iOptron CEM70 User manual

iOptron® CEM70 Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount
Instruction Manual
Product CEM70(#C70A), CEM70G(#C70AG) and CEM70EC(#C704A0)

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Please read the included CEM70 Quick Setup Guide (QSG) BEFORE taking the mount out of the
case!
This product is a precision instrument. 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 [email protected]m
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.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................3
1. CEM70 Introduction................................................................................................................................5
2. CEM70 Terms.........................................................................................................................................6
2.1. Parts List...........................................................................................................................................6
2.2. Identification of Parts .......................................................................................................................7
2.3. CEM70 Mount Ports.........................................................................................................................7
2.4. Go2Nova®8407+ Hand Controller................................................................................................10
2.4.1. Key Description.......................................................................................................................10
2.4.2. The LCD Screen......................................................................................................................11
2.5. Check the Battery...........................................................................................................................12
3. CEM70 Mount Assembly......................................................................................................................13
4. Getting Started.......................................................................................................................................21
4.1. Setting the Mount and Performing Polar Alignment......................................................................21
4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount.....................................................................................................21
4.3. One Star Alignment........................................................................................................................21
4.4. GOTO the Moon and Other Objects ..............................................................................................21
4.5. Star Identification Function............................................................................................................21
4.6. Power-Down Memorization...........................................................................................................22
4.7. Turning Off the Mount...................................................................................................................22
5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova®8407+ Hand Controller .................................................................23
5.1. Select and Slew...............................................................................................................................23
5.1.1. Solar System............................................................................................................................23
5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects....................................................................................................................23
5.1.3. Stars.........................................................................................................................................23
5.1.4. Comets.....................................................................................................................................23
5.1.5. Asteroids..................................................................................................................................23
5.1.6. Constellations..........................................................................................................................23
5.1.7. Custom Objects .......................................................................................................................24
5.1.8. Customer R.A. and DEC .........................................................................................................24
5.2. Sync to Target.................................................................................................................................24
5.3. Alignment.......................................................................................................................................24
5.3.1. Position of Polaris/SigmaOct ..................................................................................................24
5.3.2. One Star Alignment.................................................................................................................24
5.3.3. Two Star Alignment................................................................................................................24
5.3.4. Three Star Alignment ..............................................................................................................25
5.3.5. Solar System Align..................................................................................................................25
5.3.6. Polar Iterate Align ...................................................................................................................25
5.3.7. View Model Error....................................................................................................................25
5.3.8. Clear Alignment Data..............................................................................................................25
5.4. Settings ...........................................................................................................................................26
5.4.1. Set Time and Site.....................................................................................................................26
5.4.2. Beep Settings...........................................................................................................................26
5.4.3. Display Settings.......................................................................................................................26
5.4.4. Set Guiding Rate......................................................................................................................26
5.4.5. Set Tracking Rate....................................................................................................................27
5.4.6. Set Parking Position ................................................................................................................27
5.4.7. Meridian Treatment.................................................................................................................27
5.4.8. Set Altitude Limit....................................................................................................................28

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5.4.9. Enable CW Up Position...........................................................................................................28
5.4.10. HC Heating Switch................................................................................................................28
5.4.11. Set RA Guiding .....................................................................................................................28
5.4.12. Wi-Fi Options........................................................................................................................28
5.4.13. Power LED Switch................................................................................................................28
5.4.14. Reset All Settings..................................................................................................................29
5.4.15. Language ...............................................................................................................................29
5.5. Electric Focuser..............................................................................................................................29
5.6. PEC Option.....................................................................................................................................29
5.6.1. PEC Playback..........................................................................................................................29
5.6.2. Record PEC.............................................................................................................................29
5.6.3. PEC Data Integrity ..................................................................................................................29
5.7. Park Telescope................................................................................................................................30
5.8. Edit User Objects............................................................................................................................30
5.8.1. Enter a New Comet .................................................................................................................30
5.8.2. Enter Other Objects or Observation List.................................................................................30
5.9. Firmware Information ....................................................................................................................31
5.10. Zero Position ................................................................................................................................31
5.10.1. Goto Zero Position ................................................................................................................31
5.10.2. Set Zero Position ...................................................................................................................31
5.10.3. Search Zero Pos.....................................................................................................................31
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. Go2Nova®Star List .............................................................................................................38
Appendix D. Gear Meshing Adjustment...................................................................................................47
Appendix E. Polar Alignment using iPolar Electronic PolarScope ..........................................................49
Appendix F. iGuider for CEM70G............................................................................................................50
Appendix G. Firmware Upgrade...............................................................................................................56
Appendix H. Computer Control a CEM70 Mount....................................................................................57
IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY......................58
Ver. 2.1 2021.02
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design/function may differ from those described in this
instruction manual.

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1. CEM70 Introduction
Welcome to a new type of equatorial mount –the iOptron®Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount, or
CEM! CEM70 mount offers the benefits of our revolutionary “center balance” design: stability, accuracy, and
smooth mechanical operation, while capable of carrying a payload up to 70 lbs (31.8 kg). The “center
balance” design’s natural stability is due to its focusing the mount along with payloads weight directly over
the center of the pier or tripod.
The CEM70's performance is demonstrated by its low periodic tracking error: <±3.5 arc seconds for
CEM70 and CEM70G, and <0.3 arcsec RMS for CEM70EC. Along with the stability aspect, the CEM70
features an advanced cable management system consisting of more ports in more locations preventing
tangle ups and reducing the chance of fractured cables.
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.
The CEM70 family currently has CEM70 standard version (#C70A), CEM70G with iGuiderTM
autoguiding system(#C70AG) and CEM70EC with high precision encoder. The CEM70G mount also has a
USB 3.0 connection and WIFI connection.
The CEM70 mount is equipped with the most advanced GOTONOVA®GOTO technology, making it
one of the most powerful and accurate GOTO mounts available. TheGo2Nova®8407+ hand controller has a
database of over 212,000 objects making it easy to locate even the faintest celestial objects.
Features:
A new design, center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) for maximum payload with natural stability
Ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography
Payload of 70 lbs (31.8 kg) with the mount weight of only 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Large easy to use quick-lock gear clutches
Precision altitude and azimuth adjustment.
Precision stepper motor with 0.07 arcsec accuracy for precise GOTO and accurate tracking
Integrated iPolar™ electronic polar finder
Go2Nova®8407+ controller with Advanced GOTONOVA®GOTO Technology with built in heater
High precision tracking with low periodic error: PE<±3.5 arcsec for CEM70 and CEM70G, or PE <0.3
arcsec rms for CEM70EC
Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) (CEM70 and CEM70G) or Real-time periodic error
correction (RPEC) (CEM70EC)
Built-in 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
AutoZeroTM technology for mount remote operation
Power-down memorization of GOTO and tracking position
Advanced cable management system with more choices
Dual saddle, Losmandy and Vixen style
USB communication port standard
Wi-Fi and USB3.0 connection (CEM70G only)
Built in optical guiding system, iGuider (CEM70G only)

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2. CEM70 Terms
2.1. Parts List1
SHIPPING CONTENTS
Your new CEM70 mount comes in two shipping boxes. One box contains a CEM70 (#C70A),
CEM70G (#C70AG) or CEM70EC(#C704A0) mount head, counterweight shaft, hand controller, and
accessories. The other box contains one 21lb (9.5kg) counterweight (#7226). The contents are:
iOptron®CEM70 telescope mount (#C70A), iOptron®CEM70G mount (#C70AG), or iOptron®
CEM70EC mount (#C704A0)
Go2Nova®8407+ hand controller
Stainless steel counterweight shaft
12V/5A AC/DC adapter (100V-240V, with 2.5mmX5.5mm plug)
Hand Controller Cable (6P6C RJ11 to RJ11, straight wired)
USB cable
Wi-Fi external antenna (CEM70G only)
Aluminum carrying case
1X 21lb (9.5 kg) counterweight (#7226)
OPTIONAL PARTS
LiteRocTM 1.75” tripod (#8023ACC)
Tri-pier (#8034, #8034-RC)
Tri-pier 360 (#8037)
Permanent Pier (#8038)
Serial cable (RS232 to RJ9, #8412)
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
1US market only. Actual contents may vary.

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2.2. Identification of Parts
Figure 1.CEM70 mount assembly
2.3. CEM70 Mount Ports
CEM70 and CEM70EC
On Mount Base Main Panel:
The main cable connection ports of a CEM70/CEM70EC are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Ports on a CEM70 mount base
DC 12V 5A: DC power socket to power the mount (2.5mmX5.5mm, 5525)
ON/OFF: Power Switch
ST-4: Autoguide port
USB: USB port for mount firmware upgrade and computer control
HBX (Hand Box): For connecting to an 8407+ Hand Controller
On Dovetail Saddle:
Shown in Figure 7 are the ports on dovetail saddle of a CEM70.
Dovetail Saddle
Dovetail Locking Knob
DEC Gear Switch
RA Axis
CW Shaft Mounting House
CW Shaft
CW Shaft Safety Lock
Counterweight
Mount Base
AZI Adjustment Knob
Base Mounting Screw
ALT Adjustment Knob
ALT Locking Clamp

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Figure 3. Ports on CEM70 dovetail saddle
iPORT: Auxiliary port for connecting to other iOptron accessories, such as 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.
DC 5521: 2.1mmX5.5mm DC output sockets for your accessories. The maximum specified
current output is 5A. They are connected to the DC IN on the rear end of RA axis (Figure 6). The
voltage is determined by the input voltage, such as 5V or 12V.
USB2.0 port: 2X powered USB2.0 port and 1X unpowered USB 2.0 ports. It is connected to the
iPolar/USB input on the rear end of RA axis (Figure 4).
5521 12V socket X2: These two 12V DC output sockets are powered by mount main DC 12V
power. The combined maximum power output is 3A.
On Rear End of RA axle:
Figure 4. iPolar/USB and DC input on the rear end of RA axle
DC input (2.5mmX5.5mm) to power 5521 (2.1mmX5.5mm) DC output sockets located next to
iPort on the dovetail saddle
iPolar/USB port: This port is for iPolar connection to computer, and 3XUSB2.0 hub on dovetail
saddle connection
CEM70G
On Mount Base Main Panel:
The main cable connection ports of a CEM70G are shown in Figure 5:
or
Figure 5. Ports on a CEM70G mount base
DC 12V 5A: DC power socket to power the mount (2.5mmX5.5mm, 5525)
ON/OFF: Power Switch
ST-4:Autoguide port
Powered

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USB3.0: USB3.0 port for mount computer control, iPolar, iGuider and 3XUSB3.0 hub on dovetail
saddle connection
HBX (Hand Box): For connecting to an 8407+ Hand Controller
WiFi: Mini coaxial cable connector for WiFi antenna
On Rear End of RA axle:
DC input (2.5mmX5.5mm) to power 1X5525 (2.5mmx5.5mm) and 1X5521 (2.1mmX5.5mm) DC
output sockets located on front panel of the dovetail saddle
or
Figure 6. DC input on the rear end of RA axle
On Dovetail Saddle Front Panel (Figure 7a)
Shown in Figure 7 are the ports on dovetail saddle of a CEM70G.
(a) Front (b) Back
Figure 7. Ports on CEM70G dovetail saddle
iPORT: Auxiliary port for connecting to other iOptron accessories, such as 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.
1X5525 (2.5mmx5.5mm) and 1X5521 (2.1mmX5.5mm) DC output sockets for your accessories.
The combined maximum specified current output is 5A. They are connected to the DC IN on the
rear end of RA axis (Figure 6). The voltage is determined by the input voltage, such as 5V or
12V.
On Dovetail Saddle Back Panel (Figure 7b):
USB3.0 port X3: Powered USB 3.0 ports. It is connected to the USB3.0 input on mount base
(Figure 5).
5521 12V socket X2: These two 12V DC output sockets are powered by mount main DC 12V
power. The combined maximum power output is 3A.

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2.4. Go2Nova®8407+ Hand Controller
Figure 8. Go2Nova®8407+ hand controller
The Go2Nova®8407+ hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 8 is the standard controller used on the
CEM70 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 serial port (4-pin) at the bottom.
2.4.1. 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.
STOP/0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggling between starting and stopping
tracking.
HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to a mount using a 6P6C RJ11 cable.
HBX
Port
Serial
Port
R.A.+
R.A.-
DEC-
DEC+

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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
2.4.2. 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).
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.

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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: “GPS ON” indicates the mount is connected to its GPS receiver and is seeking a satellite
signal. “GPS OFF” indicates either the mount does not have a GPS installed/connected or the GPS is
malfunction. 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(3.75°/sec).
14. Operation Mode: EQ indicates that the mount is operating in an equatorial mode.
2.5. Check the Battery
The hand controller has a real time clock (RTC) which should display the correct time every time the
mount is turned on. If the time is incorrect, please check the battery inside the hand controller and
replace it if needed.

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3. CEM70 Mount Assembly
STEP 1. Remove mount head from package
Remove mount head from package: The RA axle is locked by an Allen wrench. Make sure it is
inserted all the way in. Check the R.A. Gear Switch and turn it to unlocking position before removing it from
the box.
Figure 11. Remove the mount
STEP 2. Attach the mount
The mount has a 152mm base, which can be mounted onto an iOptron Tri-pier, LiteRocTM tripod
(light payload), or your own tripod/pier with two M8 threaded mounting holes separated 130mm in diameter.
Figure 12. Tripod top
Figure 13. Locking the mount
Figure 14. Store the wrench
Hold mount head while remove the Allen wrench from the RA yoke. Turn the RA gear switch to
locking position to prevent RA free swing.
Two mounting screws are pre-installed on the base. Rotate the mount to align the screws to the
tripod mounting holes. Insert the wrench into the holes on the base where azimuth locking screws are
located. Tighten the screws.
Store the wrench inside the base. The wrench size is 6mm.
Level the mount by adjusting the tripod legs. Use the build-in Bubble Level Indicator or an external
level for this purpose.
Allen wrench
Gear Switch

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STEP 3. Adjust Altitude
This step requires you to know the latitude of your current location. This can be found from your
8407+ hand controller after the embedded GPS receives the signal from the satellites. It can also be easily
found on the Internet, using a GPS satellite-navigation system, or a GPS capable cell phone. You will have
to change this latitude setting every time you significantly change your night sky viewing location. Note that
this setting directly affects the mount’s GOTO accuracy.
Figure 15. Setting the latitude
Figure 16. Latitude Adjustment Knob
Slightly loosen the Altitude Locking Clamps about a quarter (1/4) turn with the Allen wrench, on both
side of the mount. Turn the Altitude Adjustment Knob until the arrow points to your current latitude on the
Latitude Scale, as shown in Figure 15. Tighten the Altitude Locking Clamps when done.
The altitude adjustment employs worm gear system and can be adjusted precisely when turn in one
direction. The fine adjustment is 0.5 arcmin. Use the wrench as a lever for better control of the knob.
STEP 4. Install the Counterweight (CW) Shaft
The CW shaft system is a two-part configuration. It comes with preinstalled top part of the shaft. Just
simply thread the CW shaft onto it.
Figure 17. Install CW shaft
At very low-latitudes (<10°), you may tilt the CW shaft to accommodate it. There are three screws on
CEM70 CW Mounting Housing: A Shaft Locking Screw, a Shaft Position Screw on the other side, and a
Low-Latitude Set Screw, as shown in Figure 18.
Loosen the Shaft Position Screw first. Then loosen Shaft Locking Screw. Turn the Low Latitude
Position Screw into the CW Mounting Housing to tilt the CW shaft so that the CW does not foul your
tripod/pier (Figure 19). Then tighten the CW Shaft Positioning Screw and Shaft Locking Screw.
Altitude locking
clamp
Altitude
Adjustment knob

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Figure 18. Screws for CW shaft tilting
Figure 19. Tilt the counterweight shaft for low
altitude
DO NOT rock the counterweight shaft rigorously. It may damage the worm system.
STEP 5. Install the Counterweight(s) and Telescope
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. Place the Safety Cap back onto the shaft. Move the CW to the bottom of the shaft and tighten the
CW locking Screw.
Figure 20. Loading counterweight
You may need more CW for heavier payloads, or a smaller CW for lighter scopes.
CEM70 is equipped with a Vixen/Losmandy-D dual saddle. It can receive either a Vixen or a
Losmandy-D plate. Release the dovetail saddle locking knobs and slide the telescope dovetail plate into the
saddle. Tighten the saddle locking knobs.
Shaft position
screw
Shaft
locking
screw
Low latitude
set screw

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STEP 6. Balance the Payload
After attaching the scope and accessories, the mount head assembly must be balanced in both R.A.
and DEC 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 21. Balance a mount
Return the mount to Zero Position after balancing and engage gear switches.
STEP 7. Connect Cables
Plug in a 12V DC power supply to the DC12V power socket (size 5.5mm/2.5mm). Connect the
Go2Nova®8407+ Hand Controller to the HBX port on the mount base panel.
Figure 22. CEM70G (left) and CEM70/EC (right) mount base panel
For a CEM70G mount, connect USB3.0 port a computer for computer control, iPolar, iGuider and 3X
USB port hub connection.
For a CEM70/CEM70EC mount, Connect USB port to a computer for computer controll. CEM70
does not have a built-in WIFI.

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STEP 8. Setup Hand Controller
The CEM70 mount is equipped with a GPS receiver which will receive the UTC time, longitude and
latitude information for your current location from satellites after a link is established. However, there are still
some parameters 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 mount until they need be
updated.
The GPS should make the mount to connect the satellites in a few minutes. If the GPS module has
difficulty receiving the satellite signal, you may manually enter the information.
To set up the controller, press MENU =>“Settings”:
Press ENTER and select “Set Time & Site”
Press ENTER. A time and site information screen will be displayed:
Set Local Time
The time will be updated automatically when the GPS receiver has established its link with the GPS
satellites. In the event that the GPS module is unable to establish a link to the satellites, local time can be
entered manually. Use the ◄or ► key to move the cursor _ and use the number keys to change the
numbers. Use the ▲or ▼button to toggle between “Y” and “N” for Daylight Saving Time, or “+” and “-“ for
UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) setting. Hold the arrow key to fast forward or rewind the cursor.
In order to make the Hand Controller reflect your correct local time, time zone information has to
be entered. Press the ◄or ► key, move the cursor to the third line “UTC -300 Minute(s)” to set the time
zone information (add or subtract 60 minutes per time zone). For example:
Boston is “UTC -300 minutes”
Los Angeles is “UTC -480 minutes”
Rome is “UTC +60 minutes”
Daylight Saving Time Y
UTC -300 Minute(s)
2014-03-09 10:19:18
Longitude:W071°08’50”
Latitude: N42°30’32”
Northern Hemisphere
Set Time and Site
Beep Settings
Display Settings
Set Guiding Rates
Set Tracking Rate
Set Parking Position
Meridian Treatment
Set Altitude Limit
Select and Slew
Sync. to Target
Alignment
Settings
Electric Focuser
PEC Options
Park Telescope
Edit User Objects
Firmware Information

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Beijing is “UTC +480 minutes”
Sydney is “UTC +600 minutes”
All the time zones in North America are “UTC –“, as shown in the following table, so ensure the
display shows “UTC -” instead of “UTC +” if in North or South America.
Time Zone
Hawaii
Alaska
Pacific
Mountain
Central
Eastern
Hour behind UT
-10
-9
-8
-7
-6
-5
Enter UTC
-600
-540
-480
-420
-360
-300
To adjust minutes, move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to input the number
directly. Use ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “+” and “-”. When the time one information entered is correct,
press ENTER and go back to the previous screen. Note that fractional time zones can be entered.
Do not manually add or subtract an hour from displayed time to reflect Daylight Saving Time
(DST). Only select “Y” after DST begins.
For other parts of the world you can find your “time zone” information from internet.
Set Observation Site Coordinates
The third and fourth lines display the longitude and latitude coordinates respectively. The longitude
and latitude coordinates will be automatically updated when the GPS picks up a satellite signal. “W/E”
means Western/Eastern Hemisphere; “N/S” means Northern/Southern Hemisphere; “d” means degree; “m”
means minute; and “s” means second.
If, for any reason, your GPS does not pick up the satellite signal, you can manually enter your
longitude and latitude coordinates. Press the ◄or ► key to move the cursor, use the ▲ or ▼ key to toggle
between “W” and “E”, and “N” and “S”, and use the number keys to change the numbers. It is always a good
idea to do your homework and get longitude and latitude coordinates before traveling to a new observation
site.
The site coordinates information can be found from your smart phone, GPS receiver or via the
internet. Site information in decimal format can be converted into d:m:s format by multiplying the decimal
numbers by 60. For example, N47.53 can be changed to N47º31'48”: 47.53º = 47º +0.53º,
0.53º=0.53x60'=31.8', 0.8'=0.8x60"=48". Therefore, 47.53º=47º31'48" or 47d31m48s.
Select N/S Hemisphere
The Northern/Southern Hemisphere will be selected automatically when the latitude is set, unless
the latitude is near the equator. When the latitude is between -10° ~ +10°, set it to Northern Hemisphere if
the polar axis is pointing to North, or Southern Hemisphere if the polar axis is pointing to South.
STEP 9. Set the Zero Position
Zero Position is the mount starting reference point which ensures the GOTO performance. Press
MENU => “Zero Position” => “Search Zero Position” to let the mount search the Zero Position. Follow the
instruction on hand controller display to adjust the Zero Position if RA or DEC is not aligned. Or press
MENU => “Zero Position” => “Set Zero Position”, to manually set the mount to Zero Position. Loosen the
DEC and R.A. Gear Switches in turn to adjust the mount to the Zero Position. Engage the clutches after
each adjustment.
STEP 10. Polar Alignment
In order for an equatorial mount to track properly, it has to be accurately polar aligned. CEM70G and
CEM70 are equipped with an iPolarTM electronic polar.

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For CEM70G, plug a USB cable into the USB3.0 port on the rear end of the mount RA axis or on the
base panel to connect the iPolar to a computer.
or
Figure 23. Connect CEM70G iPolar to a computer
For CEM70/CEM70EC, plug a USB cable into the iPolar port on the rear end of mount RA axis to
connect the iPolar to a computer.
Figure 24. Connect CEM70/EC iPolar to a computer
To perform polar alignment, please refer to Appendix C. It is simple and fast, even the pole star or
part of the sky is blocked. Steps are briefly outlined below:
Download and install iPolar Software (first time use)
Connect a USB cable between the iPolar port on the mount and a computer USB port
Calibrate the iPolar Rotation Center (first time use)
Start polar alignment by following on screen instructions
Polar Alignment Software
There are quite a few alignment software available or polar alignment, such as PHD2 guiding,
TheSky software, PemPro, or Alignmaster.
BrightStar Polar Alignment/Polar Iterate Align
BrightStar Polar Alignment allows you to polar align the mount even if you cannot view the
Celestial Pole.
(1) Level the CEM70 mount and set it at Zero Position. Make sure the telescope is parallel to the
pole axis (R.A. axis) of the mount. If a finder scope is used, adjust it to be parallel to the
telescope optical axis. Turn the mount power on.
(2) Pressing MENU=>“Alignment”=>“Polar Iterate Align”. The HC will display the azimuth and
altitude position of several bright stars near meridian. Select one that is visible with high altitude
as Alignment Star A. Follow the HC instruction to move the Star A to the center of the eyepiece
with the combination of Latitude Adjustment Knob and “◄” or “►” button. Press ENTER to
confirm. Next, select a bright star that is close to the horizon as the Alignment Star B. Center it

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using the Azimuth Adjustment Knob and “◄” or “►” button (The “▲” and “▼” buttons are not
used here). Press ENTER to confirm.
(3) The telescope will now slew back to Star A to repeat above steps. The iteration can be stopped
when it is determined that the alignment error is at the minimum. Press BACK button to exit
alignment procedure.
NOTE: The movement of the alignment star in your eyepiece may not be perpendicular but crossed,
depends on its location in the sky.
STEP 9. Put the mount back into the package/carrying case
It is recommended to return the mount to Zero Position at the end of the observing session. Lay the
mount into the carrying case. Disengage the gear system for transportation and insert the Allen wrench into
RA yoke to lock the RA axis.