iOptron HEM44 Hybrid Strain Wave Mount Head with iPolar and Case – Counterweight-Free Power for Serious Imagers
iOptron Part Number: H442A
The iOptron HEM44 is a bold leap forward in mount technology—delivering a rare combination of portability, payload capacity, and engineering precision in one rugged, no-counterweight-required package. With a payload rating of 44 lbs and a mount head that weighs just 13.65 lbs, the HEM44 offers observatory-level stability with grab-and-go convenience.
Whether you're hauling gear to a dark-sky site or designing a compact backyard imaging system, the HEM44 gives you the performance of a larger equatorial platform with none of the weighty compromises.
Hybrid Drive System – Strain Wave Meets Worm Gear
At its heart, the HEM44 uses a hybrid drive system that combines the compact power of a strain wave gear (harmonic drive) on the RA axis, with a belt-driven worm gear on the DEC axis.
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The strain wave drive in RA offers zero backlash, high torque, and whisper-quiet slewing. This allows for incredible mechanical precision—ideal for long exposure astrophotography.
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The belt-driven DEC axis maintains smooth, consistent movement while minimizing backlash and delivering better performance under changing loads.
Together, these systems give the HEM44 a 270-second gear period, allowing for guided imaging at moderate to long focal lengths without worrying about gear wear or tracking jitters.
Payload Without the Counterweight
Designed to operate without counterweights, the HEM44 supports up to 44 pounds (20 kg) of imaging gear directly on the mount head. This is made possible by the strain wave gear’s high torque transmission and the mount’s carefully engineered balance.
This makes it an exceptional match for:
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4" to 6" refractors
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8" SCTs or EdgeHD optical tubes
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Dual imaging setups with a piggybacked guide scope
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EAA systems and lightweight outreach rigs
Not only does this design eliminate the weight and bulk of traditional counterweights, it also shortens setup and takedown time—crucial for those chasing clear skies on the go.
iPolar Included – Rapid Polar Alignment Made Easy
This version of the HEM44 includes a factory-installed iPolar electronic polar scope, providing real-time polar alignment feedback—even when Polaris is not visible. The iPolar camera is built into the RA axis and aligned at the factory, allowing for:
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Fast and repeatable alignment
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Compatibility with both northern and southern hemispheres
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Polar setup from obstructed viewing locations
The iPolar software provides simple graphical feedback for perfect alignment—no guessing or star-drift testing required.
Tracking and Periodic Error Correction
While this version does not include a high-resolution encoder like the EC model, the HEM44 still features Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC). Once trained, the mount retains its error curve in memory and uses it to improve tracking over long sessions.
Guiding through an integrated ST-4 autoguider port is supported for further precision. Users imaging at higher magnification or longer focal lengths can achieve excellent results with minimal corrections.
Go2Nova Hand Controller – Simple, Powerful Control
Included with the HEM44 is the Go2Nova® 8409 hand controller, featuring:
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A massive 212,000+ object database including Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, variable stars, comets, and more
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A cold-tolerant OLED display for winter use
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Built-in Wi-Fi, enabling smartphone/tablet control via apps like SkySafari or Commander Lite
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USB port for firmware upgrades and PC control via ASCOM/Commander or INDI
Whether you're controlling the mount directly or through your laptop or tablet, the HEM44 offers reliable, responsive performance with a user interface that’s beginner-friendly yet advanced-user approved.
Field-Ready Features – Made for Travel
With its CNC-machined aluminum body, anodized black finish, and internal cable routing, the HEM44 is built for real-world observing. Key features include:
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Internal cable management, eliminating cable snags and wrap-arounds
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Electronic friction brake, halting the mount safely during a power interruption
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Power-down memory, allowing the mount to resume tracking or slewing right where it left off
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Zero position locator, simplifying startup and parking routines
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Spring-loaded dual saddle, compatible with both Vixen and Losmandy D-style dovetails
Everything is designed to be as fast, tidy, and travel-friendly as possible.
Included in the Box
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iOptron HEM44 Hybrid Mount Head
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Go2Nova® 8409 Hand Controller with OLED display
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Factory-installed iPolar electronic polar scope
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Dual saddle plate (Vixen + Losmandy-D)
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USB and power cables
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Anodized aluminum hard carry case
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User documentation
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Two-year warranty
Tripod not included. Recommended: iOptron 8061A Carbon Fiber Tripod for stable, lightweight support.
Observing Tip
The HEM44 is ideal for semi-permanent backyard setups or high-efficiency field systems. If you're running a refractor or SCT up to 44 lbs, try setting up with just the mount and 8061A tripod—no counterweight, no balance bar. With iPolar, you’ll be imaging within 10 minutes of setup. You’ll never look at your old German equatorial mount the same way again.
Why Choose the HEM44?
The iOptron HEM44 is for users who want serious imaging capability in a format that’s portable, lightweight, and fast to deploy. With built-in iPolar, dual saddle compatibility, clean cable routing, and smart power handling, it’s as much at home in a home observatory as it is at a remote star party.
Whether you’re moving up from a beginner mount or downsizing your existing rig for flexibility and speed, the HEM44 is a forward-looking solution—ready to perform, built to travel.
