Paramount ME Maintenance

The Paramount ME should provide years of reliable operation with relatively little maintenance. This page outlines some of the Paramount ME-specific upkeep you that you should perform regularly.

 

Lubricating the Paramount ME

Software Bisque has prepared a demonstration video that describes the proper procedure for removing and replacing the grease on the Paramount ME's right ascension and declination axes.

 

Before Lubricating the Paramount ME

Do not add too much grease to the gears! Applying excessive grease can cause the homing sensors to become "plugged," and then homing will fail.

 

If homing the Paramount ME fails after adding grease, you'll need to manually remove the grease from the homing sensor by removing the gear cover of the affected axis, then carefully clean the homing sensor. Contact Software Bisque technical support for details.

 

 

View the Lubricating the Paramount ME video (12 MB avi).

 

Frequently Asked Lubrication Questions

What brand of grease should be used to lubricate the worm and gears? A. Under normal operating temperatures, Software Bisque recommends using Lubriplate Motor Assembly Grease Series 105 (Manufacturer number L0034-094) for the worm and gears.

This product is available at many auto-parts stores, or online. (Search Google.)

 

My Paramount ME is used at temperatures below -20° C. What lubrication do you recommend? A. Customers report that the Lubriplate Motor Assembly Grease Series 105 (Manufacturer number L0034-094) works well at temperatures near -25 degrees C.

If your mount is operated under extremely cold operating temperatures, consider using Molykote® 33 Extreme Low Temperature Bearing grease, Medium, which is rated for operating temperatures between -73 to 204° C.

Use the "Find a Distributor" link on this page to locate a distributor near you.

 

Did all Paramount ME's use the same lubrication? A. No. The initial production run used a mixture of viscous greases. Subsequent production runs use the Lubriplate Motor Assembly Grease Series 105. If your mount exhibits vibration under cold operating temperatures, consider replacing the existing grease with a cold-temperature grease.

 

Cleaning Exterior Surfaces and Maintaining the Original Color

Armor All® Multi-Purpose Auto Cleaner (available most everywhere) does a good job of cleaning the Paramount ME's external anodized surfaces.

 

Armor All also helps block UV rays, which can cause the color of anodized metals to fade. Applying a new coat of Armor All to the exterior surfaces of your mount every month or so should help maintain the Paramount ME's original color.