Telescope-Equatorial Mounts-Software Bisque Paramount Series 6 ME Mount with Absolute On-Axis Encoders

A High-Performance Mount Ideal for Permanent and Remote Use!

The Paramount ME mount is ideal for permanent and remote use and will shoulder up to 20″ (0.5m) telescopes with accessories. Software Bisque has been offering Paramount mounts since 1996, and with their development, they set the standard for stability, performance, and reliability. The Series 6 Paramount is the next step to improving on a mount series that already offers everything you need to get the most out of your astrophotography sessions! The Series 6 Paramount models feature an updated Telescope Control System (TCS), a dual-axis DC servomotor TCS called the MKS 6000. The MKS6000 features expanded communication options, including USB Type-C Ethernet, and WiFi. It also comes with improved reliability through hard-wired communication options along with the wireless computer control the WiFi offers. The MKS 6000 is also compatible with earlier models of the Paramount mounts.

This version of the Paramount Series 6 ME mount comes with Absolute On-Axis Encoders. These encoders mean that there will be no homing required, insignificant periodic error, 26-bit Renishaw absolute rung encoders with 0.02 arc second precision, extended temperature range (ETR) read heads with a minimum operating temperature of -40° C, and exceptional pointing and tracking results with fewer TPoint calibration points.

The Paramount Series 6 ME mount comes in a durable 6061 aluminum with a durable external finish with a red powder coating. The black components are anodized. The Paramount Series 6 mounts now include TheSky Universal Bundle, which has the following software: TheSky Professional, Cameras+, Domes, TPoint, and Weather modules. The additional Multi-OS+ module lets you install TheSky on macOS™, Ubuntu™ Linux (ARM64), Ubuntu™ Linux (x86_64), and Windows™ operating systems. For motor-encoder operation, TheSky
Professional offers advanced periodic error correction curve fitting to minimize gear errors. The precision temperature-compensated internal oscillator ensures accurate tracking rates over a wide temperature range while the built-in temperature sensor lowers the slew rate when the temperature drops. Included with your mount are two 30 lb. counterweights, an 18.5 in. (47 cm) x 1.875 in. counterweight shaft that can carry up to six counterweights, and a Versa-Plate mounting plate that will allow the attachment of most OTA rings or integrate Losmandy D dovetail.

Check out the Series 6 Upgrades!

When compared to earlier models of the Paramount mounts, the Series 6 mount heads take what you love about Paramount’s reliability and elevate that performance. Learn more about the upgrades made to the Paramount Series 6 models by reading on below:

Increased Carrying Capacity
When compared to previous models of the Paramount ME mounts, this 85 lb. Series 6 ME mount has a higher instrument carrying capacity of 240 lb. (109 kg). With instruments and counterweights together, the maximum carrying capacity of the mount cannot not exceed 480 lb. (218 kg). This carrying capacity is due to the larger internal bearings that provide exceptional stability for heavier payloads.

Improved Versa-Plate Mounting Adapter
Included with the Paramount Series 6 ME mount is a Versa-Plate Telescope Mounting adapter. The adapter comes with four integrated clamping knobs that securely attach to the telescope dovetail. The drop-in dovetail design makes attaching complicated payloads a breeze! The streamlined instrument panel can be attached to either end of the Versa-Plate so the power connectors and pass-through Ethernet port are close to your equipment.

Streamlined Instrument Panel and Through-Mount Cabling
With this version of the Paramount ME mount, there is a streamlined version of the instrumental panel that is lower-profile and includes three XT60 power connectors to deliver 12V at up to 60A max power. XT60 power connectors are lightweight durable, rated to carry up to 500V at 30A maximum (15 KW) and accept up to 12 AWG wires. XT60 connectors can power all the 12V DC equipment on your telescope. The instrument panel also has an Ethernet port for mount control and ample space to route USB 3.0 cables for compatible cameras. The base of the hour angle axis has one XT60 power connector, one pass-through Ethernet port, and one customizable Keystone module.

Axis Locking Knobs
With the Paramount Series 6 mount models, the altitude and azimuth locking knobs are now on the gear covers and have axis locking holes at 10-degree increments to make locking easier. The larger ergonomic locking knob is easier to grip and rotate. The mechanical-looking plunger will prevent axis rotation when adding or removing equipment.

Work Area Illumination and Hand Controller
Included with the Paramount ME mount head are a hand controller and control system LEDs. The hand controller comes with an integrated mini joystick and configurable five-position rate switch for single-handed mount control, an integrated bright red LED flashlight, large
lanyard, and a 15-foot coiled cable for ultimate convenience. The built-in red LED flashlight on the hand controller will allow illumination for nightly set-up tasks.

Aboslute On-Axis Encoders
With these included encoders, no homing is required and the periodic error is insignificant. These on-axis absolute ring encoders feature 26-bit Renishaw encoders with 0.02 arc second precision, the effective elimination of periodic and other gear-based errors, fewer Tpoint calibration points are required and an extended temperature range. It should be noted that on-axis absolute encoders are not required to achieve exceptional imaging results. With motor-based encoders, a one-time PEC training procedure makes periodic errors negligible. All Paramount Series 6 mounts can be upgraded with these ring encoders.