Explore Scientific FirstLight 80mm Refractor Telescope w/ iEXOS Go-To Mount
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Explore Scientific FirstLight 80mm f/8 Refractor w/ iEXOS Go-To Mount - FL-80640-iEXOS
Introducing the Explore Scientific FirstLight 80mm f/8 Refractor Telescope with the iEXOS Go-To Mount.
Whether you're eager to uncover the intricacies of our solar system or embark on celestial journeys to distant wonders, the adaptable FirstLight series offers an observing package tailored to your unique interests.
Each combination in this new lineup includes the essential components: a telescope, a robust mount, an eyepiece, and a red dot viewfinder.
These mounts encompass a range of options, from straightforward fork-mounted alt-azimuth configurations to comprehensive GOTO tracking systems, catering to various levels of expertise.
As an added advantage, every package includes a smartphone adapter, enabling you to effortlessly capture and share the breathtaking views through your eyepiece.
The FirstLight AR80mm Refractor Telescope boasts a white tube design and features a 640mm focal length with an f/8 aperture, delivering exceptional optical performance with fully-coated glass.
The iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight Go-To Tracker Mount ensures precise tracking and automated object location, enhancing your stargazing experience.
Additional components include a 40mm draw tube focuser for fine-tuning your observations, a 1.25-inch 90° diagonal for comfortable viewing angles, a Plossl 25mm eyepiece for moderate magnification, a Red-dot Finder for quick object alignment, and a smartphone camera adapter for capturing and sharing your astronomical discoveries.
With FirstLight, all you need to bring to the table is your passion for exploration, as it offers a comprehensive and adaptable package for astronomers of all levels.
iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System
The iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Equatorial Tracker System is a comprehensive, computerized Wi-Fi or wired GOTO Equatorial Tracker with integrated PMC-Eight™ electronics, specifically designed for attaching small telescopes or DSLR cameras via a standard "Vixen Style" Dovetail Plate.
To operate it, you can choose between using the free ExploreStars App for Tablets (compatible with Windows, Android, Amazon, and Apple devices) or the free ASCOM Standards Compliant PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver alongside the ASCOM POTH Client from Explore Scientific, either through a wired or wireless connection.
It seamlessly integrates with a wide range of sky software supporting ASCOM, although please note that a tablet or computer must be purchased separately.
The iEXOS-100 system combines a reliable German equatorial mount design with Explore Scientific's groundbreaking PMC-Eight™ Precision Motion Control system to flawlessly navigate the night sky and track celestial objects as they move across it.
This amalgamation provides superior performance for both observing and imaging without an exorbitant price tag.
GOTO systems play a pivotal role in amateur astronomy by reducing the time spent searching for celestial objects, allowing users to focus more on observation and imaging. The PMC-Eight™ system offers versatile connectivity with free downloadable apps for Windows, Android, and iOS.
It also connects via the ASCOM PMC-Eight™ driver and POTH Client, enabling you to control your telescope from nearby or communicate computer-to-computer over the internet from virtually anywhere in the world.
A standout feature of the iEXOS-100 is its German equatorial design, renowned for precisely tracking stars as they rise in the east and set in the west.
For observers, this design ensures that celestial targets remain in their eyepiece. For astrophotographers, it helps avoid common pitfalls like field rotation.
To track an object effectively, you must first locate it, a potentially daunting task under a vast, dark sky or light-polluted urban environment.
The iEXOS-100 simplifies this challenge with its powerful GOTO system, which integrates Explore Scientific's PMC-Eight™ system.
This system departs from the industry-standard single processor by utilizing an 8-core microcontroller with eight independent CPUs, optimizing responsiveness, efficiency, reliability, and timing intervals for precise image acquisition and tracking.
Despite its internal complexity, the GOTO system is user-friendly, operable from your Apple, Android, or Windows tablet using the intuitive ExploreStars app.
This dynamic app taps into a regularly updated database, ensuring you have access to current celestial information.
The iEXOS-100's user-centric design includes smooth locking clutches for effortless repositioning, an altitude knob for seamless height adjustments, a polar alignment tunnel for rough alignment with Polaris, a bubble level for tripod stability, and a battery pack bracket (powering the PMC-Eight™ system with 8 C batteries, not included).
Additionally, it comes with two 1 kg counterweights for precise balancing and glow-in-the-dark markers for nocturnal orientation.
The mount can support up to 19 lbs (scope, accessories, and counterweights combined).
The mount itself weighs 9.45 pounds (4.29 kg), while the tripod and accessory tray weigh 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). When collapsed, the tripod measures 27.25 inches (69.21 cm) in height.
Features:
- 80mm Objective Lens: This telescope is equipped with a high-quality 80mm (3.15 inches) objective lens. The substantial objective lens diameter allows for exceptional light-gathering capability, enabling you to observe celestial objects with outstanding clarity and detail.
- 125x Highest Useful Magnification: With a substantial 640mm focal length and the 80mm objective lens, this telescope can attain an impressive maximum useful magnification of 125x. This level of magnification enables you to explore a wide variety of celestial objects, including planets, the Moon, star clusters, and select deep-sky objects, all with remarkable crispness and intricate detail.
- 640mm Focal Length: The telescope boasts a substantial focal length of 640mm. A longer focal length typically leads to higher magnification and narrower fields of view. This configuration is particularly suitable for observing planets and other celestial objects where capturing fine details is essential.
- Refractor Optical Design: This telescope employs a refractor optical design, which relies on lenses to bend and focus light. Refractor telescopes are renowned for delivering sharp and color-accurate views, making them an excellent choice for lunar and planetary observations.
- iEXOS Go-To Mount: The package includes the iEXOS Go-To Mount, which is a computerized equatorial mount. This advanced mount is designed for precise tracking and Go-To functionality, enabling you to automatically locate and track celestial objects with ease. Equatorial mounts are particularly advantageous for astrophotography.
- Complete Observing Package: The Explore Scientific Explore FirstLight series offers a comprehensive observing package that ensures you have all the necessary components for a fulfilling stargazing experience. This package includes the telescope, a sturdy mount, an eyepiece, and a red dot viewfinder, making it an excellent choice for both novice and intermediate astronomers.
- Smartphone Camera Adapter: Included in the package is a smartphone camera adapter. This valuable accessory allows you to attach your smartphone to the telescope, facilitating the capture of photos and videos of your celestial observations. It also enables you to share your astronomical experiences or utilize astronomy apps for augmented stargazing.
- 1.25" 90° Diagonal: The telescope comes equipped with a 1.25-inch 90° diagonal. Diagonals are essential accessories for comfortable and convenient viewing, especially when the telescope is pointed high in the sky. They allow you to observe celestial objects at more comfortable angles.
- Plossl 25mm Eyepiece: The package includes a 25mm Plossl eyepiece, which offers a moderate level of magnification for wide-field observations. Plossl eyepieces are well-regarded for their sharp and clear views.
- Red-Dot Finder: The telescope features a red-dot finder, which greatly aids in quick and precise object alignment. This accessory simplifies the process of locating and tracking celestial objects.
iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System Features:
- Integrated PMC-Eight™ System: The iEXOS-100 integrates the Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ system, surpassing the industry-standard single processor setup. It employs eight independent CPUs, each dedicated to specific functions, resulting in exceptional responsiveness, efficiency, reliability, and impressively fast timing intervals. This ensures precise image capture and accurate celestial object tracking.
- Clutched Dual-Axis Worm Gears: Equipped with clutched dual-axis worm gears and quiet precision stepper motor belt drives, the iEXOS-100 delivers seamless and precise movement. This feature enables accurate tracking of celestial objects, enhancing your stargazing experience.
- Intuitive ExploreStars App: The system is compatible with the user-friendly ExploreStars app, available on Apple, Android, and Windows tablets. This app simplifies the operation of the GOTO system, allowing users to easily align their telescope, navigate the night sky, and access detailed information about tens of thousands of celestial objects. It makes stargazing enjoyable and educational.
- Smooth Clutched RA and Declination Axes: The iEXOS-100 boasts clutched RA (Right Ascension) and Declination axes, ensuring smooth operation. This smoothness facilitates precise telescope balancing, making repositioning efficient and accurate.
- Polar Alignment Sight Hole: The mount includes a polar alignment sight hole positioned through the RA axis, streamlining the polar alignment process. Additionally, it offers precise altitude control for swift and accurate alignment without the need for a polar scope, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Battery Pack: To power the PMC-Eight™ system, a battery pack that accommodates 8 C batteries (not included) is included. The battery pack securely attaches to a bracket on one of the tripod legs during use, ensuring a dependable and convenient power source for your tracking system.
- Counterweights: The package includes two 1 kg counterweights, facilitating precise balance adjustments to accommodate various telescopes and accessories, ensuring optimal performance.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Markings: Both the mount and tripod feature glow-in-the-dark markings, enhancing usability, especially in low-light conditions. These markings help users stay oriented and navigate their setup effectively, further enhancing the overall stargazing experience.
What's Included:
✓ Explore Scientific 80mm Refractor Telescope
✓ iEXOS-100 Go-To EQ Mount
✓ 2 Counterweights & Shaft
✓ Plossl 25mm eyepiece
✓ Red-dot Viewfinder
✓ Smartphone camera adapter
✓ Battery pack w/ bracket
✓ Limited 1 year warranty
Specifications:
| Item Number | ES100AZADJ-02 |
| Comes With | Smartphone Adapter, One 25 mm Plossl Eyepiece, Red Dot Viewfinder, Downloadable Software |
| Magnification | 125x |
| Focal Length | 640mm focal length |
| Focal Ratio | f/8 |
| Adapter | 40mm draw tube focuser; 1.25" 90° Diagonal; |
| Optical Diameter | 80mm |
| Eyepiece (Included) | 25 mm Plossl |
| Mount head weight Instrument | 9.45 lbs. |
| Tripod weight | 5.35 lbs. |
| Tripod fully collapsed, no mount head | 25.5” |
| Tripod open, retracted legs, no mount head | 25” |
| Tripod open, retracted legs with the mount head | 38.5” at highest point, 36” to the center of the mounting bracket |
| Tripod open, legs fully extended, no mount head | 42” |
| Tripod open, legs fully extended with the mount head | 45” at highest point |
| Counterweights | 1 kg each |
| Mount weight capacity | Approx. 9 lbs. (equipment weight only),15 lbs. Photographic (equipment and counterweights); Approx. 19 lbs. Visual (equipment and counterweights) |