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Paramount ME Operating Temperature

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MaxMB Posted: 03-05-2010 11:48 AM

I'm looking at operating the Paramount at -50 degrees celsius, if i use appropriate grease will it operate at such low temperatures?

I've seen other posts about cold weather operation, but nothing quite as low as -50.

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 03-06-2010 9:18 PM

MaxMB:
I'm looking at operating the Paramount at -50 degrees celsius, if i use appropriate grease will it operate at such low temperatures? 

I've seen other posts about cold weather operation, but nothing quite as low as -50.

There's not a lot of data, for sure.  Officially, -50C is below the recommended minimum operating temperature of the Paramount ME.  That said, Mike Rice (New Mexico Skies) used to operate his Paramount (north of Fairbanks, AK) at similar temperatures.  However, as you might guess, operating any electronic equipment at such extremely low temperatures can introduce a variety of problems.

Daniel R. Bisque Software Bisque, Inc. 912 Twelfth St Golden, CO 80401-1114 USA Software Bisque Home Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Mountain Time (GMT-7:00)

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MaxMB replied on 03-08-2010 8:48 AM

Thanks Daniel.

What is the official recommended minimum operating temperature?

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 03-08-2010 12:29 PM

MaxMB:
What is the official recommended minimum operating temperature?
Good question.  Grey answer.  If you look at the "minimum operating temperature" specifications of the individual electronic components on the MKS 4000, the minimum recommended operating temperature would be around around -18C (0 degrees F). 

However, many use the Paramount ME at around -30C (-20F) or so without any significant issues (see Cold Temperature Operation in the Paramount ME User Guide for details). 

Operating the mount at -50C (-58F) may require a heat source in the RA box to keep the electronics above the ambient temperature.  An additional issue is the mount's internal cabling; which might not be sufficiently compliant to bend/flex at very low temperatures.

Hope this helps.

Daniel R. Bisque Software Bisque, Inc. 912 Twelfth St Golden, CO 80401-1114 USA Software Bisque Home Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Mountain Time (GMT-7:00)

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