Explore Scientific designed their IEXOS-100 PMC-Eight Equatorial Go-To Tracker System Mount to provide users with a precision platform built to support small-to-medium sized optical tubes and astrophotogrphy and imaging rigs.
ES continues their commitment to user-friendly gear with the PMC-Eight motor drive system that uses micro-stepper motors and a direct-drive belt connection between the drive shaft and motor to ensure accurate and smooth tracking for extended periods with minimal vibration and zero backlash. The entire PMC-Eight software suite is offered as open-source coding so users are able to tweak the system to their personal preference and share with a growing community of enthusiasts.
Keeping up with the latest technology, the common wired control system is replaced with a wireless antenna for remote control from Windows or Android/iOS smartphones and tablets running the ExploreStars app. It has a database of over 70,000 objects with an intuitive user interface controlled with the device's touchscreen. Multiple alignment procedures, slew and tracking rates, and customized guided tours allow it to be easily set up and get users observing quickly with minimal frustration. Like the coding for the motor drive system, the app is open source as well, so it can likewise be customized and those modifications shared. A non-volatile memory and Real-Time clock preserve settings, including backlash correction and Periodic Error Correction (PEC), when the system is turned off and power is disconnected.
Mount
- 19-pound payload capacity for visual gear like optical tubes, diagonals, Barlow's, and eyepieces
- 15-pound payload capacity for astrophotography equipment like DSLRs, imaging systems, and filter wheels
- Vixen-style dovetail saddle to mount compatible OTAs
- Two 2.2-pound (1kg) counterweights
- Polar alignment spotting hole down latitude axis enables rough polar alignment before proper alignment through app
- Runs on eight user-supplied C-cell batteries
Electronics and Motors
- Integrated WiFi module enables direct connection to computers, smartphones, and tablets for remote wireless control of the mount
- PMC-Eight motor control system with a scalable 8-CPU multi-processor array that allows control of multiple systems from single user interface
- 64kB EEPROM non-volatile memory bank retains settings and time when mount is turned off
- Fully compatible with any computer platform using an ASCOM-compliant software package
- Serial and standard ST4 auto-guiding ports
- High-resolution stepper motor precisely controls mount with virtually zero vibration
- Belt-drive system reduces vibration and improves smooth motion with zero backlash
ExploreStars GoTo App
- Free software and app available for Windows and Android/iOS smartphones and tablets
- 70,000+ object database including 2000+ stars, with a downloadable catalog of 72,000+ additional stars
- Native catalogs include: Bayer, Flamstead, SAO, HD/Harvard, DM, BD/CD/CPD, GSC, and RNGC/IC
- Open source code with available developer kit allows for complete customization and sharing
- Four-button interface for guiding, centering, moving, and slewing using device touchscreen
- Selectable and user-defined GoTo, slewing, centering, and guiding rates
- 2-star, 3-star, and Alignment Tour alignment processes
- Tour function shows user the best objects that can be seen on any given day at any specific time
Tripod
- Two-section adjustable height
- 1.25" stainless steel legs
- Height open and legs fully retracted with the mount head installed: 38.5" at highest point, 36" to the center of the mounting bracket
- Height open and legs fully extended with the mount head installed: 45" at highest point
- Accessory tray with holes to hold eyepieces
- Spiked feet for use on ground and grass for increased stability, especially on rough or uneven areas
- Fully collapsed without head: 25.5"
- Weight: 5.4 pounds
