Paramount MX+ Classic

Supercharge your astronomy pursuits.

Click here to find out why the Paramount MX+™ is an ideal solution for your astronomy pursuits.

Hardware Specifications

  • 100 lb. (45 kg) total instrument capacity, 200 lb. (90 kg) instruments plus counterweights
  • Unibody mount design weighs 50 lb. (23 kg)
  • Maximum 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak periodic error before correction
  • Calibrated polar alignment adjustments
  • Fourth-generation telescope control system (TCS) combines state-of-the-art electronics with field-tested reliability
  • Belt-driven gears with spring loaded worm to gear interface results in virtually zero backlash
  • Ample space for additional through the mount cabling
  • All standard electronics and through the mount wiring are housed inside the mount
  • Includes a versatile equipment mounting plate (Versa-Plate) that accepts any telescope
  • Two port USB 2.0 hub on the Instrument Panel
  • Power supply and PC to mount cabling included
  • 30 arcsecond all sky pointing accuracy using TPoint telescope modeling software
  • Clutch-free design maintains the TPoint assisted pointing accuracy

Paramount MYT Software Suite

Software Specifications

  • Includes the Paramount Software Suite (featuring TheSky™ Imaging edition and more).  The USB thumb drive comes with installers that are compatible with macOS, Windows and Linux (ARM32, ARM64, and x86_64 architectures).
  • Software features ProTrack™, Direct Guide™ (guider cable free autoguiding), TPoint Super Model™,
    All Sky Image Link™, Closed Loop Slew, @Focus™ automated focus, periodic error curve fitting,
    permanent periodic error correction, live stacking, dithering and more
  • The Multi-OS Plus module lets you install and use TheSky on all your computers and operating systems while maintaining its familiar look and feel.

 

$10,195.00

2 in stock (can be backordered)

FAQs

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 routinely allow 5-to-10-minute unguided exposures; many have reported 20 minutes. Also without encoders, Paramount’s produce all sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS.

Absent 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

The Paramount MX+ delivers superior performance made possible through its artful integration of precision mechanics, advanced control system electronics, and the uniquely capable Paramount Software Suite (included).

Skillfully carrying up to 100 pounds (45 kg) of telescopes, cameras, and accessories, the Paramount MX+ can help you create your next astrophotography masterpiece, or exciting astronomical discovery, at home, or on the go.

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

Additional information

Weight 70 lbs
Dimensions 27 × 25 × 15 in

The table below is the Paramount MX+ packing list.  For additional details, including shipping box dimensions and weights, see the Packing List section of the Paramount User Guide (please log in to view this document).

Included Item Description
Paramount™ MX+ Robotic Mount German equatorial mount body.
Versa-Plate™ Mounting Plate Attached to Paramount mount body during shipping, the Versa-Plate telescope mounting plate securely holds your telescope. Use either the integrated Losmandy D dovetail or the grid of mounting holes to attach telescope mounting rings.
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. 48V DC 4.6A max.
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 The 16 in. (41 cm) long x 1.5-in. stainless-steel counterweight shaft holds up to six 9 kg (20 lb.) counterweights.
Counterweights Two 9 kg (20 lb.) stainless steel counterweights are included and can balance about 18-22 kg (40-50 lb.) of instruments.

Heavier payloads will require more counterweights. You may need to purchase additional counterweights if your imaging system weighs more than about 22 kg (50 lb.).

Counterweight Safety Knob This knob is installed at the end of the counterweight shaft to prevent the counterweights from sliding off.
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 The quick start guide helps get your software installed and serial numbers registered.
Paramount Software Suite The 32-GB thumb drive includes installers for TheSky Imaging Edition on macOS, Ubuntu Linux (running on ARM32, ARM64 or x86_64 architectures) and Microsoft Windows.
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.
Strain Relief USB Cable Kit USB extension cable and cable clip protect the control system’s USB port.

Paramount MX/MX+ Technical Drawings

Click here to read Dennis Di Cicco’s review of the original Paramount MX Robotic Telescope Mount in the July, 2012 issue of Sky & Telescope Magazine.

Production Notes

The original Paramount MX model reviewed in the article above shipped from July 2011 to July 2014.

Paramount MX+ models shipped after July 2014 include the following improvements and modifications:

  • Upgraded DC servo motors: The Paramount MX+ now employs the identical long life, high-torque, brushless servo motors that are used in the Paramount ME II and Paramount MYT.
  • Increased payload capacity:  The Paramount MX+ can carry up to 100 lb. (45 kg) of equipment, or 200 lb. (90 kb) instruments plus counterweights.
  • Faster maximum slew speeds: Optional higher maximum slew rates of up to 10 degrees per second.  An optional, higher wattage power supply is sold separately. To accommodate the larger motors, the original Paramount MX mechanical three position switch has been replaced with a two position switch that places the axis in balance and track mode.  Each axis also includes a separate mechanical knob that allows it to be locked during transport.
  • Improved serviceability:  Adjustments to the worm and gear “cam stop” mechanism can be made without removing the worm block covers.  
  • Improved through the mount cabling customizability: The rear panel on the hour angle axis includes three L-COM keystone modules that can be used add pass through cable connections for your through the mount cabling.

Beginning November, 2022 to present, the Paramount MX+ includes the following modification:

  • The left keystone module located on the rear panel on the hour angle axis has been replaced with a male XT60 power connector.  These connectors are rated to carry up to 500V at 30A and can accept up to 12 AWG wires.

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