Losmandy G11 with PMC8

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EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC / LOSMANDY G-11 WITH EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC PMC-EIGHT GOTO SYSTEM

Part Number: ES-G11PMC8-00

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The Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 was designed by Explore Scientific's Engineers, and features the PMC-Eight™, which represents a new approach to robotic precision motion control for telescope mounts with a robust eight processor electronics board for a wide range of software clients. While the design is innovative, we are doing what no other telescope company has done, and that is to make the controlling interface language and example software code open source, so that programmers in the astronomical community can create new platforms and new astronomy GoTo experiences to best suit their needs for casual observations and research.

The result is a robust high-end equatorial mount that offers either hardwired or wireless connectivity with a computer running any ASCOM-compatible software. For users without such software, Explore Scientific provides an intuitive mount control graphical interface software package called ExploreStars™, which is downloadable from the Microsoft App store at no charge. (ExploreStars is currently available for Windows 8.1 and 10 or Android with other OS available soon.)

The equatorial mount underlying the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 with PMC-Eight GoTo system is a modified version of the Losmandy G-11. For example, Explore Scientific has replaced the servo motors in the standard G-11 with stepper motors to more precisely control the motor rate to .01 arc seconds per second. Another modification is the use of helical couplers on each axis ($175 value on each axis) to provide more reliable operation and higher performance by connecting the worm and motor more securely in the RA and DEC axes. Moreover, the Explore Scientific's modified mount includes the Losmandy RA extension (a $295 value) (the 0.6" saddle plate extension is not necessary with our setup) that not only allows the mount to track beyond the meridian but also allows the 35-pound mount head to be separated into components of 15 and 20 pounds for easy transportation.

The heart of Explore Scientific's PMC-Eight GoTo controller is the eight processor micro-controller. In addition to standard features like an auto-guide port (ST4 contact input) and a serial port for conventional hardwired connectivity, the PMC-Eight encompasses such advanced features as a wireless Ethernet 10/100 with full IP function which permits access to the controller from anywhere, which provide fast and robust operations. To fully unlock the potential of this controller, Explore Scientific has adopted an open-source approach -- meaning that Explore Scientific freely provides documentation for the controller and example software demonstrating how the controller's features can be utilized. Thus, the astronomy community which we refer to as the OpenGoTo® Community is encouraged to develop and share creative applications for the PMC-Eight. We also offer one of, if not the only ASCOM compatible wireless driver on the market. It is also one of, if not the only ASCOM driver with complete open-source code available to write whatever you might need into the code of the ASCOM driver.

The combination of a 60-pound payload capacity, various ASCOM compatible software packages coupled with the precision of the PMC-Eight system makes the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 an excellent choice for the serious astronomer. Additionally, the Explore Scientific OpenGoTo Community provides a resource for advanced amateur astronomers to develop his/her own applications for this system. And, when controlled by ExploreStars, this mount is a proven favorite among audiences during events outreach and at star parties.

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

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Description	Explore Scientific G-11 with Explore Scientific PMC-Eight GoTo System
Item Number	ES-G11PMC8-00
Load Capacity Equipment Rating	Instrument Weight: 60 lbs. (27.22 Kilos)
Load Capacity Total Rating	Total Weight: 100 lbs.
Tripod height: Adjustable/Folding	33” - 48”
Counter Weights	Includes 21 lb counterweight and 1-1/4 inch diameter weight shaft w/safety knob. Optional 7 lb and 11 lb counterweights available.
Dovetail saddle-plate	Accepts both "D" Losmandy Style Dovetail or Vixen Style Dovetail.
Weight EQ Head	33 lbs.
Weight Tripod	35 lbs

Losmandy G11 with PMC8

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PMC-EIGHT - SOFTWARE AND DOWNLOADS

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