Explore Scientific has made GoTo mounts more readily available for astronomers with the release of their EXOS-2 GoTo series. This particular version comes with thier advance wireless PMC-Eight Open GoTo electronics. This particular system can be controlled by your Windows 8.1 or higher based PC, tablet, or even your smartphone if you install the free ExploreStar app. The mount will also work with ASCOM Compatible software and ES ASCOM driver. The mount uses belt-driven stepper motors, which helps make the drive extremely quiet while slewing. The RA and Dec use ball bearings to help keep backlash to a minimum and the mount has nine different tracking speeds. The saddle of the EXOS-2 is a Vixen style and the mount itself has a payload capacity of 28 pounds.
The stainless steel tripod will help keep your mount, and payload, steady through the evening. The spreader bar not only provides a convient place to store a couple of eyepieces during your observing session, but it also helps provide stability as it cinches up against the 2" stainless steel tripod legs. The mount comes standard with a 9.9 pound counterweight, and you may purchase others if your needs change. The tripod itself extends from 26.8" to 42.5".
The mount itself weighs in at 33 pounds. The head is 11 pounds and the tripod is 12.2 pounds.
This video is of Jerry Hubble's presentation about the system at the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club's (http://www.novac.com) Almost Heaven Star Party in 2018.
Explore PMC-Eight Open GoTo Electronics
Interface with the PMC-Eight using the free ExploreStars app and your smart device, which can easily locate over 80,000 objects, or use your own ASCOM-compliant sky software Operates with Windows® 8.1 or higher PC, Tablet, or Smartphone (not included) 2-Channel Multi-Processor Micro-controller Wireless Ethernet 10/100 with full IP function ST4 Autoguide port
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.
Versatile
Although Explore Scientific offers their 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, they have made the PMC-Eight compatible with the industry standard ASCOM interface. Their specific driver 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.
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, Explore Scientific has made the coding that powers their precision motion control system open source. By putting the building blocks into the hands of programmers, they believe we will unlock the full potential of the PMC-Eight OpenGOTO and discover unexplored uses. They don’t want to set limits and force users to conform to our vision. Instead, they 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 their 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. they 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.
