HAE43B AZ/EQ dual SWG w/ iMate

The HAE43B iMate is a high-performance, dual-mode mount head from iOptron that supports both Alt-Azimuth (AZ) and Equatorial (EQ) operation — hence “AZ/EQ Dual”. It uses advanced strain-wave-gear (SWG) drives on both the RA and DEC axes, providing a compact, high-payload capability platform. According to the manufacturer the mount head weighs around 12.8 lb (≈5.8 kg) including the dovetail saddle, while offering a rated payload up to 44 lb (20 kg) without a counterweight.
The “iMate” suffix indicates that the mount includes a built-in computer/control system, with WiFi, USB ports and a modern control architecture preloaded for imaging and automation workflows.

Key Features

• Strain-Wave Gear Drives on Both Axes: Both RA and DEC use strain-wave (harmonic) gearing, which provides exceptionally good weight-to-payload ratio, compactness and low backlash.

• High Payload vs Low Mount Weight: With ~12.8 lb mount weight and ~44 lb payload, this gives a payload/mount-weight ratio of ~3.4.

• Dual Mode – AZ & EQ: You can operate it in Alt-Az mode for faster setup and casual observing, or switch to Equatorial mode when tracking or doing imaging.

• iMate Built-in Computing: The mount includes a built-in 64-bit ARM-based computer system, pre-loaded with planetarium/control software (e.g., KStars/Ekos/INDI) allowing full control via tablet, laptop or smartphone. It features onboard storage (e.g., 32 GB eMMC + microSD slot), USB ports and 12 V accessory outputs.

• Modern Interface & Connectivity: WiFi built-in, USB ports for firmware upgrades and control, integrated power/USB accessory ports for devices.

• Professional Build Quality & Safety Features: All-metal CNC machined body, black anodized finish; includes electronic friction brake to safely stop movement in event of power loss; power-down memory so the mount can resume slews/tracking without full re-alignment.

• Dual Saddle (Vixen & Losmandy Compatible): Accepts standard Vixen or Losmandy style dovetail plates for flexible optical tube mounting.

Technical Specifications (Selected)

• Payload (without counterweight): 44 lb (20 kg)

• Payload with counterweight: ~55 lb (25 kg)

• Mount weight: ~12.8 lb (5.8 kg) including dovetail saddle.

• Reduction gear period: 270 seconds (i.e., for RA gear period) (common to HAE43 series)

• Max slew speed: ~6°/sec

• Power requirement: DC 12 V @ ~5 A (tracking ~0.7 A, GoTo ~1.2 A) in some specs.

• Operating temperature: approx –20 °C to +40 °C (-4 °F to ~104 °F)

• Autoguide port: ST-4 compatible (for guiding if additional camera/guidescope used)