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CEM25EC Woes

iOptron CEM25EC Equipment Help Needed Troubleshooting
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AstroArg avatar
AstroArg avatar

It’s been kept away for a while in its case, indoors so not anywhere cold or potential with damp.

I decided to try and use on a 2nd setup.

In the past, it’s been fine and I used on many outreach sessions.

Problem now is that even though it starts up, connects and the hand controller shows no issues, the mount will not respond to slews. I have tried to do a calibration when starting up, whilst it seems to work it’s very slow and takes 20-30 mins to complete.

I’m not sure if there may be an issue with one of the boards (or more than 1). I’m in the UK, the mount is well out of warranty, I may take to Altair Astro as they are UK servicer but just wondering if anyone has any ideas that may help. I’m going to try and get some videos over the weekend, but just wanted to get the ball rolling, in case someone understands what I’m on about without seeing the videos!

thanks in advance,

Luke

andrea tasselli avatar
andrea tasselli avatar
Does it show it is tracking and does it tick if it does? Beyond that I'd ned to see it. I'm in the UK too so I might be of help (and don't put too much stock in the service capabilities of AA!).
AstroArg avatar
AstroArg avatar

andrea tasselli · Sep 19, 2025, 04:34 PM

Does it show it is tracking and does it tick if it does? Beyond that I'd ned to see it. I'm in the UK too so I might be of help (and don't put too much stock in the service capabilities of AA!).

Hi Andrea, thanks. Most of my kit is from AA, has been for the last 4 years and never had issue. This mount was 2nd hand though, on a whim but has been fine until now (cant actually remember when I got it, think 2022 maybe earlier).

It makes a very high pitch ‘whine’ and then that stops but still no response.

Let me grab vids tonight, thanks for quick reply.

andrea tasselli avatar
andrea tasselli avatar
High pitch whine means usually motor stalling, as if something is seized.  I also have quite few bits from AA but their repair shop I find a bit lacking.
John Tucker avatar
John Tucker avatar

I”ve interacted extensively with the service crew at the US shop in Woburn, MA. They are very patient in discussing problems by email and have lots of PDF instructions for do it yourself adjustments. If you have any confidence in your mechanical abilities at all it might be worth sending an email to support@ioptron.com

Helpful
Georg N. Nyman avatar
Georg N. Nyman avatar

Hi,

I got the same mount for my mobile setup and had similar problems. I updated all firm- and software to the most actual version, disassembled the entire electronics parts, reconnected all connectors and now it works fine.

CS
Georg