iOptron HAE 29 Strain Wave Gear Mount

[yltansg]

I have used the HAE29 during the last 3 weeks with C9.25, 127mm refractors, Megrez 90 and Megrez 110 telescopes and also used it during a trip to Vietnam, and got to know it better.

I have successfully used Cartes du Ciel and Stellarium planetarium software to control the HAE29. However I have not been successful in use TheSky 6. Still trying to figure out why the latest TeleAPI plugin from ASCOM is not working.

Today, I received an enquiry from a fellow local astronomer regarding a problem mentioned at the Cloudynights forum. The forum writer suggested an improvement to the HAE's Alt adjustment and locking knob:



I have used several telescopes on this mount and found the Altitude adjustment and tightening knobs adequate to do it's job. The following picture show the solid altitude knobs used by the mount.



I am currently testing it with ASIAir

Alfred

[yltansg]

Update on 29 Dec 22:

a. Cannot use 1st Generation ASIAIR on the HAE29 - firmware does not support it. Will test it will ASIAIR Plus later
b. Updated the comparison table to include both HAE and HEM mounts:



Both AM5 and HAE29 mounts are designed to carry up to 20kg (44lbs) payload!!, with counterweight. Currently iOptron is working on a counterweight for near-equator users.

I will be adding to this review as I learn more about the mount.

[Warp7]

Their HAZ31 mount is very attractive, since I do mostly visual astronomy. It will be perfect for my use, without burning a hole in my wallet.

Just curious on the actual shipping fee you paid, Alfred, if you don't mind sharing. IOptron is quoting around $500 USD . I've shipped a 13 kg equipment to China via FedEx recently for much less than that.

[yltansg]

Their HAZ31 mount is very attractive, since I do mostly visual astronomy. It will be perfect for my use, without burning a hole in my wallet.

Just curious on the actual shipping fee you paid, Alfred, if you don't mind sharing. IOptron is quoting around $500 USD . I've shipped a 13 kg equipment to China via FedEx recently for much less than that.

Hi Warp7,

$500 USD does not sound right. I paid $130 USD for shipping the HAE from China. Is the HAZ31 a huge item?

Alfred

[Warp7]

Hi Alfred.

It weights only around 3 kg. I used their online calculator, probably not accurate. It's good to know the actual shipping fee is more reasonable. Thanks

[yltansg]

Hi Alfred.

It weights only around 3 kg. I used their online calculator, probably not accurate. It's good to know the actual shipping fee is more reasonable. Thanks

Oh, I see. It is good to check with the support staff. I have good timely advice from John (tech1@ioptron.com).

All the best.

Alfred

[angrylawyer]

The ioptron support staff are based in the US. So their shipping quotes are from the US store, and not the China store.

Thanks for the nice summary table above. I am waiting for the HAE43 to appear in Asian shops.

[yltansg]

The ioptron support staff are based in the US. So their shipping quotes are from the US store, and not the China store.

Thanks for the nice summary table above. I am waiting for the HAE43 to appear in Asian shops.

Hi Lawyer,

You are right that the iOptron Tech Support are based in the US. Over the last many years, I have arranged with John (tech1@ioptron.com) to have items shipped from China. Yes, it definitely reduce shipping cost and time of delivery

Alfred