iOptron HAE69B iMate Dual EQ/AZ Strain Wave Mount Head – 69 lb Capacity with Built-in Observatory Control
iOptron Part Number: HE692B
In the world of high-performance mounts, there’s strong—and then there’s efficient. The iOptron HAE69B iMate is both. With a 69-pound payload capacity, no counterweights required, and a built-in iMate control computer, this mount head redefines what’s possible in portable, professional-grade astronomy.
Weighing just 19 pounds including the dual saddle, the HAE69B iMate is a strain wave gear mount engineered for astrophotographers and institutions alike who want power and polish without bulk. Whether you’re automating a backyard observatory or chasing clear skies from the desert, the HAE69B is ready to run your entire setup—no PC, hand controller, or tangle of cables required.
A Compact Titan – Payload Without the Counterweights
At the core of the HAE69B is a dual-axis strain wave drive system—one of the most efficient drive technologies ever brought to amateur astronomy. These harmonic gears replace bulky worm wheels and complex mechanical backlash with whisper-smooth motion and ultra-low periodic error.
Mount head weight: 19 lbs (8.6 kg)
Payload capacity: 69 lbs (31 kg), without counterweights
Periodic error: < ±15 arcseconds
Gear period: 270 seconds
You get rock-solid tracking for long focal length astrophotography with nothing more than the mount head and a dovetail plate. That means faster setups, fewer parts to transport, and more imaging time under dark skies.
Alt-Az or Equatorial – Your Sky, Your Mode
The HAE69B isn’t locked into one orientation. It can operate in either equatorial or alt-azimuth configuration, depending on your needs. For visual astronomy, alt-az mode provides a comfortable, intuitive setup—especially for star parties or public outreach. For imaging, simply switch to EQ mode for traditional tracking and guiding compatibility.
An integrated zero-position search routine makes startup and parking precise and repeatable, while internal encoders ensure that your telescope knows where it’s pointed at all times.
iMate – An Observatory in a Mount Head
This is where the HAE69B iMate earns its name. Instead of requiring an external laptop, NUC, or Raspberry Pi, the HAE69B comes with iOptron’s onboard iMate computer system—a 64-bit ARM-based controller preloaded with:
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KStars planetarium software
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Ekos imaging suite and scheduler
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INDI device drivers for controlling cameras, focusers, filter wheels, rotators, and more
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iPolar Server for alignment support
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Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices
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32GB eMMC internal storage, plus microSD expansion (up to 64GB TF)
With Wi-Fi built in, you can control your entire observatory wirelessly from a phone, tablet, or browser. Capture and plate-solve your images, autofocus, manage your filter wheel, and schedule an entire night of imaging—all without ever touching a traditional computer.
This self-contained design eliminates messy cable runs, minimizes failure points, and makes automation accessible anywhere.
Connectivity and Cable Management
Everything connects directly to the mount—not to a dangling laptop beside it. That means no cable drag, no wraparounds, and fewer opportunities for something to snag in the dark.
Connection Ports on the iMate include:
An optional Go2Nova® OLED hand controller is available for users who prefer a tactile control interface. But the mount is fully functional without it—just connect to iMate via Wi-Fi and you're ready to slew, align, and image.
Built for Safety – And Resilience
A standard feature on the HAE69B iMate is its electronic friction brake, which safely halts the mount in the event of a power loss—preventing your gear from crashing into a tripod or pier. The mount also includes power-down memory, allowing it to resume a GoTo operation or tracking from where it left off. No realignment needed after a power blip.
The mount is built from CNC-machined aluminum, delivering strength and thermal stability. And unlike open gear mounts, the harmonic drive system remains sealed and protected, ensuring consistent performance across temperature swings.
Dual Saddle – Vixen and Losmandy Compatible
The HAE69B comes standard with a spring-loaded dual saddle, accepting both Vixen-style and Losmandy D-style dovetail bars. That means you can mount nearly any telescope in your collection, from compact refractors to hefty Ritchey-Chrétiens, without needing adapters or special plates.
What's Included
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HAE69B iMate mount head with dual strain wave drive
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Integrated iMate 64-bit ARM-based control system
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Wi-Fi and internal control board (no hand controller required)
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CNC-machined aluminum chassis
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Dual saddle plate (Vixen and Losmandy D)
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Multiple accessory ports (12V, USB2/3, ST-4, iPolarServer)
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Aluminum carrying case
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Two-year manufacturer warranty
Observing Tip
The HAE69B’s alt-az mode isn’t just for visual observing—it can also be useful for EAA (electronically assisted astronomy). If you're using a fast wide-field telescope and live-stacking software, you can skip polar alignment entirely and image short exposures in alt-az mode. It's a fast, powerful way to show deep-sky objects to friends or a public audience without the setup time of EQ alignment.
Why Choose the HAE69B iMate?
The HAE69B iMate isn’t just a mount—it’s a command center. With no counterweights, no hand controller required, and no external PC needed, this mount packs a staggering amount of capability into a field-friendly design. Whether you're a solo imager, an outreach educator, or running a fully remote observatory, the HAE69B offers power, polish, and portability in equal measure.
