iOptron HAZ46 Alt-Azimuth Strain Wave Mount Head

iOptron HAZ46 Alt-Azimuth Strain Wave Mount Head – 44 lb Payload, Counterweight-Free Performance

iOptron Part Number: HZ462

Compact, counterweight-free, and surprisingly powerful, the iOptron HAZ46 brings precision tracking and high-capacity stability to a mount that fits in a carry-on. With a mount head weighing just 12.3 pounds, the HAZ46 can support up to 44 pounds (20 kg) of equipment—without the need for counterweights or a complex balancing setup.

Whether you’re running a heavy binocular rig, a large catadioptric telescope for outreach, or using the mount for satellite tracking and time-critical observing, the HAZ46 gives you performance, portability, and flexibility in a single rugged package.

Strain Wave Drive Technology – Quiet, Compact, and Precise

At the core of the HAZ46 is iOptron’s dual-axis strain wave gear drive system, offering exceptional torque, zero backlash, and smooth slewing in both altitude and azimuth. These harmonic drives, more commonly found in high-end robotic applications, deliver excellent tracking with minimal mechanical complexity—no gears to mesh, no backlash to tune, and no lubrication schedules to worry about.

This design allows the HAZ46 to be:

• Counterweight-free for simplicity and speed

• Portable, with a total mount weight of just 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)

• Stable, supporting loads more than 3.5x its own weight

• Sleek, with an anodized CNC-machined metal body

Level and Go™ – Setup in Seconds

The HAZ46 takes advantage of iOptron's intuitive Level and Go™ technology. Just level the mount using the integrated bubble level, power it on, and let it self-calibrate. There’s no polar alignment, no complex balancing routine, and no guesswork. Within moments, the mount is slewing to your first target with pinpoint accuracy.

It even includes an integrated zero-position locator and electronic friction brakes that stop the mount safely if power is lost mid-slew—and resume operation without losing alignment when power is restored.

Perfect for Binoculars, Satellite Tracking, and Outreach

Thanks to its multi-position dual saddle, the HAZ46 can accommodate optical tubes or binoculars mounted either on top or to the side. This makes it ideal for public star parties, solar viewing, or educational setups where comfort and accessibility matter.

And for those tracking satellites or ISS passes, the mount’s 6°/second maximum slew speed lets you stay on fast-moving objects with ease.

Connectivity and Control Options

The HAZ46 offers flexible control, including:

• Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller with a database of over 212,000 celestial objects, including:

  • Deep sky catalogs (Messier, NGC, IC, UGC, MCG, Caldwell, Abell, Herschel)

  • Named stars, double stars, solar system objects, comets, and more

• Built-in Wi-Fi, controllable from smartphones or tablets via iOptron Commander Lite or apps like SkySafari

• USB port for PC connectivity and firmware updates

• Compatible with:

  • ASCOM (Windows)

  • INDI (MacOS/Linux)

  • Raspberry Pi platforms

A built-in GPS receiver ensures that time and location are always accurate without manual input.

Performance Specs at a Glance

• Payload capacity: 44 lbs (20 kg)

• Mount weight (with saddle): 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)

• Drive motors: Stepper motors with strain wave reduction (640:1)

• Max slew speed: 6° per second

• Power draw: 0.7A (tracking), 1.2A (GoTo slewing)

• Power input: 12V DC @ 5A (AC adapter included for indoor use)

• Battery option: Supports optional Li-ion battery

• Dovetail saddle: Dual-style Vixen & Losmandy-D compatible

• Operating temperature: -20°C to 40°C

• Warranty: Two-year limited

What’s Included

• HAZ46 strain wave alt-azimuth mount head

• Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller with built-in Wi-Fi

• GPS module (internal)

• USB cable and DC power cable

• AC power adapter (100–240V, indoor use only)

• Padded carrying case

• Documentation and warranty materials

Observing Tip

Because the HAZ46 uses an alt-az configuration, it's an excellent platform for electronically assisted astronomy (EAA) and short-exposure astrophotography. For deep sky imaging, pair it with a fast camera and stacking software like SharpCap or ASI Studio for real-time results without needing polar alignment. Outreach-friendly and speedy to set up, it’s a powerful tool for educators, clubs, and casual imagers.

Why Choose the HAZ46?

If you want one mount that can do it all—support visual gear, binoculars, cameras, and solar scopes with zero hassle—the HAZ46 is your new best friend. It offers heavy-duty payload performance without the bulk, and its intuitive self-calibrating system means you’ll spend more time observing and less time aligning.

For serious skywatchers who value speed, accuracy, and simplicity, the iOptron HAZ46 is more than just convenient—it’s liberating.