Explore Scientific Titan EQ GoTo Mount with PMC-Eight Motor Systemtook the venerable Losmandy mount and modified it to their own specifications to produce their version of the Explore Scientific Titan EQ GoTo Mount with PMC-Eight Motor Systemto provide users with a powerful platform built to support and move larger optical tube assemblies (OTAs) easily and smoothly. Modifications include the use of the PMC-Eight motor drive system, upgraded micro-stepper motors with encoders, installing a belt drive between the motor and drive shafts, and replacing the wired control system with a wireless antenna for remote use from tablets and smartphones running Windows mobile operating systems. These modifications improve tracking precision while reducing system vibration and provide users with a wireless open-source control system that can be customized to their specific needs and shared with the Explore Scientific community.

The Titan lives up to its name with an instrument payload capacity of 100 lbs, with the capability to comfortably carry the two included 21 lb counterweights. All hardware is made of stainless steel to handle the weight as well as resist wear over years of use, while a split-design dovetail saddle accepts the larger Losmandy D-style plates. Its dual-axis DC stepper motor is reversible for use in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is powered by the included 12 VDC car/vehicle power adapter. Supporting the head and OTA is an aluminum tripod with an adjustable height of 33-48" to accommodate a wide variety of users, while its semi-pier design adds stability and vibration resistance versus conventional tripods. The semi-pier also allows the legs to be removed for easier transport and storage.

The brain of this Titan system is Explore Scientific's ExploreStars app for smartphones and tablets running Windows mobile OS that connects to the mount via its integrated WiFi antenna. If the mount is located near a WiFi network that is connected to the Internet, it can be controlled from a remote location. The app has a 70,000+ object database with an intuitive user interface controlled with the device's touchscreen and an Ethernet 10/100 port. It features Periodic Error Correction (PEC) and backlash correction to provide accurate, precise, and smooth tracking over long periods of time. Multiple guide, slew, and tracking rates allow it to be easily aligned and manually controlled and to accurately track near- and deep-sky objects. A non-volatile memory and Real-Time clock preserve settings, including backlash correction and PEC, when the system is turned off and power disconnected.

Motorized Equatorial Mount    100 lb Equipment Payload Capacity    Precision Dual-Axis Micro-Stepper Motor    ExploreStars GoTo App for Windows    70,000+ Object Database    Declination-Axis Backlash Compensation    Permanent Periodic Error Correction    Multiple Alignment Processes    Dual Losmandy/Vixen Dovetail Saddle    Anodized Aluminum Semi-Pier Tripod

• Machined aluminum and stainless steel
• Scratch-resistant and reflection-limiting black anodized finish
• All stainless steel hardware resists wear
• 100 lb payload capacity, excluding included counterweights
• Head disassembles into two parts for easier handling, transport, and storage
• Altitude adjustment range: 12-70° with locking tangent arm
• Laser-engraved latitude scale in 2° increments
• Single bi-directional knob azimuth control, ±10° increments
• Full 360° rotation in both RA and dec axes
• Dual bubble levels for accurate setup
• Dovetail saddle accepts large Losmandy D-series plates
• Removable 1.25"-diameter stainless steel counterweight shaft with two 21 lb counterweights
• Head weight: 75 lbs
• 12 VDC, 500mA power requirement

• Electronics:
• Integrated WiFi antenna enables direct connection to smartphones, tablets, and networks for remote system control
• PMC-Eight motor control system
• Scalable 8-CPU multi-processor system allows control of multiple systems from single user interface
• Non-volatile memory bank retains PEC and backlash settings as well as accurate time when mount is turned off
• Fully compatible with any computer platform using an ASCOM-compliant software package
• Serial and standard ST4 auto-guiding ports

• Motors:
• High-resolution 0.9°, 400-count stepper motors
• Micro stepping controller enables the motor to work at 12,800 steps per revolution
• Belt-drive system reduces backlash and vibration for smoother and more accurate tracking, especially with heavy loads
• Tracking accuracy: ±5 arcsec
• Reversible for use in Northern and Southern Hemispheres

• Gears:
• All stainless steel hardware
• Shafts: 1.968"-diameter stainless steel tubing, 0.25" wall thickness
• Worm gears: 7075 aluminum, 6.75"-diameter/270 tooth, 3.1"-diameter sealed ball bearings
• Worm wheels: heat treated and ground stainless steel
• Single piece worm housing construction, double ended, ball bearing supported with adjustable pre-load
• 5.062"-diameter needle thrust bearings
• 3.5"-diameter sealed ball bearings
• Variable 6"-diameter slip clutches on both axes

• App available for Windows tablets and smartphones
• 70,000+ object database including 2,000+ stars, with a downloadable catalog of 68,000+ additional stars
• Native catalogs include: Bayer, Flamstead, SAO, HD/Harvard, DM, BD/CD/CPD, GSC, and RNGC/IC
• Open source code with available developer kit allows for customization and sharing
• Four-button interface for guiding, centering, moving, and slewing using device touchscreen
• Selectable and user-defined GoTo, Slewing, Centering, and Guiding rates
• 1-star, 2-star, and 3-star alignment processes
• Sidereal, King, Lunar, Solar, and user-defined tracking rates
• Additional functions: Synchronize, Search, Coordinate input
• Custom mount support using user-defined stepper count scaling

• Lightweight and durable machined aluminum alloy
• Scratch-resistant and reflection-limiting black anodized finish
• Semi-pier tripod design increases payload capacity and stability with reduced vibrations from external forces
• Adjustable height from 33 to 48"
• Removable leg design for easy transporting
• Weight: 35 lbs

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I wish to use this and a Sigma 150-600mm Lens to take photos of the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades. Would this mount be a good fit? And what other equipment would I need to do this? I would like the option of adding a telescope later replacing the Sigma lens

A: Yes this will be appropriate. You will need a plate to attached the tripod collar of the lens in order to mount it on the Sky-Watcher mount. A suggestion would be the Coronado Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate (6") B&H # COVSDTMP

Q: 2. Can this mount be used with the optical tube of the Celestron Nexstar 8SE (8" SCT)? - I am looking for a mount for this tube that will allow me to shift it by holding the tube and also by slow-motion controls

A: Yes, it should work

Q: 3. The description says the included 25mm eyepiece gives 40x power but spec's give the focal length as 500mm that would yield 20 power; what is correct?

A: You are correct it would be about a 20x. I have notified my web content team of the error.

Q: 4. What is the tripod leg O.D.?

A: 1.75".

Q: 5. Latitude range of EQM 35

A: in a 19° latitude, my mount range is from 15-65° There is risk that the counterweight shaft will hit the tripod legs if the mount is set to that low a latitude. To negate this, you will likely have to use a portable pier instead of the tripod with whatever mount you end up finding that can go that low. With the existing set up 15 degrees is the lowest.

Q: 6. Does this telescope have a mount for a EOS dslr? I'd like to do some astrophotography with my 5Dmk4

A: The Canon EOS 5Dmk4 will mount to the Explore Scientific FirstLight 114mm f/4.3 Reflector EQ Telescope (BH # EXFLN114EQ3) with a Explore Scientific DSLR Camera Vixen-Style Dovetail Assembly (11"), B&H # EXDSLRCDA.

Q: 7. once polar alignment has been established can the iPolar be removed from the mount?

A: Yes, it is possible to remove the iPolar from the iOptron SkyHunter Portable EQ/AZ GoTo System with iPolar after alignment has been achieved.

Q: 8. Can a step motor be added to this mount to motorize it...???

A: None can be added to this mount.

Q: 9. Does it have automatic alignment similar to "Level and Go" in iOptron AZ Mount Pro ? I just want to push the button, and it aligns itself, without the need to hunt for the three bright stars.

A: iOptron has released new firmware correcting the tracking and guiding issues. They are currently making new control board for those who suffered from slew speed slow down due to a chip zapping. New boards should be available in 3 weeks.

Q: 10. How is polar alignment accomplished?

A: Alignment options: One or Two-star, Solar system, Quick, and Last