{"id":15239,"date":"2026-06-05T13:26:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T11:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/?post_type=product&p=15239"},"modified":"2026-06-05T13:26:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T11:26:28","slug":"monture-ioptron-haz31-monture-goto-alt-azimutale","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/monture-ioptron-haz31-monture-goto-alt-azimutale\/","title":{"rendered":"iOptron HAZ31 mount: GoTo alt-azimuth mount"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

iOptron HAZ31 mount: GoTo alt-azimuth mount with harmonic drive that aligns almost by itself<\/h1>\n

Compact, with no counterweight, capable of carrying 14 kg, and featuring automatic alignment that works even from a balcony or garden with a partially clear horizon. The HAZ31 combines iOptron's harmonic drive technology with the simplicity of Level and Go.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell:<\/strong><\/p>\n
    \n
  • Payload of 14 kg (31 lb) with no counterweight, and only 3.7 kg on the scale.<\/li>\n
  • Harmonic-drive gearboxes on both axes, for one of the best load-to-weight ratios on the market.<\/li>\n
  • Level and Go automatic alignment: integrated magnetic sensor, altitude sensor and GPS.<\/li>\n
  • Go2Nova 8409 snowshoe with database of over 212,000 objects, integrated Wi-Fi and GPS.<\/li>\n
  • Electronic friction brake: the frame stops safely even in the event of a power cut.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Why choose the HAZ31?<\/h2>\n

    The HAZ31 is the most compact of iOptron's family of harmonic-drive alt-azimuth mounts. It is designed for observers who want a GoTo mount that is robust, portable and quick to set up, without the constraint of counterweights or the complexity of equatorial set-up. Whether for visual observation, popularization evenings, travel, or an introduction to planetary and lunar imaging, it offers rare versatility in its size.<\/p>\n

    Its CNC-machined and anodized all-metal body gives it a rigidity that far exceeds what its 3.7 kg weight would suggest. The double saddle accepts both Vixen and Losmandy-D dovetails, and can even be reconfigured to accommodate astronomical binoculars.<\/p>\n

    Harmonic drive: the end of counterweights<\/h2>\n

    The heart of the HAZ31 is based on strain wave gearboxes on both the azimuth and altitude axes. This technology, derived from precision robotics, enables a very high reduction ratio (480:1) in a tiny volume, with reduced mechanical backlash.<\/p>\n

    In practical terms, this means that a 3.7 kg mount carries 14 kg of cantilevered instrument, with no counterweight and no counterweight bar. The carrying bag is lighter, installation simpler, and balancing a non-issue. The electronic friction brake acts on both axes: in the event of a power cut, planned or otherwise, the mount locks without allowing the tube to rotate freely.<\/p>\n

    Level and Go: automatic alignment, even with a partially clear horizon<\/h2>\n

    This is the decisive argument for many urban observers or those constrained by their location. One question often comes up: is it possible to align the frame if I can only see part of the sky, e.g. only south and west?<\/em> With the HAZ31, the answer is yes, and the reason lies in its design.<\/p>\n

    Unlike mounts that require you to point at several stars spread across the sky, the HAZ31 establishes its pointing reference (the zero position) using internal sensors: a magnetic sensor to locate south, an altitude sensor to find the zenith, and a GPS for position and time. The alignment wizard then follows these steps automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Level and Go alignment stages<\/caption>\n
    Step<\/th>\nWhat the frame does<\/th>\nDo we need to see the sky?<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    1. South location<\/th>\n360-degree azimuth rotation, magnetic sensor reading.<\/td>\nNo, it's a sensor reading.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2. Zero altitude position<\/th>\nThe tube is positioned at zenith via the altitude sensor.<\/td>\nNo, the zenith is always clear.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    3. GPS acquisition<\/th>\nAutomatic update of position and time.<\/td>\nNo.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    4. Star calibration<\/th>\nThe mount points to a bright star to be centered.<\/td>\nYes, but just one star is enough.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Only the last step requires you to see a star. And if the proposed star is obscured by a tree or building, simply press the back button on the paddle to move on to the next one. With a clear horizon to the south and west, there's always a bright star to calibrate. The Sync to Target function can then be used to fine-tune the pointing around the observed area, on a single star.<\/p>\n

    Good to know:<\/strong> the real prerequisite is not a completely clear horizon, but careful levelling (that's what the built-in bubble is for). As south-finding is based on a magnetic sensor, avoid installing the mount right next to a large metal mass. In any case, calibration on a star corrects any residual error.<\/p>\n

    HAZ31 technical specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    iOptron HAZ31 data sheet<\/caption>\n
    Features<\/th>\nValue<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Frame type<\/th>\nAltazimutale with harmonic drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Payload (without counterweight)<\/th>\n14 kg (31 lb)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Frame weight<\/th>\n3.7 kg (8.2 lb), including saddle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Load-to-weight ratio<\/th>\n3,78<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Reduction ratio<\/th>\n480:1 on each axis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Structure<\/th>\nFull metal, CNC machined, anodized<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Motors<\/th>\nStep by step<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Pointing speeds<\/th>\n1x to MAX (8 degrees per second)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Consumption<\/th>\n0.6 A tracking, 1 A GoTo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Power supply<\/th>\nAdapter 100 to 240 V, output 12 V DC 5 A (indoor use)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Brake<\/th>\nElectronic friction brake on both axes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    GPS<\/th>\nIntegrated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Wi-Fi<\/th>\nIntegrated (via racket)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Racket<\/th>\nGo2Nova 8409, database of over 212,000 objects<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Dovetail saddle<\/th>\nVixen and Losmandy-D, twin mounting possible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Base<\/th>\nThread 3\/8 inch-16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Operating temperature<\/th>\n-20 degrees C to 40 degrees C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Warranty<\/th>\n2 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    HAZ31, HAZ46 or HAZ71: which frame to choose?<\/h2>\n

    The HAZ31 shares its architecture with two big sisters. The choice is essentially based on the payload and size of your instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    HAZ range comparison<\/caption>\n
    Model<\/th>\nPayload<\/th>\nFrame weight<\/th>\nReduction<\/th>\nMax. speed<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    HAZ31<\/th>\n14 kg (31 lb)<\/td>\n3.7 kg<\/td>\n480:1<\/td>\n8 degrees per second<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    HAZ46<\/th>\n20 kg (44 lb)<\/td>\n5.6 kg<\/td>\n640:1<\/td>\n6 degrees per second<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    HAZ71<\/th>\n31 kg (68 lb)<\/td>\n8.3 kg<\/td>\n800:1<\/td>\n6 degrees per second (AZ)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    The HAZ31 is the ideal choice for travel apo scopes, small and medium-sized Maksutov or Schmidt-Cassegrain, compact Newtons and binoculars. Beyond that, the HAZ46 and HAZ71 take over for heavier instruments.<\/p>\n

    A database of over 212,000 objects<\/h2>\n

    The Go2Nova 8409 provides access to a complete catalog, from the solar system to distant galaxies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    On-board catalogs (Go2Nova 8409)<\/caption>\n
    Category<\/th>\nContents<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Solar system<\/th>\n9 objects (planets, Moon, Sun)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Deep sky<\/th>\nMessier (110), NGC (7,840), IC (5,386), UGC (12,921), Caldwell (109), Abell (4,076), Herschel (400), plus 60 named objects<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Stars<\/th>\n259 named stars, 208 double stars, Hipparcos catalog (120,404)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Constellations<\/th>\n88 modern constellations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Comets and asteroids<\/th>\n15 comets, 116 asteroids, plus custom objects<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Control: racket, smartphone or computer<\/h2>\n

    The HAZ31 can be operated both stand-alone and computer-controlled, making it a solid foundation for the transition from visual to imaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    HAZ31 control options<\/caption>\n
    Platform<\/th>\nSolution<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Stand-alone<\/th>\nGo2Nova 8409 snowshoe (integrated Wi-Fi and GPS)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Windows<\/th>\nASCOM and iOptron Commander, via USB or Wi-Fi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    macOS and Raspberry Pi<\/th>\nThird-party INDI pilot<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    iOS and Android<\/th>\niOptron Commander Lite or SkySafari<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Satellites<\/th>\niOptron Ultimate Orbit Tracker or third-party software<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Who's the HAZ31 for?<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • The nomadic observer<\/strong> who wants a lightweight GoTo frame to slip into a bag.<\/li>\n
    • The host and the club<\/strong> for public viewing evenings, thanks to Level and Go and the absence of counterweights.<\/li>\n
    • The urban observer<\/strong> to the constrained horizon, which benefits from automatic alignment.<\/li>\n
    • The imaging beginner<\/strong> planetary, lunar and solar (with suitable filter).<\/li>\n
    • The big binocular enthusiast<\/strong>, thanks to the reconfigurable saddle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Recommended accessories<\/h2>\n
        \n
      • Tripod extension:\u00a0<\/b>to avoid banging the tripod with the tube.<\/li>\n
      • Tripod<\/strong> iOptron carbon: Highly stable and lightweight<\/li>\n
      • The snowshoe<\/strong> which means you don't need a telephone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

        Can you align the HAZ31 if you can only see part of the sky (e.g. south and west)?<\/p>\n

        Yes, the zero position is established by the internal sensors (magnetic, altitude) and the GPS, independently of the visible horizon. Only the final calibration requires a star, and a single visible star in the clear zone is sufficient.<\/p>\n

        Does the HAZ31 need to be polarized?<\/p>\n

        No. It's an alt-azimuth mount: no set-up required. Simply level the base and launch Level and Go.<\/p>\n

        Do I need counterweights?<\/p>\n

        No. Harmonic drive technology allows cantilevered operation, without counterweight or counterweight bar, up to 14 kg load.<\/p>\n

        Is the HAZ31 suitable for astrophotography?<\/p>\n

        It is excellent for planetary, lunar and solar photography. In the deep sky, being alt-azimuthal, field rotation limits the duration of individual exposures: we prefer accumulated short exposures, or the addition of a field rotator to go further.<\/p>\n

        Can it be controlled by smartphone?<\/p>\n

        Yes, Wi-Fi is integrated. The mount can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet via iOptron Commander Lite or SkySafari, with no additional hardware required.<\/p>\n

        In a nutshell<\/h2>\n

        The iOptron HAZ31 encapsulates the essence of what you'd expect from a modern mount: the power of a harmonic drive, the lightness of a travel model, and automatic alignment that requires neither perfect horizon nor stationing. A frame that says yes more often than it says no.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        <\/p>\n

         <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Monture iOptron HAZ31 : monture GoTo alt-azimutale \u00e0 entra\u00eenement harmonique qui s’aligne presque toute seule Compacte, sans contrepoids, capable de porter 14 kg, et dot\u00e9e d’un alignement automatique qui fonctionne m\u00eame depuis un balcon ou un jardin \u00e0 l’horizon partiellement d\u00e9gag\u00e9. La HAZ31 r\u00e9unit la technologie \u00e0 entra\u00eenement harmonique d’iOptron et la simplicit\u00e9 du Level […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":15240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[520],"product_cat":[816,759],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-15239","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_brand-jtw-astronomy","product_cat-nouveautes","product_cat-alt-azimutales","first","on_supplier","taxable","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-simple"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/15239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15239"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=15239"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=15239"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=15239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}