Ioptron CEM40, CEM40EC User Manual
iOptron®CEM40 Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount
Instruction Manual
Produ
ct CEM40 (#7400A series) and CEM40EC (#7400ECA series, as shown)
Please read the included CEM40 Quick Setup Guide (QSG) BEFORE taking the mount out of
the case!
This product is a precision instrument and uses a magnetic gear meshing mechanism. Please
read the included QSG before assembling the mount. Please read the entire Instruction
Manual before operating the mount.
You must hold the mount firmly when disengaging the gear switches. Otherwise personal
injury and/or equipment damage may occur. Any worm system damage due to improper
operation will not be covered by iOptron’s limited warranty.
If you have any questions please contact us at support@ioptron.com
WARNING!
NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER!
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.
Children should always have adult supervision while using a telescope.
2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ 3
1. CEM40 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5
2. CEM40 Overview ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1. Parts List .......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2. Identification of Parts ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.3. CEM40 Mount Basic Cable Connection.......................................................................................... 7
2.4. CEM40 Cable Management ............................................................................................................. 8
2.5. Go2Nova® 8407+ Hand Controller ................................................................................................ 10
2.5.1. Key Description ...................................................................................................................... 10
2.5.2. The LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................... 11
2.6. Bench Testing the Mount ............................................................................................................... 12
3. CEM40 Mount Assembly ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.1. CEM40 Mount Assembly .............................................................................................................. 13
4. Getting Started ...................................................................................................................................... 23
4.1. Setting the Mount and Performing Polar Alignment ..................................................................... 23
4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount .................................................................................................... 23
4.3. One Star Alignment ....................................................................................................................... 23
4.4. GOTO the Moon and Other Objects .............................................................................................. 23
4.5. Star Identification Function ........................................................................................................... 23
4.6. Power-Down Memorization........................................................................................................... 24
4.7. Turning Off the Mount................................................................................................................... 24
4.8. Putting the Mount Back into the Carrying Case ............................................................................ 24
5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova® 8407+ Hand Controller ................................................................. 25
5.1. Select and Slew .............................................................................................................................. 25
5.1.1. Solar System ........................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects .................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.3. Stars......................................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.4. Comets .................................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.5. Asteroids ................................................................................................................................. 25
5.1.6. Constellations .......................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.7. Custom Objects ....................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.8. Custom R.A. and DEC ............................................................................................................ 26
5.2. Sync to Target ................................................................................................................................ 26
5.3. Alignment ...................................................................................................................................... 26
5.3.1. Position of Polaris/SigmaOct .................................................................................................. 26
5.3.2. One Star Alignment ................................................................................................................ 26
5.3.3. Two Star Alignment ................................................................................................................ 26
5.3.4. Three Star Alignment .............................................................................................................. 27
5.3.5. Solar System Align ................................................................................................................. 27
5.3.6. Polar Iterate Align ................................................................................................................... 27
5.3.7. View Model Error ................................................................................................................... 27
5.3.8. Clear Alignment Data ............................................................................................................. 27
5.4. Settings ........................................................................................................................................... 27
5.4.1. Set Time and Site .................................................................................................................... 27
5.4.2. Beep Ettings ............................................................................................................................ 27
5.4.3. Display Settings ...................................................................................................................... 28
5.4.4. Set Guiding Rate ..................................................................................................................... 28
5.4.5. Set Tracking Rate .................................................................................................................... 29
3
5.4.6. Set Parking Position ................................................................................................................ 29
5.4.7. Meridian Treatment ................................................................................................................ 29
5.4.8. Set Altitude Limit ................................................................................................................... 29
5.4.9. Polar Scope Bright. ................................................................................................................. 29
5.4.10. HC Heating Switch ............................................................................................................... 29
5.4.11. Set RA Guiding ..................................................................................................................... 30
5.4.12. Language ............................................................................................................................... 30
5.5. Electric Focuser ............................................................................................................................. 30
5.6. PEC Option .................................................................................................................................... 30
5.6.1. PEC Playback.......................................................................................................................... 30
5.6.2. Record PEC ............................................................................................................................. 30
5.6.3. PEC Data Integrity .................................................................................................................. 30
5.7. Park Telescope ............................................................................................................................... 31
5.8. Edit User Objects ........................................................................................................................... 31
5.8.1. Enter a New Comet ................................................................................................................. 31
5.8.2. Enter Other Objects or Observation List ................................................................................ 31
5.9. Firmware Information .................................................................................................................... 32
5.10. Zero Position ................................................................................................................................ 32
5.10.1. Goto Zero Position ................................................................................................................ 32
5.10.2. Set Zero Position ................................................................................................................... 32
5.10.3. Search Zero Pos. ................................................................................................................... 32
6. Maintenance and Servicing ................................................................................................................... 33
6.1. Maintenance ................................................................................................................................... 33
6.2. iOptron Customer Service .............................................................................................................. 33
6.3. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions ..................................................................................... 33
6.4. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions ............................................................................ 33
Appendix A. Technical Specifications ..................................................................................................... 34
Appendix B. Go2Nova® 8407+ HC MENU STRUCTURE ..................................................................... 35
Appendix C. Polar Alignment using iPolar Electronic PolarScope .......................................................... 38
Appendix D. Gear Meshing Adjustment .................................................................................................. 44
Appendix E. Firmware Upgrade ............................................................................................................... 46
Appendix F. Computer Control a CEM40 Mount .................................................................................... 47
Appendix G. Go2Nova®Star List .............................................................................................................. 48
IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY .................... 57
Ver. 1.1 2019.5
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design/function may differ from those described in this
instruction manual.
4
1. CEM40 Introduction
The iOptron® CEM40 mount is the next generation of center-balanced equatorial mounts. This mount is
incredibly eye-pleasing, and its beauty is found in more than its appearance. The functionality of the
mount is superb. Weighing in at only 15.8lbs., this mount can support a payload of up to 40lbs! That's
incredible!
This mount also has an integrated electronic polar finder scope known as the iPolar. This tool ensures
the accurate alignment of a telescope, even when the pole star is obscured. There are large levers on
the quick-lock drive engagement system; these large levers make it easy to snap the gears into place.
Make way for an innovative mount! This iOptron CEM40 mount uses iOptron's patent-pending
Universal Self-Centering Saddle (USCS). This saddle accommodates Losmandy and Vixen-style
dovetail plates. The CEM40 also uses iOptron's ultra-quiet, low-power consumption stepper motor drive
system, aiding the mount in providing precise tracking.
The iOptron CEM40 mount uses the Go2Nova® 8407 hand controller to navigate the night sky. This
incredible technology helps observers find celestial objects with the aid of the mount's 212,000+ object
database! For those looking for a telescope that has the capability of tracking and finding beautiful night
sky objects, this mount is a must have tool.
Features:
Unique design, Center-Balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload and minimum
mount weight
Idea for both visual observation and astrophotography
Maximum payload of 40 lbs (18 kg) with the mount weight of only 15.8 lbs (7.2 kg)
All metal, CNC machined with red/black anodized
Easy to use quick-lock gear clutches
Integrated iPolar
Low periodic error: <±7 arc seconds for CEM40, < 0.25 arcsec RMS for CEM40EC
Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) or Real-time periodic error correction (for
CEM40EC)
Precision stepper motor for precise GOTO and accurate tracking
Go2Nova® 8407+ controller with Advanced GOTONOVA
heater
Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
USB communication port
Cable management system
New, patent-pending iOptron universal saddle
Standard 1.5 inch heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (5kg), optional 2” tripod or Tri-pier
Optional WiFi module (iStarFi, #7434) for mount control via SmartPhone/Tablet/Computer
TM
electronic polar finder
®
GOTO Technology with built-in
5
2. CEM40 Overview
2.1. Parts List1
SHIPPING CONTENTS
Your new CEM40 mount comes in two shipping boxes. One box contains either a CEM40
(#7400A) or CEM40EC (#7400ECA) mount head, hand controller, counterweight shaft, and accessories.
The other box contains a 1.5” tripod and a 10lbs (4.5kg) counterweight. The contents are:
iOptron
mount (#7400ECA, high precision model with red gear switches)
Go2Nova
One 10lbs (4.5 kg) counterweight
Stainless steel counterweight shaft
Internal iPolar electronic polar scope
CEM40 GPS module
AC adapter (100V-240V)
2X coiled control Cable (6P6C RJ11 to RJ11, straight wired)
Serial cable (RS232 to RJ9)
USB cable
Aluminum carrying case (for CEM40EC)
1.5” tripod
Quick Start Guide
®
CEM40 telescope mount (#7400A, with black gear switches) or iOptron® CEM40EC
®
8407 Hand Controller
OPTIONAL PARTS
2” tripod
Tri-Pier (#8034)
iStarFi wireless adapter (#7434)
USB to RS232 Converter with FTDI chipset (#8435)
ONLINE RESOURCES (click on the “Support” menu at www.iOptron.com)
Quick Start Guide
Instructional manual
Tips for set up
Hand controller and mount firmware upgrades (check online for latest version)
iOptron ASCOM driver
Reviews and feedback from other customers
Accessories
1
US market only. Actual contents, design and function may vary.
6
2.2. Identification of Parts
Polaraxiscover
CWmountinghousing
Az.adj.knob
CWlockingscrew
Counterweight
CWbar
DECgearswitch
Dovetailsaddle
Lat.lockingscrews
Azi.lockingscrew
Tripod
Figure 1.CEM40 mount assembly
2.3. CEM40 Mount Basic Cable Connection
Figure 2. Ports on a CEM40 mount
OFF/ON (O/I): Power Switch
DC 12V: DC power socket to power the mount (2.1mmX5.5mm, center positive)
HBX (Hand Box): For connecting to an 8407 Hand Controller
iPORT: Auxiliary port for connecting to other iOptron accessories, such as a GPS receiver,
an iStarFi WiFi adapter, an electronic focuser or for observatory dome control. DO NOT plug
ST-4 guiding camera cable into this port, It will damage the guide camera electronics.
7
USB: USB port for mount-computer control and firmware upgrade
2.4. CEM40 Cable Management
The CEM40 mount has a pre-wired Cable Management Panel (CMP). As shown in Figure 3, the Cable
Management Panel has the following connections:
Figure 3.Cable management panel
1X USB 2.0 ports with standard type A connectors for connecting accessory;
1X DC12V power outlet (2.1mmX5.5mm, center positive, max. current 3A) for powering
accessories such as CCD cameras, filter wheels, or electric focusers;
GUIDE: ST-4 compatible autoguiding port. The wiring is shown in Figure 4
Figure 4. ST-4 Compatible Guiding Port Wiring
The USB-A port on the Cable Management Panel are connected to the USB-B connector on Input
Panel, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Input panel
1x USB 2.0 port with a standard type B connector
1X iPolar USB port for internal iPolar electronic polar scope connection
There is a hole on dovetail saddle that allows a user to run his own cables down through the mount, to
either the back of RA axle or bottom of the DEC axle.
8
Figure 6. Openings for custom cable management
The CMP can also be moved from the back of the dovetail saddle to the front.
Figure 7. Top of the dovetail saddle
CMP
9
2.5. Go2Nova® 8407+ Hand Controller
The Go2Nova® 8407+ hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 8 is the standard controller used on the
CEM40 mount. It has an integrated heater that ensures the LCD display will work at the temperature as
low as -20ºC(-4ºF). It has a large LCD screen, function, direction, and number keys on the front; a red
LED reading light on the back; and a HBX (6-pin) and a RS232 serial port (4-pin) at the bottom.
The CEM40 mount can be operated without the hand controller attached if it is controlled via a
SmartPhone/Tablet/Computer.
DEC+
R.A.+
R.A.-
DEC-
HBX
Port
Serial
Port
Figure 8. Go2Nova® 8407+ hand controller
2.5.1. Key Description
MENU Key: Press “MENU” to enter the Main Menu.
BACK Key: Move back to the previous screen, or end/cancel current operation, such as
slewing.
ENTER Key: Confirm an input, go to the next menu, select a choice, or slew the telescope to
a selected object.
Arrow (▲▼◄►) Keys: The arrow keys are used to control the movement of DEC and R.A.
axes. Press and hold ▲(DEC+),▼(DEC-) buttons to move a telescope along the DEC
direction, ◄(R.A.+), ►(R.A.-) to move a telescope along the R.A. direction. They are also
used to browse the menu or move the cursor while in the menu. Press and holding an arrow
key for a fast scrolling.
Number Keys: Input numerical values. Also used to adjust speeds (1: 1X; 2: 2X; 3: 8X; 4:
16X; 5: 64X; 6: 128X; 7: 256X; 8: 512X; 9: MAX)
Light Key(☼): Turns on/off the red LED reading light on the back of the controller.
Help (?) Key: Identify and display bright stars or objects that the telescope is pointing to.
10
STOP/0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggling between starting and stopping
tracking.
HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to the CEM40 mount using a 6P6C RJ11 cable.
Serial port: connect the HC to a computer via a RS232 to 4P4C RJ9 cable. The pin-out of the
serial port is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Serial port pin-out on an 8407+ hand controller
2.5.2. The LCD Screen
The 8407+ HC has a large 8-line, 21-character per line, LCD screen which displays information on the
status of the mount as shown in Figure 10.The user interface is simple and easy to operate.
Figure 10. 8407+ HC LCD Information Screen
1. Target Name/Mount Position: displays the name of the target that telescope is currently pointed to
or the current mount position.
Zero Position: The reference position for GOTO. The mount can move to Zero Position
using “Goto Zero Position” or “Search Zero Position” command;
User Position: The mount is pointed to a user defined position, which could be a particular
celestial object or simply a position determined by pressing an arrow key;
An object name, such as “Mercury” or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the star or celestial
object that the mount is currently slewing to or tracking.
2. Target R.A.: Right Ascension (R.A.) of the target object.
3. Target Declination: Declination (DEC) of the target object.
4. Right Ascension: Current R.A. of the telescope.
5. Declination: Current DEC of the telescope.
6. Altitude: Altitude of the telescope (degrees vertical from the local horizon - zenith is 90º).
7. Azimuth: Azimuth of the telescope (north is 0º, east is 90º, south is 180º, and west is 270º).
11
8. Local Date and Time: displays the local time in a format of YY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
9. Mount Status: Displays the current operational status of the mount.
Stop: mount is not moving;
Slew: mount is moving with an arrow key is pressed or a GOTO command, such as “Select
and Slew” or “Goto Zero Position”;
Tracking: mount is at a tracking status.
10. GPS status: When the power is turned on, the initial GPS status will be “GPS ON”, which means
that the mount is connected to its GPS receiver and is seeking a satellite signal. When the GPS
receiver finds the satellites and receives the GPS signal the status will change to “GPS OK”.
11. PEC status: Display of “PEC” here Indicates the Periodic Error Correction playback is turned on.
Default is off.
12. Tracking speed: Displays the current tracking rate of the mount.
SDRL: mount is tracking at sidereal speed;
Solar: mount is tracking at solar speed;
Lunar: mount is tracking at lunar speed;
King: mount is tracking at king speed;
CSTM: mount is tracking at a custom, user-defined speed.
13. Slew speed: The mount has 9 slew speeds: 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X, 512X, MAX
(~4º/sec).
14. Operation Mode: EQ indicates that the mount is operating in an equatorial mode.
2.6. Bench Testing the Mount
The counterweight shaft is designed to counter balance the mount’s own weight. It is recommended
that the CW shaft is installed when testing the mount’s function, as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11. Setup for initial mount testing
Slewing the mount without the CW shaft installed is not recommended.
NEVER operate the mount with only the counterweight or OTA on it
precision engineering of the mount drive system.
. It may damage the
12
3. CEM40 Mount Assembly
3.1. CEM40 Mount Assembly
NOTE: The CEM40 mount is a precision astronomical instrument. It is highly recommended that
you read this entire manual and become familiar with the nomenclature and function of all
components before starting assembly.
WARNING: DO NOT rock the counterweight shaft rigorously. This may damage the
worm/drive gear system and such damage will not be covered by warranty.
STEP 1. Remove the mount head from package
The mount head is shipped with the R.A. Gear Switch unlocked to protect the worm/gear system. Turn
the Gear Switch 90° to lock the R.A. gear system before removing it from the box.
Figure 12. Mount in a hard case
STEP 2. Set up tripod
The tripod top is 120 mm in diameter with 2x M6 holes 103 mm apart for mounting. Two additional M6
holes are for the Alignment Peg (the one on top of a leg is for high latitude use; the other one between
two legs is for low latitudes). Thread the Alignment Peg into the correct M6 hole. Insert the Accessory
Tray through the center rod and secure the setup by tightening Locking Knob from underneath.
Figure 13. Tripod top
13
STEP 3. Attach the mount
Retract the 2x Azimuth (Azi) Adjustment Screws from both sides to leave ample space for the
alignment peg to fit in between the 2 Azi Adjustment Screws. Remove the 2x Azi Locking Screws, with
washers, from the mount base. Secure the mount head by tightening the Azi Locking Screws into the
M6 holes on the tripod. An Allen wrench is included for convenience.
Azi. Adj. Screw
Allen wrench
Azi. Lock Screw
Azi. Lock Screw
Figure 14. Attach the mount
Level the mount by adjusting the tripod legs. Use the build-in Bubble Level Indicator or an external
leveler for this purpose.
STEP 4. Adjust latitude
Without any payload, slightly loosen the 4x Latitude Locking Screws. Use the Latitude Adjustment
Knob to set the correct latitude value, as displayed in the Latitude Mark Window. Insert the Allen
wrench into the Latitude Adjustment Knob for more turning torque.
Lat. Mark
Lat. Lock Screw
Lat. Adj. Knob
Figure 15. Adjust latitude
Two latitude ranges, 0~35° and 25~60°, can be set up for the mount head. To change the latitude
range from one to the other, both the Latitude Position Bolt and the Latitude Locking Screws need to
be moved to the correct locations (see photos below).
Loosen the Latitude Locking Screws just enough to adjust the latitude setting to 30°. Move the Latitude
Locking Screws with washers (one on each side) to the new locations revealed, do not tighten them just
yet.
14
Figure 16. Latitude mark window
Unthread and remove the Position Bolt to its new location. Adjust the Latitude Adjustment Knob while
holding the brass eyebolt until it lines up with the Position Bolt. Secure the Latitude Position Bolt.
Position Bolt
Figure 17. Change latitude range
STEP 5. Install Counterweight (CW) Shaft
Thread the CW shaft into the CW shaft mounting house. For low latitudes (<10°), a special CW
mounting house is needed. (Contact iOptron for more information)
Figure 18. Install CW shaft
15
STEP 6. Install Counterweight(s)
Before putting on CW, make sure the mount is at its zero position, i.e., CW shaft points to the ground.
Disengage the R.A. Gear Switch to set the R.A. axis free before loading the CW. Remove the CW
Safety Cap at the end of CW Shaft. Glide the CW over the shaft with the larger hole opening facing
down. Tighten the CW Locking Screw to hold the CW in place. Place the Safety Cap back onto the
shaft. Move the CW to the bottom of the shaft and tighten the CW locking Screw.
Figure 19. Install Counterweight
You may need more CW for heavier payloads, or a smaller CW for lighter scopes.
STEP 7. Install Telescope
CEM40 is equipped with a 5” iOptron Universal Saddle. It can receive either a Vixen or a Losmandy-D
plate by flipping both Stationary Block and Locking Block. This unique adjustable dovetail saddle
enables the scope to sit at the center of the saddle.
The following graphics show how to change the dovetail saddle to fit either Vixen or Losmandy plate.
Figure 20. Switch the dovetail saddle from Vixen to Losmandy (Stationary Side)
Please Note that two sets of screws have different lengths and must swap location.
Stationary Block Lockingy Block
Figure 21. Vixen dovetail saddle
16
Figure 22. Losmandy dovetail saddle
After switch the Stationary and Locking Blocks, make sure that the alignment mark on the Stationary
Block is aligned to one of the position marks on the saddle plate. If you have a wider dovetail plate,
move the Stationary Block to an outside mark. For a narrow plate, move the Stationary Block to an
inside mark. The marks are located on both end of the saddle plate.
STEP 8. Balance the Payload
After attaching the scope and accessories, the mount head assembly must be balanced in both DEC
and RA axes to ensure minimum stresses on the mount driving mechanism.
CAUTION: The telescope may swing freely when the R.A. or DEC Gear Switch is
disengaged. Always hold on to the mount and/or telescope assembly before releasing
the Gear Switches to prevent it from swinging, which can cause personal injuries and/or
equipment damages.
Set the mount at Zero Position. Disengage both RA and DEC gear switches and move the mount to
horizontal position to check balance. Return to Zero Position for balance adjustment. Balance the DEC
axis by moving the scope with accessories back and forth in the mount saddle or within the scope
mounting rings. Balance the assembly in R.A. axis by moving CW along its shaft. Repeat the process
until both DEC and RA axes are balanced.
CAUTION: The balancing process MUST be done with Gear Switch at the total disengaged
position! Otherwise it might damage the worm system.
Figure 23. Balance a mount
Return the mount to Zero Position after balancing and engage gear switches.
STEP 9. Connect Cables
Plug in a 12V DC power supply to the DC12V POWER socket. Connect the Go2Nova
Controller to the HBX port on the mount side panel.
®
8407 Hand
17
j
Figure 24. Ports for cables
Plug GPS module into the iPORT with coiled cable. When powering on, GPS ON sign should be
displayed at the upper right corner of the hand controller. If you want to use the iPort for another
accessory, such as WIFI adapter (iStarFi #7434), or electronic focuser (#8451/#8452), you may
disconnect the GPS module after it picks up satellites signals and displays GPS OK on hand controller.
(It takes about 1 to 2 minutes in normal conditions).
STEP 10. Setting up the Hand Controller
The CEM40 mount is equipped with a GPS receiver which will receive the time, longitude and latitude
information for your current location from satellites after a link is established. However, there are still
some parameters which need to be entered to reflect your location, such as time zone information and
whether daylight saving time is currently in effect. This information will be stored in the hand controller
memory along with longitude and latitude coordinates until they need to be updated.
A clear sky and open space outside is needed for the GPS to establish a link with the satellites.
To set up the controller, press MENU =>“Settings”:
Select and Slew
Sync. to Target
Alignment
Settings
Electric Focuser
PEC Options
Park Telescope
Edit User Ob
Press ENTER and select “Set Time and Site”
ects
Set Time and Site
Beep Settings
Display Settings
Set Guiding Rate
Set Tracking Rate
Set Parking Position
Meridian Treatment
Set Altitude Limit
Press ENTER. A time and site information screen will be displayed:
18
Loading...