Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System
| Article number: | ES-EXOS2GTPMCT3-01 |
| Availability: | More on the Way to us |
| Delivery time: | More on the Way to Us |
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The Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT with PMC-Eight Electronics is quite unique and special. Most of the serious amateur mounts on the market today offer single processors. The PMC-Eight electronics are extremely robust. We include a 2-Channel Multi-Processor Micro-controller with 8 CPUs that run independently and are completely deterministic in their behavior, thus the name PMC-Eight. Within this multi-processor system is 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 APP over the web or serial port; and Non-Volatile Memory used to store user selected parameters. The electronics also includes an Auto-Guide port (ST4 contact input) and features the only wireless ASCOM driver on the market.
The EXOS2GT with PMC-8 mount features a belt driven system uses 2 timing pulleys (1-45 groove and 1-10 groove) with fiberglass re-enforced neoprene belt connected to a Nema11 bi-polar stepper .67 amps 12ncm motor then connected to the worm. Precise ball bearings in both axes ensures minimal backlash at all nine possible tracking speeds. The head rests on a very tough and rigid stainless steel tripod with adjustable 2" legs from 26.8" to 42.5" and can support up to 28 lbs. of equipment. An AC adapter is included for power and an optional DC cord is available.
This system is all controlled from a Windows PC or Windows Tablet with a beautiful full graphical user interface using our very own ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software. The ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software has the same basic functions as most all other mounts on the market today. ExploreStars is a free App downloadable from the Microsoft App store. This 2-step download includes a standard 2 star or 3 star alignment procedure, over 70,000 star database, the Messier Catalog and Solar System objects.
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Download the FREE ExploreStars App by clicking the links above. The PMC-Eight mount is all controlled from a Windows PC or Windows Tablet using Windows OS 8.1 or higher with a beautiful full graphical interface using our very own ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software.
The ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software has the same basic functions as most all other mounts on the market today. The download requires 2 steps. The ExploreStars app - which you download from the Microsoft App Store and then a Celestial database of the major catalogs of objects by clicking the link above or from Explorestars.com.
Loading the 2 different software packages is really simple. First, download the ExploreStar App by clicking the link above and install it on your Windows OS 8.1 or higher 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 OS 8.1 or higher 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 and the tablet should be good to go.
The software includes a standard 2 star or 3 star alignment procedure, over 70,000 star database, the Messier Catalog, Solar System objects and many of the most sought after objects for imaging and viewing. The software interface features a Classic four-button pattern for guiding, centering, moving and slewing on the touch screen of your tablet or phone.
An APPBAR button or pull down menus open to offer the intuitive 2 star and 3 star alignment procedure, selection of the various catalogs, guided tours, the sync button, the park position, search feature and the coordinate input screen to enter RA and DEC coordinate information. Numerical key pad allows for selectable and user enterable GOTO speeds for slewing, centering and guiding rates. You can also set sidereal, king, lunar, solar, and user defined tracking rates. The NGC, IC and several other catalogs are included for free via the Celestial Data download.
Below is a SHORT video on how to download the ExploreStars App and the Celestial database.
Below is a LONGER more detailed video on how to download the ExploreStars App and the Celestial database as well as how to use the many features of the ExploreStars App.
Now, because we offer the software as an open source, we make this software different so that YOU can write your own code and import it into this software. Create a Messier challenge. Create a selectable list of objects you want to photograph and program that information into the software. With the ability to write your own code, you can create whatever your heart desires. Share it with the community of astronomers that are using this software.
In addition, this mount can be controlled by any ASCOM compliant software using the built-in wireless ASCOM driver or serial port cable. GPS-compatible and auto time / date settings are dependent on included receiver on computer, tablet or phone.
If you are an experienced astrophotographer, click here to get the ExploreStars PMC-Eight ASCOM driver.
If you are a beginner and want to use your mount with ASCOM software, click here to download the ASCOM platform and on the top right you will see the ASCOM Platform. Select to install the platform. After you install the platform, click here to install the ExploreStars PMC-Eight ASCOM driver.
If you are a programmer and/or interested in learning the details of the PMC-Eight, Click here to download the OpenGoTo PMC-Eight Software Developers Kit which includes the ASCOM driver and lots of information about the PMC-Eight and OpenGoTo source code.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.
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