Explore Scientific / Losmandy G-11 with Explore Scientific PMC-Eight GoTo System

Scott Losmandy is the designer of the world-famous G-11 mount and tripod that works with most popular-sized telescopes for the serious astronomer. A lifelong amateur astronomer, designer, and machinist, Losmandy understands the functional requirements of demanding astrophotography and astronomy. His designs are characterized by precision all-machined parts in aluminum and stainless steel that are not only beautiful, but built with strength that will handle heavy payloads for a lifetime of constant use. Mr. Losmandy has graciously allowed us to buy these mounts and add the new Explore Scientific PMC-Eight GoTo system with its precision stepper motors...

• The Explore Scientific and Losmandy G-11 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. They 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 Losmandy G-11 mount is moved by high-resolution .9° 400 count stepper motors with a micro stepping controller that makes the motor work at 12,800 steps per revolution with drive rates accurate to a few arc-seconds per day. Slewing rates are up to 4 degrees/sec. We include a direct connection from the stepper motors to the worm block via screw couplers. We also include the RA extension kit so you can slew past the meridian and disassemble the RA and Dec axis for easier transport.

  This system is all controlled from a Windows PC, Windows Tablet or Windows Smartphone 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.

  See the "software" tab to download the ExploreStars App software.  

•     
  Download the FREE ExploreStars App by clicking the link above. The PMC-Eight mount is all controlled from a Windows PC, Windows Tablet or Windows Smartphone 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 from the Microsoft App store requires 2 steps. The ExploreStars app - which you download from the Microsoft App Store and then a database of celestial objects from Explorestars.com. 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. 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 available for free via download on our website.

  Below is a short video on how to download the ExploreStars App and the Celestial database.  

  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 are most of the ASCOM software packages available for use with the Explore Scientific / Losmandy G-11 with PMC-Eight mount: 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. 

• 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