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Re: Mount Connection Issues #TECHNICAL #ExploreStars #iEXOS-100

Dale Miller <dalemiller0306@...>
 

Hello,

I am still having issues with my mount. I have tried to call customer service but have not been able to get through. Can someone from Explore Scientific please give me a call back so I can try and get my issues resolved.

Thanks,

Dale

On Fri, May 1, 2020, 8:42 PM Dale Miller via groups.io <dalemiller0306=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hello Kent,

If you or someone from from your customer service team could give me a call tomorrow to help with my mount issues, I would really appreciate it. Would like to get my mount working this weekend for some observing.

Thanks

Dale

Re: Choosing Alignment Stars

Kent Marts- Explore Scientific Customer Service
 

Go to the settings an turn Auto Align to off. Now you can hit next and step through the stars.

 

To get the scope to slew, once you get to the star you want, you’ll have to tap the goto button down on the right.

 

And, when you select and object to view (not to align to) you’ll hit slew to, then goto.

 

Kent

 

 

From: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io <MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io> On Behalf Of Matthew Krauft via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 2:30 PM
To: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io
Subject: [ESPMC-Eight] Choosing Alignment Stars

 

Hello. Using Explore Stars, during a two or three star alignment, is there a way to choose the star(s) you’d like to align with? I don’t have a lot of sky to work with, and every time Explore Stars initially chooses alignment targets behind a tree. Thank you.


--
Kent Marts
Customer Service
Explore Scientific

Gear: Anything in the store!
Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

Travis
 

Appreciate the tip. Doesn’t seem to be the cause of the problem. 
--
Mount: EXOS2-GT
Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro
Camera: Canon sl2 dslr
Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

wayne archard
 

Travis, make sure you have no open Explorestars windows on your tablet before you try to connect.  It won't connect if you do.  Just a thought.
Wayne
Re: Choosing Alignment Stars

brian skinner
 

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 11:23 AM, Matthew Krauft wrote:
Thank you, Brian, and everyone who has chimed in with useful information. I will attempt to unpack all of this info, as I am a super noob at this. 
 


On May 4, 2020, at 12:39 PM, brian skinner <brianjimskinner@...> wrote:
Hi Mathew, on the settings page of the ES App you have an option to turn auto alignment off, this is essential where you don't have full sky visibility. What I do before starting my viewing session is use Sky Safari or similar to identify potential alignment stars reasonably close to my intended target. Most of these will be listed in the ES database but sometimes not so you need to consider others until all are usable as alignment stars.
So my process is, identify your alignment stars by turning the ES App on and do a dummy manual alignment to confirm your alignment candidates. With auto alignment off you select two or three star alignment and then toggle between the settings page and catalogue page which will invite you to select your alignment stars in turn. Slew and enter/sync to these stars in turn to confirm that they are available/listed in the database.

When you start your session for real, follow the same procedure as above.

Hope that helps, Brian
Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

Travis
 

No problem, I will get in touch with him tomorrow. 

Thank you!
--
Mount: EXOS2-GT
Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro
Camera: Canon sl2 dslr
Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

Jerry Hubbell - Explore Scientific VP Engineering
 

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 09:01 PM, Travis wrote:
If I would like to look into a RMA/ exchange of the PMC unit, would I need to go through the retailer I purchased from or manufacturer?
Hi Travis,

I was working with Wes on your problem earlier today and we are not sure exactly what it is. I would suggest you call our customer service and talk to Kent at +1 (866) 252-3811 and ask him what would be best in terms of returning your PMC-Eight for checkup and/or repair.
 
--
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!
Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

Travis
 

I'm thinking there may be an issue with the PMC-8 unit itself.. I've tried to set up now on three different computers and seem to have the same problem. Wes here was kind enough to lend a hand, and though i know hes still looking at possibilities i'm concerned this unit may have some sort of defect. I can't seem to find any indication of others having this same problem, and cant seem to establish a connection with the mount. If I would like to look into a RMA/ exchange of the PMC unit, would I need to go through the retailer I purchased from or manufacturer?

--
Mount: EXOS2-GT
Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro
Camera: Canon sl2 dslr
Re: iexos-100 dslr hookup #iEXOS-100

Jerry Hubbell - Explore Scientific VP Engineering
 

Hi,

We offer a dovetail plate on our website, you can find it here:
https://explorescientificusa.com/collections/mount-accessories/products/camera-dovetail-plate

--
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!
Re: iexos-100 dslr hookup #iEXOS-100

W.F.
 

Hi,
a dovetail vixenstyle is ok.
There are some only for use with the dsrl.
Also a reddot finder and a adapter for the flashlight shoe is helpful when you use the pmc-8 only with the dsrl.
With this you can see in what way you move your optics.
I buyed the reddot finder already when i use the dsrl only with an tripot.
It was really helpful.
Greetings Wolfgang.
iexos-100 dslr hookup #iEXOS-100

Daniel Burdziak
 

I got my iexos-100 today, and I was curious on if I’ll need a quick release, or ball-head in order to use my dslr with it, as I don’t have a telescope or dovetail. If so are they universal or is there a certain type/size I’d need? I found a camera store close that has them, just don’t want to get the wrong one.
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

Chris Tardif
 

Yes, the USB powered hub powers the camera, lens heater (not shown) and the guide camera.  The mount is also plugged into it.  

The one shown is https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07X91YGG1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

but I have another that is better: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B014ZQ07NE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The the USB cable on the first one is too short.  I used to have the second one on this mount that I would velcro to the side of the mount and attach with a shorter cable.

Yes, the tripod shown is the one that came with my Celestron XLT 150 Newtonian which I don't use.  The tripod that comes with the iEXOS-100 is good enough for a RedCat, but this is much sturdier so for the cost of the azimuth adapter I can get stability too.

Hope this helps.

Chris


--
Mounts: Explore Scientific IEXOS-100 w Celestron CG5 tripod, iOptron CEM 40
Scopes: Explore Scientific FCD-100 ED-102CF, Various Canon lenses, ZWO mini-guidescope, StarField 60mm guide-scope.
Camera: ASI120MM Mini (mono), Altair GPCAM 130
Control PC: Intel NUC
Loc: 44 -79
Re: Choosing Alignment Stars

Wes Mcdonald
 

Wolfgang:

Thanks!.  Yes that is the only application where that works that way.  Just Android.  It is different from the Windows Alignment Tour.  

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
Re: Choosing Alignment Stars

Matthew Krauft <mckrauft@...>
 

Thank you, Brian, and everyone who has chimed in with useful information. I will attempt to unpack all of this info, as I am a super noob at this. 



On May 4, 2020, at 12:39 PM, brian skinner <brianjimskinner@...> wrote:

Hi Mathew, on the settings page of the ES App you have an option to turn auto alignment off, this is essential where you don't have full sky visibility. What I do before starting my viewing session is use Sky Safari or similar to identify potential alignment stars reasonably close to my intended target. Most of these will be listed in the ES database but sometimes not so you need to consider others until all are usable as alignment stars.
So my process is, identify your alignment stars by turning the ES App on and do a dummy manual alignment to confirm your alignment candidates. With auto alignment off you select two or three star alignment and then toggle between the settings page and catalogue page which will invite you to select your alignment stars in turn. Slew and enter/sync to these stars in turn to confirm that they are available/listed in the database.

When you start your session for real, follow the same procedure as above.

Hope that helps, Brian

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

Max <asanmax@...>
 

Very nice! Now I have a couple of questions.
Is it a powered USB hub attached to the tripod leg? If it is, what brand/model?
Do you find the mount way sturdier on that tripod than on the original one?

Thanks,
Max
Re: Choosing Alignment Stars

brian skinner
 

Hi Mathew, on the settings page of the ES App you have an option to turn auto alignment off, this is essential where you don't have full sky visibility. What I do before starting my viewing session is use Sky Safari or similar to identify potential alignment stars reasonably close to my intended target. Most of these will be listed in the ES database but sometimes not so you need to consider others until all are usable as alignment stars.
So my process is, identify your alignment stars by turning the ES App on and do a dummy manual alignment to confirm your alignment candidates. With auto alignment off you select two or three star alignment and then toggle between the settings page and catalogue page which will invite you to select your alignment stars in turn. Slew and enter/sync to these stars in turn to confirm that they are available/listed in the database.

When you start your session for real, follow the same procedure as above.

Hope that helps, Brian
Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

jrichard333 <jrichard333@hotmail.com>
 

No worries, I am always in a state of confusion.

 

JR

 

From: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io [mailto:MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io] On Behalf Of Travis
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 11:35 AM
To: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ESPMC-Eight] Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

 

Sorry maybe I was confusing by saying that. I don't mean I resolved the issue, I just meant that I think I sent a message with my number. I thought I sent it to Wes.
--
Mount: EXOS2-GT
Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro
Camera: Canon sl2 dslr

Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

Travis
 

Sorry maybe I was confusing by saying that. I don't mean I resolved the issue, I just meant that I think I sent a message with my number. I thought I sent it to Wes.
--
Mount: EXOS2-GT
Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro
Camera: Canon sl2 dslr
Re: Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

jrichard333 <jrichard333@hotmail.com>
 

Hello Travis,

 

Ok on you think you got it.  I think your message was directed to either me or Wes.

 

Have fun.

 

JR

 

From: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io [mailto:MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io] On Behalf Of Travis
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 11:05 AM
To: MAIN@ESPMC-Eight.groups.io
Subject: Re: [ESPMC-Eight] Trouble setting up Exos 2 mount #EXOS2 #ExploreStars #ASCOM

 

Hey JR, 

I have tried the utility. When first launching the utility it says "connected to PMC-Eight-79" and then if I click on 'test WiFi', it comes back and says "wifi connection not found check settings and try again"


as for the ascom driver, I do have it set to wifi, and when I try to connect it returns an error:




--
Mount: EXOS2-GT
Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro
Camera: Canon sl2 dslr

Re: Choosing Alignment Stars

W.F.
 

Wes i use the android version with my tablett.
ES Version 1.9.20051.494 DB Ver: 2,3 [85643] FW Ver: 1.00

After start alignment, go to catalog then i have already a menu open "Pick first alignment star"
Greetings Wolfgang.
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