Explore Scientific TDM Telescope Drive Master Encoder Only (Requires Mount Specific Adapter)

Experience the precision and performance of the Explore Scientific Telescope Drive Master (TDM). This advanced device is designed to seamlessly attach to widely used equatorial mounts, including models from renowned brands such as Celestron CGE & CGE Pro, Synta, iOptron, and Meade.

The TDM employs a mount-specific adapter, an ultra-high resolution encoder, and a sophisticated electronics package. Together, these components transform your standard drive system into a research-grade drive, delivering unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Unlike other devices, the TDM eliminates the need for time-consuming PEC training. Simply turning on the TDM significantly reduces both periodic and non-periodic tracking errors of your equatorial mount, enhancing your stargazing experience.

At the heart of the TDM is a high-precision rotary encoder mounted onto the RA shaft. This encoder works in tandem with the electronic controller unit, which compares the incoming signals from the encoder with the time signal of its quartz oscillator. Any deviations in the angular velocity of the RA shaft from the prescribed drive rate are instantly corrected by feedback regulation. This real-time adjustment either accelerates or slows down the drive, ensuring consistent and accurate tracking.

For additional correction of errors other than periodic drive error, the TDM also accommodates auto-guider input. This feature allows a typical drive on a moderately-priced equatorial mount, which can easily have 20-30 arc seconds of periodic error, to be improved down to 2-to-2.5 arc-seconds peak-to-valley or less. This level of precision is comparable to what you would expect from high-end equatorial mounts costing significantly more.

To further enhance your user experience, you can download the TDM Monitor Software free of charge. This software reads TDM correction values in real-time via the PC serial port (or via RS232-USB adapter) from the USART Port of the TDM box. The package also includes the LabView runtime environment for using this application. This allows you to monitor the tracking error of any mount in real time from the comfort of your warm room, even without autoguider support.

The TDM Monitor Software comes in two versions: v1.0 and v2.31. Both versions offer a range of tracking deviation display, with +/-16" (1/8" resolution) and +/-32" (1/4" resolution). Before installation, we recommend reading the "ReadMeFirst.txt" file for a smooth setup process.

In summary, the Explore Scientific Telescope Drive Master (TDM) offers a superior solution for those seeking to elevate their astronomy experience with precision, performance, and convenience.