iOptron CEM70 Review | Observatory Grade Mount
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ค. 2024
- The iOptron CEM70 is a high capacity mount suitable for permanent setups. In this video I share my feelings about the mount which was on loan from First Light Optics for review.
CEM - Centre balanced Equatorial Mount. The design is an alternative to German Equatorial Mounts but is highly capable. I used it with my Evostar 80ED and StellaLyra 6" and 8" Cassegrain scopes for lunar, planetary and deep sky astrophotography.
I had great fun using this mount and I really didn't want to give it back!
Get It From First Light Optics Below 👇
CEM70 w/o iGuider: bit.ly/CEM70
CEM70 w/ iGuider: bit.ly/CEM70iGuide
Tri-Pier: bit.ly/CEM-Tripier
==== My Equipment ====
ZWO ASI 071mc Pro: bit.ly/2RISH0V
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro: bit.ly/2RCrcY9
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro: bit.ly/2L1hyKn
Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED Pro: bit.ly/2qTd55L
Evostar 80ED Field Flattener: bit.ly/2Uuv7qV
Astro Essentials Mini Guide Scope: bit.ly/2S8Y2yn
ZWO ASI 120mm Guide Camera: bit.ly/31j7kfl
Baader Narrowband Filters: bit.ly/2Us7xvA
iOptron SkyGuider Pro: bit.ly/3g7955D
Rowan Belt Mod Kit: bit.ly/2DMW6EZ
IDAS NGS1 Filter: bit.ly/3ccajvD
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are in use. If you buy through these links then (at no extra cost to you) I get a few pennies :)
==== Contact ====
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www.astrofarsography.com
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Good review. The honesty of your review is higly appressiated and rarely seen in these days.
Thanks so much Roberto, honesty is such a core value of mine when it comes to information I share so I'm thankful it comes across :)
Agreeeeeed.
My cat gave me the look when you turned the altitude knob. 😀
Thanks for the good in-depth review. It makes a lot of sense to have such a mount when you have your own observatory.
A thorough and sensible review which I found of real use. Thank you.
Great video and always get a tidbit of wisdom watching your impromptu videos!
About 30 minutes before watching this video, I clicked the "buy it now" button for the CEM70 NUC version. I was concerned that I'd hear something that would change my mind - your candor and pointing out the nits is great to know - already thinking about the cure for a few issues, and after reading your subscriber's comments, so, after your review, I'm sticking with the 70.
As you know, it's a $1,000 USD more than a EQ6-pro - wasn't going to go this high, but after seeing another group of photos captured with a Q10 and a CEM70, decided it was time to retire (sell) the original AVX to bridge the price difference. Likely need to spend a few dollars and time now getting better with my post-capture production - Pixinsight is still the beast to be tamed!
For my grab-and-go setup, the CEM25P with the RedCat has been delightful (nearly stealth silent) - been pleased with this setup and figured I can't go wrong with the 70 upgrade.
Also, went with the iOptron Tri-pier - my setup is housed in the garage and will put it on the v2 of home-built trolley that is very stiff/ridgid and doesn't move one bit - it rolls easily out onto the driveway. Have an 8" SCT and 10" newt - both will get a test ride on arrival, and the Stellarvue 90mm Raptor will be the next rider.
With the 70, the newt and SCT, I'm hopefully these ponies will get me down the road without aperture envy for a few more years. Let's hope so - my wife will demand that one of the mounts will have to go - can see an eviction notice on my desk upon the arrival of the 70.
I've been using the Asiair Pro for some time but also started out with a NUC - so this configuration will give me many options for control, including the option to do some remote astrophotography (once I figure out how to get cellular connection to my remote site). With the NUC, can still get good cable routing and still use available USB3.0. Hopefully with the NUC, will future proof the mount too.
I'll likely put a small powered 4-outlet USB3.0 to get the throughput when using the Asiair configuration.
Wasn't interested in the iGuider - with multi-star guiding on the ASIair and with PHD2, would rather use OAG or a good 50-70mm guide scope. iPolar came with the configuration - have been happy with PA using ASIair but the easiest/fastest is still with Polemaster - have yet to test which produces the best outcomes - but hands down, Polemaster my choice - will see if iPolar can give it a run for the money.
The wifi stuff has been a bugger for many - but for me, I'm using a 100 foot Cat6 cable tied into a Powerline adapter - so I can be inside or outside and have no connection issues on 5G, plus with the NUC, the remote control makes it easy monitor in the warmth of my house (or garage).
Have a EQ6-Pro that's been flawless - can't wait to see which will break the 0.5 barrier once (or if) I ever see good seeing conditions.
Keep those video production going - looking forward to your assessment of the new version of the Asiair application too.
Great review 👍🏻, appreciate the honesty especially when it comes to expensive equipment sets the expectation level. Keep up the great videos.
I have a permanent observatory and after 10 years with my CGEM-DX I’m starting to plan for a replacement mount. As much as I’ve enjoyed the Celestron offerings in the past, I don’t think they’ve really been as forward thinking as other manufacturers. This looks like a possible contender based on features and payload capacity. Another good review Sir. Thanks!
Good review. I haven't got notice of your vids in about 6 months.
Very good review. If I was putting together an observatory this would be on the short list. Thank you.
Great review Ruz! Really, really interesting :)
Thanks Helena :) hope you've been well
Thanx for your informative review.Currently I have just purchaesd this cem 70 to into one of my backyard roll off roof observatories.Having already owned the cem120, I had no hestation on getting the 70.even with out using the alignment camera .The guiding svony 50mm ,zwo 120 guider with the vc200l loaded up towards 12.5 kgs the mount performed as
it should,.the 70 will eventually have the new askar 185 coming in at at 25 kgs loaded .The cem 70- a great mount good investment for years to come.
Clear skies David
USB 3.0 still doesn't exist with ioptron? You are the last youtuber whose reviews I still trust. Thank you for remaining impartial.
Wow, that's a nice looking mount! Excellent review!
Thanks Chuck. I could see you wheeling this in and out 😃 it was certainly good fun to use that's for sure
THIS will be Chucks NEW MOUNT!
@@whatmattersmost6725 lol
Excellent, honest equipment review with an attention to detail - thank you! I'm planning to buy a GEM45 and look forward to some of iOptron's mount design as you described.
Thanks very much David! Sounds great for the gem45. When's that planned for?
David, I'm curious. Since you're going with iOptron, why the GEM 45 over the CEM40? the load capacity is the same, but since seeing the CEM design, I'm really in love with that idea. So, I'm curious, how come the GEM?
@@AstroFarsography Hopefully within the next month !
@@GaryMCurran Hello Gary - The iOptron specs indicate a 40kg payload for the CEM40 and 45kg for GEM45. Both are the same weight. Even though I really like the CEM40, the GEM45 will give me some additional payload load for the future. I haven't made my final decision but GEM45 with a tri-pier is still out in front for a purchase.
Great review, I have the CEM60 and has some features that make it faster to mount and dismount but the CEM70 is it's replacement, but glad I have the CEM60.
Cool One Ruiz👍🏻🔭 Beautiful Observatory Design
Thanks bud! Yeah would work beautifully in an obsy for sure
Very good review, thank you!
Thanks for the requested review brother.
This mount looks beautiful and solid with my c8 sct. I put caster wheels and I push it in and out from my garage to the street every time. Not too bad. I can carry it, but I dont one a hernia. Great review.
You're welcome mate hope you enjoyed it. It is a beautiful and solid mount, and I love the appearance of it, looks like some.proper machinery with the gears exposed and such. Yeah, I lifted the CEM70 with the counter weight and the 8" cassegrain on it. I'm not doing that again 😂
Hi, @
enriquebechet1
experience
Hi, @
enriquebechet1
I'm thinking to get that one for my 8sct. Can you share your experience. How its track? Guided and not. Of course I'm not delusional and I'm assuming that you are using some kind of reducer. Thanks
A very thorough and well-communicated review. 🖒🖒 In all honesty, testing unguided tracking accuracy without engaging a properly calibrated PPEC isn't telling us anything more than how well the mount was machined and assembled. Yes, a test without PPEC does tell us some important info about the mount (especially in concert with info re: period of worm-gear system), but I would think that the vast majority of astro-imagers would always engage the PPEC (unless it's poorly implemented by the manufacturer, which we'd want to know about anyway.). Ideally, you still have the mount and you could supplement this very good review with an assessment of unguided imaging with the mount's PPEC in operation.
Yes in hindsight I should've done the PPEC training. I could've just left it for a few hours on a cloudy day to learn it's PEC and it wouldn't have took any extra time. Next time I do a mount with PPEC I'll be sure to test tracking against track + PPEC. Thanks for the suggestion 😊
Really nice review!
Thanks very much Benson!
I do like your review. Good audio and video quality. The pace was great as was the detail in your comments.
Having used regularly, Celestron's AVX and the Sky Watcher EQ6-r Pro. IMHO the CEM70 is not overpriced for mounts in that load capacity and features. In fact I see no Losmandy, Celestron, or GEM design mount with stepper motors, and cable management features in the 70 lb. capacity range priced that low. Celestron's servo motors were a pain in that the gears on the motor had soo much play. It was impossible to approach the guide error of the stepper design. Losmandy also incorporates servo motors. Not having used Losmandy mounts, I can't say with certainty, but the motor gears box likely has that flaw.
If you get the CEM70G model, its USB connections are 3.0. I agree it makes no sense from the customer's point of view, to provide USB2.0. From the manufacturer, I see switching all models to USB 3.0 as a cost savings. Higher production volume and lower inventory expense would justify the change.
I see another issue in that the specs state 12VDC rather than a range. I need to contact their support team and ask whether the mount control circuit accommodates 11 to 15VDC (standard automotive power). Either their specs or the design has that flaw.
I was surprised to hear your comment about stepper noise. I would expect that noise level on mounts of this load capacity.
I did not hear any comments regarding the lubrication grease or backlash. I suggest adding those performance characteristics to future mount reviews.
Love the Ioptron mounts 🥰
Thank you for the review Ruzeen. I have always found your reviews to be straightforward and honest. You are not afraid to point out faults in the equipment under test.
Six weeks ago, I ordered an iOptron GEM45 and it looks like it is on a slow boat from China. The reason for ordering it was because I found my CGEM II mount to be too heavy to be easily moved out into the garden. I feel a bit concerned about the size of the input power socket, hopefully the GEM45 uses a standard socket.
It looks like I did the right thing by ordering a 2.5kg counterbalance weight for attaching my RedCat to it, I do have heavier telescopes. I also ordered the 1.75” tripod and if it is not sufficient, I will get the Tri-Pier that was demonstrated in the video.
Hello Catherine, I have the CEM40 mount in use and it has a standard 12V socket. I had no problems to connect it with my power supply.
@@mif1118 Thank you Michael for letting me know.
Thank you for your words Catherine. Unbiased reviews and pointing out areas that aren't "up to expectation" or a "fault" is important to me. This hobby is so expensive and I want to give clear and concise information about the stuff I review, so people like yourself get a clear picture ☺️
I think your video totally justifies why FLO asked you to review the CEM70, Ruz, well done mate, great review! I was really pleases when FLO started stocking iOptron. I asked if they would a few years prior and I think they were just waiting for the brand to mature and niggles to be ironed out. IOptron are great innovators and the centre balanced mounts make so much sense. They are a bit steep price wise of course, but if I had 2k instead of 600 when I was mount shopping I would have ordered the CEM40 instead of the EXOS2 PMC8. I'm happy with the EXOS though : ) Again brilliant review Ruz, keep up the great review vids :)
Thanks Chris :) That means a lot, appreciate your words. Yeah iOptron was a brand I sort of saw at the periphery and they've really begun coming into their own. I didn't know of any other CEM brands aside from iOptron (though I think Sky-Watcher are getting in on the CEM action these days). I wonder what differences there are between the CEM40 and the CEM70 to warrant the price, last I checked the CEM40 was close to the 2k mark also and you just said similar. The EXOS is interesting. I don't see many users of ES mounts. Thanks bud, will keep them coming as long as I get new toys to play with haha.
A very interesting video fella. 👊👍
Thanks a lot John ☺️
Great Review! I have some experience with iOptron mounts and thinking of this as replace for my CEM40 since i just order a OTA too heavy (or in the upper limit of payload) for it (begginer mistake lol)
Good overall review. I have an NEQ6 and would love this as an upgrade! I'd opt for the tripier or adapt a used Meade giant field tripod for any truly large OTA.
A touch of graphite on the altitude bolt will take care of the squeak and not collect dust. However because it's squeaking in One Direction and dropping in the other it sounds like the gears do not have a proper backlash. I would let ioptron know about this since you are reviewing it and it could be just a defect with this particular unit.
Both the power port issue and USB2.0 ports are engineering bean counter effects. For the price they are these should have been USB3.0 and upgraded plug option. Likewise the attachment bolts... I'd replace them with a taller bolt machined to the slot width/depth.
There are optional square weights for the issue of hitting when placed high on the bar. Since you were reviewing you didn't invest in a lighter counter weight for the small OTA.
Unguided imaging you DO have to train PPEC, drift align to correct polar alignment, and properly balance, then I think you'd see better unguded times.
Thanks for your review and comments, in fact, as you pointed out, I did choose this model because it will be mounted on a permanent pier. Anyway I was a bit anxious about your review, because the investment was already done, but now I am happy after your analysis, hopefully the mount will arrive in a week or so.
You're welcome Claudio. I'm glad this has validated and soothed your anxiety about your purchase. I'm absolutely certain you'll love your new mount!
I got the CEM70 to handle my big heavy 12 inch Meade OTA. I handles it with ease. But you’re right, there is a learning curve, and some little niggles. But what amazing tracking!
I was looking at this mount (and tri-pier) to upgrade from my EQ-6R Pro, but the little allen bolts mounting the head to the tri-pier is just to fiddly to do out in the field, especially in dark.
The squeaky altitude gear is an easy fix, but the gear meshing issue i wouldn't have expected in a mount of this price category.
Also, this mount is fairly heavy, so it's not really that portable. Better suited for a permanent setup. Which is why i opted to go with the new ZWO AM5 harmonic drive mount. Thanks for the very detailed video.
Got one. Thanks for the review. Mine does not make that squeaking noise, btw.
Mine doesn't either.
I've had my CEM70 for a while now and while I'll agree with you the spring loaded bolts for attaching to the pier are not ideal, after a few setups and tear downs, you get used to it. My old CGX had three allen head bolts that were loose and I can't tell you how many times I would drop them in the desert. Luckily I never lost one but I have spent a bit of time on my hands and knees looking for them. My altitude adjustment is silky smooth up and down, no noise. Much smoother and easier to adjust ALT and AZ than my CGX.
Regarding the power connectors, yeah, not a fan of the 5.5mmx2.1mm connectors. Something to be aware of regarding the DC power outputs on the DEC sled. You'll notice there is one isolated on the left side and two on the right side. The two that are together on the right side are 3amps total and tied to the main power input that runs the mount. The other output on the left is 5amps and tied to the additional DC input on the back of the RA axis.
Everything you said also applies to my CEM40. Same things that bug me...same things that are great. I would definitely get one if I was in the market now. I do set up the CEM40 and tear it down every night and I'd probably do the same with the 70.
Interesting to know that those issues are in other models then. Maybe they'll change it in future designs. Yeah if I was looking for a large mount then I'd consider that CEM70 most definitely. I setup and tear down also, just get used to it don't you?
i love my cem70 on the tripier. little bit noisier than my old cem25p but great guiding and massive payload. and yes, it is a little tricky to balance when you put on "small" load. i did it by adding a powerbank for my dewheaters to the back of the guidecam. i bought a different power supply from amazon with 10amp and it fits perfectly.
I was sorely tempted to get the CEM25p myself sometime. But when I looked into the "good" version (CEM25p-EC) and saw I could get an EQ6-R Pro for not much more, I ended up going the Sky-Watcher route. I'm going to miss having the CEM70 though that's for sure. A beast.
Plan on putting it on a sturdy buggy and move it in and out of my storage. Will be used for a 8" SCT or a 125mm refractor. It can handle bigger scopes. A 10" astrograph newtonian is also an option for the future
A little heavy for my light equipment but thank you for your review. I like the iOptron products. Especially the iPolar is a very helpful tool.
Regards
Andreas
Nice non-bias review. I am setting up my 1st observatory and just purchased this mount. It has not yet been delivered, and I am looking at videos to help me through the initial setup process once delivered.
Elegant in every way.
Agreed
Good review , i would have liked the unguided performance to be a little better but like you said , no ppec applied and maybe a little better polar alignment. I don't think the price is that bad compared to other mounts with this capacity.
Btw the iOptron Tri-Pier fits perfectly in the JMI heavy duty medium size wheelie bars if you want to roll your rig easily in and out of your garage or shed.
The altitude adjustment issues combined with the more difficult mount/unmount from tripod make this a no-go for me. I'm currently using an EQ6 but am looking for more payload capacity and would like an iOptron-like wiring setup in the mount head.
I have the same model as yours.
Using it in a mobile setup manner, but it's definately no grab & go. I first fix the mount to the pier/ tripod with a cut-off ball-headed Allen key, just enough room to tighten by hand. The rest with a 6 mm hex key. (Did yours also came with a 7/32" key?)
Next to that I've made a counter weight bar from thick walled stainless steel tube. 1 kg lighter and it has a sort of 'click' button for the counter-weight safety (no more screwing in the 'toe saver').
Mine does not have a squeeky Alt adjuster as I've lubricated all moving/ adjustable parts with MoS2 (Molycote) grease, except for the worm gears and bearings.
After adjustment, I tighten down the Azi screws with DIY made hand knobs. Originally it has two grub screws in the back of the base.
It didn't see a lot of clear skies yet because of well... the infamous Dutch weather.
Good video👍👍
Great vid. Here's hoping Astrotrac ask you to check out their new 360 GEM mount :-)
The power plug issue comes up with a lot of equipment. Basically, there are two sizes for a 5.5mm plug -- the 2.5mm pin or 2.1mm pin. What I have done is made a bunch of patch cords that transition from one to the other -- I bought the pigtails in batches of 10 from Amazon. iOptron wants to use 2.1mm on their equipment; the rest of the astro community wants 2.5mm.
I just looked at my CEM70 and the mount uses both 5.5mm x 2.5 for power in and 5.5mm x 2.1mm for power out. The two sizes keep inputs and outputs from being confused.
Really enjoyed the review! Just subbed. If you were getting a 60- 70ish pound capacity mount that was going to be set up nightly vs. observatory, what would you suggest? Needless to say, I'm in the market 🙂.
One of the big things for me is the lack of USB 3.0, which you DO get on the CEM70G. I wonder if a shot of lithium grease would cure the squeals and the drop in the altitude adjustment. I agree that the power connector should be standardized, I'm willing to bet the other connectors are. That's just iOptron being a pain.
The CEM70G, which has a built in guider, GPS, WiFi and USB 3.0 is $2,800 USD, and a CEM60EC with iPolar is $3,800. I'm not sure, but I think for $1,000 less I'll go with the 70G and hope that the guiding will help to make up for the less of the enhanced encoders. Not that I'm buying one any time soon , but if I was. :)
I have a CEM25p and I got 10 minute subs unguided with very careful balance and polar alignment.
Oh excellent. Is that just the basic 25p or the EC model? What focal length were you using?
@@AstroFarsography The acceptable price one... ;) I was shooting at a focal length of 385mm. This was the result: telescopius.com/pictures/view/57732/deep_sky/by-schoenmaker
Great review, particularly the part about the case :-) By any chance, did you check the serviceability of the mount (e.g. if the owner needs to send it back to iOptron when it starts developing some backlash or if this is an easy DIY job)? I have an antique CEM60 and even though it is a good mount, I can totally relate to the sections of your review about the power plugs madness and the miserable experience with Alt adjustment. There is one additional concern worth mentioning: the obsolete USB 2 hub. When I switched to an USB 3 camera I asked iOptron and they confirmed that they have no plans to provide an upgrade to USB 3. So much for the expensive mount supposed to last for a long time. That said, for anyone who actually needs the 70lbs capacity, it might be the cheapest option (I guess that portability isn't too relevant at that point).
Good job! Love hearing about the "niggly things"; especially if it's geared toward an observatory or field mount and ease--or not--of setup. I have a CEM 25 and really don't like the engagement of the RA and DEC. I assume this is similar (the "clunk" you liked in the review)? Also, only two minutes of good tracking with perfect polar alignment? . . . When they get the bugs out, I'll look forward to another review by you!
The screws at 5:29 of your video is a real pain on my CEM 70, the goal is to get as close to zero error on altitude and I can get there easy and smoothly, but when you tighten the side screws to lock it down it moves a bit and your no longer at the same elevation as you set when going thru the process. I have to guess how far it will move once I tighten those screws and plan for that movement ahead of time when I move the large elevation knob so in total I end up where I need to be. Sort of a pain in my opinion.
Other than that the mount has tracked very well except if I am pointing directly south at times I don't see the mount running into something but the gears make a funny popping noise that I don't hear when pointed at any other direction. At those times when it starts popping I have to start all over with my imaging as tracking has wild spikes on several frames. I will have to check the gear teeth as it feels like some of the gear teeth are slipping a bit or the mesh between the ra gear and worm gear need adjusted.
One other point Is the pier plate, mine is on a flat concrete pier, I put the bottom plate on the concrete bolted it down set the tube on top of that plate and when putting the top plate on you have to be very careful your actually pointed exactly true north due to the fact that when you put the mount on top and bolt it down if your not exactly correct with all you have done before they is not enough adjustment left to right to polar align at all.There are just 3 small screws going thru the top plate into the tube housing, and those screws are stationary and you cant move it left to right when installed. A slit about 1.5 inch's for all 3 screws would have been much better. I had to drill several extra holes until I got it right for the 3 screws. Or I could have done the same with the bottom plate I suppose. Just a warning to those who will do the same thing as I. One other tiny gripe, When using the factory power supply there's not enough amps or power for all the mount power port to run many more items, at least they did not work on mine - example my ASIAIR- cooled camera etc. Other than that I do like the mount for it weight capacity and some other features.
David Aylsworth
David Aylsworth
1 year ago
thanks for your video!! we are planing an observatory for touristical purpose and you helped me very much!! I have two questions.. Does de i Polar works in the southern hemisphere? Would it be able to carry a Skywatcher Newton 250 ? Thank You !!!
Another very good non bias review. Very much out my price range!
You have done a few Optolong filter reviews if poss could you look at IDAS nebula booster. I’d be interested in your opinion.
Hi James thank you. Yeah absolutely out of my price range as well, even if it was second hand!
I can ask if I could get an IDAS Neb Booster to try. It's basically the IDAS equivalent to the L-eNhance if I recall correctly?
Yea I believe it is. If you could look into it I’d really appreciate it. Your last filter review was excellent. I currently use the Altair Tri band, but looking at “next level” filters to see if they offer a little more.
Non bias?! Really. He was given mount by a dealer. It is already biased. No matter how you spin. I offered him almost new this “nice” mount. Do you think he jump to offer?😂
The screws at 5:29 of your video is a real pain on my CEM 70, the goal is to get as close to zero error on altitude and I can get there easy and smoothly, but when you tighten the side screws to lock it down it moves a bit and your no longer at the same elevation as you set when going thru the process. I have to guess how far it will move once I tighten those screws and plan for that movement ahead of time when I move the large elevation knob so in total I end up where I need to be. Sort of a pain in my opinion.
Other than that the mount has tracked very well except if I am pointing directly south at times I don't see the mount running into something but the gears make a funny popping noise that I don't hear when pointed at any other direction. At those times when it starts popping I have to start all over with my imaging as tracking has wild spikes on several frames. I will have to check the gear teeth as it feels like some of the gear teeth are slipping a bit or the mesh between the ra gear and worm gear need adjusted.
One other point Is the pier plate, mine is on a flat concrete pier, I put the bottom plate on the concrete bolted it down set the tube on top of that plate and when putting the top plate on you have to be very careful your actually pointed exactly true north due to the fact that when you put the mount on top and bolt it down if your not exactly correct with all you have done before they is not enough adjustment left to right to polar align at all.There are just 3 small screws going thru the top plate into the tube housing, and those screws are stationary and you cant move it left to right when installed. A slit about 1.5 inch's for all 3 screws would have been much better. I had to drill several extra holes until I got it right for the 3 screws. Or I could have done the same with the bottom plate I suppose. Just a warning to those who will do the same thing as I. One other tiny gripe, When using the factory power supply there's not enough amps or power for all the mount power port to run many more items, at least they did not work on mine - example my ASIAIR- cooled camera etc. Other than that I do like the mount for it weight capacity and some other features.
Good solid unbiased review. I think it’s time for manufacturers to embrace usb 3 already. Seriously? Expected better unguided results. Definitely not for the field with those difficult spring loaded bolts and a not so smooth altitude adjustment. Waiting for the next iteration. I’m sure your review will help speed that along.
Thanks Louis I appreciate that!
Yeah absolutely. The lack of usb3 these days is bizarre. Like maybe just swap it round and have more usb3 than 2 slots perhaps.
As mentioned, there's a lot that goes into unguided. Had the mount been perfectly balanced it might've been a different story. However given the manufacturing quality and capacity, I seriously doubt it was bothered my light refractor was unbalanced.
If iOptron see this, then I would love to help influence future designs. All about making it better for the end user ☺️
Really. Review is totally dishonest and he knows it. He probably read script prepared by IOptron dealers. I like his crocodile tears that he cannot afford it. Well I offered him almost new for just $2500. He erased my post.
@@anata5127 Everyone is allowed their own opinion. He called it a review but remember this is not professional and a lot of it is just an opinion. I still think it was rather unbiased and he did mention many of the mounts shortcomings. Definitely a great attempt that needs some future improvements
@@louisrosner7902 Well, let’s agree to disagree. It is by definition misleading review. IOptron and dealers supplied him “perfect” mount that only 5-10% public will get, and he presented this as a terrific mount.
He should do research and look what is going on around. Did he do it? I think he did. This is why he doesn’t want to get this mount, despite people selling almost new ones for nothing.
He is not alone on TH-cam. There is a bunch of bloggers like him, who influence people to buy this sh***.
To be fair they don't claim sub arcsecond performance for un guided tarcking...periodic error (PE)
This would be a good next mount for me.
Awesome, do you have a permanent setup then or just going to carry it in and out?
@@AstroFarsography No I have a big tree in my yard and I cannot bring myself to cut it down. Trees in the city do block a lot of light pollution after all. So I have to move my mount around in the yard based on what part of the sky I am shooting. Plus I want a bigger scope lol. Good review. I did not get to the end of it yet as lunch break ended. What kind of guiding accuracy were you able to get with it?
@@TheNarrowbandChannel 0.4ishTotal RMS
Thanks for the review! Specs say the head weighs only 30 lb, which is 8 lb less than the Skywatcher EQ6. So, should be somewhat portable for carrying in or out for an evening’s use?
Thanks David. Oh it's absolutely portable, you can carry the mount in and out and really the flat bottom of the mount head makes it 100x easier to carry and secure than the EQ6-R. It's the bolting it down that makes it more a chore than, say, the GEM designs
Hi, I have a GEM45G and I have an issue with GoTo when I go to other side of meridian the object not is in the field of view of my Maksutov Cassegrain 180-2700. This issue insist also whe I calibrate with 3 stars for exampls in summer Altair Deneb and Mirach.
My problem is using edge hd 800 (2000mm) and EQ6R, please tell me that the guides are in good with the off-axis guide.
However, for images longer than 60 seconds, the wind is always a terrible problem. For a round star, 120 seconds is 60% and 180 seconds is 40%.Without the wind, it was a 0.5 ton afternoon guide.
Then, please tell us if the update from EQ6R to CEM70 works or does not change significantly.
I'm really thinking about updating the CEM70 or CEM120/EQ8. Please advise me about your experience.
Perhaps, 7:55 looks like same my wind problem (Too lightweight to repair telescopes and cameras over 10KG)
Otherwise, I'm considering installing each windscreen around the mount in four areas with a weight of 10 kg.
Hey, I was wondering if I could attach my AZ refracter telescope onto a equiaral mount, is that possible?
Can it handle a 155 mm f/7 EDF Astro-Physics refractor or does one need a larger mount?
I have a CEM60 which needs a USB to serial adapter to use and is often annoying to set up, would I be better served to sell it and get the CEM70 which seems to use direct USB to control. Also I need to figure out how to make a Permanent pier to replace my Tri-Pier as I had hip replacement and hauling the mount head and tripod in and out of the house for setup is keeping me from imaging.
How is the guiding with a 1480mm sct telescope?
On book, it, especially CEM70G, is on par with APMach-2. But this is on book. Buying any IOptron item is like playing lottery.
I get that tracking on AVX.
l am planning with this mount, The APM 140 mm refractor.non observatory use.Question is this too much of a mount.if so would I be better off with the ioptron cem 45
Hi, thanks for this. I have an older iEQ45 mount and have been considering upgrading. I can help with the controller numbering. The 8407 is the stepper motor version of the closed loop dc servo 8406 unit used on my mount. There are a few enhancements but that is the major feature. Consequently the CEM70 is a n open loop stepper motor driven mount. I do hope the power ports are not proprietary, that would kill it for me. There are a variety of subtly different 5.5 mm power jacks - the centre contact being slightly different diameters so it may be that. It is also possible that they have gone and used a 'centre negative' wiring set up rather than the more common 'centre positive', Is it covered in the specs? To answer your question. For me it would be observatory only, that clunky head bolt system would drive me nuts. I'd want to know more about the tracking capability before considering it. The cable managing, iPolar etc are brilliant and otherwise make it very attractive. There are those few annoying deficiencies that iOptron need to address..BobUK.
Hi Bob thanks for clarifying the handset numbers and the power port such. Another individual commented that the mains power port IS different to the common style, and that the ports on the puck are different still. You'd have to get a different cable by the sounds of it. Such an inconvenience for me.
Tracking was solid, if you're doing guided exposures then I doubt you'll have any problem at all. Hope it was helpful and if iOptron see this and take our feedback on board, well that would be ideal wouldn't it ☺️
Interesting on the power port. I bought some 5.5x2.5 to 5.5x2.1 adapters, and have used all my normal astro power sources to run the cem70 just fine.
That's good then. Yeah some adaptors would clear that matter up quite nicely. Again, it's not the end of the world that the CEM70 used different ports, just s massive inconvenience from what I class as the "standard" port used in astro hardware
@@AstroFarsography I don't disagree at all. Not sure why they opted to use 2.5 instead of 2.1 like everything else.
Meade and Celestron are example of choosing one or the other.
Hey Ruz, Chris Pearson here from NebuloCity. I’ve got some questions ahead of some major upgrades to my inventory for the coming year and need some guidance. Any way I can DM you to get a few key thoughts from you if/when you have a moment? Let me know, and thanks as always for the videos!
Hi Chris sure feel free to message me and I'll help where I can
A USB 2.0 Hub isn't useable for modern astro equipment . I would still need a powerbox/usb solution with this mount.
If you go with the G version, it has a USB 3.0 hub.
@@XShadowAngel They should consolidate their product line - too many versions. I have a GEM45 and there is a GEM40,GEM45, GEM45 with builtin in guider etc etc. In Ioptrons defence i applaud them for innovating and as a side note i damaged my GEM 45 and Ioptron were great sourcing replacement parts even in the midst of a pandemic so kudos to them!
Trying to power my CEM70 just now for the first time.....what an earth do I use as a 12v plug? None of mine fit...... 🔌😭
I also have this mount. I balance about 43 lbs of gear on it. For me, this mount is as smooth as butter. I've had to add a 2nd counterweight. Make sure you get the right ASCOM drivers from Ioptron, as they originally lumped the Cem70 with another mount. IPolar is super simple, super quick. I polar align when the mount is loaded and have not had 'creep' issues. Both the altitude and azimuth knobs work smoothly under load. Just remember to back off and re-tighten the side locks. My minor point of contention is that the USB connectors are not very deep and when you plug in a cable it seems fairly loose.
But this is a mount for my next decade. I'm not on a pier but continue to set up and take down regularly. Solid, smooth, dependable.
I agree it really is a smooth mount and really puts a performance in when asked. I didn't know that about the software drivers though. When I got mine and downloaded them through FLOs site they were clearly marked as CEM70 drives so maybe they clarified it there.
That's interesting your altitude is smooth as butter. Even when I had my side latches totally released it still squeaked. But aside from that the latches hold it absolutely firmly and the PA stayed glued on that pole. Definitely a great mount and I hope you have many a clear night with it!
Hello Ruzeen . When Companies send you Products for Review do they send "Brand New" or used Demo Units ? Also , has iOptron contacted you regarding the squeak and judder you commented on ? I wonder if this is an area that requires a bit of Routine Maintenance or was actually defective in some way . Cheers ! /SRK
Hellp Scott.
It depends on whom sends it. 99% of my review gear comes from First Light Optics and this CEM70 was a demo unit. Someone else in the comments has a CEM70 and said his altitude adjustment is smooth as butter. Had it been my mount I'd have greased it but since it was a loaner, I didn't want to do something like that.
As for contacting iOptron, I've never actually spoke to them directly. I'd be surprised if they even knew about me! 😂
Does ASIAIR pro work with this mount? Thanks for the review!
Yes
When your talking over 2k for a mount I personally would expect things like the alt and az adjusters to be silky smooth no squeaks and a proper screw in power port. Regardless of it is a permanent mount or something that is torn down and rebuilt.
i hear where you coming from, but its a super easy fix with lithium grease.
@@bear5016 exactly my point, after spending 2k I don’t expect to have to start lubricating anything. It’s priced as a premium mount and the customer should expect quality and attention to detail.
@@rogerwilkinson2818 to be fair, its not priced as a premium mount. At best its a high end budget mount. Or you could say its a Mid Range.
10Micron is a premium mount. But im not shelling out $10k just to take a couple pics. Or Paramount MYT, or Avalon.
I totally agree with you, I own this mount and I have so much feedback on it, and the sad part about it is that it's things that should've been overlooked during the prototype and testing phase of the mount.
The mount itself is fantastic in my opinion, and the goods surely overpowers the bad things, but with such a price tag, these small bad things shouldn't have been there in the first place.
@@msacco it would seem a lot of people’s thoughts on quality and quality control vary quite a lot and what people will except and will just put up with. When I can afford to buy my 2k budget mount I always take things like this into account. I’m sure it’s a fantastic mount but it will always make me think what are the internals like if they can’t be arsed to grease a simple mechanism like that
Good video, Would rather spend maybe a few £ more and go for a cgx-l head only option. Better sw via planewave and more capacity.
The CGX-L is a monster for sure. Been up close and personal with one and it's a beast
@@AstroFarsography must admit cant wait to move so can set up my cgx and avx and do some astro. Will miss playing with all th e toys at tring astro, like ther 10 micron mount hmmm
Lot heavier than the CEM70 though. Definitely eat your wheaties to set it up... and I setup an old NEQ6!
Hello.
I think that the range of movement of the telescope is limited depending on the direction of the centerbalanse.
Also,I hear that the shaft locking mechanism is unique.
Is it stable?
It is, but it flips automatically after the meridian.
It's very stable yes. The shaft locks definitely do seem a lot different to what I usually see with the friction clutches
Now if only they had them in stock... Im still waiting for the CEM70G
Just got mine, and discovered to have two iguider firmware units instead of iguider+ipolar. Doesnt work, sending back to be replaced.
@@mackiemesser9304 there was another person who got theres and received two ipolars also.
Is yours a recent purchase of recent stock? or did you have to wait from awhile back?
It seems silly to have to send the whole unit back. I would image you could take it out yourself and just send the iguider back?
@@bear5016 i know 4 people already with this defect. my retailer contacted ioptron directly and they wished me to send the whole unit... and yes, it is silly. ive ordered mine in the middle of September and got it around 2 weeks ago.
@@mackiemesser9304 Guess i'll be waiting even longer.
Up, nevermind, bought one Christmas day (from mile high, they had exactly one) got it today. Has ipolar and iguider with no squeak. And to boot, my SV80 weighs just enough to have the cw far enough away not to hit the body, wewt.
Now we wait for the qhy268m. And a big 10" newt!
Skip to "price is over $3,000 USD" at 11:32.
You are welcome.
How long did you think about making a review? 1 or 2 seconds?
Couple hours, how come? 😂
My CEM70 seems to have some ticking noise while tracking. Did you notice that sound in your mount?
Mine is a lot louder than I expected too, and a significant 7.8 kHz buzz when parked. I have heard there are new control boards that may fix this.
I find it strange that a mount touted as an observatory mount receives a plus for the iPolar system. The iPolar system is a reasonably accurate & very convenient option for those who are setting up (or rolling out) an astrophotography rig on a regular basis and need to quickly achieve an accurate polar alignment each time. However, those who have a permanent obaervatory set up will only need to do a polar alignment one or two times per year at most, or perhaps whenever the main optical train is replaced by another. In such infrequent situations, the operator of the observatory would be best served by the far more precise and accurate drift method of polar alignment, which requires no polar scope to complete.
Thanks Derek and definitely a fair point to make. I spoke and praised the iPolar system due to th fact I was using it in the portable way, where the iPolar was incredibly useful. So in case others are planning on using it that way, and the fact it's a large part of the mount, I thought it imperative to discuss the iPolar
I have an observatory but polar align every session anyhow, there is always movement in the ground/ pier and things will go slightly off. I use Sharpcap Pro and polar align until 'excellent', because the mount is permanent, I usually get a starting point of 'good' or 'fair' and it takes 2 mins to get an 'excellent' polar alignment so not fussed about checking polar alignment every session.
@@the_astro_garden Thank you for sharing your experiences! 👍👍
My mount (Cem70G) is not squeaking with a payload of 21 kg.
My CEM70 does squeak with payload of around 12kg
@@msacco The "G" stands for Greased.
@@bear5016 XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Wouldnt it be great if a mount could self polar align?
Make a half decent mount that polar aligned itself and never have to worry about money again 😂 worry about producing them fast enough
Celestron is coming close to that with self aligning Alt/Az mounts, but it's not a polar alignment. I'm sure with the advent of things like the iPolar, a self aligning mount will be here soon. Still, it will be massively expensive and will be a lot slower to align than doing it manually, at least to start out with. However, with GPS and an internal compass, self leveling legs and no 'post' on the tripod/pier to be in the way, we could do it now. I just don't want to pay Software Bisque pricing for a lesser product.
I was thinking of this very thing. I wouldn't think it would be too tough to do, assuming the mount has a iPolar (or PoleMaster, or equiv, or could be controlled by laptop/ASIAir using main camera), I'd think you'd just need a motor on each of the Alt/Az and then a bit of software to interface with whichever PA camera you have above. I can't imagine it would be any slower than me doing it myself! I'd pay an extra 500$ on a mount for that!
Would you take the CEM 70 or Eq6r-pro, I don't mind paying extra that will live as long as possible
Well theoretically the CEM70 is the better mount. If I had the money I'd get one, especially if I had a permanent. The EQ6-R is an awesome mount that you'll be happy with but the CEM70 definitely is in its own class
@@AstroFarsography thanks souch for your answer as I have been scawaring the internet for it.
Last one please.
If something were to brake in the CEM70G do you think I can fix it on my own? As I am not living in the US or UK fixing them might be a chor that I'd like to do my self and not send overseas to get fixed
@@shiniforever that's down to your own mechanical ability. The CEM70 is belt driven with gears as well, you can see the mechanism. If you can get hold of parts then feasibly it's possible to open it up and fix it but you'd void your warranty in doing so.
@@AstroFarsography that's amazing as I thought it had something to do with magnits, so whats the mager defferens between CEM and GEM as lots of people I've met where telling me to just get GEM!!
@@shiniforever it's just the styling. GEM = German Equatorial Mount, CEM = Centre Balanced Equatorial Mount (though I've heard people say CEM means Chinese Equatorial Mount).
The GEM has everything move on the RA axis. Look up the Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro and that's a GEM whilst a CEM moves the centre part of the mount and a lot of it stays stationary. CEM are more expensive usually but can on average hold more load
About tracking performance...Even your science grade instruments like Astro-Physics, 10micron, and the like, will not give you long unguided exposures if you don't do some very basic but paramount setup steps(PERFECTLY - as this is the only way to remove them as variables). There are currently no features on any mount in the world that will allow tracking without proper polar alignment, quality balancing, proper payload, location settings, maybe some others. Its very difficult to blame hardware when many of the variables are out of its control.
Too bad my Meade 14 OTA weighs 63 lbs + ... The 2/3 weight limit means it won't make it.
EXCELLENT VIDEO, BUT THE AUDIO COULD BE IMPROVED
I would hardly say that the iPolar is brilliant. It's entirely too glitchy and a PITA to set up correctly. You're better off drift aligning with PHD2
Hmm...I like them... but I don't have money XD
Haha isn't that the fact of life!
Sorry.
better spend all that money on painting that devider fence and redoing the outside walls..maybe some gardening too...will make the wife happy as well...
My partner doesn't really care about the garden lol it's sort of my domain. Plus we rent and moving out soon, so probably won't bother doing the fence 😂
ah..I see...that explains it....
It is definitely not a lot of money for mount. It is very inexpensive.
Great review - I recently purchased one and am delighted with it too! Here's my first light experience/review fyi - th-cam.com/video/xoKucF1tcrU/w-d-xo.html
Ioptron is very unreliable in quality. I always advise people to stay away. There are so many other better and more reliable brands.
Don't show your face. Show the dam product.