TDM Telescope Drive Master Ver. 2.5: Encoder and Electronics Set

The Telescope Drive Master (TDM) Ver. 2.5 is a precision encoder and electronics upgrade for astrophotographers who want research-grade tracking accuracy from an equatorial mount they already own, rather than buying a new one. Developed by Hungarian amateur astronomers Istvan Papp and Attila Madai, it attaches to a range of popular mounts through a mount-specific adapter and corrects tracking error in real time without the tedious periodic error correction (PEC) training traditional guiding requires. Where a moderately priced mount typically has 20-30 arc-seconds of periodic error, the TDM routinely brings that down to 2-2.5 arc-seconds, and in many cases as low as 1 arc-second.

• Real-time error correction: An ultra-high resolution encoder mounted on the RA shaft is compared against a quartz oscillator in real time, with drive speed adjusted automatically to correct tracking error.
• No PEC training required: Eliminates nearly all periodic and non-periodic tracking error just by turning the unit on, without the periodic error correction training traditional systems require.
• Dramatic tracking improvement: Reduces a typical 20-30 arc-second periodic error down to 2-2.5 arc-seconds peak-to-valley, and in many cases to 1 arc-second.
• Auto-guider compatible: Accepts auto-guider input for additional correction beyond periodic drive error.
• Free monitoring software: TDM Monitor and the community-developed TDM TE Recorder software read and display tracking error in real time, with TE Recorder adding a PID controller that corrects tracking error via the ASCOM pulse-guide command.
• Extended warranty: Backed by a 1-year limited warranty that converts to Explore Scientific's Transferable Extended Life warranty when registered within 60 days of purchase.