iOptron GEM28EC Go-To Germany Equatorial Mount with iPolar, Hard Case, LITEROC TRIPOD, and Enhanced Encoders

iOptron GEM28EC German Equatorial Mount with iPolar, LiteRoc Tripod, and Hard Case | #G284A3

The iOptron GEM28EC isn’t just another lightweight equatorial mount—it’s a compact powerhouse designed to bring observatory-grade tracking precision into the hands of portable imagers and backyard observers alike. Blending iOptron’s encoder technology, smart polar alignment tools, and robust GoTo capabilities, the GEM28EC builds on a tradition of reliability while pushing the limits of what a small mount can do.

Weighing in at just 10 pounds, the GEM28EC mount head carries up to 28 pounds of payload—giving it one of the best payload-to-weight ratios (2.8:1) in its class. Add in a high-resolution right ascension encoder capable of real-time PEC correction, and you’ve got a mount that tracks smoothly enough to shoot long-exposure astro-images without relying on constant guiding. With an integrated iPolar™ electronic polar scope, LiteRoc tripod, and hard carry case all included, this is a full-featured portable setup ready to travel with you from the backyard to the dark site.

Centered on Performance

The GEM28EC is designed around a classic German equatorial layout, with precision-machined 88mm 144-tooth RA and DEC gears, and brass worm wheels mated to dual-axis stepper motors. The high-resolution encoder on the RA axis allows real-time periodic error correction (RPEC), lowering the tracking error to under 0.3 arcseconds RMS. You’ll notice the difference, especially when running longer focal length setups or imaging near the celestial equator.

Slewing and guiding motion is smooth and almost imperceptible, thanks to the mount’s 0.17 arcsecond per step resolution. The GEM28EC includes nine user-selectable tracking and slewing rates, ranging from sidereal and 2x sidereal for autoguiding, all the way up to ~4° per second for fast repositioning. Additional tracking rates include solar, lunar, King, and user-defined speeds, with user-adjustable backlash compensation built into the firmware.

Polar Alignment: Anywhere, Anytime

If you can’t see Polaris—or if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere—the GEM28EC’s built-in iPolar™ electronic polar scope is the tool you’ll come to rely on. The iPolar camera is pre-aligned at the factory and gives you a visual alignment interface through your laptop. You get real-time visual feedback and can polar align even when the celestial pole is hidden behind a building, tree, or horizon glow.

The mount also includes a built-in bubble level for tripod alignment, and its sturdy altitude and azimuth adjustment controls offer fine-tuning over a ±6° azimuth range and 10° to 70° latitude range, with smooth knobs that make setup fast and repeatable.

GoToNova® Controller: Advanced, Accessible

The included GoToNova® 8409 hand controller is designed for cold-weather operation, with a built-in heating element that keeps the 8-line/21-character LCD readable down to -20°C. The LED-backlit buttons are intuitive and easy to find in the dark.

The internal object database includes over 212,000 objects, including:

• The complete Messier, NGC, IC, UGC, MCG, and Caldwell catalogs

• The full Herschel 400 and Abell Galaxy Cluster catalogs

• 38,000+ GCVS variable stars, plus comets, asteroids, and double stars

• All 88 modern constellations

• 60 user-defined custom targets

Alignment routines are simple and effective, and GPS time/location data can be added via the optional 32-channel GPS module. Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) is built in and stored in memory.

Mounting and Load Capacity

The GEM28EC ships with a 10 lb counterweight, an 8-inch counterweight shaft, and a 5-inch extension—letting you properly balance payloads from lightweight camera setups to small refractors and imaging rigs. The Vixen-style dovetail saddle accepts standard OTA mounting plates for quick attachment and balance adjustment.

While the mount is rated for 28 lbs of payload, we recommend keeping your imaging payload under 20 lbs for best performance—especially with longer focal lengths or when using a full imaging train with camera, filter wheel, and guider. Most visual observers can push it a bit closer to capacity without issue.

The mount head includes strain relief cable protection to prevent accidental unplugging or damage to connectors during slewing, and the ports are laid out cleanly to accommodate a variety of configurations.

LiteRoc Tripod and Carry Case

The included LiteRoc tripod uses 1.75" stainless steel legs and a cast metal spreader tray, combining reduced weight with solid support. The tripod folds quickly for storage and transport, and has a spread diameter of approximately 40 inches when open. A hard-sided padded carry case is included for the mount head, making this a complete travel setup right out of the box.

What’s in the Box:

• GEM28EC Equatorial Mount Head (10 lbs)

• Integrated iPolar™ polar alignment camera

• GoToNova® 8409 hand controller with cable

• LiteRoc 1.75" stainless steel tripod

• 10 lb (4.5 kg) counterweight

• 8" and 5" counterweight shaft components

• AC adapter and power cord

• RS232 cable

• Hard carry case for mount head

Optional accessories include the iGuider autoguiding system (#3360) and 32-channel GPS module.

Technical Specifications:

Observing Tip:

The GEM28EC is capable enough to anchor a small observatory, but nimble enough to take on the road. For imaging trips, pack a small refractor and dedicated astro camera with the iGuider system—you’ll have a fully portable, encoder-corrected rig that rivals larger systems in precision and ease of use. Don’t forget a compact 12V battery or power tank for true go-anywhere performance.