EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC EXOS2-GT WITH PMC-EIGHT GOTO SYSTEM

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Part Number: ES-EXOS2GTPMC8T3-00

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The award winning Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight Equatorial Mount with its 28 lb instrument payload capacity for astrophotography is an excellent choice for many of Explore Scientific's telescopes as well for the visual astronomer where the instrument payload capacity can be pushed much and more, providing a very solid portable solution for those who want to use a larger telescope that would normally require a much larger equatorial platform.

We often get calls about the “load capacity” of our mounts. For telescope tracking mounts there are generally two different specs: instrument payload capacity for astrophotography, and instrument payload capacity for visual use.

Payload capacity ratings for visual are normally much higher than for astrophotography because with added weight beyond a certain point, there is an increase in tracking error (e.g. periodic error, etc.). For the EXOS2 GT PMC-Eight the instrument payload capacity for astrophotography is 28lbs + counterweights. And for visual use, the instrument payload capacity is 40 lbs + counterweights.

Note that we chose stepper motors for the PMC-Eight instead of DC servo motors because they can handle incredible strain and not damage mechanical nor electronic components.

Explore Scientific's PMC-Eight GOTO system can be controlled wirelessly or wired with a tablet or PC, with Windows 8.1 or 10, Android, Amazon Fire, or iOS, with a free app called ExploreStars. Tablet must be purchased separately.

The ExploreStars App controls any PMC-Eight mount by means of an intuitive graphical interface. Among other features ExploreStars offers both 2-star and 3-star alignment procedures, educational information and images of the more popular celestial objects, and a choice of over 80,000 objects for viewing.

The ExploreStars object database encompasses a wide range of celestial objects including those in the Solar System, the Messier Catalog, the New General Catalog, and the Index Catalog, as well as a collection of over 70,000 stars. The Celestial Database also includes educational material and images for many of the more popular objects. This database is available as a separate updatable component of the ExploreStars software system. It can expand over time and any ExploreStars implementation can easily be updated by downloading a fresh copy of the Celestial Database. In fact, the educational material and images within the database can be customized by each individual user using Microsoft Access.

In addition to ExploreStars, we provide an ASCOM interface that will allow a huge range of star map software to control the PMC-Eight. Here are just are some examples that are currently available: ACP; APT; AST / ATC & Ricerca (Omega Lab); AstroArt; AstroMB; Cartes du Ciel / Sky Chart; CCD AutoPilot; DeepSky; Deepsky Planner; DFM Engineering; Earth Centered Universe Pro; EasySky; Eye and Telescope; Project Pluto; Hallo Northern Sky; Maxim DL; MaxPoint; PinPoint Astrometric; Prism; Sequence Generator Pro; Sidereal Technology; The Sky; SkyMap Software; SkyTools 3; Star Atlas PRO; Sky Observer; StarryNight; Stellarium; and Virtual Moon Atlas.

Revolutionary

The PMC-Eight has taken GOTO technology to a whole new level by utilizing a smart electronic design that transcends the industry standard single processor. The PMC-Eight has eight CPUs that operate independently of one another to focus on defined functions. This delegation of tasks among the processors results in a system that offers superior responsiveness, efficiency and reliability. This multiple processor approach is a revolutionary one that pays off with exceptional performance.

Intuitive

Created specifically for the PMC-Eight, the ExploreStars app streamlines the observing experience and serves as an ideal introduction to the many benefits of our OpenGOTO system. ExploreStars is all-encompassing and has an intuitive nature that makes it simple and quick to align your telescope, navigate the stars and learn specifics about tens of thousands of celestial objects. This dynamic app is fueled by a database that is routinely updated to ensure it remains a relevant resource.

Welcome to ExploreStars!

Designed specifically for the PMC-Eight, the intuitive ExploreStars app will streamline your observing experience by making it easy to align your equipment, navigate the stars and learn specifics about tens of thousands of celestial objects. It also leaves room for manual operation.

Downloading and Installing the ExploreStars App and Celestial Database for Windows 10

The free ExploreStars application can be downloaded from the Windows app store onto your Windows 10 tablet or PC or from the link below for Android Tablets.

Click Here for the ExploreStars Windows 10 Software App

Click Here to get the Celestial Database for Windows 10

Loading the two different software packages is really simple. First, download the ExploreStars App by clicking the link above and install it on your Windows based PC or tablet. Then download the Celestial Database by clicking the link above and after the download is complete, unzip that file. You will find a folder called ExploreStarsComplete and drag that folder into your "Pictures" folder on your Windows based PC or tablet. Launch the ExploreStars App on your device and give the device a minute or two to upload the Celestial Database. The tablet may say Data Missing. If that occurs, click the "AppBar" button and select the "Load Extra Stars" button. Wait a minute or two (or restart the software) and the tablet should be good to go.

Downloading and Installing the ExploreStars App and Celestial Database for Android

Android App - Click Here

Android APK - Click Here

The ExploreStars Android App runs on tablets with KitKat or later OS with MicroSD external storage (required). Complete Installation instructions are on the link.

To start using ExploreStars, download the free app by clicking the logo above and load it to your Android device, and also download the celestial data set that contains the astronomical catalogs, reference images, and reference text. Simply unzip the ExploreStars folder containing the expanded celestial data set into your "Pictures" directory, you will expand the native database from a thousand objects to over seventy thousand objects.

Upon startup of the ExploreStars app, the message "Please Wait" is displayed as it links wirelessly to the PMC-Eight. This can take several seconds. After it connects, you will see a touch sensitive telescope control keypad on the right, pointing information in the center, and a touch sensitive finger-drag controller for slewing the telescope in any direction is on the left. Move your finger across to slew the telescope. You are now ready to start the alignment process and explore the stars.

Versatile

Although we offer our own operating app (ExploreStars), the PMC-Eight is all about providing options – not only in what you view but in how you get there. To meet the versatile needs of our astronomy community, we have made the PMC-Eight compatible with the industry standard ASCOM interface. Our specific driver (ES_PMC8_ASCOM_Driver_Setup_2018_04_04.zip) allows you to use the ASCOM-powered planetarium software of your choosing to run the PMC-Eight either wirelessly or through a wired connection. Through ASCOM, you can access a number of outstanding star map software/telescope control platforms.

Click Here to download the ASCOM Driver and ASCOM Info

Here is a list of most of the ASCOM software packages available for use with the Explore Scientific with PMC-Eight mounts: ACP; APT; AST / ATC & Ricerca (Omega Lab); AstroArt; AstroMB; Cartes du Ciel / Sky Chart; CCD AutoPilot; DeepSky; Deepsky Planner; DFM Engineering; Earth Centered Universe Pro; EasySky; Eye and Telescope; Project Pluto; Hallo Northern Sky; Maxim DL; MaxPoint; PinPoint Astrometric; Prism; Sequence Generator Pro; Sidereal Technology; The Sky; SkyMap Software; SkyTools 3; Star Atlas PRO; Sky Observer; StarryNight; Stellarium; Virtual Moon Atlas; and WorldWide Telescope.

Limitless

The night sky is full of possibilities, and so is the PMC-Eight. In an unprecedented move, we have made the coding that powers our precision motion control system open source. By putting the building blocks into the hands of programmers, we believe we will unlock the full potential of the PMC-Eight OpenGOTO and discover unexplored uses. We don’t want to set limits and force users to conform to our vision. Instead, we want to give you the access you need to make this system your own.

Join the OpenGOTO community!

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the PMC-Eight OpenGOTO system is undoubtedly its open source software. With our precision motion control system, you can create a unique observing experience and find your own inspiration in motion.

The PMC-Eight was specifically designed to allow you to create your own vision about how to use the system. We put an emphasis on accessibility so you can unleash the full potential of this extraordinary system. The result is complete access to the coding that drives the PMC-Eight OpenGOTO.

Knowledge Base Information! Click the link below for answers to your many questions: http://hosted.comm100.com/knowledgebase/Category.aspx?id=5000000&siteid=56501

Click Here to Download the Programmers Manual

The software developer’s kit (PMC_Eight_ProgrammersReferenceManual_Release1_2018_April_04) provides you the building blocks you need to discover new ways to customize our powerful system to better serve your individual needs. Programmers can use their unique skills to manipulate the PMC-Eight’s robust electronics, which include a two-channel multi-processor micro-controller with eight central processing units that operate independently of one another. Additional features include a 64 Kbyte EEPROM non-volatile Memory bank used to store parameters; a wireless Ethernet 10/100 with full IP function which permits operation from anywhere using a browser, ASCOM or application over the web or serial port; and non-volatile memory used to store various parameters. The electronics also includes an auto-guider port (ST4 contact input).

Click Here to Download the Software Developers Kit

iEXOS-100 Azimuth Adjuster Adapter

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Twilight Medium Duty Tripod (White)

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tem Number	ES-EXOS2GTPMCT3–00
Mount	EXOS2GT with PMC-Eight GoTo Mount payload capacity: 28 lbs of instrument weight for astrophotography; 40 lbs instrument weight for visual. Total weight without counterweights 30 lbs. Head weight 13.4 lbs. Tripod weight 13 lbs. Includes (2) 11.25 lb counterweight and AC adapter. Note: Carbon Fiber Telescopes may need a lighter counterweight. If you need a lighter counterweight, please contact customer service. Mount ships with polar-finder scope installed.
Construction	Stainless Steel Tripod with bubble level and 2" stainless steel legs. Extends from 26.8" to 42.5".
Controls	Belt-Driven Stepper motors with computerized GoTo features using the OpenGOTO ExploreStars for Apple iOS/iPadOS or Android Tablet, or a Windows 10 based PC, laptop or tablet. Can also use any ASCOM Compatible Client Software with the included ES PMC-Eight ASCOM driver.

EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC EXOS2-GT WITH PMC-EIGHT GOTO SYSTEM

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