge time-saver in the field.
These features are particularly useful for remote or automated imaging, where unexpected power fluctuations can jeopardize a night’s work.
Clean, Tidy Cable Management – No Snags or Wraps
All key cabling on the HEM44EC is internally routed, meaning nothing dangles or gets dragged as the mount slews. This integrated cable management system:
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Keeps your power and data cables from tangling during 360° slews
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Reduces the risk of unplugging vital accessories mid-session
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Helps maintain balance and keeps your setup looking professional and uncluttered
Whether you’re imaging with a cooled camera, filter wheel, and electronic focuser—or just using a DSLR—the mount keeps your cords tidy and your session trouble-free.
Go2Nova Hand Controller and Control Options
The HEM44EC comes with iOptron’s Go2Nova® hand controller, featuring:
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A 212,000+ object database, including deep-sky catalogs, double stars, variable stars, and solar system targets
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A cold-tolerant OLED screen that remains readable even on frigid winter nights
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An intuitive menu system and backlit keypad for easy nighttime operation
But you don’t have to use the hand controller. The mount supports full external control via:
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ASCOM and iOptron Commander (Windows)
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INDI (MacOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi)
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iOptron Commander Lite or SkySafari (iOS/Android)
So whether you control your rig via a laptop, a mini-PC like an ASIAIR, or a tablet in your lap, the HEM44EC works with your preferred workflow.
Included with the Mount
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HEM44EC mount head with encoder
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Dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle
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Go2Nova® 8409 OLED hand controller
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USB and power cables
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Anodized aluminum hard carrying case
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User manual and quick-start guide
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Two-year manufacturer warranty
Tripod and iPolar are optional. The iOptron 8061A carbon fiber tripod is a highly recommended companion.
Observing Tip
If you’re imaging with a short focal length scope (like a 70–100mm APO or RASA 8), try running the HEM44EC unguided with a sharp polar alignment using iPolar or plate solving. You may be surprised how sharp and consistent your stars are—without needing to set up a guide camera or software. For remote or dark-sky trips, this can save you 20–30 minutes of setup time.
Why Choose the HEM44EC?
This is a mount for imagers who demand high-precision tracking, no-fuss mobility, and modern integration—without compromising on payload. You get encoder-class performance, robust build quality, counterweight-free setup, and advanced safety systems, all in a travel-sized package.
For those who want big performance in a light frame, the HEM44EC is your next mount.
