Hey RUclips. Come and join me as a unbox a new Mount and test it the following night. Don't forget to stay to the end to see what I captured in a quick test.
Have the same mount with the azimuth adapter and large field tripod. I am able to auto guide a Celestron C6 @ 1000mm FL with reducer or 6" F/4 Reflector and get 0.5 to 0.7 RMS error. I had to adjust the gears for back lash, re-grease, and increase tracking current from 600ma to 650ma. The motors and the drive system are the same as in the EXOS 2 mount. With the reflector that comes out to around 22 lbs. not considering the counter weights. This mount when properly tuned punches well above its weight.
Holy crap......you put a C6 on it. I would love to see a pic of that. That's amazing. If you can please sent me an email with a picture of it 😉. tazzer1@rogers.com
Mike from NiteZpeed here, Congrats on the new mount Everett...I have been eyeballing this mount for awhile...Looks like a great mount for the money....Not quite ready to pull the trigger yet due to extenuating circumstances and I haven't seen enough reviews yet, but I am anxious to see how it does in future videos after you've lived with it awhile....My Skytracker Pro has been my workhorse for my DSLR Widefield but she is nearly 3 years old now and starting to show some wear...not to mention it can't handle my larger lenses because it's just beyond the 11 lbs weight limit....LOL....This mount looks like it might be able to handle my bigger telephotos...which I really want to use...LOL...NiteZpeed is officially Subscribed to your channel...I look forward to you next video...
Wow @NiteZpeed.....that has to be one of the best comments on my channel so far. Thanks so much for the sub. I will definitely be talking more about this mount. So far is been really great.
Hi from Liverpool, England, Everett! I have been eyeing up this mount for weeks, because I currently have to carry a SW HEQ5 Pro mount, and all my gear, all in one go, down 4 flights of stairs, then back up all those stairs after finishing imaging! I have to do this because there is a local "thief-in-chief" who would steal your kidneys from you if he got a chance! LOL it absolutely kills me carrying all that gear on one go, telescope included! LOL. ( I live on 3rd floor of flats that don't have a lift ). So I have been thinking of getting the IEXOS100 because a Star tracker only has around 5kg payload capacity, where's the IEXOS100 has roughly 8-9kg, plus it has GoTo, otherwise I would just buy a star tracker, so thank you for helping me finally make a decision to go get one! Clear Skies my friend, and thank you for a great vid/review! Wes.
Hey there from across the pond. Happy to hear that you're looking at this mount. It's been very reliable with no issues to speak of. It makes for a very portable setup. When I do tear down to go to a dark site it literally takes me about 3-5 mins to set back up.
@@AstroEverett That sounds awesome Everett! I ordered it this morning online, hopefully receive it by Wednesday! I will keep you posted on how I get on with using it for Astro! Clear Skies my friend!🙂👍
there are no marks for park/home position, nor the precise azimuth adjuster that must be bought separately. The mount can move an RC6 + focuser + extension tubes and camera, perhaps with the guide scope too on top.
I had the same exact issue with that screw when installing the azimuth adapter. However, on my mount the screw head broke off. After some filing and cutting, I was able to install the adapter. Haven't used it yet but I'm excited! Great video, thanks!
I had 3 azimuth adapter. One thing for sure they have great customer service. They refunded me for one and replaced the other one which alsp head broked. I left it the way it is. While adjusting it to turn right to left side i just untide the bottom and do it manually and left to right i turned the screw for fine adjustment. i have it set same spot everyday which i marked so i dont have to polar align ,etc. As long as you dont pass weight limit i have no problem 99 % of time. I tried up to 5 mins exposure time.
Good customer service is very important IMO. Once I got the alt az installed it was great to use and polar align. I have to admit my PA routine is a bit sloppy....mainly my fault as I tend to rush. Glad you're having success with it. It really is a fantastic mount.
OMGoodness Thanks a Bunch! I think I will purchase this cause I was told it could handle up to 12 lbs of DSLR Nikon D850 & Trinity Nikon Lens but now I see one video where it says it handles only 9 LBS. Maybe just for wide angle 14-24mm lens. Thxs enjoyed you video. Joaquin in Tucson Az.
I have the same one and I really recommend this mount for just grap and go and do a wildfield astrography, it's works very well with my laptop and APT software, however, the only issue faced, I could not have a good tracking because of bad guiding when I am using my asiair pro. For any idea, please let me know . Congrats for your new mount and enjoy it, clear sky.
@@AstroEverett Hi, I use APT with my laptop and phd 2 for guiding, it'sworksperfectly, but when I am using my asiair with my tablet, the guiding of this mount seems not good at all !, maybe asiair is not proper for this mount 🤔
My friend has this mount with the ASI air and it works perfectly. He said he had to update the firmware on either the ASI air or the mount. Not sure which. But it sounds like you're having the same issues he did.
Hey Im the friend Everett is talking about. I updated to the "UPDATED Universal Firmware 20A01.1 Software Installation Kit" direct from the explore scientific website then in that package after you have updated the mount firmware run the PMC-Eight 2A01 Configuration Tool 1.1 and make sure to check the box for "track on loss of comms enabled" so the mount doesn't stop tracking after 30 sec. for guiding I use multi star guiding 3 sec exp and 60-80 gain with the stars a tiny bit out of focus also set agr to 60-70 on dec and ra everything else is default. With that on calm days I get .8 to 2 max and was just recently on a mountain top with 40km wind gusts at max getting 3.5 but still very round stars at 2min
I've never used the phone/tablet app. I went directly to Nina and never looked back. The latest firmware edition gives you better tracking. Have fun with it I think you're really going to enjoy it.
What's the point of the adapter on top the tripod? Is it in case you didn't find true North accurately when setting up the tripod? I think you are the ONLY one to have actually USED this mount in a video, many others SAY they used it, lol. Thanks.
for a small refractor + camera + guide scope I added another 2 kg weight toward the top of the shaft and use another 1 kg weight to balance finely moving it along the bar. I use it with indigo and it works well from polar alignment to plate solving, guide and acquisition
Thanks for adding your technique and setup options. As for the mount having no markings for the park position, I just do it by eye honestly. Making sure the counterweight bar is level with the front leg and then I line up the scope by eye. And yes the standard mount doesn't come with the alt az adjustments. I was lucky I was able to buy it as a package.
@@AstroEverett yes I do the same, then I do PA via software. I just bought the Bresser ST3 tripod for the mount to load up to ~20 pounds. Will see how it goes with the RC6 tube
@@AstroEverett I use the P.A. based on thre points measurements and plate solving within indigo and it works fast and well. I also added a minipc to the mount to have a wireless setup.
Can you please go through a step by step process with polar aligning and the software/computer work that needs to be done? I'm a beginner and have no inkling of how to get started.
I’ve bought be same mount a couple weeks ago and could not get this to work. My altitude on the mount was off by 6 degrees. Could never got the opportunity to see Polaris through the polar peep hole until I dropped it down 6 degrees. Once I did that and proceeded to the 3 star alignment and was unsuccessful doing that. Went to the catalog to see to try and view objects through the eyepiece and nothing ever seen through the eye piece. I’ve contacted tech support and gave me some pointers but nothing happened. I bought the iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with WiFi and Bluetooth for $299 flash sale. Now I’m on the hunt for another eq mount. A lot of complaints about this mount on line.
I'm sorry your experience wasn't positive. It was some trial and research to get mine connected but in the end I figured it out. I don't think this mount was meant for visual PA. I do my PA though Nina.
@@AstroEverett I have the same mount, since last oct 2023, I have nothing but problems with the backlash both RA/DEC worm gears. i hate this mount, and regret buying it.
I'm sorry you've had such a bad experience with that mount. It does have its quirks for me at least, but at least for me it's been a pretty stable Mount. But I do agree with you on the backlash and the periodic air. I'm hoping to get either an am3 or an am5 or some other harmonic Mount.
I just received mine yesterday. Keeping this thing connected through a device wirelessly is so hit and miss. Pain in the but getting to connect serial as well. Trying to play with it through Nina. I’m tossed between Nina and Sharpcap.
I think you will be able to get better guiding performance if you move the counter weights up further on the bar. Of course you will need more weight in order to do that but I'm sure that you can find something laying around the house to make that happen. Good luck with the mount and I'll be looking forward to see your next video update.
Thank Miguel. If I bring the weights up....I will be out of balance. I needed more weight on the bottom end, that’s why I used the adapter from the star adventure on the bottom. But I do agree....I need a bit more weight.
Nexstar 4SE. Alt-Az GoTo isn't my first choice BUT in the price range it kind of worked. IEXOS worked well for the payload range BUT couldn't get in touch with their support.
I have the same exact mount! What software are u using in unison with ascom? Im connected with a wire to computer too, wireless is wacky and has a password. I got a rough polar alignment, face north for me, balance is good, level is good. I just don’t know what to do as far as star alignment and what the best software to use, have any tips? And should i get the az adaptor too? Any input appreciated man i have been struggling a bit🤙🏽
Thanks for the comment. You definitely want the az adapter. I haven't gone the wireless route yet. I am using Nina and I am using the ascom software POTH dome utility. Good choice on the mount btw. I'm really enjoying it so far. I hope this reply helped. Clear skies.
I don't think it would be good. It can only handle about 14lbs. As for pros and cons. I'm going to be doing a review on this mount shortly. Stay tuned 😉.
@@AstroEverett I was a little confused bcz I have seen on a forum that is recommended 16 pounds for Astrophotography and 18 or 19 for visual.. ngl I think I will check youtube every 5 hours to make sure I haven't missed the upcoming review
I have heard the same thing about the weight. I haven't started the review as of yet. But rest assured I will be making one. It's been a rock solid mount.
Can you do from A-Z how to polar align this mount? It seams impossible, and my latitude is 51.6 aprox, but I cannot turn the mount to that degree,how did you managed to do that?
@@AstroEverett and did you had any problems when setting your latitude? I cannot turn it to 51 degree, the mount wont turn all the way to that 51 degree, only 48
I haven't had and problems with the altitude setting. Make sure that the knob that controls the altitude isn't cross threaded. I had that problem with the asthmath adjustment bolts. One of them got cross-threaded.
Have the same mount with the azimuth adapter and large field tripod. I am able to auto guide a Celestron C6 @ 1000mm FL with reducer or 6" F/4 Reflector and get 0.5 to 0.7 RMS error. I had to adjust the gears for back lash, re-grease, and increase tracking current from 600ma to 650ma. The motors and the drive system are the same as in the EXOS 2 mount. With the reflector that comes out to around 22 lbs. not considering the counter weights. This mount when properly tuned punches well above its weight.
Holy crap......you put a C6 on it. I would love to see a pic of that. That's amazing. If you can please sent me an email with a picture of it 😉. tazzer1@rogers.com
Mike from NiteZpeed here, Congrats on the new mount Everett...I have been eyeballing this mount for awhile...Looks like a great mount for the money....Not quite ready to pull the trigger yet due to extenuating circumstances and I haven't seen enough reviews yet, but I am anxious to see how it does in future videos after you've lived with it awhile....My Skytracker Pro has been my workhorse for my DSLR Widefield but she is nearly 3 years old now and starting to show some wear...not to mention it can't handle my larger lenses because it's just beyond the 11 lbs weight limit....LOL....This mount looks like it might be able to handle my bigger telephotos...which I really want to use...LOL...NiteZpeed is officially Subscribed to your channel...I look forward to you next video...
Wow @NiteZpeed.....that has to be one of the best comments on my channel so far. Thanks so much for the sub. I will definitely be talking more about this mount. So far is been really great.
Thank you for this. It was helpful for a newbie still trying to figure out what all the terms even mean.
I'm glad it helped. Thanks for watching.
Suprised how well it tracked considering how much stuff you had on it. Definitely considering getting one
It's so worth it. It's a great mount.
Congrats with a nice little mount, it seems to fit that beautiful little refractor just perfect. Great video and a great first light. Clear skies
Thanks. It is a good fit isn't it. A friend told me about the mount cause he has one.
Hi from Liverpool, England, Everett! I have been eyeing up this mount for weeks, because I currently have to carry a SW HEQ5 Pro mount, and all my gear, all in one go, down 4 flights of stairs, then back up all those stairs after finishing imaging! I have to do this because there is a local "thief-in-chief" who would steal your kidneys from you if he got a chance! LOL it absolutely kills me carrying all that gear on one go, telescope included! LOL. ( I live on 3rd floor of flats that don't have a lift ). So I have been thinking of getting the IEXOS100 because a Star tracker only has around 5kg payload capacity, where's the IEXOS100 has roughly 8-9kg, plus it has GoTo, otherwise I would just buy a star tracker, so thank you for helping me finally make a decision to go get one! Clear Skies my friend, and thank you for a great vid/review!
Wes.
Hey there from across the pond. Happy to hear that you're looking at this mount. It's been very reliable with no issues to speak of. It makes for a very portable setup. When I do tear down to go to a dark site it literally takes me about 3-5 mins to set back up.
@@AstroEverett That sounds awesome Everett! I ordered it this morning online, hopefully receive it by Wednesday! I will keep you posted on how I get on with using it for Astro! Clear Skies my friend!🙂👍
Awesome
there are no marks for park/home position, nor the precise azimuth adjuster that must be bought separately. The mount can move an RC6 + focuser + extension tubes and camera, perhaps with the guide scope too on top.
I had the same exact issue with that screw when installing the azimuth adapter. However, on my mount the screw head broke off. After some filing and cutting, I was able to install the adapter. Haven't used it yet but I'm excited! Great video, thanks!
They need to figure out a better system for that screw or get rid of it all together. Thanks for watching.
I had 3 azimuth adapter. One thing for sure they have great customer service. They refunded me for one and replaced the other one which alsp head broked. I left it the way it is. While adjusting it to turn right to left side i just untide the bottom and do it manually and left to right i turned the screw for fine adjustment. i have it set same spot everyday which i marked so i dont have to polar align ,etc. As long as you dont pass weight limit i have no problem 99 % of time. I tried up to 5 mins exposure time.
Good customer service is very important IMO. Once I got the alt az installed it was great to use and polar align. I have to admit my PA routine is a bit sloppy....mainly my fault as I tend to rush. Glad you're having success with it. It really is a fantastic mount.
OMGoodness Thanks a Bunch! I think I will purchase this cause I was told it could handle up to 12 lbs of DSLR Nikon D850 & Trinity Nikon Lens but now I see one video where it says it handles only 9 LBS. Maybe just for wide angle 14-24mm lens. Thxs enjoyed you video. Joaquin in Tucson Az.
Thanks. It will definitely be good for a DSLR and lenses for sure. You'll love it.
Congrats on the new mount Everett, looking forward to what you think of it long term.
Thanks Joe. I really looking forward to putting it threw it's paces
I have the same one and I really recommend this mount for just grap and go and do a wildfield astrography, it's works very well with my laptop and APT software, however, the only issue faced, I could not have a good tracking because of bad guiding when I am using my asiair pro. For any idea, please let me know . Congrats for your new mount and enjoy it, clear sky.
Hello. You said you have the ASI air but you are using APT. That's where your problem might be. Or are you using apt for camera control....ie a DSLR?
@@AstroEverett
Hi,
I use APT with my laptop and phd 2 for guiding, it'sworksperfectly, but when I am using my asiair with my tablet, the guiding of this mount seems not good at all !, maybe asiair is not proper for this mount 🤔
My friend has this mount with the ASI air and it works perfectly. He said he had to update the firmware on either the ASI air or the mount. Not sure which. But it sounds like you're having the same issues he did.
Hey Im the friend Everett is talking about. I updated to the "UPDATED Universal Firmware 20A01.1 Software Installation Kit" direct from the explore scientific website then in that package after you have updated the mount firmware run the PMC-Eight 2A01 Configuration Tool 1.1 and make sure to check the box for "track on loss of comms enabled" so the mount doesn't stop tracking after 30 sec. for guiding I use multi star guiding 3 sec exp and 60-80 gain with the stars a tiny bit out of focus also set agr to 60-70 on dec and ra everything else is default. With that on calm days I get .8 to 2 max and was just recently on a mountain top with 40km wind gusts at max getting 3.5 but still very round stars at 2min
Thanks Chris. Appreciate the help.
Nice, thanks for your video
Thanks.... you're welcome.
I love this little mount! I would recommend updating the firmware to the latest version. I use NINA for capturing and PHD2 for guiding.
Thanks for commenting. I'm loving it so far.
I've never used the phone/tablet app. I went directly to Nina and never looked back. The latest firmware edition gives you better tracking. Have fun with it I think you're really going to enjoy it.
Thanks 👍
@@Ghostflyer63 i have questions can explore star software work after freeware update?
Question how much does it rly can lift
What's the point of the adapter on top the tripod? Is it in case you didn't find true North accurately when setting up the tripod?
I think you are the ONLY one to have actually USED this mount in a video, many others SAY they used it, lol. Thanks.
No... it's to get properly polar aligned.
Very nice might buy one.
Very worth it 👍
Great review mate 😁
Thank you sir.
for a small refractor + camera + guide scope I added another 2 kg weight toward the top of the shaft and use another 1 kg weight to balance finely moving it along the bar. I use it with indigo and it works well from polar alignment to plate solving, guide and acquisition
Thanks for adding your technique and setup options. As for the mount having no markings for the park position, I just do it by eye honestly. Making sure the counterweight bar is level with the front leg and then I line up the scope by eye. And yes the standard mount doesn't come with the alt az adjustments. I was lucky I was able to buy it as a package.
@@AstroEverett yes I do the same, then I do PA via software. I just bought the Bresser ST3 tripod for the mount to load up to ~20 pounds. Will see how it goes with the RC6 tube
Awesome. I use Nina for PA.
@@AstroEverett I use the P.A. based on thre points measurements and plate solving within indigo and it works fast and well. I also added a minipc to the mount to have a wireless setup.
Can you please go through a step by step process with polar aligning and the software/computer work that needs to be done? I'm a beginner and have no inkling of how to get started.
On the next clear night, I'll do a video on how I get polar aligned. I've been meaning to do a video on that.
Great video
Thanks. Do you have that mount?
Congrats on the new mount!
Thanks Dave. Great new video on your channel too bud.
@@AstroEverett Thanks
Grats on a successful first light :)
Thanks. And thanks for watching.
Great video Evertt, This Mount is On my wishlist.
Thanks bud. So far just after one night for a couple of hours.....I'm really enjoying it.
lol i already own the mount 😹
I’ve bought be same mount a couple weeks ago and could not get this to work. My altitude on the mount was off by 6 degrees. Could never got the opportunity to see Polaris through the polar peep hole until I dropped it down 6 degrees. Once I did that and proceeded to the 3 star alignment and was unsuccessful doing that.
Went to the catalog to see to try and view objects through the eyepiece and nothing ever seen through the eye piece. I’ve contacted tech support and gave me some pointers but nothing happened. I bought the iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System with WiFi and Bluetooth for $299 flash sale. Now I’m on the hunt for another eq mount. A lot of complaints about this mount on line.
I'm sorry your experience wasn't positive. It was some trial and research to get mine connected but in the end I figured it out. I don't think this mount was meant for visual PA. I do my PA though Nina.
@@AstroEverett They advertise that it is a versatile mount for visual and astrophotography.
There is a polar scope....but it is separate.
@@AstroEverett I have the same mount, since last oct 2023, I have nothing but problems with the backlash both RA/DEC worm gears. i hate this mount, and regret buying it.
I'm sorry you've had such a bad experience with that mount. It does have its quirks for me at least, but at least for me it's been a pretty stable Mount. But I do agree with you on the backlash and the periodic air. I'm hoping to get either an am3 or an am5 or some other harmonic Mount.
Hi boy, I was thinking to buy it: did you try link it with asiair? (on specs this mount is supported).Did you try it with autoguide?
Thanks a lot!
It really is a great mount. My friend has the ASI air and it works fabulously.
I just received mine yesterday. Keeping this thing connected through a device wirelessly is so hit and miss. Pain in the but getting to connect serial as well. Trying to play with it through Nina. I’m tossed between Nina and Sharpcap.
Nina is awesome but you'll need the POTH drivers from ASCOM.
I think you will be able to get better guiding performance if you move the counter weights up further on the bar. Of course you will need more weight in order to do that but I'm sure that you can find something laying around the house to make that happen. Good luck with the mount and I'll be looking forward to see your next video update.
Thank Miguel. If I bring the weights up....I will be out of balance. I needed more weight on the bottom end, that’s why I used the adapter from the star adventure on the bottom. But I do agree....I need a bit more weight.
Just missed ordering it and got something else instead.
Which one did you get?
Nexstar 4SE. Alt-Az GoTo isn't my first choice BUT in the price range it kind of worked. IEXOS worked well for the payload range BUT couldn't get in touch with their support.
Good choice of scope. Sorry to hear about your trouble with support.
I have the same exact mount! What software are u using in unison with ascom? Im connected with a wire to computer too, wireless is wacky and has a password. I got a rough polar alignment, face north for me, balance is good, level is good. I just don’t know what to do as far as star alignment and what the best software to use, have any tips? And should i get the az adaptor too? Any input appreciated man i have been struggling a bit🤙🏽
Thanks for the comment. You definitely want the az adapter. I haven't gone the wireless route yet. I am using Nina and I am using the ascom software POTH dome utility. Good choice on the mount btw. I'm really enjoying it so far. I hope this reply helped. Clear skies.
Cool!
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thinking about this for an astrotech ed70 using a pvs14 for night vision astronomy here...
Cool. It's a really good mount. I'm enjoying it immensely.
What is thr red rail your scope is attached with. I just bought a used mount and it didnt come with that. I need that red rail to attach my cam
It's vixen style dovetail plate.
Did you purchase the Azimuth adjuster separately OR did it come alongwith?
It came with it as a promotion. It's usually sold separately. Are you thinking of purchasing it?
Hii sir , will you suggest me this with my 150mm newt and a dslr ... am very confused ..
It all depends how Heavy it is. If it's under 10 lbs you should be good.
@@AstroEverett sir my newt is about 9.5 pounds...then sholud i ?
It says on the website it can handle 15 lbs for photography setup and 17 lbs for visual. But it also says it's discontinued.
Hi! Would you reccomend this mount for a 1500mm Mak-Cass? And also ,what are your pros and cons for this mount
?
I don't think it would be good. It can only handle about 14lbs. As for pros and cons. I'm going to be doing a review on this mount shortly. Stay tuned 😉.
@@AstroEverett The mak-cass with the camera and guiding camera/scope are at abt 9-10 lbs ,but thank you anyways!
@@AstroEverett I was a little confused bcz I have seen on a forum that is recommended 16 pounds for Astrophotography and 18 or 19 for visual.. ngl I think I will check youtube every 5 hours to make sure I haven't missed the upcoming review
I have heard the same thing about the weight. I haven't started the review as of yet. But rest assured I will be making one. It's been a rock solid mount.
whats the realistic payload for photography? 4 or 5 kg?
I've heard the it could handle up to 16 lbs.
@@AstroEverett be honest i think thats to much for this little mount. realistic is maybe 4 or 5 kg
I don't think I'd do that....it's just what I heard. It really is a very capable mount.
Can you do from A-Z how to polar align this mount? It seams impossible, and my latitude is 51.6 aprox, but I cannot turn the mount to that degree,how did you managed to do that?
The one downside to this mount is no polar scope. But I do all my polar aligning through Nina using the Three star polar alignment plugin in Nina.
@@AstroEverett and did you had any problems when setting your latitude? I cannot turn it to 51 degree, the mount wont turn all the way to that 51 degree, only 48
I haven't had and problems with the altitude setting. Make sure that the knob that controls the altitude isn't cross threaded. I had that problem with the asthmath adjustment bolts. One of them got cross-threaded.
Can it hold a 6in Dob 10lbs?
I would think not.....just for the size factor....not so much the weight.
i have an issue trying to connect to my laptop. says * please wait * never connect. any help?
The only thing I can think of is that you have the ascom platform and the poth hub drivers installed.
@AstroEverett so thats mean i need to install more software? i did the data and the explorer star
@cidzavala5522 yes....you have to install the Ascom drivers. Platform and Poth hub drivers