Explore Scientific iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System
The Explore Scientific iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Tracker System is a portable, fully computerized GOTO German equatorial mount that brings precision motion control and advanced connectivity to an affordable, travel-friendly design. Whether you're using a lightweight refractor or a DSLR camera, this complete system gives you the tracking accuracy and GOTO convenience normally reserved for much larger, pricier mounts.
At the heart of the iEXOS-100 is Explore Scientific’s PMC-Eight™ motion control system—a groundbreaking design that employs an 8-core microcontroller where each processor handles a dedicated function. This architecture delivers exceptionally fast timing, smooth slewing, and precise tracking—making it a powerful solution for both visual observers and entry-level astrophotographers looking to take their setup beyond basic star-hopping.
Technology That Tracks With Purpose
The iEXOS-100 is not just computerized—it’s connected. It can be controlled via the ExploreStars app, a free download available for Windows, Android, Amazon, and iOS tablets (7" screen or larger recommended). The interface is intuitive enough for newcomers yet flexible enough for experienced astronomers, giving you fingertip access to tens of thousands of celestial targets.
Prefer planetarium software? No problem. The mount also includes a free PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver and POTH Client, letting you connect to any ASCOM-compliant astronomy program—wired or wireless—via PC. Whether you’re observing a few feet away or remotely operating a telescope across a network, the iEXOS-100 has the flexibility to keep up.
The Strength of a German Equatorial Mount
Unlike alt-azimuth mounts, the German equatorial design of the iEXOS-100 tracks celestial objects along the Earth’s rotation using a single axis. That means less field rotation during long exposures and more stable, predictable tracking for both visual and photographic sessions. With built-in dual-axis locking clutches, repositioning the mount is quick and easy—ideal for setup, alignment, or changing targets mid-session.
To help you polar align, the mount base includes a small polar alignment tunnel for rough alignment on Polaris, a bubble level to level your tripod, and a smooth altitude adjustment knob to dial in your latitude.
Portable, Practical, and Ready for the Field
Despite its high-tech internals, the iEXOS-100 is built with hands-on usability in mind. The belt-driven stepper motors provide whisper-quiet slewing, minimizing vibration and eliminating gear backlash. Glow-in-the-dark markings on key components help you navigate your setup even in complete darkness—no flashlight required.
The system includes a tripod-mounted battery bracket for field power, designed to hold a pack of 8 C-cell batteries (not included), giving you the freedom to operate away from outlets. Two 1 kg counterweights are supplied for balance, but heavier telescope setups (over 6 lbs) may require additional weights.
The mount head weighs just 9.45 pounds, and the included lightweight travel tripod adds another 5.5 pounds. Fully collapsed, the tripod measures 27.25 inches in length—small enough to pack easily for dark sky trips or airline travel.
Payload Capacity
The iEXOS-100 is rated to handle a total payload of up to 19 lbs—this includes the optical tube, accessories, diagonal, camera, and counterweights. For optimal performance during astrophotography, keeping the scope and gear under 15 lbs is recommended.
Technical Highlights
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Integrated PMC-Eight™ 8-core microcontroller with independently operating CPUs
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GOTO control via ExploreStars app (Windows, Android, Amazon, iOS)
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ASCOM-compliant via PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver and POTH Client (wired or wireless)
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Wi-Fi and USB connectivity for versatile operation
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ST-4 autoguider port for astrophotography
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German equatorial design for accurate, single-axis celestial tracking
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Dual-axis worm gear drives with quiet belt-driven stepper motors
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Polar tunnel, altitude knob, and bubble level for rough alignment
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Glow-in-the-dark mount and tripod markings for night use
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Tripod-mounted battery pack bracket (8 C-cell batteries required, not included)
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Includes two 1 kg counterweights
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Mount head: 9.45 lbs
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Tripod: 5.5 lbs, collapses to 27.25 inches
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19 lb total payload capacity, including scope and accessories
