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Explore Scientific / Losmandy G-11 with Explore Scientific PMC-Eight GoTo System

Explore Scientific / Losmandy G-11 with Explore Scientific PMC-Eight GoTo System

by Explore Scientific
$4,199.99

Notify me when back in stock

Description

Description

The Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 was designed by Explore Scientific’s Engineers, and features the PMC-Eight, which represents a new approach to robotic precision motion control for telescope mounts with a robust eight processor electronics board for a wide range of software clients. While the design is innovative, we are doing what no other telescope company has done, and that is to make the controlling interface language and example software code open source, so that programmers in the astronomical community can create new platforms and new astronomy GoTo experiences to best suit their needs for casual observations and research.

The result is a robust high-end equatorial mount that offers either hardwired or wireless connectivity with a computer running any ASCOM-compatible software. For users without such software, Explore Scientific provides an intuitive mount control graphical interface software package called ExploreStars, which is downloadable from the Microsoft App Store, Google Play, or iTunes App Store at no charge. ExploreStars is currently available for Windows 8.1 and 10, Android, Amazon Fire, and Apple tablets. Tablets and computers must be purchased separately.

The equatorial mount underlying the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 with PMC-Eight GoTo system is a modified version of the Losmandy G-11. For example, Explore Scientific has replaced the servo motors in the standard G-11 with stepper motors to more precisely control the motor rate to .01 arc seconds per second. Another modification is the use of helical couplers on each axis ($175 value on each axis) to provide more reliable operation and higher performance by connecting the worm and motor more securely in the RA and DEC axes. Moreover, the Explore Scientific’s modified mount includes the Losmandy RA extension (a $295 value) (the 0.6" saddle plate extension is not necessary with our setup) that not only allows the mount to track beyond the meridian but also allows the 35-pound mount head to be separated into components of 15 and 20 pounds for easy transportation.

The heart of Explore Scientific’s PMC-Eight GoTo controller is the eight processor micro-controller. In addition to standard features like an auto-guide port (ST4 contact input) and a serial port for conventional hardwired connectivity, the PMC-Eight encompasses such advanced features as a wireless Ethernet 10/100 with full IP function which permits access to the controller from anywhere, which provide fast and robust operations. To fully unlock the potential of this controller, Explore Scientific has adopted an open-source approach – meaning that Explore Scientific freely provides documentation for the controller and example software demonstrating how the controller’s features can be utilized. Thus, the astronomy community which we refer to as the OpenGoTo® Community is encouraged to develop and share creative applications for the PMC-Eight. We also offer one of, if not the only ASCOM compatible wireless driver on the market. It is also one of, if not the only ASCOM driver with complete open-source code available to write whatever you might need into the code of the ASCOM driver.

The combination of a 60-pound payload capacity, various ASCOM compatible software packages coupled with the precision of the PMC-Eight system makes the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 an excellent choice for the serious astronomer. Additionally, the Explore Scientific OpenGoTo Community provides a resource for advanced amateur astronomers to develop his/her own applications for this system. And, when controlled by ExploreStars, this mount is a proven favorite among audiences during events outreach and at star parties.

Specs

Item Number ES-G11PMC8–00 Load Capacity Equipment Rating Instrument Weight: 60 lbs. (27.22 Kilos) Load Capacity Total Rating Total Weight: 100 lbs. Tripod height: Adjustable/Folding 3" - 48" Counter Weights Includes 21 lb counterweight and 1–1/4 inch diameter weight shaft w/safety knob. Optional 7 lb and 11 lb counterweights available. Dovetail saddle-plate Accepts both “D” Losmandy Style Dovetail or Vixen Style Dovetail. Weight EQ Head 33 lbs. Weight Tripod 35 lbs.

Warranty

Limited Warranty is two years on all electronics. Click Here to register.

Software

 

Click here to download and learn more about the PMC-Eight and it’s documentation, the PMC-Eight ASCOM driver, and ExploreStars App.

Here is a list of most of the ASCOM software packages available for use with the Explore Scientific with PMC-Eight mounts: ACP; APT; AST / ATC & Ricerca (Omega Lab); AstroArt; AstroMB; Cartes du Ciel / Sky Chart; CCD AutoPilot; DeepSky; Deepsky Planner; DFM Engineering; Earth Centered Universe Pro; EasySky; Eye and Telescope; Project Pluto; Hallo Northern Sky; Maxim DL; MaxPoint; PinPoint Astrometric; Prism; Sequence Generator Pro; Sidereal Technology; The Sky; SkyMap Software; SkyTools 3; Star Atlas PRO; Sky Observer; StarryNight; Stellarium; Virtual Moon Atlas; and WorldWide Telescope.

Support

PMC-Eight GoTo Homepage

For help with the PMC-8, please see our Knowledge Base

Learn how to make a very precise polar alignment with the Drift Method.

CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)

Free Shipping

Shipping is FREE on all orders to customers within the United States. We don't want to mess around with fine print and extra charges, we like things to be simple and easy. 

Want to know about our Returns Policy? Read more here.

Order Confirmation:
As soon as you place your order you will receive an order confirmation
e-mail.  This means that we have received your order in our system and
pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase.  

As soon as we receive your order we automatically check to confirm that
your order is in stock and available for immediate shipment.  If your item
is on back-order or unavailable we will void the pre-authorization and
reach out to you via e-mail to see if alternate arrangements can be
made.  

If your item(s) are available for immediate shipment (within 5 business
days) we will process the charges and get to work preparing your
order for shipment.

Order Shipment:
If your order is in stock and we process the charges to your credit card it
will ship within three business days from the date of your order.  
We will send you shipping confirmation within 24 hours of your order
leaving the warehouse to the e-mail address you provided when
checking out.  

If you do not receive shipping confirmation from us within four business
days of your order feel free to follow up with us at info@stargazeroptics.com.

International Orders:
Please be aware that our products are made specifically for the United States market. This means that they require a 110V
electrical system to function correctly. 

Our products have generally not been certified for use with other
countries electrical safety standards but all of our products are certified
to United States standards.

We will happily ship our fantastic products to international customers.
Due to the extremely wide variety of product dimensions we will provide
an up to date shipping price quote for you on request.

If you are happy with our shipping quote we will prepare an order and
payment though our ultra secure online payment gateway.

Damages:
Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you
notice any damage you should make note of it when signing for delivery
or do not agree to accept the delivery.

If you do accept delivery you are required to immediately take photos
using your smart phone or camera of the damaged packaging or
products inside the packaging. 

If your item(s) do arrived damaged please send photos to info@stargazeroptics.com, then visit our Returns page and lodge your return claim online.

Free Returns

While we fully stand by every product that we sell, we understand that
sometimes you might change your mind or realize the product you
ordered wasn't exactly what you were hoping for.

That's why we offer a 30 Day Return Policy.

If you decide you want to return an item for any reason within 30 days
after receipt of your order, please email us at info@stargazeroptics.com with your order number and we will provide detailed instructions on how to
process the return.

Return shipping costs will be covered by Stargazer Optics.

Once your return item(s) have been received and inspected at our
warehouse(s), we will send you an email notification that we have
processed your return payment.

*Please note: In order to receive a refund for the item(s) ordered, the
item(s) must arrive back to our distribution center in "Like New" condition
and must contain all original packaging and accessories.

"Like New" means that the items you ordered must not show any visual
signs of wear.  Opened products will be accepted, as long as the above criteria are met.

If items are returned with visual signs of wear, or have any issues due to
use will not be accepted and no refund will be given.

If you decide you want to return your order, please email us at info@stargazeroptics.com with your order number and we will assist you. We want to make this as simple of a process as possible for you.

Damages
If the product is damaged, you must make note of it immediately when
signing for delivery and send photos to info@stargazeroptics.com the day of delivery.

Stargazer Optics will pay for shipping defective, damaged, or
incorrect merchandise at our cost.

Remember to keep all the original packaging for any items that need to
be returned. All returns need to be authorized by our customer service
department prior to being processed. 

We will ensure you get the product you ordered, undamaged, as soon
as possible. Items that become damaged after use are non-refundable
unless specified under warranty.

Cancellations
If you would like to cancel an order, please email or call our customer
service team immediately.

Cancellations received before shipment will receive a full refund.

Orders canceled after items have shipped will follow our 30 Day Return
policy.

Other Return Policy Notes:
If a certain vendor or product does not support the return policy stated
above, this will be noted in the product descriptions or in the product-
specific return information.

Products that are specified as certified pre-owned or used are ineligible
for a return

Stargazer Optics only sells to purchasers who intend to use the
item(s) for the duration of its economic life. Orders purchased for the
specific purpose of a "one time use or temporary use" are not eligible for
return under any circumstances. This includes but is not limited to;
orders intended for use in a trade show or a conference venue, orders
that are purchased by promotional companies, and orders that are
purchased by trade show facilitators.

For more information on Shipping & Returns see our FAQ page.

Description

Description

The Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 was designed by Explore Scientific’s Engineers, and features the PMC-Eight, which represents a new approach to robotic precision motion control for telescope mounts with a robust eight processor electronics board for a wide range of software clients. While the design is innovative, we are doing what no other telescope company has done, and that is to make the controlling interface language and example software code open source, so that programmers in the astronomical community can create new platforms and new astronomy GoTo experiences to best suit their needs for casual observations and research.

The result is a robust high-end equatorial mount that offers either hardwired or wireless connectivity with a computer running any ASCOM-compatible software. For users without such software, Explore Scientific provides an intuitive mount control graphical interface software package called ExploreStars, which is downloadable from the Microsoft App Store, Google Play, or iTunes App Store at no charge. ExploreStars is currently available for Windows 8.1 and 10, Android, Amazon Fire, and Apple tablets. Tablets and computers must be purchased separately.

The equatorial mount underlying the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 with PMC-Eight GoTo system is a modified version of the Losmandy G-11. For example, Explore Scientific has replaced the servo motors in the standard G-11 with stepper motors to more precisely control the motor rate to .01 arc seconds per second. Another modification is the use of helical couplers on each axis ($175 value on each axis) to provide more reliable operation and higher performance by connecting the worm and motor more securely in the RA and DEC axes. Moreover, the Explore Scientific’s modified mount includes the Losmandy RA extension (a $295 value) (the 0.6" saddle plate extension is not necessary with our setup) that not only allows the mount to track beyond the meridian but also allows the 35-pound mount head to be separated into components of 15 and 20 pounds for easy transportation.

The heart of Explore Scientific’s PMC-Eight GoTo controller is the eight processor micro-controller. In addition to standard features like an auto-guide port (ST4 contact input) and a serial port for conventional hardwired connectivity, the PMC-Eight encompasses such advanced features as a wireless Ethernet 10/100 with full IP function which permits access to the controller from anywhere, which provide fast and robust operations. To fully unlock the potential of this controller, Explore Scientific has adopted an open-source approach – meaning that Explore Scientific freely provides documentation for the controller and example software demonstrating how the controller’s features can be utilized. Thus, the astronomy community which we refer to as the OpenGoTo® Community is encouraged to develop and share creative applications for the PMC-Eight. We also offer one of, if not the only ASCOM compatible wireless driver on the market. It is also one of, if not the only ASCOM driver with complete open-source code available to write whatever you might need into the code of the ASCOM driver.

The combination of a 60-pound payload capacity, various ASCOM compatible software packages coupled with the precision of the PMC-Eight system makes the Explore Scientific/Losmandy G-11 an excellent choice for the serious astronomer. Additionally, the Explore Scientific OpenGoTo Community provides a resource for advanced amateur astronomers to develop his/her own applications for this system. And, when controlled by ExploreStars, this mount is a proven favorite among audiences during events outreach and at star parties.

Specs

Item Number ES-G11PMC8–00 Load Capacity Equipment Rating Instrument Weight: 60 lbs. (27.22 Kilos) Load Capacity Total Rating Total Weight: 100 lbs. Tripod height: Adjustable/Folding 3" - 48" Counter Weights Includes 21 lb counterweight and 1–1/4 inch diameter weight shaft w/safety knob. Optional 7 lb and 11 lb counterweights available. Dovetail saddle-plate Accepts both “D” Losmandy Style Dovetail or Vixen Style Dovetail. Weight EQ Head 33 lbs. Weight Tripod 35 lbs.

Warranty

Limited Warranty is two years on all electronics. Click Here to register.

Software

 

Click here to download and learn more about the PMC-Eight and it’s documentation, the PMC-Eight ASCOM driver, and ExploreStars App.

Here is a list of most of the ASCOM software packages available for use with the Explore Scientific with PMC-Eight mounts: ACP; APT; AST / ATC & Ricerca (Omega Lab); AstroArt; AstroMB; Cartes du Ciel / Sky Chart; CCD AutoPilot; DeepSky; Deepsky Planner; DFM Engineering; Earth Centered Universe Pro; EasySky; Eye and Telescope; Project Pluto; Hallo Northern Sky; Maxim DL; MaxPoint; PinPoint Astrometric; Prism; Sequence Generator Pro; Sidereal Technology; The Sky; SkyMap Software; SkyTools 3; Star Atlas PRO; Sky Observer; StarryNight; Stellarium; Virtual Moon Atlas; and WorldWide Telescope.

Support

PMC-Eight GoTo Homepage

For help with the PMC-8, please see our Knowledge Base

Learn how to make a very precise polar alignment with the Drift Method.

CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)

Free Shipping

Shipping is FREE on all orders to customers within the United States. We don't want to mess around with fine print and extra charges, we like things to be simple and easy. 

Want to know about our Returns Policy? Read more here.

Order Confirmation:
As soon as you place your order you will receive an order confirmation
e-mail.  This means that we have received your order in our system and
pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase.  

As soon as we receive your order we automatically check to confirm that
your order is in stock and available for immediate shipment.  If your item
is on back-order or unavailable we will void the pre-authorization and
reach out to you via e-mail to see if alternate arrangements can be
made.  

If your item(s) are available for immediate shipment (within 5 business
days) we will process the charges and get to work preparing your
order for shipment.

Order Shipment:
If your order is in stock and we process the charges to your credit card it
will ship within three business days from the date of your order.  
We will send you shipping confirmation within 24 hours of your order
leaving the warehouse to the e-mail address you provided when
checking out.  

If you do not receive shipping confirmation from us within four business
days of your order feel free to follow up with us at info@stargazeroptics.com.

International Orders:
Please be aware that our products are made specifically for the United States market. This means that they require a 110V
electrical system to function correctly. 

Our products have generally not been certified for use with other
countries electrical safety standards but all of our products are certified
to United States standards.

We will happily ship our fantastic products to international customers.
Due to the extremely wide variety of product dimensions we will provide
an up to date shipping price quote for you on request.

If you are happy with our shipping quote we will prepare an order and
payment though our ultra secure online payment gateway.

Damages:
Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you
notice any damage you should make note of it when signing for delivery
or do not agree to accept the delivery.

If you do accept delivery you are required to immediately take photos
using your smart phone or camera of the damaged packaging or
products inside the packaging. 

If your item(s) do arrived damaged please send photos to info@stargazeroptics.com, then visit our Returns page and lodge your return claim online.

Free Returns

While we fully stand by every product that we sell, we understand that
sometimes you might change your mind or realize the product you
ordered wasn't exactly what you were hoping for.

That's why we offer a 30 Day Return Policy.

If you decide you want to return an item for any reason within 30 days
after receipt of your order, please email us at info@stargazeroptics.com with your order number and we will provide detailed instructions on how to
process the return.

Return shipping costs will be covered by Stargazer Optics.

Once your return item(s) have been received and inspected at our
warehouse(s), we will send you an email notification that we have
processed your return payment.

*Please note: In order to receive a refund for the item(s) ordered, the
item(s) must arrive back to our distribution center in "Like New" condition
and must contain all original packaging and accessories.

"Like New" means that the items you ordered must not show any visual
signs of wear.  Opened products will be accepted, as long as the above criteria are met.

If items are returned with visual signs of wear, or have any issues due to
use will not be accepted and no refund will be given.

If you decide you want to return your order, please email us at info@stargazeroptics.com with your order number and we will assist you. We want to make this as simple of a process as possible for you.

Damages
If the product is damaged, you must make note of it immediately when
signing for delivery and send photos to info@stargazeroptics.com the day of delivery.

Stargazer Optics will pay for shipping defective, damaged, or
incorrect merchandise at our cost.

Remember to keep all the original packaging for any items that need to
be returned. All returns need to be authorized by our customer service
department prior to being processed. 

We will ensure you get the product you ordered, undamaged, as soon
as possible. Items that become damaged after use are non-refundable
unless specified under warranty.

Cancellations
If you would like to cancel an order, please email or call our customer
service team immediately.

Cancellations received before shipment will receive a full refund.

Orders canceled after items have shipped will follow our 30 Day Return
policy.

Other Return Policy Notes:
If a certain vendor or product does not support the return policy stated
above, this will be noted in the product descriptions or in the product-
specific return information.

Products that are specified as certified pre-owned or used are ineligible
for a return

Stargazer Optics only sells to purchasers who intend to use the
item(s) for the duration of its economic life. Orders purchased for the
specific purpose of a "one time use or temporary use" are not eligible for
return under any circumstances. This includes but is not limited to;
orders intended for use in a trade show or a conference venue, orders
that are purchased by promotional companies, and orders that are
purchased by trade show facilitators.

For more information on Shipping & Returns see our FAQ page.