- New PMC-Eight™ Owner: Start Here
- Choose Your View
- What Do You Want To Do?
- Current Recommended Downloads
- PMC-Eight™ Quickstart Software Package
- Short Definitions
- PMC-Eight™ Software Ecosystem
- How the Software Fits Together
- Compatibility and Support Status Matrix
- New PMC-Eight™ Software Releases
- PMC-Eight™ NotebookLM
- OpenGOTO Community Projects
- PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server for Windows
- ExploreStars™ Envision™
- Legacy ExploreStars™
- Firmware and Configuration Tools
- Current PMC-Eight™ ASCOM Driver for Windows
- PMC-Eight™ INDI Driver for Linux, Raspberry Pi, and macOS
- Documentation and Support
- Developer Resources
- Previous Downloads Archive
PMC-Eight™ System Software Ecosystem Downloads
Use this page to download current customer-facing software, drivers, approved firmware update tools, documentation, and developer resources for Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ mount control systems.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Trademark notice: PMC-Eight™ is a trademark of Explore Scientific, LLC. PMC-Eight™ Envision™ is a trademark of Wes McDonald.
This page is the primary download hub for current PMC-Eight™ software. Legacy downloads are listed in the archive section at the bottom of this page so customers do not need to navigate through older software pages.
Page Navigation
New PMC-Eight™ Owner: Start Here
Recommended for New Users Start Here
If you just bought a PMC-Eight™ mount and are not sure which software is required, start with the path below. You only need one observing-control path at first; the other drivers and tools are available when your workflow needs them.
- Connect the mount and choose your control path. For simple visual observing, use ExploreStars™ Envision™ on Android, Windows, or the PWA path on a supported host platform. For Windows astronomy applications such as Stellarium, NINA, SharpCap, or Cartes du Ciel, use ALPACA if the application supports it, or ASCOM when the application requires an ASCOM Platform driver.
- Install only the software for that path. New visual observers should open the Envision downloads. Windows imaging users should start with the ALPACA Server, unless their software specifically requires ASCOM. Linux, Raspberry Pi, and macOS testers should use the INDI beta section.
- Align the mount and start observing. After the app or driver connects, complete the normal mount alignment for your observing session, then select a target in your app. Use UFCT or firmware files only for configuration or firmware support tasks, not as part of every observing session.
Choose Your View Start With Envision See Recommended Downloads Download First Night Setup PDF
Choose Your View
Beginner View
Recommended for New Users
Use this path if you are setting up a PMC-Eight™ mount for the first time or only need visual GoTo observing. Start with the new-owner workflow, then choose ExploreStars™ Envision™ unless your astronomy application requires a driver.
Start Here First Night PDFAdvanced User View
Advanced Users
Use this path if you already know your astronomy software stack. Compare Envision, ALPACA, ASCOM, INDI, firmware tools, and OpenGOTO community packages by platform, use case, and support status.
Compare Components Compatibility PDFDeveloper View
Developer / Maintainer
Use this path if you are maintaining an integration, reviewing driver behavior, or building software around PMC-Eight™ interfaces. Start with the architecture map, source repositories, programmer reference, and public release pages.
Open Developer Resources Maintainer PDFWhat Do You Want To Do?
Choose the observing goal that best matches what you want to accomplish with your PMC-Eight™ mount. Each choice points you toward the software, driver, or support section most likely to help.
First-time setupI want to get my mount up and runningStart with the current recommended downloads to choose the right app, driver, firmware tool, and documentation. Visual observingI want to observe without connecting a camera or computerUse ExploreStars™ Envision™ for visual observing with a phone, tablet, or Windows PC when you only need mount control and object finding. Quick visual observingI want to look at the Moon or planets tonightUse ExploreStars™ Envision™ for app-style GoTo control from Android, Windows, or a browser-based PWA path. Solar-system GoToI want to find Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, or MarsUse ExploreStars™ Envision™ to select bright solar-system targets and send the mount to them. Deep-sky object findingI want to find the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, or star clustersUse ExploreStars™ Envision™ for catalog-based object selection and GoTo observing. Windows planetarium controlI want to use Stellarium, Cartes du Ciel, NINA, or SharpCapUse the OpenGOTO Community PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server first when your Windows astronomy application supports Alpaca network control. Windows imaging workflowI want to take a picture of Jupiter, the Moon, or a deep-sky object from WindowsUse the PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server for modern Windows capture, guiding, sequencing, and observatory workflows that support Alpaca. ASCOM-only Windows softwareI want to use a Windows astronomy app that requires an ASCOM driverInstall the ASCOM Platform and the current Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver when your software does not support Alpaca. Existing ASCOM workflowI want to keep my current ASCOM setup workingUse the current PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver for established ASCOM Platform profiles, older automation setups, and known-good Windows workflows. ASCOM driver installerI want to download the current Explore Scientific ASCOM driverGo directly to the ASCOM driver section for the installer, release notes, checksum information, and ASCOM Platform install order. Linux astronomy workflowI want to use KStars or Ekos on LinuxInstall the PMC-Eight™ INDI driver package that matches your Ubuntu release and computer architecture. Portable Raspberry Pi controlI want to build a Raspberry Pi telescope control systemUse the Raspberry Pi 64-bit INDI package set for Linux-based control at the telescope. Connection and controller setupI want to connect by Wi-Fi, serial, or change mount settingsUse the firmware and configuration tools section for UFCT, approved firmware files, and setup utilities. Older app supportI want to use my older ExploreStars™ setupUse the legacy ExploreStars™ section for older iPad, Android, Windows, and database downloads.
OpenGOTO developmentI want to develop software or integrate PMC-Eight™ into my own projectUse the public Explore Scientific source repositories for driver source code, installer build files, beta INDI driver work, and integration reference material.
ASCOM driver source | Beta INDI driver source
ASCOM driver source | Beta INDI driver source
Current Recommended Downloads
For a normal observing session, choose one control path: Envision for app-style visual observing, ALPACA or ASCOM for Windows astronomy applications, or INDI for Linux/Raspberry Pi/macOS testing. Firmware files and UFCT are configuration/support tools, not required for every observing session.
| Need | Download | Platform | Support Status | Direct Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone, tablet, or app-style mount control | ExploreStars™ Envision™ | Android, Windows, Apple-device PWA path | Official Current Recommended for New Users | Choose Envision download |
| Windows astronomy software control | PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server | Windows 10 / Windows 11 | Community Supported Advanced Users | Open latest ALPACA Server release |
| ASCOM-only Windows software or existing ASCOM workflows | PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver | Windows 10 / Windows 11 | Official Current ASCOM Required | Open latest ASCOM release |
| KStars, Ekos, or INDI-compatible software | PMC-Eight™ INDI driver beta | Linux PC, Raspberry Pi, macOS | Public Beta Advanced Users | Choose INDI download |
| Latest controller firmware binary | PMC-Eight™ firmware binary | PMC-Eight™ controller firmware | Support / Configuration Only | Open latest firmware files |
| Controller configuration utility | Universal Firmware Configuration Tool (UFCT) | Windows executable | Support / Configuration Only | Download latest UFCT executable |
PMC-Eight™ Quickstart Software Package
Large Convenience Bundle Optional
Download one convenience ZIP containing the current public PMC-Eight™ Windows driver/server options, firmware and configuration tools, firmware binary, support utilities, beta INDI packages, selected Wes PMC8 tools and documents, OpenGOTO Community Dashboard packages, package README, manifest, SHA-256 checksums, and download instructions for large standalone OpenGOTO tools.
Download PMC-Eight™ Quickstart PackageLarge download, approximately 91 MB. Use the individual sections below if you only need one app, driver, tool, or beta package.
When not to use this bundle: if you already know which single app, driver, or tool you need, download that individual item instead of the full Quickstart ZIP.
View Quickstart README Guide
PMC-Eight Quickstart Software Package
Package date: 2026-05-27
This ZIP is a convenience package for PMC-Eight users who want the current public software, tools, firmware payload, and beta INDI packages in one download. It does not replace the individual release pages; use the linked public repositories for source code, issue tracking, and future updates.
What Is Included
Windows
- OpenGOTO Community PMC-Eight ALPACA Server package for Windows x64:
Windows/ALPACA-Server/ - Current Explore Scientific PMC-Eight ASCOM driver installer:
Windows/ASCOM-Driver/ - Current PMC-Eight Universal Firmware Configuration Tool, UFCT v2.1:
Windows/UFCT/ - Current public PMC-Eight firmware binary and firmware documentation from the ASCOM driver payload:
Windows/Firmware/ - Support utilities included with the current public ASCOM payload, including Propellent and home-network configuration utility:
Windows/Support-Utilities/
Wes PMC8 Tools and OpenGOTO Community Additions
- ESP32 OTA updater package and quick-start documents:
Wes-PMC8-Tools/ESP32-OTA/ - ESP32 serial flash package and user guide:
Wes-PMC8-Tools/ESP32-Serial-Flash/ - OpenGOTO Community PMC8 Dashboard Windows and macOS release ZIPs, contributed by Wes McDonald and hosted by Explore Scientific:
Wes-PMC8-Tools/PMC8-Dashboard/ - OpenGOTO Community Spiral Search Bridge v2.0 README, user manual, license, notices, and download instructions, contributed by Wes McDonald and hosted by Explore Scientific:
Wes-PMC8-Tools/Spiral-Search-Bridge/ - PMC8 Home Network Config v1.0 README, license, and download instructions, contributed by Wes McDonald and hosted by Explore Scientific:
Wes-PMC8-Tools/Home-Network-Config/ - Wes PMC8 firmware branch documents and BT/no-WiFi firmware binaries:
Wes-PMC8-Tools/PMC8-Firmware/ - ExploreStars Envision README, licenses, and user manual from the current Explore Scientific Envision release:
Wes-PMC8-Tools/ExploreStars-Envision/
The large ExploreStars Envision app release assets are intentionally not embedded in this ZIP. Use the dedicated Envision download buttons on the software page for Android, Windows, and PWA packages.
ExploreStars Envision PWA
The ExploreStars Envision PWA path uses a supported host platform such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Raspberry Pi/Linux according to the current release instructions. Start the Envision PWA host or server package on the host device, then open Envision from a browser on the same device or another connected device.
Use the dedicated PWA setup PDF for the host-and-browser connection model before using the PWA path for the first time.
INDI Beta Packages
- Ubuntu 22.04 / Jammy runtime package sets for amd64 and arm64:
INDI-Beta/Ubuntu-22.04-Jammy/ - Ubuntu 24.04 / Noble runtime package sets for amd64 and arm64:
INDI-Beta/Ubuntu-24.04-Noble/ - macOS Apple Silicon and Intel beta artifacts:
INDI-Beta/macOS/
Recommended Use
- For modern Windows astronomy applications that support Alpaca, start with the ALPACA Server package in
Windows/ALPACA-Server/. - For ASCOM-only Windows applications or existing ASCOM Platform workflows, install the ASCOM Platform first, then run the PMC-Eight ASCOM driver installer in
Windows/ASCOM-Driver/. - For controller setup and firmware-related support tasks, use UFCT v2.1 in
Windows/UFCT/. Only update firmware when directed by Explore Scientific support or when following official release instructions. - For Ubuntu/KStars/Ekos beta testing, install the matching INDI package set for your Ubuntu release and CPU architecture. Each Linux target needs
libindi-data,libindi1, andindi-binfrom the matching folder. - For macOS INDI beta testing, use the matching macOS ZIP artifact for Apple Silicon or Intel.
- For PMC8 Dashboard testing, use the Windows or macOS Dashboard ZIP in
Wes-PMC8-Tools/PMC8-Dashboard/, or download the current official OpenGOTO Community Dashboard package from the OpenGOTO section below, and review the included notices before running the tool. - For Spiral Search Bridge testing, read the instructions in
Wes-PMC8-Tools/Spiral-Search-Bridge/, then download the current official OpenGOTO Community Spiral Search package from the OpenGOTO section below. - For putting a PMC-Eight™ Wi-Fi module onto a home network, read the instructions in
Wes-PMC8-Tools/Home-Network-Config/, then open the Home Network Config release from the OpenGOTO section below.
Linux INDI Install Examples
Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy amd64 example:
cd INDI-Beta/Ubuntu-22.04-Jammy/amd64
sudo apt update
sudo apt install ../libindi-data_2.2.1+es1.jammy_all.deb ./libindi1_2.2.1+es1.jammy_amd64.deb ./indi-bin_2.2.1+es1.jammy_amd64.debUbuntu 24.04 Noble arm64 example:
cd INDI-Beta/Ubuntu-24.04-Noble/arm64
sudo apt update
sudo apt install ../libindi-data_2.2.1+es1.noble_all.deb ./libindi1_2.2.1+es1.noble_arm64.deb ./indi-bin_2.2.1+es1.noble_arm64.debTo restore distribution-provided INDI packages:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install --reinstall indi-bin libindi1 libindi-dataSource and Release Pages
- ASCOM driver release
- ASCOM driver source
- UFCT latest release
- UFCT repository
- Latest ALPACA Server release
- PMC8 Dashboard release
- PMC8 Dashboard project page
- PMC8 Tools project index
- Home Network Config release
- Spiral Search Bridge release
- Spiral Search Bridge project page
- INDI beta release
- INDI beta source
- PMC8 Tools source snapshot
Verification
Use CHECKSUMS-SHA256.txt in the root of this package to verify the packaged files after download.
Short Definitions
| Term | Plain-language meaning | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| ALPACA | A network-based ASCOM-compatible control method used by modern astronomy applications to talk to telescope equipment. | Use it first for Alpaca-capable Windows workflows and cross-platform OpenGOTO server testing. |
| ASCOM | A Windows astronomy-device standard and driver platform used by many planetarium, imaging, guiding, and automation programs. | Use it when your Windows software specifically requires an ASCOM Platform driver. |
| INDI | A Linux and macOS astronomy-device framework commonly used with KStars and Ekos. | Use it for Linux, Raspberry Pi, macOS, KStars, or Ekos testing. |
| UFCT | The Universal Firmware Configuration Tool for supported PMC-Eight™ controller configuration and firmware-related support tasks. | Use it for connection settings, support-directed configuration, or official firmware procedures. |
| PWA | A Progressive Web App path that runs through a browser. The PWA host can run on supported platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Raspberry Pi/Linux according to the current release instructions. | Use it for iPhone or iPad Envision operation until a native Apple App Store Envision app is available. |
| OTA | Over-the-air updating, meaning firmware or software transfer without a direct programming cable. | Use it only when following the matching release instructions or support procedure. |
| Dashboard | A community utility for PMC-Eight™ configuration, connection testing, and support workflows. | Use it when you need the OpenGOTO Community PMC8 Dashboard tools and documentation. |
PMC-Eight™ Software Ecosystem
These downloads support the major PMC-Eight™ apps, drivers, operating systems, and public community resources used by Explore Scientific customers.
ExploreStars™ Envision™Current app 
ASCOMWindows driver 
INDILinux and macOS driver 
OpenGOTOCommunity projects UF UFCTConfiguration utility 
AndroidNative APK 
Apple iPhone and iPadPWA browser path 
WindowsEnvision and ASCOM 
Linux PCINDI package 
Raspberry Pi64-bit Linux macOSINDI test package 
GitHubPublic source repos
ASCOMWindows driver INDILinux and macOS driver OpenGOTOCommunity projects UF UFCTConfiguration utility AndroidNative APK Apple iPhone and iPadPWA browser path WindowsEnvision and ASCOM Linux PCINDI package Raspberry Pi64-bit Linux macOSINDI test package GitHubPublic source repos
How the Software Fits Together
The PMC-Eight™ controller firmware is the mount-side control layer. Apps, drivers, and servers sit above that firmware and provide different ways for astronomy software or users to command the mount.
MountEXOS 2, G11, iEXOS-100, or other PMC-Eight™ mount hardware.
→
PMC-Eight™ FirmwareController firmware receives commands and drives the mount motors.
→
Control LayerExploreStars™ Envision™, ALPACA Server, ASCOM driver, INDI driver, or UFCT.
→
User SoftwareVisual observing app, planetarium, imaging, guiding, sequencing, or support utility.
Most users choose one control layer for a session. For example, a visual observer may use Envision directly, while an imaging user may use ALPACA or ASCOM through a Windows astronomy application.
Compatibility and Support Status Matrix
Download Compatibility Matrix PDF
| Component | Works With | Typical Application Path | Firmware / Driver Relationship | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExploreStars™ Envision™ | Android, Windows, and PWA hosting on supported platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Raspberry Pi/Linux | Visual observing, app-style GoTo control, standalone planetarium or push-to sky map | Connects to a PMC-Eight™ controller for mount control; does not require ASCOM or INDI | Official Current Recommended for New Users |
| PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server | Alpaca-capable astronomy software on Windows, Linux, and macOS server targets | Modern planetarium, imaging, capture, guiding, sequencing, and observatory workflows | Server communicates with the PMC-Eight™ controller and exposes Alpaca-compatible control to client applications | Community Supported Advanced Users |
| PMC-Eight™ ASCOM Driver | Windows 10 / Windows 11 with the ASCOM Platform installed first | Windows astronomy programs that require a local ASCOM Platform telescope driver | ASCOM driver talks to the PMC-Eight™ controller; current installer also carries public support utility payload files | Official Current ASCOM Required |
| PMC-Eight™ INDI Driver Beta | Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy, Ubuntu 24.04 Noble, Raspberry Pi 64-bit, and macOS test artifacts | KStars, Ekos, and INDI-compatible Linux/macOS workflows | Beta driver talks to the PMC-Eight™ controller through INDI; match packages to OS release and CPU architecture | Public Beta Advanced Users |
| Universal Firmware Configuration Tool (UFCT) | Windows systems used for PMC-Eight™ setup or support procedures | Controller configuration, connection settings, and support-directed firmware tasks | Used with approved PMC-Eight™ firmware files when release notes or support instructions call for it | Support / Configuration Only |
| Legacy ExploreStars™ and older packages | Older iPad, Android, Windows, database, firmware, and SDK workflows | Existing legacy configurations only | Use only when required for a specific older setup or when directed by Explore Scientific support | Legacy Archive Use Only If Needed |
New PMC-Eight™ Software Releases
New ExploreStars™ Envision™ App
ExploreStars™ Envision™ is the new PMC-Eight™ telescope-mount control app for Android, Windows, and self-hosted Progressive Web App (PWA) operation on supported host platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi/Linux. It can also run as a standalone planetarium or push-to sky map, so a PMC-Eight™ connection is not required to try it. For help inside the Envision™ system, tap the circled question mark icon at the top of the app.
Start in the dedicated ExploreStars™ Envision™ section below for the current app downloads, release notes, checksums, and user manual.
View ExploreStars™ Envision™ DownloadsNew PMC-Eight™ INDI Beta Distribution
Explore Scientific is providing new beta INDI server/driver packages for Ubuntu 22.04 and Ubuntu 24.04 systems running KStars/Ekos/INDI. Linux builds are now distributed as Debian packages so the correct shared-library dependencies are installed for each operating-system release.
Start in the dedicated INDI section below for package selection, Linux install commands, macOS notes, source code, release notes, and checksum links.
View INDI Beta DownloadsNew PMC-Eight™ ASCOM Driver Release
Explore Scientific now provides the public PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver source code and a ready-to-install Windows ASCOM driver setup program from the Explore Scientific GitHub repository.
PMC-Eight™ ASCOM Driver Setup Windows ASCOM telescope driver installer for ASCOM-compatible astronomy applications. Open Latest ASCOM Release
Release Notes and Checksums Review release details and verify the installer download before use. Open Latest ASCOM Release
Latest UFCT Public Download
The latest public PMC-Eight™ Universal Firmware Configuration Tool (UFCT) Windows executable is hosted in a public Explore Scientific GitHub repository. Open the repository to get the current executable and checksum file for verification.
PMC-Eight™ Universal Firmware Configuration Tool Windows utility executable for supported PMC-Eight™ configuration and firmware-related support procedures. Download Latest UFCT
UFCT Checksum and Release Notes Verify the current UFCT executable with the release checksum, or review the public release page. Download SHA256 Checksum
PMC-Eight™ NotebookLM
PMC-Eight™ NotebookLM Reference
A PMC-Eight™ NotebookLM resource is available as an interactive reference for exploring PMC-Eight™ documentation, software topics, and support information.
Open PMC-Eight™ NotebookLMOpenGOTO Community Projects
PMC-Eight™ was designed around the OpenGOTO concept: public command documentation, public driver interfaces, and a community where users and developers can discuss mount control, driver behavior, and software integrations. Explore Scientific hosts selected reviewed OpenGOTO community contributions on GitHub with contributor attribution.
Reviewed Community Contributions
OpenGOTO community-developed packages that have been reviewed for public hosting by Explore Scientific.
Prosaic Alto
PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server community package for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Wes McDonald
PMC8 Dashboard community utility for PMC-Eight™ configuration, connection testing, and related support workflows. Hosted by Explore Scientific as an OpenGOTO Community project with source, documentation, notices, and platform release packages.
Project page | Release notes | Download Windows package | Download macOS package
Wes McDonald
PMC8 Tools public utility collection for PMC-Eight™ users. Wes McDonald is the contributor and upstream maintainer; Explore Scientific provides the OpenGOTO Community project index, public source/documentation snapshot, and selected mirrored release assets for customer convenience.
Project index | Source snapshot | Home Network Config release
Wes McDonald
Spiral Search Bridge v2.0 community utility for ASCOM Alpaca spiral-search automation. Explore Scientific mirrors the reviewed Windows, macOS, and Linux ARM64 packages with documentation, license, and checksum files.
Project page | Release notes | Download Windows package | Download macOS Apple Silicon package | Download macOS Intel package | Download Linux ARM64 package
PMC-Eight™ Groups.io Community Forum
Join the PMC-Eight™ user community for setup help, beta feedback, software announcements, and support discussion.
Open Groups.io ForumOpenGOTO Developer References
Use the programmer's reference, public ASCOM source, and public INDI source when developing or reviewing PMC-Eight™ integrations. The OpenGOTO Community ALPACA Server package is provided as a reviewed install package, not as a source-code repository.
View Developer Resources ASCOM Source INDI SourcePMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server
The OpenGOTO Community PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server is the preferred server/driver path for modern astronomy applications that support Alpaca network control. It provides a more capable network-oriented control path for compatible planetarium, imaging, capture, guiding, sequencing, and observatory software while keeping the current Explore Scientific ASCOM driver available for ASCOM-only applications and established ASCOM Platform workflows.
Status: community-supported OpenGOTO contribution, reviewed and hosted by Explore Scientific for customer convenience.
Preferred ALPACA Server Package
Download the reviewed OpenGOTO Community PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server release for Windows, Linux, and macOS, contributed by Prosaic Alto and hosted by Explore Scientific.
Open latest ALPACA Server releaseWhen To Use ASCOM Instead
Use the current Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver when your Windows application requires a local ASCOM Platform driver, when you are maintaining an existing ASCOM profile, or when your established workflow has not yet moved to Alpaca.
View Current ASCOM DriverExploreStars™ Envision™
ExploreStars™ Envision™ is the current app experience for PMC-Eight™ telescope-mount control. It is available for Android, Windows, and self-hosted Progressive Web App (PWA) operation on supported host platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi/Linux according to the current release instructions. For help inside the Envision™ system, tap the circled question mark icon at the top of the app.
Status: official current app path for new visual observing and app-style PMC-Eight™ mount control. Official Current Recommended for New Users
PWA note: the PWA path uses a supported host device and a browser. The host and browser can be the same device in some setups, or separate connected devices in others. Download the Envision PWA Setup PDF.
ExploreStars™ Envision™ Current Release
The latest ExploreStars™ Envision™ release is available for Android, Windows, and self-hosted Progressive Web App (PWA) operation for supported host platforms from the public Explore Scientific™ Envision™ release page. For PWA use, run the PWA host package on a supported host device, then open Envision from a browser on the same device or another connected device.
Android APK Windows ZIP PWA Server ZIP PWA Setup PDF Release Notes User Manual © SHA256 ChecksumsLegacy ExploreStars™
Legacy ExploreStars™ downloads remain available for customers who need the older iPad, Android, or Windows ExploreStars™ applications. New customers should normally start with ExploreStars™ Envision™ above.
Status: legacy support. Legacy Archive Use Only If Needed Use only for older setups or when support instructions call for these packages. Before changing a working legacy setup, review the Safe Upgrade Guide PDF.
Legacy ExploreStars™ for Android
Download the current Android APK package and the Android database image package directly.
Download Android APK Download Android DatabaseLegacy ExploreStars™ for Windows
Install ExploreStars™ from the Microsoft Store and download the Windows database package directly.
Open Microsoft Store Download Windows DatabaseFirmware and Configuration Tools
Use only approved public firmware update packages and configuration tools. Follow the release notes included with each package, and do not update firmware during an observing session unless directed by support or a release note.
Status: official current configuration and firmware-support tools. Support / Configuration Only These are optional for normal observing unless configuration or support work is needed.
Firmware caution: do not update firmware during normal first setup or an observing session unless release instructions or Explore Scientific support direct you to do so. Review the Safe Upgrade Guide PDF before changing a working setup.
Latest Universal Firmware Configuration Tool
Download the latest public UFCT Windows executable when you need to configure PMC-Eight™ connection settings or use the supported Windows configuration utility. The executable and SHA-256 checksum are hosted as GitHub Release assets so the public repository stays small and release-only.
Download Latest UFCT Download SHA256 Checksum View UFCT Release NotesLatest PMC-Eight™ Firmware Binary
Download the latest approved public PMC-Eight™ firmware binary for use with the Universal Firmware Configuration Tool or support-directed firmware update procedures. The GitHub folder contains the current public firmware binary available from Explore Scientific.
Open Latest Firmware FilesCurrent PMC-Eight™ ASCOM Driver for Windows
Use the current Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver when your Windows astronomy application requires an ASCOM Platform driver, when you are maintaining an existing ASCOM setup, or when your workflow has not yet moved to Alpaca. For Alpaca-capable Windows applications, start with the OpenGOTO Community PMC-Eight™ ALPACA Server section above.
Status: official current Windows ASCOM driver for ASCOM Platform workflows. Official Current ASCOM Required
Install order: install the ASCOM Platform first, then install the Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver. If you are changing an existing working setup, review the Safe Upgrade Guide PDF first.
ASCOM Platform
Download the current ASCOM Platform from the ASCOM Standards website. ASCOM Platform 7 requires Windows 10 1809 or later.
Download ASCOM PlatformPMC-Eight™ ASCOM Driver
Download the current Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver installer from the public Explore Scientific GitHub release. This installer includes the ASCOM telescope driver and public support utility payload for Windows systems.
Download Latest ASCOM Driver Installation .exe View ASCOM Source Code Release Notes SHA256 ChecksumsASCOM Driver Package Notes
- Current public release: use the latest PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver release from the public Explore Scientific GitHub repository.
- The setup program is intended for Windows systems with the ASCOM Platform installed first.
- The public installer package includes the current public Universal Firmware Configuration Tool package files and the current public PMC-Eight™ firmware binary.
- The source code and installer build files are available in the public Explore Scientific GitHub repository.
Connection Notes
- The PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver can be used through supported wired serial, WiFi, and Bluetooth serial connection paths depending on the mount/controller configuration.
- ExploreStars is intended for wireless app-style operation. Use ALPACA for compatible modern Windows astronomy applications, and use ASCOM when the application requires an ASCOM Platform driver.
- For troubleshooting connection setup, use the support and documentation links below.
PMC-Eight™ INDI Driver for Linux, Raspberry Pi, and macOS
INDI is commonly used with KStars/Ekos and other astronomy applications on Linux-based systems. Explore Scientific is providing a public beta PMC-Eight™ INDI driver release for users who want to help test updated PMC-Eight™ driver behavior before the changes are submitted upstream to the official INDI project.
Status: official public beta for advanced users and testers. Public Beta Advanced Users Use the package set that matches your operating-system release and CPU architecture.
Beta notice: these downloads are not full KStars installers. Linux users should install the matching Debian package set for their Ubuntu release and CPU architecture. Test only if you are comfortable restoring your previous INDI packages if needed.
How to choose the correct Linux package set: run
lsb_release -a to identify the Ubuntu release/codename, then run uname -m to identify the CPU architecture. Use Jammy for Ubuntu 22.04, Noble for Ubuntu 24.04, amd64 for x86_64 PC/notebook hardware, and arm64 for 64-bit Raspberry Pi hardware.| System | Required Downloads | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 22.04 / Jammy PC or notebook |
libindi-data Jammy libindi1 Jammy amd64 indi-bin Jammy amd64 |
For Ubuntu 22.04 x86_64 systems. |
| Ubuntu 22.04 / Jammy Raspberry Pi 64-bit |
libindi-data Jammy libindi1 Jammy arm64 indi-bin Jammy arm64 |
For Ubuntu 22.04 64-bit Raspberry Pi systems. |
| Ubuntu 24.04 / Noble PC or notebook |
libindi-data Noble libindi1 Noble amd64 indi-bin Noble amd64 |
For Ubuntu 24.04 x86_64 systems. |
| Ubuntu 24.04 / Noble Raspberry Pi 64-bit |
libindi-data Noble libindi1 Noble arm64 indi-bin Noble arm64 |
For Ubuntu 24.04 64-bit Raspberry Pi systems. |
| macOS Apple Silicon | Download macOS Apple Silicon artifact | Advanced testing; confirm KStars uses this INDI installation. |
| macOS Intel | Download macOS Intel artifact | Advanced testing; confirm KStars uses this INDI installation. |
Release notes: PMC8-INDI-2.2.1-es1 Beta Release
Open Beta INDI Source Code Open Beta INDI Release Notes
Basic Linux Install Example
Download the three required .deb files for your operating-system release and architecture into the same folder, then run:
sudo apt update sudo apt install ./libindi-data_*.deb ./libindi1_*.deb ./indi-bin_*.deb
After installation, restart KStars/Ekos. If the driver fails with a shared-library error such as libcfitsio.so.9, confirm that the package set matches the target operating-system release and architecture.
Linux Restore Command
If you need to return to the distribution-provided INDI packages, stop KStars/Ekos and run:
sudo apt update sudo apt install --reinstall indi-bin libindi1 libindi-data
Documentation and Support
First Night Setup Procedure
Step-by-step beginner procedure for setting up the mount, choosing one control path, connecting software, entering site/time information, aligning, and trying a first target.
Download First Night PDFBeginner Troubleshooting Guide
Connection, Wi-Fi, COM port, firewall, INDI package, PWA browser, and first GoTo troubleshooting for new users.
Download Troubleshooting PDFSafe Upgrade Guide
Guidance for users with a working setup: when to upgrade, when to stay with the current setup, what to record first, and how to validate changes.
Download Safe Upgrade PDFEnvision PWA Setup Guide
Explains PWA host and browser roles for supported host platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi/Linux.
Download PWA Setup PDFCompatibility Matrix
High-level guide to PMC-Eight apps, drivers, platforms, support status, and recommended control paths.
Download Compatibility PDFPMC-Eight™ System Guide ©
Download the PMC-Eight™ system booklet for EXOS 2 and G11 style PMC-Eight™ systems.
Download PMC-Eight™ Guide ©iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ Guide ©
Download the iEXOS-100 PMC-Eight™ booklet for the iEXOS-100 mount system.
Download iEXOS-100 Guide ©PMC-Eight™ Community Forum
Join the PMC-Eight™ user community for discussion, help, and beta feedback.
Open Groups.io ForumDeveloper Resources
PMC-Eight™ supports the OpenGOTO concept by providing public documentation and supported public software interfaces for developers and advanced users.
Status: developer and maintainer reference area for public documentation, source repositories, release pages, and integration review. Developer / Maintainer
Developer and Maintainer Reference
Developer-oriented index covering public resources, software layers, ASCOM and INDI notes, OpenGOTO community notes, release checklist, metadata expectations, and license clarity topics.
Download Maintainer PDFPMC-Eight™ Programmer's Reference ©
Command language and system reference material for developers.
Download Programmer's Reference ©Software Developer's Kit
Public SDK materials for supported PMC-Eight™ software development.
Download SDKPublic INDI Driver Source
Public Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ INDI driver source and beta releases.
Open INDI Driver RepositoryPublic ASCOM Driver Source
Public Explore Scientific PMC-Eight™ ASCOM driver source, installer build files, and Windows release installer.
Open ASCOM Driver Repository Open Latest ASCOM ReleasePrevious Downloads Archive
Older installers and firmware packages should be used only when directed by Explore Scientific support or when required for a specific legacy configuration. Current users should normally use the recommended downloads above.
Legacy Archive Use Only If Needed These archived downloads are provided for legacy support. Use the current downloads above unless a release note or Explore Scientific support directs you to an older package. Review the Safe Upgrade Guide PDF before changing a working legacy setup.
Legacy ExploreStars™ Downloads
| Item | Platform | Direct Download | Archive Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExploreStars previous Android APK package | Android | Download ZIP | Previous APK package retained for legacy support. |
| ExploreStars legacy Android database package | Android | Download ZIP | Older Android database package. |
| ExploreStars legacy Android app package | Android | Download ZIP | Older Android application package. |
Legacy PMC-Eight™ Software Packages
| Item | Platform | Direct Download | Archive Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMC-Eight™ Software Installer | Windows | Download EXE | Combined PMC-Eight™ software installer. Detailed release notes and support documents are included in the installed utility folder. |
| Legacy Universal Firmware Configuration Tool 1.3 | Windows | Download ZIP | Older UFCT package retained for legacy support. Current users should download the latest UFCT from the current firmware and configuration tools section above. |
Legacy Firmware Update Packages
| Item | Format | Direct Download | Archive Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMC-Eight™ Firmware 20A01.2 package | ZIP | Download ZIP | Legacy firmware package. |
| PMC-Eight™ Firmware 20A01.1 package | ZIP | Download ZIP | Legacy firmware package. |
Legacy Documentation Downloads
| Item | Format | Direct Download | Archive Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMC-Eight™ Programmer's Reference Manual Release 2 © | Download PDF | Older Programmer's Reference Manual. | |
| PMC-Eight™ SDK 2018 package | ZIP | Download ZIP | Older SDK package. |