The Explore Scientific FirstLight 80mm f/8 Refractor GoTo EQ Telescope is ideal for users who want a portable observation platform for making observations or capturing images of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. Its moderate aperture and shorter focal length produce a competent focal ratio for improved resolution, and its larger 40mm drawtube helps avoid vignetting with larger imaging sensors or wide-field eyepieces.
The iEXOS-100 GoTo mount is part of the ES 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 traditional 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 to get you 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.
Supporting the optical tube assembly (OTA) and mount is a sturdy adjustable-height stainless steel tripod that is easy to transport and carry into the field for off-the-grid observations, and the mount runs on batteries to keep it going whether you're in your backyard or in the mountains. To make it a complete observation rig right out of the box, Explore Scientific includes a 25x eyepiece, a 90° diagonal, a dot-finder, and an adapter that allows you to capture the view on just about any smartphone.
- 80mm aperture is ideal for observing lunar details, planetary features, and resolving bright deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and clusters
- Moderate f/8 focal ratio makes it a capable OTA for astrophotography
- 640mm focal length has a moderate magnification potential with a compact form factor for portability to remote viewing locations
- Refractor-style optical configuration is durable and requires little maintenance or recollimation over time
- Fully multi-coated optics improve light transmission for increased image contrast and brightness
- Sturdy rack-and-pinion focuser
- 40mm drawtube helps to reduce vignetting with larger imaging sensors or wide-field eyepieces; 1.25" holder accepts the most popular sized eyepieces and accessories
- 19-pound payload capacity for visual gear like optical tubes, diagonals, Barlows, and eyepieces
- 15-pound payload capacity for astrophotography equipment like DSLRs, imaging systems, and filter wheels
- Two 2.2-pound (1kg) counterweights with counterweight shaft
- 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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 1.25" 25mm Plössl eyepiece yields 25x magnification
- 1.25" 90°-star diagonal places head in comfortable position, especially when OTA is aimed directly overhead
- Smartphone adapter attaches over eyepiece and allows any smartphone to be used for astrophotography
- Unmagnified red-dot finder allows for fast subject acquisition and easy star-hopping, with variable red illumination to protect night-adjusted vision
- 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