Log Astronomy: PMC-Eight - Sky & Tel Hot Product 2018

We are sooooooo thrilled!

The Explore Scientific PMC-Eight Electronics have won a very prestigious award from the editors of Sky and Telescope magazine.
Their "Hot Product" for 2018.

The PMC-Eight electronics are quite unique and special. Most of the serious amateur mounts on the market today offer single processors. The PMC-Eight electronics are extremely robust. They include a 2-Channel Multi-Processor Micro-controller with 8 CPUs that run independently and are completely deterministic in their behavior, thus the name PMC-Eight. Within this multi-processor system is a 64 Kbyte EEPROM Non-Volatile Memory bank used to store parameters; a Wireless Ethernet 10/100 with full IP function which permits operation from anywhere using a browser, ASCOM, or APP over the web or serial port; and Non-Volatile Memory used to store user selected parameters. The electronics also includes an Auto-Guide port (ST4 contact input) and features the only wireless ASCOM driver on the market.

This system is all controlled from a Windows PC or Windows Tablet (and soon to be operable with an Andriod Tablet) with a beautiful full graphical user interface using our very own ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software. The ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software has the same basic functions as most all other mounts on the market today. ExploreStars is a free App downloadable from the Microsoft App store. This 2-step download includes a standard 2 star or 3 star alignment procedure, over 70,000 star database, the Messier Catalog, other popular catalog objects and Solar System objects.

Because we offer the software as an open source, we make this software different so that YOU can write your own code and import it into this software. Create a Messier challenge. Create a selectable list of objects you want to photograph and program that information into the software. With the ability to write your own code, you can create whatever your heart desires. Share it with the community of astronomers that are using this software.

In addition, our PMC-Eight mounts can be controlled by any ASCOM compliant software using the built-in wireless ASCOM driver or serial port cable. GPS-compatible and auto time / date settings are dependent on included receiver on computer or tablet.

Thank you to Sky & Telescope for recognizing the excellence of this fantastic new product!

Pictured above are our first two PMC-Eight controlled German Equatorial mounts. More PMC-Eight controlled mounts are on the horizon.

The EXOS2GT with PMC-8 mount features a belt driven system uses 2 timing pulleys (1-45 groove and 1-10 groove) with fiberglass re-enforced neoprene belt connected to a Nema11 bi-polar stepper .67 amps 12ncm motor then connected to the worm. Precise ball bearings in both axes ensures minimal backlash at all nine possible tracking speeds. The head rests on a very tough and rigid stainless steel tripod with adjustable 2" legs from 26.8" to 42.5" and can support up to 28 lbs. of equipment. An AC adapter is included for power.

The ES-Losmandy G-11 with PMC-8 mount is moved by high-resolution .9° 400 count stepper motors with a micro stepping controller that makes the motor work at 12,800 steps per revolution with drive rates accurate to a few arc-seconds per day. Slewing rates are up to 4 degrees/sec. We include a direct connection from the stepper motors to the worm block via screw couplers. We also include the RA extension kit so you can slew past the meridian and disassemble the RA and Dec axis for easier transport. This mount supports 60 lbs of equipment. An AC adapter is included for power and an optional DC cord is available.