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Re: ASUS Nexus 7
#EXOS2
#ExploreStars
Pavel
I have never seen any other version except of the one for Android, but I suppose there are some small differences in the design. There are also minor differences between the slightly outdated documentation and the newer application updates that Jerry partly explained somewhere before. I still have no idea about the function of some buttons, such as the one concerning fimware.
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For me, the UI fits perfectly on a 7” screen. On a 10” screen, there is free space on the right and bottom. I also tried my phone with a 6” screen and (of course) this is a no-go: only top left part of the control screen is visible with the most of the direction buttons and site data, OTA data and target data. The rest is missing. Also the settings screen is incomplete. On the other hand, the catalog scales very well on any screen size, large or small. Regards, Pavel
5. 2. 2020 v 1:07, Timothy Myers via Groups.Io <tim_s_myers=sbcglobal.net@groups.io>:
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Re: Polar alignment through main scope
#alignment
#iEXOS-100
#sharpcap
FishWithFeet <jeff.paules@...>
I just thought I'd close the loop. I posted this photo elsewhere on the forum, however I did want to say that the PA through SharpCap allow this photo of 80 stacked 30 sec. Exposures unguided. I also aligned without the Azimuth adjuster in under 2mins, but I'm not sure this technique is best for the longevity of the equipment. Same setup, 200 1/3rd iso 1600 photos, folder monitor camera. In ShapCap polar align, dial in Altitude. Then as per the SharpCap process your Right Ascension is parallel to the ground. Using the counterweight bar I find that I can make fine adjustments with a little huge forward or back to get it "left" or "right" During the capture process the mount fell out of alignment a few times (noticed by trails) I was able to also use this technique between exposures to counteract the drift. I still think the AZ fine adjusters are the way to go, but I ran into an issue where I ordered mine from Andromeda to get free shipping. The sell the old version of the part that does not have the pieces needed to use with the iEXOS stock mount. If you do decide to buy this, buy from Explore Scientific direct.
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Re: ASUS Nexus 7
#EXOS2
#ExploreStars
Timothy Myers
Paval,
Thank you that was easy enough to do. Question: Is the interface on the Android different from the one on a PC? I am not seeing the buttons across the top and bottom of the screen, or is that the scale issue with the Nexus 7? -- Tim Myers Telescopes: Celestron 4SE, Celestron 8SE Mounts: 4-5 SE, 6-8SE, EXOS-2GT with PMC-Eight Cameras: ASI1600ME, Cooled Tablets: Asus Nexus 7
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Re: Amazon Fire 8HD
#EXOS2
Also, in recent Android versions there's an option of disabling battery optimization for selected apps. I would do this for ExploreStars.
As long as there's one app that keeps WiFi awake, the Android subsystem supporting WiFi won't go to sleep either. I hope this helps. JJ
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Re: Recently Locked Thread on Beginner's Sub Forum
#ExploreScientific
#astrophotography
On Tue, Feb 4, 2020 at 12:06 PM, brian skinner wrote:
Hi Jerry, I must apologise for starting the lens vs telescope discussionHi Brian, no worries. I would suggest to everybody to post anything they like within the general guidelines. if you have a question about whether the post is on the edge you can send me a message and ask. I prefer to have everyone's post show up immediately instead of moderating every post as it comes in (not showing it until approved) which is another option. Thanks -- Jerry Hubbell Vice President of Engineering Explore Scientific, LLC. jrh at explorescientific.com www.explorescientificusa.com 1010 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762 1-866-252-3811 Author: Scientific Astrophotography: How Amateurs Can Generate and Use Professional Imaging Data Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers: Using High-Powered Telescopes From Home Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO) IAU MPC W54 Equipment Wilderness, VA Mounts: ES PMC-Eight G11 + Telescope Drive Master (TDM) Scopes: ES 165 FPL-53 ED APO CF, ES 102 FCD100 ED APO CF Cameras: QHY174M-GPS + FW, QHY163C Misc: 3-inch 0.7x Focal Reducer Field Flattener, Filters: Luminance, Red, V-band Photometric, Diffuser, 200 lpmm Spectral Grating Software: MaxIm DL 6, Cartes du Ciel, Astrometrica, AstroImageJ, AutoStakkert!
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Re: Question on Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System
charles mckowen <Cmckow91@...>
I’m packing around 18lbs doing Astro and having no problems. Sharp images and smooth tracking
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On Feb 3, 2020, at 3:16 PM, Kevin Rea <reakevinscott@...> wrote:
-- Chuck McKowen Bortle 3 Mangham/Monroe, La WO Z61, ES ED 102, AstroTech 6 Rc,
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Re: Recently Locked Thread on Beginner's Sub Forum
#ExploreScientific
#astrophotography
brian skinner
Hi Jerry, I must apologise for starting the lens vs telescope discussion and fully appreciate your concern about this. Obviously we (absolute) beginners are likely to, from time to time, seek hints from more experienced users of your iEXOS 100 system on topics that may not strictly be direct mount topics, fully understood. All I can say is that I am extremely happy with my iEXOS 100 system and I (as I'm sure the majority of your customers also) very much appreciate the forums available to us. Kind regards, Brian
On Tue, 4 Feb 2020, 16:19 Jerry Hubbell - Explore Scientific VP Engineering, <jrh@...> wrote: I recently locked a thread on the PMC-Eight iEXOS 100 Beginner's subgroup entitled "Lense vs telescope". The initial response I made (message 39 in the thread) talked about the discussion moving into DSLR photography and was off topic.
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Recently Locked Thread on Beginner's Sub Forum
#ExploreScientific
#astrophotography
I recently locked a thread on the PMC-Eight iEXOS 100 Beginner's subgroup entitled "Lense vs telescope". The initial response I made (message 39 in the thread) talked about the discussion moving into DSLR photography and was off topic.
I misspoke, and I apologize for any confusion this caused. The discussion had veered off into discussions of image processing DSLR images. The reason I locked it was because of that, not because it was about DSLRs. We welcome discussion about any topic related to PMC-Eight mount system performance in terms of imaging, tracking, guiding, ease of use, etc. That is the purpose of the forum and we especially like seeing the results of your imaging sessions using any camera you care to use. So I apologize again for any confusion. I should have said this is not an image processing forum, it is a mount system forum. Please keep sharing your experiences with the PMC-Eight, and asking your questions, I think everyone appreciates coming hear and reading about what new successes, and yes, failures, are occurring with the system. Thanks for your continued support! Clear Skies -- Jerry Hubbell Vice President of Engineering Explore Scientific, LLC. jrh at explorescientific.com www.explorescientificusa.com 1010 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762 1-866-252-3811 Author: Scientific Astrophotography: How Amateurs Can Generate and Use Professional Imaging Data Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers: Using High-Powered Telescopes From Home Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO) IAU MPC W54 Equipment Wilderness, VA Mounts: ES PMC-Eight G11 + Telescope Drive Master (TDM) Scopes: ES 165 FPL-53 ED APO CF, ES 102 FCD100 ED APO CF Cameras: QHY174M-GPS + FW, QHY163C Misc: 3-inch 0.7x Focal Reducer Field Flattener, Filters: Luminance, Red, V-band Photometric, Diffuser, 200 lpmm Spectral Grating Software: MaxIm DL 6, Cartes du Ciel, Astrometrica, AstroImageJ, AutoStakkert!
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Re: Data base is on SD card but will not load onto the application
#ExploreStars
#Android
Pavel
Oops! So, you use Windows just to install the database for an Android device - then follow Kent and Jerry, I am terribly sorry!
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P.
4. 2. 2020 v 15:37, Pavel via Groups.Io <pavel.vondricka=ff.cuni.cz@groups.io>:
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Re: Data base is on SD card but will not load onto the application
#ExploreStars
#Android
On Tue, Feb 4, 2020 at 09:13 AM, John Pirrone wrote:
I can open ES and can move the mount but none of the database objects are in the app.Hi John, I am sorry you are having issues getting ExploreStars to work on your Android device. I assume that you used this page to download the database file: https://explorescientificusa.com/pages/android-os-download Please note that the ExploreStars folder copied to the root of the SD card contains not only the images folder but also the file "ExploreStars.sqlite" that is the file your device is looking for. First, verify that file is there, and then you need to make sure (Step 3 in the procedure) that under the application permissions (under settings) that you give the ExploreStars app permission to access your external storage (SD card). It should work for you if you have done these steps. -- Jerry Hubbell Vice President of Engineering Explore Scientific, LLC. jrh at explorescientific.com www.explorescientificusa.com 1010 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762 1-866-252-3811 Author: Scientific Astrophotography: How Amateurs Can Generate and Use Professional Imaging Data Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers: Using High-Powered Telescopes From Home Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO) IAU MPC W54 Equipment Wilderness, VA Mounts: ES PMC-Eight G11 + Telescope Drive Master (TDM) Scopes: ES 165 FPL-53 ED APO CF, ES 102 FCD100 ED APO CF Cameras: QHY174M-GPS + FW, QHY163C Misc: 3-inch 0.7x Focal Reducer Field Flattener, Filters: Luminance, Red, V-band Photometric, Diffuser, 200 lpmm Spectral Grating Software: MaxIm DL 6, Cartes du Ciel, Astrometrica, AstroImageJ, AutoStakkert!
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Re: Data base is on SD card but will not load onto the application
#ExploreStars
#Android
Kent Marts- Explore Scientific Customer Service
The quick message that flashes up states that it cannot find the sqlite files. Those are the database files.
That tablet appears to be an Adroid device. As such it needs a different database set from the one Windows uses. You need to download the Android database on the Windows machine, extract it correctly, install it on the SD card, and put it card in the device.
There may be some security settings on the device that have to be set.
Here are the directions I’ve written, and posted before:
Follow the steps exactly: 1) From this page -- https://explorescientificusa.com/pages/android-os-download -- download the Android database onto a Windows machine. 2) Go to where it downloaded, probably the download folder, where you'll find ExploreStars in a zipped file. 3) Click on it ONCE. 4) At the top should see, in pink, Compressed Folder Tools. Click on that -- NOT on Extract. 5) A bit below that, on the right, you'll now see Extract All. Double click it. 6) I suggest you click the browse button so can make the machine download it onto your desktop. Once the location is chosen, click selection. 7) Then click Extract. The extraction process will start. Now that it is downloaded: 1) Find the ExploreStars folder on your desktop. 2) Double click it to open it. Inside should be 2 files – the Images folder and the file ExploreStars.sqlite. If you have not already done so, insert your micro-SD card into the computer slot. 1) Open the micro-SD card. Delete ALL ExloreStars folders that may reside there. 2) Close the micro-SD card. 3) Click and hold on the ExploreStars folder AND DRAG it onto the micro-SD card. 4) Open the micro-SD card to verify the folder is on the FIRST LEVEL of the card. 5) If it is not, Get on the FIRST LEVEL. 6) Eject the card. On the tablet: 1) If it is running, close the ExploreStars app. 2) Insert the micro-SD card. 3) Turn off the tablet. 4) Turn on the tablet. 5) Launch ExploreStars. That process should get you up and running. Now, some devices require you to give permission to let the app access the database. That is different on different operating systems. If that's the case, I need to know exactly what operating system you are running. You can probably Google it and find it yourself. The most common mistaken I've seen in this process happens in Step No. 4 in the first paragraph: 4) At the top should see, in pink, Compressed Folder Tools. Click on that -- NOT on Extract. The mistake is clicking on Extract under the pink box. Click on the pink box to access the correct Extract All button. I hope my directions make sense. I typed them as I went through the process on my computer.
Kent Marts Customer Service Explore Scientific
From: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io <MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io>
On Behalf Of John Pirrone via Groups.Io
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2020 10:00 PM To: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io Subject: [ESPMC-Eight] Data base is on SD card but will not load onto the application #ExploreStars
I used my windows 10 laptop to load the explore stars database onto my Micro SD card. Installed it into my Lenovo Smart Tab M10. I can open ES and can move the mount but none of the database objects are in the app. When I open it an error
message comes up that says Could not open database file and a bunch of other stuff but I can't read all of it because it disappears too quickly. -- Kent Marts Customer Service Explore Scientific Gear: Anything in the store!
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Re: Data base is on SD card but will not load onto the application
#ExploreStars
#Android
Pavel
Hi, that’s the common confusion of multiplatformity I am also forgetting all the time: the use of a SD card is specific to Android devices. If you use a Windows computer, the correct location for the database is (said to be) your „Pictures” folder (please, correct me if I am wrong, I am not using Windows myself).
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Best regards, Pavel
4. 2. 2020 v 4:59, John Pirrone via Groups.Io <pepperonihead=gmail.com@groups.io>:
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Now Available - iEXOS 100 HD PMC-EIght Sky Tracker
#iEXOS-100
#ExploreScientific
I am pleased to announce the availability of the new iEXOS 100 HD PMC-Eight Sky Tracker Bundle!!
https://explorescientificusa.com/products/es-iexos100-et This new version of the iEXOS 100 PMC-Eight Mount system comes bundled with all the recently released accessories you have been asking for at a very compelling price - $599.99 The iEXOS 100 HD PMC-Eight is not meant to replace the EXOS 2 PMC-Eight mount with similar features and a greater payload, but is intended to provide an alternative for those customers who want a much lighter, full featured mount system that is easier to setup and carry. This version adds to the very popular iEXOS 100 PMC-Eight mount the following accessories (available separately)
We are pleased to be able to offer this package to all those new to the PMC-Eight Mount Control System!! -- Jerry Hubbell Vice President of Engineering Explore Scientific, LLC. jrh at explorescientific.com www.explorescientificusa.com 1010 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762 1-866-252-3811 Author: Scientific Astrophotography: How Amateurs Can Generate and Use Professional Imaging Data Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers: Using High-Powered Telescopes From Home Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO) IAU MPC W54 Equipment Wilderness, VA Mounts: ES PMC-Eight G11 + Telescope Drive Master (TDM) Scopes: ES 165 FPL-53 ED APO CF, ES 102 FCD100 ED APO CF Cameras: QHY174M-GPS + FW, QHY163C Misc: 3-inch 0.7x Focal Reducer Field Flattener, Filters: Luminance, Red, V-band Photometric, Diffuser, 200 lpmm Spectral Grating Software: MaxIm DL 6, Cartes du Ciel, Astrometrica, AstroImageJ, AutoStakkert!
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Data base is on SD card but will not load onto the application
#ExploreStars
#Android
John Pirrone
I used my windows 10 laptop to load the explore stars database onto my Micro SD card. Installed it into my Lenovo Smart Tab M10. I can open ES and can move the mount but none of the database objects are in the app. When I open it an error message comes up that says Could not open database file and a bunch of other stuff but I can't read all of it because it disappears too quickly.
I can find the SD card on my tablet in the storage and I can open it and see the photos, alignment stars, etc. but it will not show up in the Explore stars app. Driving me nuts!
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Re: Astrophotography Done with the iEXOS-100, EXOS 2, and G11 Post your Pictures and Details! Lets Show What These Mounts Can Do.
#G11
#astrophotography
#iEXOS-100
#EXOS2
julian.shroff1@...
On Sun, Feb 2, 2020 at 10:35 PM, FishWithFeet wrote:
Orion and Running Man NebulasBeautiful! I presume you meant no guiding? Consider taking flats, they help a lot with the vignetting in your corners.
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Re: iEXOS 100 Weight Distribution Question
Jay Sanchez
Hi Jed - My rig is very similar to your setup and the additional 3rd weight works great and is the best solution.
-- Jay Sanchez Home: Bortle 8, Norfolk VA Camera: Canon t2i, ha modded Guide Camera: ASI224MC & ASI mini guidescope Imaging scopes/lens: Pentax 300mm f4, WO Z61 w/ FF, Vivitar 90mm; 70-200mm f/2.8, Tokina 11-16mm f2.8, Nikon 50mm f1.4 Filters: HA 12nm, CLS-CCD Mount: iEXOS-100 APT, CDC, PHD2, Sharpcap, DSS, PS
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Re: ASUS Nexus 7
#EXOS2
#ExploreStars
Pavel
Has anyone worked out a way to load the database on a tablet without anYes, I posted it here a few months ago. The application actually tells you where it is looking for the files. But it is difficult to read it in such a short moment. If there is no SD card, the full path is usually: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.explorescientific.explorestars/files/ExploreStars Best regards, Pavel
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Re: Question on Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System
Clendon Gibson
I believe some of the confusion is that most mounts simply have a weight limit and that the rule of thumb is that 1/2 the weight limit is good for astro. The EXOS2 distinguishes in its literature between an astro weight limit and a visual weight limit. If you
don't know that and take the astro weight limit and then 1/2 it or 1/3 it...
From: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io <MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io> on behalf of Robert Hoskin <devonshire@...>
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2020 4:49 PM To: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io <MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io> Subject: Re: [ESPMC-Eight] Question on Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System Welcome, Kevin!
I doubt that anybody who had ever actually used one would say that, but there's lots of advice (say... on CloudyNights?) that fits a formula. If someone comes along asking for advice, the person advising will go with what they think is, in their experience,
the safest choice. And if the OP comes back with "ok, but...", then they'll try to layer their perception of safety on top of that consideration.
Basically, I think most of the advisors on CN are simply playing it safe regarding a mount they are unfamiliar with. And they may also be considering that a significant fraction of folks posting will think of their mount as a black box that either works
or doesn't, and are unwilling to pick up a hex wrench, crack a cover, and make a needed adjustment.
The EXOS2 PMC8 is basically the LXD75, upgraded with decent ball bearings on all axes, powered by a belt drive with few moving parts and decent motors, and a very robust controller. Mechanical adjustments are easy to do.
My setup is midsize for here, about 13.5lbs of refractor, guidestuff and DSLR. Some of the members are using larger payloads, some smaller. If I do my part (adjustments, balance, etc.), and the weather cooperates, I can track round stars for as long
as I need (guided), as can lots of others here.
What scope/imaging payload are you planning to use?
- Bob
Mounts: ES PMC-8 EXOS2
Scopes: SV 102EDT, ZWO 60/280 Guide
Cameras: Nikon D5300, Altair GPCAM2-IMX224C
Software: ASCOM, CdC, AstroTortilla, BYN Pro, Sharpcap, PHD2
Computer: Thinkpad x230, Win7Pro/64
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Re: Question on Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight GoTo System
Wes Mcdonald
Kevin I have to weigh my rig but as Bob mentioned 14# is well inside the weight limit for good astro. You can find a pic I shot of M42 in the forum. My load is as follows 1. ADM replacement saddle mount and vixen saddle...this weighs more than the stock part 2. Es 127 APO carbon fiber, dew shield 3. Small vixen saddle on scope handle 4 two scope rings and 60mm guide scope with ASI 290 mm mini guide camera: mini vixen bar on guide acope 5. Telrad 6. Nikon DS5300 7. Teleview .8 focal reducer/flatener (a little heavy thing) 8. Dew straps and cables.for all this stuff 9. One large counterweight and a 5 pounder It's a pretty big rig and works well enough, as Bob put it, when I do my part. These mounts need some personal attention mechanically to make them perform to their peak capability. I can guide to something between 2 and 1 arc second depending on how things shake out on any given night. I just bought another hunk of metal, a Moonlite motorized focuser, and I have no fears of adding this extra.weight. I really should weigh my rig.... Wes
-- Wes, Southport NC PMC-8, ES ED 127, 10" LX200GPS, Astro-Tech 8" Newt, ETX-90 Polemaster, Orion ST-80 and SAG Electrical Engineer, Retired
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Re: ASUS Nexus 7
#EXOS2
#ExploreStars
Kent Marts- Explore Scientific Customer Service
Explore Stars, Android version, looks for the database in one place, and one place only: The external memory.
I cannot speak to why that is or the decision tree that lead to that. But that's what it is. Kent Marts Customer Service Explore Scientific
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