iOptron HEM44 Series User manual

iOptron®HEM44TM Hybrid Strain Wave GoTo Equatorial Mount
Instruction Manual
Product HEM44 and HEM44EC

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Read the Quick Setup Guide (QSG) BEFORE setup and operate the mount! Read the full online
Instruction Manual for details.
Please hold the mount/scope when disengaging the gear switch. 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 observing.

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Table of Content
Table of Content.................................................................................................................................................3
1. HEM44 Overview ..........................................................................................................................................5
2. HEM44 Terms................................................................................................................................................6
2.1. Parts List..................................................................................................................................................6
2.2. Identification of Parts ..............................................................................................................................7
2.3. HEM44 Port.............................................................................................................................................7
2.4. Go2Nova®8409 Hand Controller ...........................................................................................................8
2.4.1. Key Description................................................................................................................................9
2.4.2. The LCD Screen...............................................................................................................................9
2.5. Install and Check the Hand Controller Battery .....................................................................................10
2.6. Bench Testing the Mount ......................................................................................................................11
3. HEM44 Mount Assembly.............................................................................................................................12
4. Getting Started..............................................................................................................................................21
4.1. Setup the Mount and Polar Alignment..................................................................................................21
4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount............................................................................................................21
4.3. Go to an Object......................................................................................................................................21
4.4. Sync to Target........................................................................................................................................21
4.5. Star Identifying Function.......................................................................................................................22
4.6. Power-Down Memorization..................................................................................................................22
4.7. Install iOptron iGuider ..........................................................................................................................22
4.8. Turn Off the Mount...............................................................................................................................22
5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova®8409 Hand Controller...........................................................................23
5.1. Slew to an Object...................................................................................................................................23
5.1.1. Solar System...................................................................................................................................23
5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects...........................................................................................................................23
5.1.3. Stars:...............................................................................................................................................23
5.1.4. Constellations.................................................................................................................................23
5.1.5. Comets............................................................................................................................................23
5.1.6. Asteroids.........................................................................................................................................23
5.1.7. User Objects ...................................................................................................................................24
5.1.8. Enter R.A. DEC..............................................................................................................................24
5.2. Sync to Target........................................................................................................................................24
5.3. Alignment..............................................................................................................................................24
5.3.1. Pole Star Position ...........................................................................................................................24
5.3.2. Polar Iterate Align ..........................................................................................................................24
5.4. Settings ..................................................................................................................................................24
5.4.1. Set Time and Site............................................................................................................................24
5.4.2. Set Beep..........................................................................................................................................25
5.4.3. Set Display......................................................................................................................................25
5.4.4. Set Maximum Slew Rate................................................................................................................25
5.4.5. Set Guiding Rate.............................................................................................................................25
5.4.6. Set Parking Position .......................................................................................................................25
5.4.7. Set Tracking Rate...........................................................................................................................26
5.4.8. Meridian Treatment........................................................................................................................26
5.4.9. Set Altitude Limit...........................................................................................................................26
5.4.10. Wi-Fi Option ................................................................................................................................26
5.4.11. Set RA Guiding (HEM44EC Only)..............................................................................................26
5.4.12. Language ......................................................................................................................................26

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5.4.13. Enable CW Up Position................................................................................................................26
5.5. Edit User Objects...................................................................................................................................27
5.5.1. Enter a New Comet ........................................................................................................................27
5.5.2. Enter Other Objects or Observation List........................................................................................27
5.6. Firmware Information ...........................................................................................................................28
5.7. Zero Position .........................................................................................................................................28
5.7.1. Goto Zero Position .........................................................................................................................28
5.7.2. Set Zero Position ............................................................................................................................28
5.7.3. Search Zero Pos..............................................................................................................................28
6. Maintenance and Servicing ..........................................................................................................................29
6.1. Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................................29
6.2. iOptron Customer Service.....................................................................................................................29
6.3. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions ............................................................................................29
6.4. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions....................................................................................29
Appendix A. Technical Specifications.............................................................................................................30
Appendix B. Go2Nova®8409 HC MENU STRUCTURE ..............................................................................32
Appendix C. Gear Switch Meshing Adjustment..............................................................................................34
Appendix D. Firmware Upgrade......................................................................................................................37
Appendix E. Computer Control an HEM44 Mount .........................................................................................38
Appendix F. Go2Nova®Star List.....................................................................................................................39
IOPTRON TWO YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY.............................48
Ver. 1.0 2022.10
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design/function may differ from those described in this
instruction.

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1. HEM44 Overview
Introducing the HEM44 and the HEM44EC, iOptron’s revolutionary hybrid strain wave drive mounts.
These light weight, medium payload titans will deliver an astronomy experience like never before. Imagine a
mount head weighing in at 13.65lbs with a payload capability 44lbs, without needing a cumbersome
counterweight or shaft. Applying iOptron’s multi decade experience creating precision mounts, the HEM44
brings this vision to reality.
Utilizing state of the art strain wave drive technology for the RA movement in tandem with backlash-
free DEC worm/belt drive design, the HEM44s deliver unparalleled weight to payload efficiency. Its black
anodized all metal CNC machined body is not only appealing to the eye, it’s a rugged platform that will
perform at the highest level for many years to come. Unique features such as an electronic friction break
and power down memory allow the mount safely stop and resume a GoTo slew or continue tracking even
after an abrupt power loss (No need to realign and start from the beginning).
The HEM44EC features a high precision RA axis encoder that delivers incredible tracking accuracy,
enough that many will choose to image “sans” guiding.
The iOptron HEM44 mount uses the Go2Nova®8409 hand controller to navigate the night sky. This
incredible technology helps observers find celestial objects with the aid of the mount's 212,000+ object
database!
A HEM44 mount can be controlled by a computer, either via ASCOM/Commander for a Windows PC
or a third party INDI driver for MacOS software; a SmartPhone/Tablet via iOptron Commander Lite or an
App like SkySafari Pro; or a Raspberry Pi device via INDI driver.
Features:
Advanced strain wave drive technology
Payload capacity of 20 kg (44 lbs) with the mount weight of 6.2 kg (13.655 lbs)
CNC machined
Unique friction brake to safely stop movement during a planned or unplanned power interruption
270 second gear period
High precision encoder with real time PEC (RPEC) for HEM44EC
Go2Nova® hand controller with ~212,000 object database
iPolar electronic polar scope for easy and accurate polar alignment (for HEM44A and HEM44EC)
Cable management system, no hanging exterior cables to moving parts
Accept Vixen or Losmandy-D style dovetail bar
Built in zero position search and locator
Power down position and location memory
Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
Built-in Wi-Fi (via hand controller)
USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
Soft carrying case
Two year warranty
Optional carbon fiber tripod #8061
Optional iGuiderTM autoguiding system #3360
Optional counterweight shaft (#8456SL) and counterweight (#3006-10)
Optional MiniPier extension #8040 or #8040-8

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2. HEM44 Terms
2.1. Parts List1
SHIPPING CONTENTS
Your new HEM44 mount comes in one shipping box:
iOptron®HEM44 mount (#HEM44);
iOptron®HEM44 mount head with iPolar (#HEM44A); or
iOptron®HEM44 mount head with high precision encoder and iPolar (#HEM44EC)
Go2Nova®8409 Hand Controller with USB port
Internal iPolarTM electronic polar scope (HEM44A or HEM44EC)
AC adapter 100V-240V, 12V/5A DC output, 5525 plug (for indoor use only)
1X coiled control Cable (6P6C RJ11 to RJ11, straight wired)
USB cable for mount
MiniUSB cable for iPolar
Hardcase
OPTIONAL PARTS
Carbon fiber tripod (#8061)
iGuider 1 mini autoguiding system (#3360-HEM)
MiniPier extension #8040 or #8040-8
Counterweight shaft (#8456SL) and counterweight (#3006-10)
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 and computer control
Reviews and feedback from other customers
Accessories
1US market only. Actual contents, design and function may vary.

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2.2. Identification of Parts
Figure 1.HEM44 mount assembly
2.3. HEM44 Port
On the Mount:
Figure 2. Ports on a HEM44 mount
DEC Gear Switch
iPolar Cover
CW Shaft Thread Hole
DEC Axis
AZI Adj. Screws
Dovetail Saddle
ALT Locking Screws
RA Axis/Polar Axis
ALT Adj. Screw
AZI Locking Screws
Carbon Fiber Tripod
(Optional)

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DC 12V IN: DC power socket to power the mount (5.5mmX2.5mm/5525, center positive)
I/O: Power switch
iPolar: iPolar miniUSB port
HBX (Hand Box): For connecting to an 8409 Hand Controller
ST-4: ST-4 compatible autoguiding port. The wiring is shown in Figure 3
Figure 3. ST-4 Compatible Guiding Port Wiring
DC 12 OUT (on top of the mount body): DC power output socket (5.5mmX2.1mm/5521, center
positive). Maximum current 4A, combined with DC 12V output from dovetail saddle.
USB INPUT: USB pass through to the USB port on dovetail saddle.
On Dovetail Saddle:
Figure 4. Port on dovetail saddle
DC12V 3A 5521: DC power output socket (5.5mmX2.1mm/5521, center positive). Maximum
current 3A
USB: USB-A port connect to mount body.
2.4. Go2Nova®8409 Hand Controller
The Go2Nova®8409 hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 5 is the standard controller used on the
HEM44 mount. It has a large LCD screen, function, direction, and number keys on the front; and an HBX (6-
pin) and a USB port at the bottom.

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Figure 5. Go2Nova®8409 hand controller
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)
Help (?) Key: Identify and display bright stars or objects that the telescope is pointing to.
0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggling between starting and stopping tracking.
HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to the HEM44 mount using a 6P6C RJ11 cable.
USB port: connect the HC to a computer for firmware upgrade and computer control.
2.4.2. The LCD Screen
The 8409 HC has a large 4-line, 21-character per line LCD screen. The user interface is simple and
easy to learn. When the mount first turned on, an initial information screen will be displayed as shown in
Figure 6, after company logo displayed. It displays the Zero Position, current date and time.
Figure 6. 8409 Initial Information Screen
HBX
Port
USB
Port
RA+
RA-
DEC-
DEC+

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The LCD screen will switch to the information screen, as indicated in Figure 7, with pressing any
button.
Figure 7. 8409 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.
An object name, such as “Mercury” or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the Star or celestial object
that the mount is currently slewing to, GOTO or tracking;
User Position: The mount is point to a user defined position, which could be a real sky object or
just simply due to press an arrow key;
Zero Position: Mount is at Zero Position. When set the mount at Zero Position physically, the
hand controller should display the same.
2. GPS Status: Indicates if there is GPS or GPS is connected to the satellite. HEM44 does not have a
GPS. The GPS status will be always OFF.
3. Right Ascension: Right Ascension of the telescope, or R.A.
4. Declination: Declination of the telescope, or DEC.
5. Azimuth: Azimuth of the telescope (north is 0º, east 90º, south 180º, and west 270º).
6. Altitude: Altitude of the telescope (degrees vertical from the local horizon - zenith is 90º).
7. Mount Status: Display current operation status of the mount.
Stop: mount is not moving;
Slew: mount is moving with an arrow key is pressed;
GoTo: mount is slewing to a celestial object using “Select and Slew”;
8. Slew speed: It has 9 speeds: 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X, 512X, MAX(1440X, or 6°/sec).
9. Current Time: display local time in a format of HH:MM:SS.
2.5. Install and Check the Hand Controller Battery
The hand controller uses a button battery to keep the Real Time Clock running. The battery is a
CR2032 Lithium battery, which is not included due to shipping restrictions.
Open the HC back cover with a good, size 1 (4mm) Phillips Screw Driver. With battery + sign facing
up, slide the battery under two small metal hooks on the positive side first. Then push the battery down to
make a good contact. Make sure that two spring contacts on the negative side are underneath the battery. If
none of the metal pins in battery holder can be seen after battery installed, the battery is not installed
properly.
Target Name
Right Ascension
Mount Status
Azimuth
Altitude
Declination
N/S Hemisphere
GPS Status
Slew Speed
Current Time

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Figure 8. Install a CR2032 battery
If the hand controller can’t display the correct date and time, most likely the battery is installed
wrong, or power is low and needs be replaced.
2.6. Bench Testing the Mount
Plug in the power and hand controller and turn the power on. Now you can bench test the mount
manually.
There are two stoppers to prevent the mount head slew over +/-180 in RA due to internal cable
management system. Please do not try to slew pass the stopper when you hear the grinding sound. It may
damage the stoppers.

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3. HEM44 Mount Assembly
NOTE: The HEM44 mount is a precision astronomical instrument. It is highly recommended that you
read the entire manual and become familiar with the nomenclature and function of all components
before starting the assembly.
Step 1. Set up tripod
The mount has a 102mm base. Thread the Alignment Peg onto the tripod head, on top of a tripod
leg, or between two legs for low latitude. Insert the Accessory Tray through the center rod and secure the
setup by tightening Locking Knob from underneath. If you are using a carbon fiber tripod, please use
outside 4 threaded holes.
Figure 9. HEM44 tripod top : LiteRoc tripod (left) and Carbon fiber tripod (right)
Step 2. Attach mount head
Remove the mount from the package. Retract the 2x Azimuth (Azi) Adjustment Screws from both
sides to leave ample space for the alignment peg to be fitted in between the 2x Azi Adj. Screws. Remove
the 2x Azi Locking Screws from the mount base and insert them into the opening next. Secure the mount
head by tightening the Azi Locking Screws into the M6 holes on the tripod. An Allen wrench is stored in the
EQ base if needed.
Figure 10. Attach the mount
Level the mount by adjusting the tripod legs. Use the build-in Bubble Level Indicator or an external
leveler for this purpose.
Step 3. Adjust latitude
Without any payload, slightly loosen the 4x Latitude Locking Screws. Use the Latitude Adjustment
Knob to set the correct latitude value, as displayed in the Latitude Mark Window. Insert the Allen wrench
into the Latitude Adjustment Knob for more turning torque.
Azi. Locking Screw
Allen wrench
Azi. Adj. Screw

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Figure 11. Adjust latitude
Two latitude ranges, 15~41° and 39~65°, can be set up for the mount head. To change the latitude
range from one to the other, both the Latitude Position Bolt and the Latitude Locking Screws need to be
moved to the correct locations.
To switch the latitude range:
Loosen the Latitude Locking Screws just enough to adjust the latitude setting to between 39~41°.
Tighten Latitude Locking Screws.
Unthread and pull out the Position Bolt. Remove and do not lose the two black sleaves. Insert
the Position Bolt to a new latitude position with one black sleave on.
Adjust the Latitude Adjustment Knob while holding the brass eyebolt until it lines up with the
Position Bolt. Insert another black tube and secure the Latitude Position Bolt.
Move the Latitude Locking Screws (one on each side) to the new locations revealed.
Figure 12 Change latitude range
Step 4. Install telescope
HEM44 accepts a Vixen or a Losmandy-D dovetail mounting plate. The default is Vixen-type one.
Release the dovetail Saddle Locking Lever and slide the telescope dovetail plate into the saddle with Gear
Switch disengaged. Make sure that the arrow sign on the saddle is pointing forward. Tighten the Saddle
Lat. Lock Screw
Lat. Mark
Lat. Adj. Knob
Position Bolt
Eyebolt
Lat. Lock Screw

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Locking Levers. Pull the lever and turn it to the position that the lever is parallel to the saddle to prevent it
interfering with the DEC unit during mount GOTO and tracking.
Figure 13. Dovetail saddle locking levers
If you have a scope using a Losmandy dovetail plate, please follow the following steps to convert
dovetail saddle from Vixen-type to Losmandy-type.
(1) Loosen the two socket screws (red circled), move the fixed block outward. Then tighten the
screws.
Figure 14. Convert dovetail saddle to accept a Losmandy-D plate (1)
(2) Remove the two blue circled screws and pull the dovetail saddle locking block from the saddle.
(3) Release the four screws (yellow circled in Figure 14) to separate the saddle from the mount. Flip
the dovetail saddle locking block and secure it onto the saddle from bottom of the dovetail saddle
(blue squares in Figure 15)
Locking Lever

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Figure 15. Convert dovetail saddle to accept a Losmandy-D plate (2)
(4) Put the dovetail saddle back and retighten the four yellow circled screws.
Here is a dovetail saddle that can receive a Losmandy-D dovetail bar.
Figure 16. Dovetail saddle for Loasmandy bar
Step 5. Connect cables
Connect the Go2Nova®8409 Hand Controller to the HBX port on the mount back. Plug in a 12V DC
power supply to the DC12V IN socket.
Figure 17. DC power and HBX ports

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Step 6. Balance payload
No RA balance is needed for a HEM44 mount.
Turn the mount power on. Press number 9 to change the slew speed to max. Press ◄ or ► button
to slew the telescope to one side of the mount. Hold the telescope and disengage DEC Gear Switch to
check the balance. Release dovetail saddle locking lever and move the scope back and forth to adjust the
position. Tighten the dovetail saddle locking lever and engage the gear switch after balancing completed.
Figure 18 Balance the mount in DEC
Return the mount to Zero Position after balancing and engage DEC gear switch.
Figure 19 DEC gear switch
If a counterweight is needed for higher payload, please thread in the CW shaft into the CW shaft
mounting hole. Slide the CW up and lock the CW. Put CW shaft safety screw on.

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Figure 20 HEM mount with optional CW shaft and a 5kg CW
STEP 7. Set Zero Position
The Zero Position is the GOTO reference of a HEM mount. The Zero Position is defined as the
telescope being on top of the mount head and pointing to the North Pole (in northern hemisphere), with CW
shaft mounting hole pointing to the ground. It also need to register the Zero Position to the control software.
Use MENU=>Zero Position =>Search Zero Position command to fin dthe Zero Position of the mount.
Use arrow key to find tuning the Zero Position. Press ENTER to confirm.
You can also manually registers the current position as zero position. Move the mount to Zero
Position either manually or slewed by the hand controller. Press MENU=>Zero Position =>Set Zero
Position to register the Zero Position.
STEP 8. Set hand controller
HEM44 mount does not equip with a GPS receiver. Hence one needs to manually enter the GPS
location or sync it from the App.
To set up the controller, turn the mount power ON. Press MENU=> “Settings”:
Press ENTER and select “Set Time and Site”
Press ENTER. A time and site information screen will be displayed:
Set Time and Site
Set Beep
Set Display
Set Guiding Rate
Select and Slew
Sync. to Target
Alignment
Settings

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Set Local Time
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”
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 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).
Instead please select “Y” for DST when daylight saving time begins.
For other parts of the world you can find your “time zone” information from internet.
Set Observation Site Coordinate
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 satellite signals. “W/E”
means western/eastern hemisphere; “N/S” means northern/southern hemisphere; “d” means degree; “m”
means minute; and “s” means second.
Press ◄or ► key to move the cursor and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “W” and “E”, “N” and
“S”, using number key to change the numbers. It is always a good idea to do your home work to get the
GPS 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.
2020-10-01 12:01:36
UTC -300 Minute(s)
W071d08m50s DST: N
N42d30m32s Northern
2020-10-01 12:01:36
UTC -300 Minute(s)
W071d08m50s DST: N
N42d30m32s Northern
Daylight Saving Time

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Enter Time and Site Info by Sync with your SmartPhone
When iOptron Commander Lite is in action (WiFi version ASCOM, or iOS/Android App), one may
easily import the GPS info from a smartphone to the mount/hand controller. There is no worry about lacking
internet, WiFi, and cell phone signals in rural areas; Commander Lite can always get GPS info from a
smartphone to the HEM mount/hand controller, no dead corner. Please refer to iOptron Commander Lite for
more details (https://www.ioptron.com/v/ASCOM/iOptronCommanderLiteAppNote.pdf).
Select N/S Hemisphere
The northern/southern hemisphere will be determined by your latitude coordinate, with one
exception. If you are near the equator (within +/- 10°), you can choose your own N/S setting.
If the polar axis is aligned to the North Celestial Pole, then set the mount to Northern Hemisphere. If
the polar axis is pointing to the South Celestial Pole, set the mount to Southern Hemisphere. Press the ◄ or
► key to move the cursor and use the ▲or ▼key to toggle between “Northern Hemisphere” and “Southern
Hemisphere”.
The site information is stored inside the hand controller’s memory chip. If you are not traveling to
another observation site, they do not need to be changed.
Check the Hand Controller Battery
There is a real time clock in hand controller. If hand controller lost its date and time, please check
the battery.
STEP 9. Perform polar alignment
BrightStar Polar Alignment
If you mount does not have an iPolar installed, or the pole star is not in sight, you may use two bright
stars with Polar Iterate Align to perform a coarse polar alignment.
(1) Level the mount and set it to the Zero Position. Align the telescope to the R.A. axis of the mount.
If a finder scope is used, adjust it to be parallel to the telescope optical axis.
(2) Use the HC (MENU => “Alignment” => “Polar Iterate Align”) to display the azimuth and altitude
position of several bright stars near the meridian. Select one that is visible at a high altitude as
Alignment Star A. Follow the HC instruction to move Alignment Star A to the center of the
eyepiece using a combination of the Latitude Adjustment Knob and the “◄” or “►” buttons.
Press ENTER to confirm when the star is centered. Next, select a bright star that is close to the
horizon as Alignment Star B. Center it using the Azimuth Adjustment Knob and the “◄” or “►”
button (the “▲” and “▼” buttons are not used here). Press ENTER to confirm the settings.

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(3) The telescope will now slew back to Alignment Star A. Repeat the steps above. The iteration can
be stopped when it is determined that the alignment error has been minimized. Press the BACK
button to exit the alignment procedure.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to use an eyepiece with an illuminated crosshair for accurate centering.
NOTE: The movement of the alignment star in your eyepiece may not be perpendicular depending on its
location in the sky.
iPolar Polar Alignment
For a HEM44 with an iPolar, refer to iPolar Operation Manual from iOptron’s website to perform the
polar alignment: https://www.ioptron.com/v/manuals/3339_iPolarOperationManual.pdf.
The steps are briefly outlined below:
Download and install iPolar Software (first time use)
https://www.ioptron.com/v/firmware/3339_iOptron_iPolar.exe;
Connect a miniUSB cable between the iPolar and a computer USB port;
Click Connect and start polar alignment by following on screen instructions.
Figure 21. USB port on an iPolar electronic polar scope