HEM15 EQ SWG Hybrid Mount with iPolar

HEM15 EQ SWG Hybrid Mount with iPolar

Available at Modern Telescopes – Authorized Distributor

Meet the HEM15 EQ SWG Hybrid Mount with iPolar, the most compact member of iOptron’s revolutionary hybrid strain wave (harmonic) drive family. Designed for astronomers who want true portability without compromise, the HEM15 delivers an exceptional astronomy and astrophotography experience in an ultra-light, travel-ready form.

Ultra-Light. Seriously Capable.

Weighing just 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg), the HEM15 confidently carries an 18 lbs (8.2 kg) payload—without a counterweight. That’s iOptron’s multi-decade precision mount expertise packed into a “tiny titan” that’s ideal for grab-and-go imaging, camera-tracker setups, and airline-friendly travel rigs.

Hybrid Drive Performance

At the heart of the HEM15 is a StrainWave 14 RA gear system paired with a backlash-free DEC worm/belt drive, delivering outstanding weight-to-payload efficiency, smooth tracking, and reliability. The all-metal, CNC-machined, black-anodized body looks premium and is built to perform at the highest level for years.

A standout safety feature is the electronic friction brake, which safely stops motion during planned or sudden power loss, protecting your valuable optics and cameras.

Built-in iPolar – Accurate Alignment Anywhere

The internal iPolar electronic polar scope makes polar alignment fast and precise—even under light-polluted skies—so you spend less time aligning and more time imaging.

Flexible Control Options

Control the HEM15 exactly how you like:

• Windows PC via ASCOM / iOptron Commander

• macOS / Linux / Raspberry Pi via INDI drivers

• Smartphone / Tablet using iOptron Commander Lite or SkySafari

• Built-in Wi-Fi, USB connectivity, and Go2Nova® 8409V2 hand controller with ~212,000 objects

The HEM15 has also received positive attention from astrophotography expert Jerry Lodriguss on Astro Pix, highlighting its performance in a truly portable mount class.

Key Features

• Advanced strain wave (harmonic) gear technology

• 18 lbs (8.2 kg) payload with only 5.5 lbs mount weight (no counterweight)

• All-metal CNC-machined construction, anodized black

• Electronic friction brake for power-off safety

• 360-second gear period

• Go2Nova® 8409V2 hand controller (≈212,000 objects)

• Internal iPolar electronic polar scope

• No moving / no wrapping cable system

• Vixen dovetail saddle

• Built-in zero position search & locator

• ST-4 autoguiding port, USB port, built-in Wi-Fi

• 3/8"-16 mounting hole (direct camera tripod compatibility)

• Soft carrying case included

• Optional counterweight shaft & counterweight

• Optional external iGuider

• Two-year limited warranty

Technical Specifications (Summary)

• Mount Type: Hybrid Equatorial Mount

• RA Gear: StrainWave 14 (360:1)

• DEC Gear: Backlash-free worm/belt

• Payload (no CW): 8.17 kg / 18 lbs

• Payload (with CW): 12 kg / 26.5 lbs

• Mount Weight: 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs (with saddle)

• Latitude Range: 15° – 65°

• Max Slew Speed: 6°/sec

• Power: DC 12V, 5A

• Operating Temp: −20°C to +40°C

• Warranty: 2 Years

* Payload rating based on 200 mm CG distance to RA axis.

Why Buy from Modern Telescopes?

Modern Telescopes is India’s largest and most trusted telescope store and an authorized distributor of iOptron. You get 100% genuine products, official warranty, expert technical guidance, and dependable after-sales support.