Software Bisque Paramount MX Series 6 (Absolute Encoders)

Paramount MX

Introducing the Paramount MX Series 6 transportable mount.  

The Paramount MX™ Series 6 represents the latest in gear-driven German equatorial mount performance.

Its new features include a 25% instrument capacity increase, an option for absolute on-axis encoders, and multiple connectivity options. For an overview of what’s new with the Paramount Series 6, click here or watch the video below.

The Paramount MX might be the observatory class mount that you’re looking for, and it’s transportable.

Hardware Specifications

• 125 lb. (56 kg) instrument capacity; 250 lb. (113 kg) maximum payload capacity (instruments + counterweights).
• Unibody mount design weighs 54 lb. (24 kg) without counterweights or counterweight shaft.
• Includes two 20 lb. (9 kg) counterweights to balance 40-50 lb. (18-22 kg). You may need more for heavier payloads.
• 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.
  • For mounts without absolute encoders, the 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.  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.
• The drop-in dovetail on the Versa-Plate™ (included) accepts most telescopes and makes installation simpler.
• 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.
• The included TheSky™ Universal Bundle (retail $1,095) is an integrated 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.
• TheSky’s Accurate Polar Alignment feature does not require pole visibility and helps achieve exceptional polar alignment.
• 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?