Thanks for the info Bob. I followed up on it and checked out the PMC8 support forum. I found this: https://espmc-eight....45318,ct=1&ct=1
Here Jerry mentioned a couple of interesting thing. Namely:
1. The motor drive/pulley system and the motor current setting is the same as the larger EXOS 2 mount.
2. Placing the iEXOS 100 mount into the adapter plate and larger tripod provides a stiffer base that reduces flexure significantly.
Furthermore:
I think that based on these characteristics of the iEXOS 100, that you would end up with a mount system with the tripod and plate upgrade that would come within a few pounds of the EXOS 2 mount in terms of capacity and performance.
Currently the nominal mount equipment capacity for the iEXOS 100 is 15 lbs for visual use, and around 11 lbs. for astrophotography. This could be increased by probably 30-50% up to 23 lbs. for visual use, and maybe 17 lbs. for astrophotography.
So if you wanted to push this mount's performance up to nearly 20 lbs. of equipment you would need to buy the adapter plate, an ST2 tripod, and an extra counter-weight. The carrying capacity may even be more with the ST3 tripod that comes with the EXOS 2 PMC-Eight mount.
Just like you have mentioned the tripod update will help a lot. I am suprised to read that the belt and drive system is the same as the larger EXOS 2. I have a tripod from my NEQ6 which is mounted permanently in my observatory. Would that work with the iEXOS 100? I don't really know the specs of a ST3 tripod.