Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with WiFi and Bluetooth®

Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with WiFi and Bluetooth®

Features

• Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount
• Up to 19 lb Payload Capacity
• Precision Dual-Axis Micro-Stepper Motor Belt Drives
• Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for Wireless Control
• ExploreStars GoTo App for Windows, Android, Amazon, iOS
• 70,000+ Object Database
• Multiple Alignment Processes
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle
• RA Axis Polar Alignment Sight Hole
• 1.25" Adjustable-Height Tripod with Accessory Tray

The iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Tracker System is a complete astronomical computerized Wifi or Wired GOTO Equatorial Tracker with integrated PMC-Eight™ electronics suitable for attaching Small Telescopes or DSLR Cameras attached to the Explore Scientific DSLR Camera Dovetail Assembly.

GOTO systems play an important role in the world of amateur astronomy because they ensure users spend less time searching for particular objects and more time observing and imaging. To operate the PMC-Eight™ system, use the free intuitive ExploreStars App, which is available for Tablets (Windows, Android, Amazon and iOS). Through it, users can quickly align their 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. Tablet or computer must be purchased separately. Tablet must have a screen of at least 7 inches.

Alternatively, you can operate with the free ASCOM Standards Compliant PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver and the ASCOM POTH Client from Explore Scientific (either wired or wireless) to work with virtually any sky software that supports ASCOM. This allows you to control the telescope from a few feet away or by communicating computer-to-computer with an Internet connection from virtually anywhere in the world.

The iEXOS-100 utilizes a proven German equatorial mount design and Explore Scientific’s revolutionary PMC-Eight™ Precision Motion Control system to flawlessly navigate the night sky and track objects as they journey across it. This combination provides superior observing and imaging performance without a prohibitive price tag.

One of the standout features of the iEXOS-100 system is its German equatorial design. When it comes to tracking the stars with a telescope, there is nothing that compares to a German Equatorial Mount (GEM) because it will precisely follow objects as they rise in the east and set in the west. For observers, a GEM makes it easy to keep your celestial target in your eyepiece. For imagers, it helps you avoid common astrophotography pitfalls like field rotation.

Before you can track an object, you need to find it, and that objective can be daunting when you’re faced with a vast expanse of inky black sky or a bright city sky. The iEXOS-100 puts a powerful GOTO system in your arsenal of astronomical tools that takes the frustration out of navigating the night sky. This integrated version of Explore Scientific’s PMC-Eight™ system transcends the industry standard single processor by utilizing an 8-core microcontroller with 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, reliability and astoundingly fast timing intervals for smooth image acquisition and accurate tracking.

Explore Scientific's commitment to creating a streamlined GOTO mount is obvious in other design choices. The iEXOS-100 has smooth locking clutched RA and Declination axes for precise balancing that will let you quickly reposition your telescope from one side to the other and an altitude knob for smooth height adjustments.

The mount base includes a small polar alignment sight hole tunnel through the RA axis and precise altitude control that allows users to roughly align their observing setup with Polaris without a polar scope. It also has a simple bubble level that comes in handy when stabilizing your tripod.

Other features include a bracket for holding the battery pack, which powers the PMC-Eight™ system through 8 C batteries (not included); two 1 kg counterweights for balancing (telescopes and accessories that weigh more than 6 lbs may require additional counterweights); and glow-in-the-dark markers on certain points of the mount and tripod so you can stay oriented with your setup at night.

For visual use, the mount is designed to hold up to 19 lbs (scope, accessories, and counterweights added together). For equipment only, the mount weight capacity is approximately 9 lbs. For photographic use, the capacity is approximately 15 lbs (equipment and counterweights).

The mount weighs 9.45 lbs (4.29 kg), while the lightweight Travel Tripod and accessory tray weighs 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg). The Travel Tripod, when collapsed is 27.25 inches (69.21 cm) tall.

Recommended Accessories

• Add the Explore Scientific USB Power Bank for approximately 8 hours of extended running time with this mount.
• Add the iEXOS-100 Polar Finder and Adapter which ensures a more precise alignment with the celestial pole for astrophotography.
• Add the iEXOS-100 Azimuth Adjuster Adapter to make fine azimuth adjustments for precise polar alignment.