Robert_T
12-02-2022, 12:07 PM
Selling my iOptron CEM70 mount with hard case and all accessories as shown. No tripod, but a tripier can be added for extra cost. This is the standard CEM70, no built in guider or ec.
It was bought new Nov 2020 (so ~14mths old).
Most of the images in my Astrobin gallery are taken with this mount https://www.astrobin.com/users/robonrome/
It's in good mechanical condition as shown, but a few scratches around the Dec saddle and the hard case is looking pretty shoddy as shown... corrosion from being left outside...these iOptron cases metal outer shell is only a little thicker than aluminium foil!
While I typically have got sub arc sec RMS guiding with this mount, I felt the RA had deteriorated over time and was getting harder to get nice rounds stars so late last year sent it back to iOptron.
iOptron support confirmed and fixed the problem, replacing the RA worm and the RA and DEC motherboards to the latest versions. iOptron provided another RA PE chart with the new worm so as show this now has two charts, original and latest - service log
1. RA/DEC boards upgraded
2. RA worm/ring gear cleaned, re-greased. PE: 30” pp. Worm replaced and PE: 6.26” pp
3. DEC: clutch too tight, adjusted, worm/bearings: checked
4. PEC: ok
5. iPolar/USB hub: ok
6. Guiding port: ok
7. GPS locked in 1min
Since getting it back a few months ago in Nov 2021 it's seen little use (anyone on east coast Australia will know why).
One recent shot taken since it's return here https://astrob.in/o6aitk/0/
It's definitely better than it was, (dec backlash was good before and after at around 500ms or less), but I think it still needs some RA tweaking to get the best guiding. I'm getting under 1arc sec since, often better, but RA error is the major part so likely needs RA mesh adjustment as per manual and maybe better fine balancing, but having recently taken delivery of a CEM120 I no longer need the CEM70 and no longer have the interest or appetite to use up precious imaging time adjusting it, so over to a new owner!
I've never used the hand controller other than to check it works. Mount is controlled via downloaded iOptron commander software.
the built in iPolar is simplicity itself and work great... one of the reasons I have had three iOptron mounts.
Manuals and software/firmware is all downloadable (no hard copies) links below to save buyer the trouble.
Manuals
https://www.ioptron.com/v/Manuals/C70_CEM70_Manual.pdf
https://www.ioptron.com/v/Manuals/C70_CEM70_QSG.pdf
https://www.ioptron.com/v/manuals/3339_iPolarOperationManual.pdf
Software/Firmware
https://www.ioptron.com/Articles.asp?ID=326
https://www.ioptron.com/Articles.asp?ID=295
Selling for $2850 (new is $4499, so quite a bargain) picked up or $2950 posted anywhere in Australia.
Above includes the standard 1x9.5kg weight. I have another extra 9.5kg weight I can add for an additional $160 (new $260) picked up mid-north suburban Brisbane or $200 posted in Aust.
If needed and it swings it for someone picking up (too big for posting so pls dont ask) I can add a standard iOptron Tripier in roller case which I bought at the same time as the CEM70 for an additional $800... (new is $1299). No pics here, am using it for my smaller CEM40 mount at the moment. It is in excellent mechnical condition, but cosmetically there are scratches on the pier and some surface rust on chromed knobs.
Payment by Paypal or direct bank deposit only. Paypal clear instantly so move instantly. Bank may take a couple days but preferred.
I'll respond to questions, but First to PM they will take it and pays get's it regardless. I dont have time for "selling" just want it done and out the door with as little effort as possible!
It was bought new Nov 2020 (so ~14mths old).
Most of the images in my Astrobin gallery are taken with this mount https://www.astrobin.com/users/robonrome/
It's in good mechanical condition as shown, but a few scratches around the Dec saddle and the hard case is looking pretty shoddy as shown... corrosion from being left outside...these iOptron cases metal outer shell is only a little thicker than aluminium foil!
While I typically have got sub arc sec RMS guiding with this mount, I felt the RA had deteriorated over time and was getting harder to get nice rounds stars so late last year sent it back to iOptron.
iOptron support confirmed and fixed the problem, replacing the RA worm and the RA and DEC motherboards to the latest versions. iOptron provided another RA PE chart with the new worm so as show this now has two charts, original and latest - service log
1. RA/DEC boards upgraded
2. RA worm/ring gear cleaned, re-greased. PE: 30” pp. Worm replaced and PE: 6.26” pp
3. DEC: clutch too tight, adjusted, worm/bearings: checked
4. PEC: ok
5. iPolar/USB hub: ok
6. Guiding port: ok
7. GPS locked in 1min
Since getting it back a few months ago in Nov 2021 it's seen little use (anyone on east coast Australia will know why).
One recent shot taken since it's return here https://astrob.in/o6aitk/0/
It's definitely better than it was, (dec backlash was good before and after at around 500ms or less), but I think it still needs some RA tweaking to get the best guiding. I'm getting under 1arc sec since, often better, but RA error is the major part so likely needs RA mesh adjustment as per manual and maybe better fine balancing, but having recently taken delivery of a CEM120 I no longer need the CEM70 and no longer have the interest or appetite to use up precious imaging time adjusting it, so over to a new owner!
I've never used the hand controller other than to check it works. Mount is controlled via downloaded iOptron commander software.
the built in iPolar is simplicity itself and work great... one of the reasons I have had three iOptron mounts.
Manuals and software/firmware is all downloadable (no hard copies) links below to save buyer the trouble.
Manuals
https://www.ioptron.com/v/Manuals/C70_CEM70_Manual.pdf
https://www.ioptron.com/v/Manuals/C70_CEM70_QSG.pdf
https://www.ioptron.com/v/manuals/3339_iPolarOperationManual.pdf
Software/Firmware
https://www.ioptron.com/Articles.asp?ID=326
https://www.ioptron.com/Articles.asp?ID=295
Selling for $2850 (new is $4499, so quite a bargain) picked up or $2950 posted anywhere in Australia.
Above includes the standard 1x9.5kg weight. I have another extra 9.5kg weight I can add for an additional $160 (new $260) picked up mid-north suburban Brisbane or $200 posted in Aust.
If needed and it swings it for someone picking up (too big for posting so pls dont ask) I can add a standard iOptron Tripier in roller case which I bought at the same time as the CEM70 for an additional $800... (new is $1299). No pics here, am using it for my smaller CEM40 mount at the moment. It is in excellent mechnical condition, but cosmetically there are scratches on the pier and some surface rust on chromed knobs.
Payment by Paypal or direct bank deposit only. Paypal clear instantly so move instantly. Bank may take a couple days but preferred.
I'll respond to questions, but First to PM they will take it and pays get's it regardless. I dont have time for "selling" just want it done and out the door with as little effort as possible!