Karsten's favorite of the week 05/2022: iOptron mount CEM70G GoTo

Today I had an iOptron CEM70G GoTo mount in my hand, checking it before shipping.

I remembered why I like the mount so much. It feels solid and high-quality. It comes in a case with a well-designed foam insert. The counterweights are packed separately.

It's easy to lift out of the foam insert; a few very good details have been considered: for example, the Allen key is used to lock and ensure the correct position of the RA axis.

Other details I like:



The RA and DEC axes are clamped using these screws. They engage a gear and secure them very easily and precisely. This makes it impossible for the clamping screws to suddenly loosen during assembly of the telescope, for example, and for the axes to move.





The 12 VDC and iPort cables are routed internally and exit at the top of the prism clamp. No more tangled cables that can get tangled due to the rotating axles.





A wonderfully tactile on/off switch and even a pre-installed Wi-Fi connection (the antenna is included). The only downside: the barrel connector seems to have a slightly different dimension than the one we have on site. But that's really a minor issue and easily resolved.

You can find further specifications and details of the mount here: [Link]

Yours, Karsten