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

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

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-EXOS2GTPMCT3-01
CA$1,400.00 - CA$1,400.00
CA$1,400.00
CA$1,400.00 - CA$1,400.00
CA$1,400.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 28 lb Astrophotography Payload Capacity
  • 40 lb Visual Payload Capacity
  • PMC-Eight OpenGOTO System
  • Wireless Control via WiFi & Bluetooth®
  • Includes Two 11.25 lb Counterweights
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System

    The Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT mount supports a 28 lb astrophotography payload and a 40 lb visual payload on a robust 30 lb platform. Its PMC-Eight GoTo system connects wirelessly via WiFi or Bluetooth® to the ExploreStars app, which contains a database of over 80,000 objects. The heavy-duty tripod features 2-inch stainless steel legs adjustable from 26.8" to 42.5", providing a stable foundation for serious imaging and observation.

    High-Payload Design: 28 lbs for Imaging, 40 lbs for Visual

    The EXOS2-GT is engineered with two distinct payload capacities: a 28 lb limit for demanding astrophotography and a 40 lb limit for visual observation. This dual rating acknowledges that while the mount can physically carry heavier loads, the tight tracking precision required for long-exposure imaging is maintained with a sub-28 lb instrument. For visual use, where minor tracking deviations are imperceptible, you can confidently mount larger telescopes.

    This capacity is supported by a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod with 2-inch diameter legs, a built-in bubble level, and an extension range from 26.8 to 42.5 inches. The entire system, weighing 30 lbs without counterweights, offers a portable yet remarkably solid platform that rivals much larger mounts. The choice of belt-driven stepper motors over DC servos ensures the drive system can handle significant strain without damaging mechanical or electronic components.

    PMC-Eight GoTo: Wireless Control with Stepper Motor Precision

    At the heart of the EXOS2-GT is the PMC-Eight, an open-source GoTo system controlled wirelessly from your own device. Using WiFi or Bluetooth®, you can command the mount from any tablet or PC running Windows, Android, or iOS without being tethered by a hand controller. This allows you to stay warm indoors while your telescope operates outside, or simply enjoy a more comfortable, cable-free setup in the field.

    The open architecture of the PMC-Eight extends to its software compatibility. In addition to the native ExploreStars app, a full ASCOM driver is provided, allowing you to integrate the mount with a vast ecosystem of third-party software. This includes popular astrophotography suites like Sequence Generator Pro, N.I.N.A., and Maxim DL, as well as planetarium programs like Stellarium and Cartes du Ciel.

    ExploreStars App: Navigating an 80,000+ Object Database

    The free ExploreStars application transforms your tablet or computer into a powerful observatory control center. It features an intuitive graphical interface for navigating the night sky and controlling the mount. Alignment is streamlined with simple 2-star and 3-star procedures, getting you on target quickly and accurately.

    The app's celestial database includes over 80,000 objects, from planets in our solar system to deep-sky targets in the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs. For many popular objects, ExploreStars provides educational information and images, enriching your observing session. This database is updatable and can even be customized, allowing you to add your own notes and images to your favorite targets.

  • What is the real-world payload of the EXOS2-GT mount for imaging?

    The official astrophotography payload for the EXOS2-GT is 28 lbs. This refers to the weight of the telescope and all imaging accessories (camera, guide scope, filter wheel, etc.). While the mount can physically handle more for visual use (up to 40 lbs), staying at or below the 28 lb imaging limit ensures the tracking accuracy required for sharp, long-exposure images.

    What devices can I use to control the EXOS2-GT with the PMC-Eight system?

    You can control the EXOS2-GT mount wirelessly using a wide range of devices. The PMC-Eight system and its ExploreStars app are compatible with:

    • Windows 8.1 or 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets
    • Android tablets and phones
    • Apple iPads and iPhones (iOS)
    • Amazon Fire tablets

    You connect to the mount via its built-in WiFi or Bluetooth®, eliminating the need for a traditional hand controller.

    Does the EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight support ASCOM for use with software like Sequence Generator Pro?

    Yes. The EXOS2-GT with PMC-Eight is fully ASCOM compliant. Explore Scientific provides a dedicated ASCOM driver that allows the mount to be controlled by any ASCOM-compatible software, including popular automation and planetarium programs like Sequence Generator Pro (SGP), N.I.N.A., APT, Stellarium, and Cartes du Ciel.

    How does the EXOS2-GT's stepper motor drive compare to a servo motor drive?

    The EXOS2-GT uses belt-driven stepper motors, which are known for their high torque and durability. Unlike DC servo motors, which can be damaged if they encounter a hard stop or an overloaded condition, stepper motors can handle significant strain without harming the electronics or gears. This makes the mount more robust and forgiving in real-world use.

    What kind of telescope is a good match for the EXOS2-GT for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?

    For imaging a large target like the Orion Nebula (M42), a wide-field refractor is an excellent choice. An 80mm to 102mm triplet apochromatic refractor, along with a camera and guide scope, would typically weigh between 15 and 25 lbs, well within the EXOS2-GT's 28 lb imaging capacity. This combination would provide a wide, flat field of view perfect for capturing the full expanse of the nebula.

    Can I use the EXOS2-GT for visual observation with a 10" f/5 Newtonian telescope?

    Yes, most likely. A typical 10-inch f/5 Newtonian optical tube weighs around 25-30 lbs. This is well within the EXOS2-GT's 40 lb visual payload capacity. The mount would provide a solid, stable platform for observing planets and deep-sky objects with such an instrument, though it would be at the upper limit for serious astrophotography.

  • Mount Type German Equatorial
    Astrophotography Payload 28 lbs (instrument weight)
    Visual Payload 40 lbs (instrument weight)
    GoTo System PMC-Eight OpenGOTO
    Drive System Belt-Driven Stepper Motors
    Connectivity WiFi and Bluetooth®
    Control Software ExploreStars App (free)
    Supported Platforms Windows 8.1/10, Android, Amazon Fire, iOS
    ASCOM Compatible Yes, with included driver
    Object Database Over 80,000 objects
    Total Mount Weight 30 lbs (without counterweights)
    Head Weight 13.4 lbs
    Tripod Weight 13 lbs
    Tripod Stainless Steel with 2" diameter legs
    Tripod Height 26.8" to 42.5"
    Counterweights 2 x 11.25 lbs included
    Polar Finder Included, pre-installed
    Power AC Adapter included

    • EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount Head with PMC-Eight

      × 1

    • Stainless Steel Tripod with 2" Legs

      × 1

    • 11.25 lb Counterweight

      × 2

    • AC Adapter

      × 1

    • Installed Polar-finder Scope

      × 1

  • Explore Scientific Warranty Policy