HAE18C AZ/EQ dual SWG
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The iOptron HAE18C is a highly compact, ultra‑portable dual‑mode (“AZ/EQ”) mount head that uses strain‑wave gearing (SWG) on both the Right Ascension (RA) and Declination (DEC) axes — offering a high payload‑to‑weight ratio and flexible use for both visual observing (alt‑azimuth mode) and equatorial tracking mode.
Weighing just ~6.2 lb (~2.82 kg) including saddle, it supports up to ~18.7 lb (~8.5 kg) of payload without a counterweight, and up to ~26 lb (~12 kg) with optional counterweight.
With its dual SWG design, built‑in WiFi, USB‑C ports, friction brake and hard carry case, it’s designed for portability and modern connectivity.
Key Features
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Dual‑strain wave gear design: Both RA and DEC axes use SWG (harmonic/strain‑wave) drives for minimal backlash and compact size.
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Payload vs mount weight: ~18.7 lb payload with only ~6.2 lb mount weight — excellent weight‑to‑payload ratio for travel/portable use.
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Dual mode – Alt/Az (AZ) and Equatorial (EQ): The “AZ/EQ Dual” naming indicates the mount can be set up for alt‑az observing (easier, quicker) or equatorial mode for tracking/astrophotography.
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Compact CNC machined all‑metal construction, black anodized finish for durability.
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Built‑in WiFi hotspot for smartphone/tablet control (via iOptron Commander Lite or compatible apps) and USB‑C ports (base and saddle) for firmware upgrades, computer connection and tidy cable management.
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Electronic friction brake on the mount (help protect your gear in event of power loss) and zero‑position search/locator built in.
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Vixen (and/or dual‑style) dovetail saddle: Compatible mounting for standard dovetail plates.
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Hard carrying case included (in many versions) for safe transport/storage.
Technical Specifications (Highlights)
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Mount Weight: ~6.2 lb (~2.82 kg) including dovetail saddle.
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Payload (no counterweight): ~18.7 lb (~8.5 kg)
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Payload (with optional counterweight): up to ~26 lb (~12 kg)
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Gear Period: ~360 seconds (gear reduction ratio/period)
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Periodic Error (PE): < 36 arcsec (i.e., < ±18 arcsec) (without guiding) for the dual SWG version.
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Max slew speed: ~6°/sec (per one dealer spec)
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Power: DC 12 V input, power consumption ~0.6 A tracking / ~1 A goto according to one spec sheet.
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Operating Temperature: –20 °C to +45 °C per spec sheet.
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Mount Modes: Alt/Az (AZ) and Equatorial (EQ) (switchable) – enabling both visual and tracking uses.