Introducing the Paramount Series 6


Paramount ME

Introducing the new ME Series 6 observatory workhorse.

The Paramount ME Series 6 represents the latest in gear-driven GEM performance.  Click here for details about what’s new, or watch the video below.

Its new features include a state-of-the-art MKS 6000 telescope control system that lets you connect via USB C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Its two-port USB 2.0 hub is conveniently located on instrument panel For more information, click here or watch the video below.

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
  • Its state-of-the-art MKS 6000 telescope control system (TCS) lets you connect via USB C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi
  • Two-port USB 2.0 hub located 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 unequaled 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 (TPoint’s details).
  • 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 these errors which exist with all telescopes. A properly applied telescope model is necessary to achieve superior tracking.
  • Without encoders, Paramounts can deliver uncommonly long unguided exposures (one customer reported 20 minutes).
  • 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.
  • You can control all your astrophotography-related cameras and devices with this one app.
  • t runs on macOS™, Windows™, Ubuntu™, and Linux (x86_64 and ARM64 architectures.
  • 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, all its included software is sold separately as TheSky™ Universal Bundle and represents a $1,095 value.

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

Estimated shipping times:  Paramount Series 6 models are expected to begin shipping before the fourth quarter of 2023.

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FAQs

See the Paramount Limited Warranty page for details about what's covered.

On-axis Absolute Encoders vs. Motor-based Encoders.

Paramount's equipped with on-axis absolute encoders know where they are at all times.  Paramount's with incremental encoders (or motor-based encoders) know only how far they have moved since they were initialized using a nightly process called homing.

The crucial additional difference is that the on-axis absolute encoders are fitted directly to the mount axes themselves, bypassing the worm drives.  Paramount's with incremental encoders are fitted to the worms instead, which means that with incremental encoders alone, periodic errors in the worm drive show up in the tracking.  These mounts must be calibrated and corrected using a process called periodic error correction (PEC), which measures and records the repeatable gear train errors and removes them.  (TheSky features advanced, multi-harmonic PE detection and PEC calibration that minimizes periodic error in mounts with incremental encoders.)

For mounts with incremental encoders, homing re-zeros the encoders when precise sensors on each of the axes are reached. From then on, the incremental encoders are in effect delivering absolute readings.

However, the crucial additional difference remains, namely that the incremental encoder system is behind the worm drive, and periodic error correction is still required to get the best out of the RA tracking.

High-resolution on-axis absolute encoder technology is significantly more expensive than incremental encoders.

The short answer is, “it depends.”

On-axis absolute encoders eliminate periodic error and enable the mount to always know where “home” is.

That’s convenient and expedites setup for an evening of imaging. However, with Paramounts, periodic error is already very low, and after a one-time training, it becomes negligible. Moreover, Paramount’s included Homing software homes in only 15 to 60 seconds.

So, at least with Paramounts, periodic error is practically non-existent, and homing is a breeze.

What about pointing and tracking?

Without encoders, Paramounts can deliver up to 20-mnute unguided exposures as reported by an MX customer. And without encoders, Paramount’s produce all sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS.

Without Paramount’s exceptional software, that performance would not be possible. 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 these errors which exist with all telescopes. A properly applied telescope model is necessary to achieve superior pointing and tracking.

So are on-axis absolute encoders right for you?

Perhaps if you want to enjoy the conveniences mentioned above. And for many, that’s enough.

With that said, the optional on-axis 26-bit Renishaw absolute encoders with 0.02 arc second precision are the finest available and they operate in temps as low as –40° C.

See the Paramount Lubrication Video for details how to lubricate gear-driven Paramount mounts.  (Log in required.)

Description

Paramount ME

The best just got better.

The Paramount ME Series 6 represents the latest in gear-driven GEM performance.  Click here for details about what’s new.

  • All new MKS 6000 provides built-in Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB C communication options and more.
  • Optional Power On and Observe™ absolute encoder technology. No homing, no periodic error.
  • High-amperage XT60 connectors can supply continuous 12V DC power up to 60A.
  • Improved Versa-Plate dovetail features drop-in telescope installation.
  • Carrying capacity up to 240 lb. (109 kg) of instrumentation, 480 lb. (218 kg) with counterweights.
  • Streamlined Instrument Panel provides pass through Ethernet connection and four XT60 power ports.
  • Red components are powder coated aluminum for fade-resistant durability, black components anodized aluminum.

The Paramount ME delivers superior performance made possible through its artful integration of precision mechanics, advanced control system electronics, and the uniquely capable TheSky Universal Bundle (included).

Skillfully carrying up to 240 lb./109 kg total instrument capacity of telescopes, cameras, and accessories (480 lb./218 kg total capacity), the Paramount ME can help you create your next photographic masterpiece or help make your next discovery in your permanent observatory.

Legendary Paramount system performance is within reach. Grab yours today.

Additional information

Weight N/A
Dimensions N/A
Encoders

Motor-based encoders, On-axis absolute encoders

The table below lists all the items that are included inside the two Paramount ME II shipping boxes.

Item Description
Paramount ME II™ Robotic Mount German equatorial mount body.
Versa-Plate™ Mounting Plate Attached to the mount during shipping, the Versa-Plate™ telescope mounting plate includes an integrated Losmandy D dovetail and grid of mounting holes to securely mount your telescope.
USB Cable 4.6 m (15-foot) USB 2.0 mini-b USB cable.
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Input: 100-240V AC ~50/60 Hz.
Output: 221 W max. 4.6A 48V DC.
Power Supply Extension Cable 6-ft PSU to Paramount Electronics Box adapter cable.
PSU Cable 6-ft. long power cable with a NEMA 5-15 male plug.
Hand Controller with Joystick Hand paddle includes lanyard, variable rate switch, integrated red-light flashlight, integrated joystick for homing and “at the telescope” control
Counterweight Shaft Carries up to six (6) 13.6 kg (30 lb.) or six (6) 18 kg (40 lb.) counterweights.
Dimensions: 4.763 cm (1.875 in.) wide x 47 cm (18.5 in.) long, 1.875-in. bore.
Weight: 14 kg (30 lb.)
Height: approximately 7.3 cm (2.9 in.)
Counterweights Two (2) 14 kg (30 lb.) counterweights.

Note that the heavier the payload, the more counterweights required for balance and you may need to purchase additional counterweights if your imaging system weighs more than about 28 kg (60 lb.).
Counterweight Safety Knob This knob is installed at the end of the counterweight shaft to prevent the counterweights from accidentally sliding off.
Altitude Adjuster Wrench A convenient tool to help rotate the integrated altitude adjustment mechanism when making polar alignment adjustments with heavy payloads.
Accessory Pouch Stowable pouch includes:

-Two 3/8-in. should bolt hole plugs.
-Two 5/16-in. x 2 1/4-in. RA locking shoulder bolts
-Two 5/16-in. x 2 1/4-in. Dec locking shoulder bolts
-Four Delrin washers for mount surface protection
-Four plastic plugs to cover the outer side of the RA and Dec locking holes.
Printed Paramount User Guide The 200+ page user guide contains in-depth instructions for setting up and using your Paramount ME II mount.
Printed Paramount Software Quick Start A guide to get your mount and Paramount Software Suite subscription registered with Software Bisque with instructions for installing the software.
TheSky™ Universal Bundle TheSky™ Universal bundle retails for $1,095 and includes TheSky™
Professional with TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, and
Weather modules. The Multi-OS+ module lets you switch among
multiple operating systems, including macOS™, Windows™, Ubuntu™
and Linux (x86_64 and ARM64 architectures). All conveniently
integrated with a single look and feel across all platforms.
Through the Mount Cable Tie One 12-inch plastic cable tie that can be used to help run cables through the mount.
Hex Key Set Thirteen piece Imperial hex key set.

Paramount ME II Documentation

Paramount Specifications

Paramount ME Series 6 Technical Drawings

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