887 replies to this topic

[Jerry Hubbell]

Hi I'm a new user.  Looking for some software assistance. Have installed software on Android tablet and a Win10 tablet computer. After several tries I get poor results on both. Tablet a SQL error on finding database. The Database is located on the SD card. I had a Downloader put on the card, but it is not recognized. The Windows machine following all instructions. Returns a PLEASE WAIT when starting the program. I thought that it was just taking time to process the databases since this is a kulgey wait to write a program, but 24 hours later PLEASE WAIT, several restarts (of computer) no effect, reload software PLEASE WAIT. So I must be doing something wrong with both implementations. I just don’t know what. It must be something simple. All clues accepted. I have tried you user group and tried to directly message the group and every time received a message " Delivery to the following recipients failed permanently:

   * mounts@espmc-eight.groups.io

Reason: Permanent Error"

 

Thanks,

 

Herman

Hi Herman,

 

I am sorry you are having issues with the install.  First I did not see your name as a member of the forum. If you haven't joined you should at  https://espmc-eight.groups.io/g/MAIN

 

The windows install is a 2 step process. First go to the Microsoft Store, search for ExploreStars and install (I am sure you have done this). Second, go to  https://explorescien...rs-app-download and download the database zip file. Extract it into your Windows account Pictures folder, i.e., C:\Users\jerry\Pictures. Once you extract it you should have a folder called ExploreStars in the Pictures folder.

 

You need to power up the PMC-Eight system the connect to the SSID PMC-Eight-xx where xx is your specific WiFi id. Once you connect to that network, you an start ExploreStars on your Windows box and it should show Please Wait for a second or two and then show the compass rose graphic. Once connected, the amber LED on the PMC-Eight box will come on and flash as data is transmitted between the computer and the PMC-Eight.

[Jerry Hubbell]

I have read all the threads in this subject but haven’t read anything matching an issue I’m having. Took mount out this evening. Without doing an alignment I told it to slew to Mars. It got close and I centered it up and pressed the sync button. After a couple of minutes of tracking I wanted to slew to another object. No response from any selections. Only way to get response was to shut down app and restart. Then I had it slew to m42. Same scenario, after couple minutes app controls unresponsive again. This was out in the boonies with no other WiFi interference. Any ideas on what is happening?
Thanks


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi wbrogdo1, 

 

Sorry you are having this issue.  It sounds like the WiFi is dropping out for some reason, you can verify this by looking to see if the amber LED on the PMC-Eight box is going out when you see the problem. If this is the case, you may need to change the WiFi channel using the dongle that we included with your system. This is inserted into the ST4 port to increment the WiFi channel. Do do this follow the instructions on page 10 of the manual:  https://cdn.shopify....097726076926396

 

See if this helps.

[wbrogdo1]

Hi wbrogdo1,

Sorry you are having this issue. It sounds like the WiFi is dropping out for some reason, you can verify this by looking to see if the amber LED on the PMC-Eight box is going out when you see the problem. If this is the case, you may need to change the WiFi channel using the dongle that we included with your system. This is inserted into the ST4 port to increment the WiFi channel. Do do this follow the instructions on page 10 of the manual: https://cdn.shopify....097726076926396

See if this helps.

I did not try changing the WiFi channel although I suspect that is the case. Out where I was at there was only one WiFi around anywhere.
Thank you for your help



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Starman27]

To be clear the windows implementation is working. The Android tablet software is the issue

[boxerdaddy]

Here's what I have gathered...there are two different versions of the database out there.  (TL;DR version, see #2)

 

One from 

 

1.     http://www.explorestars.com/

     This zip contains:

              ExploreStars.txt

              ExploreStars-Stars.txt

              ExploreStars-Bright.txt

              Images

 

                       This is the one that I could not get to work.  My app (android on Amazon Fire tablet) was looking for the file "ExploreStars.sqlite" I could not get it to work. 

 

I then found:

2.     https://espmc-eight....20,2,0,27911566

 

             which led me to 

 

                http://02d3287.netso...ht/Android.html

 

     This zip contains:

              ExploreStars.sqlite

              Images

 

 

This one worked for me.  Although i just set it up in my living room, nothing outside yet, but all functions seemed to be working.

 

Jerry - Can you help with this?  There is a lot of confusion and I think it's just the file housed on the ExploreStars website that isn't right.  Is that only for windows?

[nwww66]

Hello Jerry

 

Please describe the drift alignment again.  Do I point the scope opposite Polaris pointing to a star near the celestial equator and the meridian intersect?  Which means slewing the scope to the Southerly direction?  Then observe drift and adjust the Azimuth axis according?

 

After I do the 3 star alignment, how do I enter the "Tr" mode so that my guide scope takes over the fine tuning in both DEC and RA directions?  I am using the Eagle core unit from Prima Lucia lab.

[Jerry Hubbell]

Hello Jerry

 

Please describe the drift alignment again.  Do I point the scope opposite Polaris pointing to a star near the celestial equator and the meridian intersect?  Which means slewing the scope to the Southerly direction?  Then observe drift and adjust the Azimuth axis according?

 

After I do the 3 star alignment, how do I enter the "Tr" mode so that my guide scope takes over the fine tuning in both DEC and RA directions?  I am using the Eagle core unit from Prima Lucia lab.

Hi nwww66,

 

To be clear, a drift alignment is a "physical" alignment of your mount with the North Celestial Pole (NCP). Here is a link to an example procedure.  http://astropixels.c...ralignment.html If you search "mount polar drift alignment" using Google, you will find a lot of different procedures:

 

The reference to "3 star alignment' sounds like you are talking about the ExploreStars 3-star alignment method.  This is a "virtual alignment" used to take data to determine the difference between where the mount is pointed and where the actual NCP is located. This is completely separate and unrelated to a "drift" alignment.

 

As far as entering TRACK Mode (square-Tr icon) in ExploreStars, all you have to do is hit one of the manual slew buttons (up/down/left/right). The ExploreStars app only goes into POINT Mode (triangle-P icon) when you select an object and Slew-To it. Here is an article on the controller modes in the ExploreStars app:  http://hosted.comm10...23&siteid=56501

 

It sounds like you are trying to use the ASCOM driver which is not related at all and is not used in conjunction with the ExploreStars app which is only a "graphically enhanced" hand-paddle hand controller. The ASCOM driver can only be used when you have a good "physical" alignment which can be obtained by doing the drift alignment method described previously.

 

If you are trying to use your guide-scope with the ExploreStars app, you are correct in that it is recommended that you be in TRACK Mode (square-Tr icon). Again, all you have to do is press one of the manual control arrow buttons to enter TRACK Mode

 

.

[James Ball]

Hi I'm a new user.  Looking for some software assistance. Have installed software on Android tablet and a Win10 tablet computer. After several tries I get poor results on both. Tablet a SQL error on finding database. The Database is located on the SD card. I had a Downloader put on the card, but it is not recognized. The Windows machine following all instructions. Returns a PLEASE WAIT when starting the program. I thought that it was just taking time to process the databases since this is a kulgey wait to write a program, but 24 hours later PLEASE WAIT, several restarts (of computer) no effect, reload software PLEASE WAIT. So I must be doing something wrong with both implementations. I just don’t know what. It must be something simple. All clues accepted. I have tried you user group and tried to directly message the group and every time received a message " Delivery to the following recipients failed permanently:

   * mounts@espmc-eight.groups.io

Reason: Permanent Error"

 

Thanks,

 

Herman

For the Android, I had to download both the database and the application to the SD card, then transfer the card to the tablet and actually install the Explore Stars app from the file on the SD card instead of from the Play store.  This caused everything to sync.  The procedure and file locations are listed in a post on the PMC forum Jerry listed above. 

[Starman27]

Thanks I will try all of this. It works fine on Windows 10 tablet. You both have given me good information. I'll get back to let you know what works. 

[NearVision]

I like the looks and concept of this mount but have a question. I have an old Android tablet but a much newer Android phone. The tablet is too old and the phone's screen is too small for your current app. Any thoughts of a 'light' app that would act more like the controller for my old LX200? Something that would still do setup, goto and tracking but would just be a list of objects that you key in the number and it goes there and gives basic text information. Something like that would work on the phone and allow for simpler travel setup. I don't need a new tablet and don't really feel the need to bring my laptop for a night of observing.

[paul.ibbitson]

Hello everyone.

                         I have taken ownership of a brand new iEXOS 100 PMC-Eight and I am over the Moon with it. Even though I think that it is a massive bonus that this mount comes with a tripod, I wouldn't mind getting one that is a tad sturdier. does anyone know what alternative tripods can be used with this mount?

It looks like the same fitting as an EQ1 but I thought I would check before I went out and purchased one.

 

Thanks in advance.

[nwww66]

I have set up the mount within a few degrees of Polaris then did the 3 star alignment. I am still unable to slew to any object.  My Celestron goto performs very well for me. Can’t seem to get this mount to work. What am I doing wrong?

[Newfie Stargazer]

Latest image:

 

 

 

Guide log link: https://www.dropbox....204234.txt?dl=0

 

Jim

 

 

[Jerry Hubbell]

No.  The two models are completely different.  The diameter of the EXOS-2GT tripod head is far larger than the iEXOS-100 tripod head.  The iEXOS-100 tripod is more similar to the Celestron CG-2 tripod but even those are not even close to being interchangeable.  

 

Patrick

FYI- We are currently working on several adapters for the iEXOS 100 mount including one to adapt it to the 2-inch EXOS 2 tripod. This adapter will allow you to make fine adjustments to the azimuth on the iEXOS 100 with the larger tripod. We expect that the current limitation for weight capacity on the iEXOS 100 with the current tripod will increase by perhaps 20-25% with this new adapter and larger tripod. Currently we suggest that users use the tripod with the legs fully inserted if doing astrophotography.

[Jerry Hubbell]

I like the looks and concept of this mount but have a question. I have an old Android tablet but a much newer Android phone. The tablet is too old and the phone's screen is too small for your current app. Any thoughts of a 'light' app that would act more like the controller for my old LX200? Something that would still do setup, goto and tracking but would just be a list of objects that you key in the number and it goes there and gives basic text information. Something like that would work on the phone and allow for simpler travel setup. I don't need a new tablet and don't really feel the need to bring my laptop for a night of observing.

It is possible to control any of the PMC-Eight mounts with your phone, but it relies on using a pc to connect to the mount. See this thread to find out how to use Sky Safari with your PMC-Eight mount system

 https://espmc-eight....IN/message/3163

 

Our plans do include creating a "phone" version of the ExploreStars app in the future but no target date has been set for the start or delivery of this app.

Edited by Jerry Hubbell, 16 April 2019 - 09:10 AM.

[q8diver]

The legs of the iEXOS 100 tripod are 1.5-inches in diameter.

 https://explorescien...ts/es-iexos-100

Hi to all

I bought this mount from B&H the Tripod legs 1.25 inch  not 1.5 inch  

the Tripod is wobbly  like the 127 slt Tripod  

i was hoping it was 1.5 inch like what Jerry said but its not 

[PatrickVt]

I bought my iEXOS-100 directly from Explore Scientific back before Christmas and my tripod legs are 1.25 inch.  Since my mount came directly from ES, I assume that is the way it is supposed to be.  However, if the legs are supposed to be 1.5 inch, then that would explain why I cannot mount anything more than 8 lbs or so (I'm guessing because around 6 lbs is fine but my bare ED 102mm does not work...  so, I'm guessing that around 8 lbs would be the limit) on my iEXOS-100 before flexure becomes a problems.  

 

Since Jerry at ES says the legs should be 1.5 inch, I can't help but wonder why ES sold me a mount with 1.25 inch legs (the upper legs).  

 

Patrick

Edited by PatrickVt, 18 April 2019 - 11:47 AM.

[PatrickVt]

I just went back to double check my measurement of the legs...  the legs actually measure 1.2420 inches.  So, actually, less than 1-1/4 inches.  Again, I bought my iEXOS-100 directly from ES before Christmas so I always assumed I received the correct parts.  

 

Perhaps this is why some people are saying they can mount their AR102/ED102 on this mount and why I cannot without a lot of flexure.  They must have the 1.5 inch tripod while my tripod measures less than 1.25 inches.  

 

Patrick

[q8diver]

 

you can not use 9 lb Load it wobble 

Edited by q8diver, 18 April 2019 - 11:48 AM.

[Jerry Hubbell]

Hi to all

I bought this mount from B&H the Tripod legs 1.25 inch  not 1.5 inch  

the Tripod is wobbly  like the 127 slt Tripod  

i was hoping it was 1.5 inch like what Jerry said but its not 

I apologize, at the time I posted it, I had thought that it was in fact 1.5-inches.  Thinking about it now, apparently when I measured the diameter by sighting it against a ruler (I didn't use a micrometer), I misread the value probably due to parallax error. 

 

ANYWAY, I sincerely apologize for this misinformation. I have always suggested that anyone using the iEXOS 100 PMC-Eight mount for astrophotography should use the tripod with the legs inserted all the way. This provides the most stable configuration for this mount/tripod configuration. You can also add some weight by putting it on the eyepiece tray... that should increase the stability of the system also.

 

Regardless, we still rate the mount at 19 lbs visual and 15 lbs. astrophotography (including the 2 counterweights) or as it is traditionally reported 14 lbs. visual, 10 lbs astrophotography... depending on your FOV and image scale, it can be used effectively at 12 lbs for astrophotography.

Edited by Jerry Hubbell, 18 April 2019 - 02:10 PM.

[netwolf]

Could the pmc8 bought with this also be used with a g11?

[PatrickVt]

Could the pmc8 bought with this also be used with a g11?

 

All the PMC8 electronics are internal on the iEXOS-100.  

 

Patrick

[sergtert]

I am the owner of this mount week. There are several problems that do not allow to be the happy owner of iEXOS-100. One problem is very serious. When I tested the mount under a clear sky, I saw that the stars were twitching to the sound of the engine. Then I assumed that the worm gear is overtightened. Having examined the RA mechanism and removing the belt, I discovered that the motor was moving in spurts even without a load. To do astrophotography with such a jerky vision is impossible with lenses with focal more than 100mm! This video demonstrates this problem. https://youtu.be/dEwtgo9NGe0

[Jerry Hubbell]

I am the owner of this mount week. There are several problems that do not allow to be the happy owner of iEXOS-100. One problem is very serious. When I tested the mount under a clear sky, I saw that the stars were twitching to the sound of the engine. Then I assumed that the worm gear is overtightened. Having examined the RA mechanism and removing the belt, I discovered that the motor was moving in spurts even without a load. To do astrophotography with such a jerky vision is impossible with lenses with focal more than 100mm! This video demonstrates this problem. https://youtu.be/dEwtgo9NGe0

Even though you hear this small amount of variation in your mount, you should examine the performance as designed and constructed. The overall motion of the mount should match that shown by others and for astrophotography, the performance when auto-guiding is what matters. I noticed that you are located in Russia. If you don't mind me asking, what dealer did you purchase your mount from?

 

 

Please see this post I made earlier in this thread showing the PHD2 guide logs that demonstrates the performance of the mount when not guiding and when guiding. 

 

https://www.cloudyni...-399/?p=9171012

 

I would like to see your PHD2 guide logs to troubleshoot your issue if you in fact think that this tiny variation in rate is making a large contribution to your guiding error that is not shown in the data provided by my earlier post linked above.  We have several iEXOS 100 PMC-Eight customers, most notably Jim Johnston who have been able to use this mount for long exposure narrow-band imaging with great success.

 

 https://www.cloudyni...-399/?p=9263609

 

If you could provide the specifics on the focal length you are imaging at also that would be helpful.

 

Please contact our Explore Scientific Support staff at +1 (866) 252-3811 ext. 2 if you have any further questions.

Edited by Jerry Hubbell, 21 April 2019 - 09:58 AM.

[Gelisob]

Hello, i'm an owner of a new iexos-100 and my previous tracker experience is with another budget friendly piece of work called star adventurer mini (wifi).

Now, i'm not going into detail here, since it requires it's own review video to cover all the issues i've had to deal with and still not produce any usable images, where mini has none of this.. but i've ended up where I'm trying to get the mount driven by wired connection over USB.

 

I have installed the ascom platform, the ascom drivers, tried with both 32bit and 64bit and cant find any information in the web about the error i'm getting.

Let us skip the POTH hub part etc, just connecting with the diagnostic tool also gets me to the same error. I will write the message out and insert an image. Writing it out so that in the future the searches would maybe lead to answers for others who suffer similar issue. I tested it with two diffrent windows 10 computers. Same error.

 

I'm hoping it's user error and someone can tell me where do I go wrong?

Since I can get the driver to talk to the mount over usb, i'm guessing the "serial" connection is also using the same usb? Since my iexos-100 came with totally wrong manual i had to find the one in homepage and this refers the port as mini-usb and the otherone called autoguider port. The "dongle" "legacy" autoguider port as much as i gather is used for some old style driving and isnt recommended for pc control?

Anyway, should my ascom driver connection over usb to com port 3 where the mini-usb connection runs, make the ascom connection with iexos-100?

 

error i'm getting is: System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80040402): Timed out waiting for received data

 

 

 

The manual states: NOTE: For wired ASCOM or Firmware upgrade, you will need a Serial/USB to Mini-USB cable (not included).

It's just an USB mini cable.. why call it serial/usb to mini usb? Is there some funny logic going on and same port can be talked to in two different ways? 

I just plug in usb cable and it talk to pc.. atleast it can retrieve profile info and other stuff I can set from driver, and it appears as connected in device manager to com 3, or isnt it actually and you need more than a usb cable? Am I seeing just my pc side driver settings? (then what is the thing in com3 that appears when i plug the cable in)

 

Thanks you in advance for your time and advice.