Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System

Seamless Star Tracking for Astrophotography

Tired of errors in your long exposures? Get the EXOS2-GT for flawless tracking and high payload capacity, without sacrificing portability.

Features

• Motorized Precision Tracking: Equipped with dual-axis micro-stepper motors and a belt-drive system, ensuring smooth and precise tracking for both astrophotography and visual astronomy.
• Robust Payload Capacity: Handles up to 28 lbs for astrophotography and 40 lbs for visual use, making it versatile enough to support a wide range of telescopes and accessories.
• Wireless Control via PC or Tablet: Integrated Wi-Fi allows wireless operation from your PC or tablet (Windows, Android, or iOS) through the intuitive ExploreStars app. No need for additional controllers.
• Massive Object Database: Explore the universe with a 70,000+ object catalog, including stars, galaxies, and nebulae, plus upgradable options for even more.
• Seamless Software Integration: Fully compatible with ASCOM-compliant software like Stellarium and SkyTools, enabling advanced control and customization for the serious astronomer.
• Portable and Sturdy: Built with a durable 2” adjustable stainless-steel tripod, it provides stability on any surface while remaining portable for stargazing on the go.
• Precision Polar Alignment: Integrated polar scope and bubble level ensure accurate alignment, reducing tracking errors for long-exposure photography.
• Customizable Open-Source Code: Tinker with the ExploreStars open-source platform, allowing complete customization and personalized control of your mount.
• Multiple Tracking Rates: Supports sidereal, King, lunar, solar, and custom tracking rates, perfect for any observational or imaging needs.

The EXOS2-GT is for you if...

• You’re an Astrophotographer: If capturing stunning celestial images with long exposure times is your goal, the EXOS2-GT’s precision tracking and 28 lb payload capacity are perfect for stable, high-quality shots.
• You Want Versatility: Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or a beginner, this mount offers both wireless control via PC or tablet and manual adjustments, catering to every skill level.
• You Use Larger Telescopes: Need a mount that can handle larger optical tubes for detailed visual observations? The EXOS2-GT’s 40 lb visual payload capacity has you covered.
• You Seek Portability Without Sacrificing Performance: If you travel to remote locations for stargazing, this mount offers portability without compromising on stability or tracking accuracy.
• You Enjoy Customizing Your Setup: Tech enthusiasts will appreciate the open-source ExploreStars system, allowing you to tailor the mount’s software to your specific needs.
• You Value Seamless Integration: If you use third-party software like Stellarium, SkyTools, or other ASCOM-compliant platforms, the EXOS2-GT offers effortless integration for enhanced functionality.
• You Want Effortless Control: If you prefer simplicity, the ExploreStars app on your PC or tablet provides an intuitive interface for easy alignment and control without complicated setups.

The Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System offers a superior combination of high-precision tracking, robust payload capacity, and advanced wireless control, designed to meet the needs of serious astrophotographers and amateur astronomers. This mount features dual-axis micro-stepper motors, providing up to 12,800 steps per revolution, ensuring ultra-smooth and precise movements during long exposure astrophotography. The fiberglass-reinforced neoprene belt drive reduces backlash, so you can capture fine details in deep-sky objects without worrying about tracking errors. Its high-resolution tracking accuracy ensures you get crisp, sharp images, even over extended viewing sessions.

Designed for versatility, the EXOS2-GT supports a 28 lb payload capacity for astrophotography, allowing you to mount medium to large telescopes along with cameras and accessories without compromising stability. For visual astronomy, it can handle up to 40 lbs, ideal for larger optical tubes that deliver enhanced views of the planets, stars, and nebulae. This means you can comfortably use heavier telescopes without worrying about excess strain on the mount, and its ball bearings on both axes minimize vibrations, providing a stable, smooth experience in every session.

Setting up the EXOS2-GT is quick and easy, thanks to its integrated illuminated polar axis scope and precise alignment processes. Choose from  2-star or 3-star alignment options to ensure that your mount is accurately calibrated, whether you're setting it up for a simple night of stargazing or preparing for a night of detailed astrophotography. The built-in bubble level adds further precision, reducing the time spent adjusting the mount and increasing your time spent observing the skies. The mount’s bull's-eye bubble level and stainless steel 2-inch adjustable tripod—with a height range from 26.8 to 42.5 inches—provide sturdy support on any surface, even uneven ground in remote observing locations.

One of the standout features of the EXOS2-GT is its integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the ExploreStars app, which allows for wireless control from your PC or tablet (Windows, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire). The app's user-friendly interface simplifies mount control, giving you access to a massive database of 70,000+ celestial objects. The database includes deep-sky objects, planets, stars, and galaxies, and it’s expandable with an additional 72,000 stars. This extensive catalog includes objects from well-known catalogs such as the Messier, New General Catalog (NGC), and Index Catalog (IC), providing a wealth of exploration options for both beginners and advanced users.

For those who demand more customization, the EXOS2-GT’s ASCOM compliance ensures seamless integration with popular third-party software such as Stellarium, SkyTools, StarryNight, and Maxim DL, allowing advanced users to fine-tune their control, automate imaging sessions, or integrate with other tools in their astrophotography workflow. This open-source platform also makes the EXOS2-GT unique. Developers and tech-savvy users can modify and enhance the mount's performance using the open-source ExploreStars platform, which offers access to the mount’s programming code, making it fully customizable for unique setups or advanced functions. You have full control over your mount’s tracking, guiding, and slewing parameters, giving you unmatched flexibility.

Built for those who love to observe from various locations, the EXOS2-GT is also portable without sacrificing stability. Its stainless-steel legs and spiked feet ensure that you can set up your gear on uneven terrain, making it perfect for field trips to dark-sky locations. The included counterweight ensures perfect balance when using heavier optical tubes and accessories, which helps maintain precision tracking, even when the payload is close to its limit.

In a world where astrophotographers and visual astronomers are often forced to compromise between portability, precision, and control, the Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount delivers all three. This mount ensures your telescope stays steady under a variety of conditions while offering the advanced features you need to capture breathtaking astrophotography or enjoy crystal-clear views of distant celestial objects. Its combination of customizability, high-tech wireless control, and precise tracking makes it a standout option for astronomers who want to take their hobby to the next level. This is more than just a mount—it’s your key to unlocking the full potential of the night sky.

Mount

• Payload capacity for astrophotography is 28 lb plus the included counterweight
• For visual use, the maximum payload is 40 lb plus the counterweight
• Cast aluminum with black powder coat
• Vixen-style dovetail saddle to mount compatible OTAs
• Northern hemisphere illuminated polar axis scope to increase alignment precision
• Integrated "bull's eye" bubble level on mount base

Electronics

• Integrated 10/100 Wi-Fi with full IP functionality enables direct connection to computers, smartphones, tablets, and networks for remote system control
• 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

Motors

• High-resolution Nema11 bipolar 0.09°, 400-count stepper motor
• Micro stepping controller enables the motor to work at 12,800 steps per revolution
• Belt-drive system with precision 45-groove and 10-groove timing pulleys
• Strong and long-lasting fiberglass re-enforced neoprene belt
• Drive rates accurate to a few arcseconds per day
• Reversible for use in Northern and Southern Hemispheres
• Ball bearings on both axes reduce vibrations and minimize backlash at all tracking and slew speeds

ExploreStars GoTo System

• 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 and 3-star alignment processes
• Sidereal, King, Lunar, Solar, and user-defined tracking rates
• Additional functions: Synchronize, Search, Coordinate input
• Custom mount support using user-defined stepper count scaling

Tripod

• Three-section adjustable height
• 2" stainless steel legs
• 26.8 to 42.5" height adjustment range
• Center stabilizer bar locks legs in place to reduce vibrations
• Accessory tray with holes for 1.25" eyepieces
• Spiked feet for use on ground and grass for increased stability, especially on rough or uneven areas

Everything You Need for Stellar Performance – Included in Your EXOS2-GT Package

When you purchase the Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System, you’re not just getting a high-performance mount—you’re getting a complete package of essential accessories that ensure a seamless, efficient, and precise astronomy experience.

To help balance your telescope and ensure accurate tracking, the package includes 2 x 11.25 lb Counterweights, which are perfect for stabilizing even heavier optical tubes and equipment. These counterweights work with the 20mm Counterweight Shaft, providing the perfect balance for your setup, reducing strain on the motors, and enhancing tracking precision.

For optimal alignment, especially when working in dim light, the package features an illuminated Polar Axis Scope. This precision scope helps you align your mount to the celestial pole with ease, increasing your tracking accuracy for long-exposure astrophotography or visual observation. You’ll never have to guess if your mount is properly aligned, even under challenging conditions.

The included AC Power Supply ensures that your mount operates smoothly during extended sessions, powering the motors and electronics without interruption. Whether you’re imaging for hours or enjoying a long night of stargazing, this reliable power source ensures consistent performance.

You’ll also benefit from the sturdy and adjustable Stainless Steel Tripod with Accessory Tray, which gives you a solid, stable foundation for your mount. The accessory tray is designed to hold essential tools or eyepieces, keeping everything within reach so you can focus on the skies. This tripod’s height can be adjusted to match your observing preferences, and its spiked feet provide stability on uneven ground.

For easy and wireless control, the package includes a Wireless Transmitter/Receiver with Antenna, allowing you to operate the mount remotely via your PC or tablet. You’ll also receive 2 x Motor Control Cables, ensuring that all connections between the mount and motors are secure and reliable, so you can focus on exploring the universe with uninterrupted precision.

With these essential accessories, the EXOS2-GT package is fully equipped to handle your most demanding astrophotography and visual observation needs. Each item has been carefully selected to enhance your overall experience, giving you the convenience, stability, and control required for exceptional results.