Paramount ME

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. For more information, click here or watch the video below.

The ME is an observatory-favorite among advanced amateur and professional astronomers.

Hardware Specifications

• 240 lb. (109 kg) instrument capacity; 480 lb. (218 kg) maximum payload capacity (instruments + counterweights).
• Unibody mount design weighs 85 lb. (38 kg) without counterweights or counterweight shaft.
• All-sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS (see Software Specifications below for details).
• Its standard motor-based encoders provide:
  • A maximum peak-to-peak periodic error before correction is seven (7) arcseconds.
  • After a one-time PE training, the peak-to-peak periodic error is typically 1 arcsecond or less.
  • Belt-driven pulleys with spring-loaded worm gears produce virtually zero backlash.
  • No clutches mean the TPoint™ model’s pointing accuracy is maintained.
  • AutoHome™ homing capability ensures the mount always knows its orientation (after performing an initializing process called “homing” which usually takes a minute or less).
• Optional on-axis absolute encoders provide:
  • No mount initialization (a.k.a. homing) required.
  • No periodic error.
  • No backlash.
  • Exceptional TPoint™ pointing and tracking results from fewer calibration points which saves time.
  • 0.02 arcsecond resolution extended temperature range absolute on-axis encoders operate from –40° C to +80° C.
  • If you skip absolute on-axis absolute encoders now, they can be purchased and installed in the field later.
  • See the FAQ below to find out if absolute on-axis encoders are right for you.
• Its telescope control system motor, power, and electronics cables are conveniently housed inside the mount to prevent snags.
• Ample room to run additional through-the-mount 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 earlier models).
• Three high-power XT60 ports on the Instrument Panel.
• Its included Versa-Plate™ accepts most telescopes.
• 48V DC power supply and PC-to-mount USB and Ethernet cables included.
• Durable, fade-resistant red powder coating with black anodized finish; external components are machined aluminum alloy.

Software Specifications  

• Paramount’s unsurpassed pointing and tracking performance is made possible by its integrated TPoint™ modeling and ProTrack™ technologies. For more information about why accurate pointing is non-trivial, click here.
• By employing TPoint’s calibration and telescope modeling tools, you’ll enjoy all sky pointing accuracies 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 in both axes to correct system-wide tracking errors including tube flexure, atmospheric refraction, polar misalignment, harmonic errors caused by evenly slightly misaligned encoders or the main gear, and more.
  • On-axis absolute encoders alone cannot correct those errors which exist with all telescopes. A properly applied telescope model is required to achieve superior tracking.
  • Even without on-axis absolute encoders, 5-to-10-minute unguided exposures are common with many enjoying up to 20 minutes.
  • For more information about the differences between motor-based and on-axis absolute on axis encoders, please see the FAQs.
• Its 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. Its included TheSky™ Universal Bundle represents a $1,095 value.
• Its Accurate Polar Alignment feature does not require pole visibility.
• Compatible with Windows™, macOS™, and Linux (arm64 and x86_64 processors).
• TheSky’s user-interface is consistent across all operating systems. You can install TheSky on multiple operating simultaneously on up to six computers per OS. Why paint yourself or your institution into a corner?

For more detailed information about the Series 6 Paramounts, please click here.

This product will begin shipping during the fourth quarter of 2023. If you would like to be contacted when this product starts shipping, please select an option from the drop-down menu below, then click the I’m interested… link to automatically create a new email message to Software Bisque.  Don’t forget to click Send in your email app!