G-11 Mount with Explore Scientific PMC-8 GoTo
The Losmandy G-11 was designed by Explore Scientific's Engineers that features the PMC-Eight™, which offers a new way to robotic precision motion control for telescope mounts with an entire eight-processor electronics board for an ample range of software clients.
While the design is innovative, Explore Scientific is doing what other telescope company hasn't done, and that is to create the controlling interface language and example software code an open source so that programmers in the astronomical community can make new platforms and new astronomy GoTo experiences to suit their needs at best for research and casual observations.
The result is a healthy, booming high-end equatorial mount that presents either wireless connectivity with a computer running any ASCOM-compatible software or hardwStellarTelescope.comired. For those users without software, Explore Scientific supplies ExploreStars™, an intuitive mount control graphical interface software package that is downloadable at zero fees from the Microsoft App store. (For Windows 8.1 and 10 or Android with other OS available soon, ExploreStars is currently available.)
This equatorial mount underlying the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 with the PMC-Eight GoTo system is a modified version of the Losmandy G-11. Just like for example, Explore Scientific has replaced the servo motors in the standard G-11 with stepper motors to more accurately control the motor rate to .01 arc seconds per second. Another modification is using helical couplers on each axis to give more reliable operation ($175 value on each axis)and more excellent performance by connecting the worm and motor fast and secure in the RA and DEC axes. Moreover, the Explore Scientific's modified mount contains the Losmandy RA extension (a $295 value) (the 0.6" saddle plate extension is unnecessary with our setup) that not only grants the mount to track beyond the meridian but also grants the 35-pound mount head to be disconnected into components of 15 and 20 pounds for easy transport.
The eight-processor micro-controller is the heart of the Explore Scientific's PMC-Eight GoTo controller. In addition to standard features like a serial port for conventional hardwired connectivity and an auto-guide port (ST4 contact input), the PMC-Eight encompasses such advanced features as a wireless Ethernet 10/100 with the full IP function, which grants access to the controller anywhere, which gives robust and fast operations. Explore Scientific has adopted an open-source approach, To fully unlock the potential of this controller -- meaning that Explore Scientific freely includes documentation for the controller and example software demonstrating how the controller's features can be utilized. Thus, the astronomy community, which Explore Scientific refers to as the OpenGoTo® Community, is encouraged to share and develop creative applications for the PMC-Eight. Likewise, It is one of, if not the only ASCOM driver with a complete open-source code that is available to write whatever you might need into the principle of the ASCOM driver.
The precision of the PMC-Eight system and the combination of a 60-pound payload capacity and various ASCOM compatible software packages make the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 an excellent choice for the serious astronomer. The Explore Scientific OpenGoTo Community also provides a resource for advanced amateur astronomers to develop/apply for this system. And, when contained by ExploreStars, this mount is a proven favorite among audiences during events outreach and at star parties.
Losmandy G-11 With Explore Scientific PMC-8 Specifications:
- Max Load Capacity: 60 lbs. (27.22 Kilos)
- Tripod Height: 33" to 48"
- Counter Weights: Includes 21 lb counterweight and 1-1/4 inch diameter weight shaft with w/ a safety knob. (Optional 7 lb and 11 lb available counterweights.)
- Dovetail Saddle-Plate: Accepts and takes both "D" Losmandy Style Dovetail or Vixen Style Dovetail.
- EQ Head Weight: 33 lbs. (can be separated into two parts for transportation)
- Tripod Weight: 35 lbs
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