The Paramount ME features a more robust frame than it's predecessor the ME, while retaining the accuracy and performance you expect from a Software Bisque mount.
Features 8" RA and declination bearings machined into the gears for strength and a smooth ride.
Belt-driven gears are virtually backlash-free.
Maximum of 7 arc seconds of periodic error before correction.
Easily run your wires through the mount, no disassembly required!
Includes 2 USB ports on the instrument panel to attach your accessories.
The Software Bisque Paramount ME weight capacity is 240 lbs.
Options for single or dual on-axis encoders are available.
Introducing the new ME Series 6 observatory workhorse.
The Paramount ME™ Series 6 represents the latest in gear-driven German equatorial mount performance.
It includes the advanced MKS 6000 telescope control system which lets you connect via USB C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Its two-port USB 2.0 hub is conveniently located on its instrument panel. See this video for a quick overview of what’s new with the Series 6 Paramounts.
The ME remains an observatory-favorite among professional and advanced-amateur astronomers.
Hardware Specifications
240 lb. (109 kg) instrument capacity; 480 lb. (218 kg) maximum payload capacity (instruments + counterweights)
All sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS (see Software Specifications below for details)
Unibody mount design weighs 85 lb. (38 kg) without counterweights or counterweight shaft
Maximum seven (7) arcseconds peak-to-peak periodic error before correction
After a one-time training, periodic error is 1 arcsecond, peak-to-peak or less
Optional 26-bit Renishaw encoders eliminate periodic error and the need for homing; operates in temps as low as –40° C
If you skip encoders now and later decide you want them, they can be retrofitted on Series 6 Paramounts
There’s been confusion about what encoders contribute to the Paramount’s performance; see FAQ below regarding whether encoders are right for you
Encoder cables located inside mount to prevent snags
All electronics and through-the-mount cables are housed inside the mount with ample room for additional cables
Advanced MKS 6000 telescope control system lets you connect via USB C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi
(MKS 6000 Upgrade Kits will be available for older Paramounts)
Three high-power XT60 ports on instrument panel
Included Versa-Plate™ accepts most telescopes
48V DC power supply and PC-to-mount USB and Ethernet cables included
Two 30 lb. (14 kg) counterweights included. You may need more if your imaging system weighs more than 60 lb. (28 kg).
Belt-driven gears with spring loaded worm gears produce virtually zero backlash
Durable and fade-resistant red powder coating and black anodized finish; components are aluminum
Clutch-free design helps maintain its TPoint™ assisted pointing accuracy
AutoHome™ homing capability ensures the mount always knows its orientation (after performing an initializing process called “homing” which usually takes a minute or less)
Calibrated azimuth and elevation polar alignment adjustments speed polar alignment
Software Specifications
Paramount’s unsurpassed pointing and tracking wouldn’t be possible without its TPoint™ and ProTrack™ software.
By employing TPoint’s calibration and telescope modeling tools, you’ll enjoy all sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS. Nothing outperforms that — and that’s without on-axis absolute encoders.
Operating in conjunction with TPoint™, ProTrack™ continuously updates the mount’s position across both axes to correct system-wide tracking errors including tube flexures, atmospheric refraction, polar misalignment, harmonic errors from mis-centered encoders and/or worm gears, and more.
On-axis absolute encoders alone cannot correct such errors which exist with all telescopes. A properly applied telescope model is necessary to achieve superior tracking.
Without those encoders, 5-to-10-minute unguided exposures are common with many enjoying up to 20 minutes [See attached: Paramount GEM Series 6 features 20-minute exposure].
For more information about what encoders can and cannot do, please see the FAQ below.
All the included software is integrated into a single, easy-to-use, application consisting of TheSky™ Professional, TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, and Weather modules. Enjoy the simplicity of controlling your cameras and astrophotography devices with one application.
It runs on Windows™, macOS™, and Linux.
Regardless of the operating system you run it on, it appears and operates identically. You can even switch between operating systems and its license allows up to six computers. Why paint yourself or your institution into a corner?
Absent ProTrack™ which is unique to Paramounts, the included software is sold separately as TheSky™ Universal bundle and represents a $1,095 value.
