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Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Series Air-Spaced Triplet Telescope in Carbon Fiber + iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker (Bundle)

SKU ES-FCD100-102-CF-IEXOS100
Original price CA$3,640.00 - Original price CA$3,640.00
Original price
CA$3,640.00
CA$3,640.00 - CA$3,640.00
Current price CA$3,640.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Features premium HOYA FCD100 ED glass for superior color correction
  • Air-spaced triplet optical design delivers high-contrast, sharp images
  • Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber optical tube
  • iEXOS-100-02 German Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight motion control
  • Wireless GoTo control via WiFi and Bluetooth with the ExploreStars app
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  • ED102-FCD100 Series Air-Spaced Triplet Telescope in Carbon Fiber + iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker (Bundle)

    This Explore Scientific bundle pairs the ED102-FCD100 Carbon Fiber Triplet Telescope with the iEXOS-100-02 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker, creating a complete, portable system for high-fidelity astrophotography and visual observation. The apochromatic refractor's air-spaced triplet optics and HOYA FCD100 glass eliminate false color, producing images with sharp, high-contrast details. The lightweight carbon fiber tube assembly places minimal demand on the included iEXOS-100 mount, which provides accurate GoTo slewing and tracking controlled wirelessly from your tablet or smartphone.

    ED102-FCD100 Optics: Apochromatic Performance with FCD100 Glass

    At the heart of the ED102 refractor is an air-spaced triplet objective featuring premium HOYA FCD100 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. This optical design brings all wavelengths of light to a single focal point, delivering images virtually free of chromatic aberration. For you, this means stars are rendered as sharp points with no distracting purple halos, and fine details on planetary surfaces or within faint nebulae are resolved with exceptional clarity and contrast.

    Carbon Fiber Construction: A Lightweight and Stable Imaging Platform

    The optical tube is constructed from carbon fiber, a material that offers significant advantages over traditional aluminum. It provides exceptional rigidity while reducing overall weight, making the telescope easier to transport and set up for grab-and-go sessions. Carbon fiber is also less susceptible to temperature changes, which helps maintain precise focus over a long imaging session as the night cools down. A robust 2.5" HEX focuser ensures a stable, flex-free connection for heavy cameras and accessories.

    iEXOS-100 Mount: Wireless GoTo with PMC-Eight Control

    The iEXOS-100-02 is a modern German equatorial mount built around the advanced PMC-Eight motion control system. Unlike single-processor designs, the PMC-Eight architecture uses a multi-processor system to manage tracking and slewing, resulting in more responsive and reliable performance. With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, you can control the entire system wirelessly using the free ExploreStars app, which provides a full-featured planetarium interface for alignment, object selection, and sky navigation. The mount also supports ASCOM drivers for seamless integration with popular third-party astrophotography software.

  • How does FCD100 glass in the Explore Scientific ED102 benefit my astrophotography?

    HOYA FCD100 is a premium extra-low dispersion (ED) glass that provides outstanding color correction. For astrophotography, this means stars will appear as sharp, natural-colored points without the distracting purple fringing (chromatic aberration) common in less-corrected refractors. This results in cleaner, higher-contrast images that require less corrective processing.

    What are the main advantages of the ED102's carbon fiber tube?

    The carbon fiber tube offers two key benefits over a standard aluminum tube:

    • Weight Reduction: It is significantly lighter without sacrificing strength, making the telescope more portable and placing less strain on the mount for better tracking.
    • Thermal Stability: Carbon fiber expands and contracts very little with temperature changes, which helps the telescope maintain sharp focus throughout a long night of imaging.

    How do I control the iEXOS-100-02 mount wirelessly?

    The iEXOS-100-02 has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. You can connect to the mount directly from a tablet or smartphone running Windows, Android, or iOS. Using the free ExploreStars application, you can perform a full GoTo alignment, browse its object database, and command the mount to slew to and track any target.

    What makes the PMC-Eight system different from other GoTo controllers?

    The PMC-Eight Precision Motion Control system uses a multi-processor architecture, with different CPUs dedicated to specific tasks like motor control and communication. This design improves timing precision and responsiveness compared to traditional single-processor controllers, leading to more accurate and reliable tracking for astrophotography.

    Is this ED102-FCD100 and iEXOS-100 bundle suitable for imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    Yes, this system is an excellent choice for large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the North American Nebula (NGC 7000). The refractor's focal length provides a wide field of view well-suited for framing these expansive objects, and the iEXOS-100 mount's German equatorial design ensures accurate tracking to prevent field rotation during the necessary long exposures.

    What power source is best for the iEXOS-100 mount for a full night of imaging?

    While the mount includes a battery pack that uses C-cell batteries, their voltage can drop quickly, potentially affecting motor performance. For a full night of reliable imaging, it is highly recommended to use an external lithium-ion power bank or a dedicated 12V DC power supply. This ensures the PMC-Eight system receives consistent power for optimal tracking accuracy.

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