Software Bisque Paramount ME Robotic Telescope System

David Astro Verified independent store

→

240 lb. (109 kg) Instrument Capacity 7 arcsecond peak-to-peak periodic error before correction Integrated TPoint™ and ProTrack™ software for sub-arcsecond pointing MKS 6000 control system with USB-C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Internal cabling with high-power XT60 ports Optional 0.02 arcsecond resolution on-axis absolute encoders Belt-driven, spring-loaded worms for virtually zero backlash Includes TheSky™ Universal Software Bundle for Windows, macOS, and Linux Description Compare Models FAQ Specifications In the Box Warranty Precision Beyond the Mechanical Limit — The Paramount ME Series 6 Robotic Mount The Paramount ME Series 6 is Software Bisque's definitive observatory-class German equatorial mount, engineered for research institutions and advanced imagers who require maximum payload capacity and uncompromising tracking precision. It is not merely a platform for carrying large optics; it is an integrated robotic system where hardware and software work in concert to deliver pointing and tracking accuracy that transcends the limitations of its mechanical components. For the astronomer with a heavy, long focal length instrument, the ME Series 6 is the foundation for critical scientific work and deep-sky imaging. The trade-off for this immense stability is portability. Weighing 85 pounds without counterweights, the Paramount ME is designed for a permanent pier or observatory, not for casual trips to a dark-sky site. It is an instrument built for a dedicated space where its full potential for remote, automated, and unguided imaging can be realized night after night. The Foundation of Accuracy: Research-Grade Gears At the heart of the Paramount ME are massive, research-grade gears: an 11.4-inch, 576-tooth gear in Right Ascension and a 9.5-inch, 475-tooth gear in Declination. The sheer size and precision of these components result in a native peak-to-peak periodic error of just 7 arcseconds. This exceptional mechanical accuracy means that even before software correction, the mount tracks smoothly enough for high-resolution imaging. Zero Backlash Drive System for Flawless Guiding Power is transferred from the DC servo motors to the worm gears via a belt-driven pulley system. This design, combined with spring-loaded worms that maintain constant engagement with the main gear, produces virtually zero backlash. For the imager, this translates to immediate and precise response to autoguiding corrections, eliminating the frustrating over-and-under correction cycles that can soften stars during long exposures. TPoint™: Building a Perfect Map of the Sky The Paramount's legendary pointing is achieved through its integrated TPoint™ software. TPoint is not a simple star alignment; it is a sophisticated modeling tool that maps out all the systematic errors of your entire telescope system, including cone error, tube flexure, and polar misalignment. By creating a model with as few as six or as many as hundreds of points, TPoint can deliver all-sky pointing accuracy of 30 arcseconds RMS or better, ensuring your target is centered on the sensor every time. ProTrack™: Unguided Imaging Becomes Reality Working with an established TPoint model, ProTrack™ elevates tracking performance to a new level. It provides continuous, real-time corrections for system-wide errors that autoguiding cannot address, such as atmospheric refraction and telescope flexure that changes as the instrument moves across the sky. The result is the ability to take unguided exposures of 5, 10, or even 20 minutes with round stars, reducing system complexity and eliminating a potential source of error from your imaging train. The Absolute Encoder Option: Ultimate Real-Time Precision For those who require the highest level of precision, optional on-axis absolute encoders can be factory-installed. These encoders provide 0.02 arcsecond resolution and completely eliminate periodic error, removing it as a factor in tracking performance. A mount equipped with these encoders no longer needs to be homed and can achieve exceptional TPoint pointing models with fewer calibration points, saving valuable time under clear skies. Clean Setups with Through-the-Mount Cabling Cable management is a critical challenge with large imaging systems. The ME Series 6 solves this by routing all motor, power, and data cables internally. The Versa-Plate includes an instrument panel with three high-power XT60 ports and a pass-through Ethernet port, allowing you to power cameras, focusers, and other accessories directly from the mount saddle. This prevents cable snags and drag, which are common causes of tracking errors during long imaging sessions. MKS 6000: The Modern Control Hub The MKS 6000 is the mount's advanced telescope control system, offering flexible and reliable connectivity. You can connect and control the ME via USB-C, Ethernet, or built-in Wi-Fi. This versatility ensures robust communication whether you are operating the mount from a laptop in the observatory or from a control room on the other side of the world. TheSky Universal: A Complete Observatory Command Center Every Paramount ME Series 6 includes TheSky Universal Bundle, a $1,095 value. This is not just a planetarium program; it is a complete, integrated application for controlling your mount, cameras, dome, and weather station. With Multi-OS+ support, you can run the entire system on Windows, macOS, or Linux, providing a consistent and powerful interface regardless of your computing platform. Choosing Your Paramount: ME vs. MX and MYT Software Bisque offers a Paramount mount for every scale of astrophotography. Understanding the key trade-offs in payload, weight, and portability is the first step in selecting the right model for your goals. All models share the same core TPoint and ProTrack software ecosystem, ensuring premium performance across the family. Paramount ME Series 6 (This Model): The heavyweight of the lineup, designed for permanent observatory installations. With a 240 lb. instrument capacity, it is the choice for large refractors, Cassegrains, or custom instruments that demand the utmost in stability. Its weight (85 lb.) makes it unsuitable for portable use. Paramount MX Series 6: The transportable observatory mount. The MX offers a substantial 125 lb. instrument capacity while weighing a more manageable 54 lb. It is the ideal choice for imagers who use heavy but not massive systems (like 12-14" SCTs or 6" refractors) and may need to move their setup to a dark-sky location or a star party. Paramount MYT Series 6: The ultimate portable, observatory-class mount. Weighing just 35 lbs. but supporting an impressive 70 lbs. of equipment, the MYT is designed for the traveling imager who refuses to compromise on tracking performance. It is the perfect foundation for high-end, wide-field refractor systems or compact instruments up to 11 inches. Do I really need the on-axis absolute encoders for the Paramount ME? For most users, the standard mount with TPoint and ProTrack provides exceptional, unguided performance. The absolute encoders are for those who need to eliminate periodic error at the source for critical applications like satellite tracking, photometry, or when every fraction of an arcsecond matters. They also eliminate the need to "home" the mount on startup. Can I run the Paramount ME from a Mac or Linux computer? Yes. Every Paramount Series 6 mount includes TheSky Universal Bundle, which comes with the Multi-OS+ module. This allows you to install and run the complete software suite on Windows, macOS, and Linux (arm64 and x86_64) for full operational control. What is the difference between TPoint pointing and ProTrack tracking? TPoint creates a static model of your telescope's pointing errors to ensure the mount can place any object in the sky precisely in the center of your eyepiece or camera sensor. ProTrack uses that model to make continuous, real-time adjustments that correct for dynamic tracking errors like atmospheric refraction and tube flexure, enabling very long unguided exposures. How difficult is it to achieve the advertised pointing accuracy? Achieving sub-arcminute pointing is straightforward using the automated TPoint calibration routine in TheSky software. The software guides you through acquiring a series of images across the sky, automatically plate-solving them and building the pointing model. A basic 25-point model can produce excellent results in under an hour. What kind of pier is required for the Paramount ME? A permanent, isolated concrete pier or a high-capacity steel pier is required to support the 85 lb. mount head and its 240 lb. payload. The mount is not designed to be used on a field tripod. Stability is critical, and the foundation must be robust enough to prevent any vibration. Can this mount be operated remotely? Yes, the Paramount ME is designed from the ground up for remote and robotic operation. With its Ethernet connectivity, AutoHome capability, and the integrated TheSky software suite (which includes dome control), it forms the core of a fully automated observatory. Instrument Capacity 240 lb. (109 kg) Total Payload Capacity 480 lb. (218 kg) including counterweights Mount Weight 85 lb. (38 kg) RA Gear 11.4 in. (29 cm), 576-tooth, research-grade aluminum Dec Gear 9.5 in. (24 cm), 475-tooth, research-grade aluminum Periodic Error (uncorrected) 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak maximum Pointing Accuracy (with TPoint) < 30 arcseconds RMS typical Drive System Belt-driven DC servo motors with spring-loaded worms Backlash Virtually zero Control System MKS 6000 Connectivity USB-C, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Power Supply (included) 48V DC, 4.6A Latitude Range 0° to 70° Maximum Slew Rate 4° per second Software Included TheSky Universal Bundle (Pro, TPoint, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+) Paramount ME Series 6 Mount Head × 1 30 lb. (14 kg) Stainless Steel Counterweight × 2 Counterweight Shaft × 1 Versa-Plate Telescope Mounting Plate × 1 48V DC Power Supply × 1 PC-to-Mount USB Cable × 1 PC-to-Mount Ethernet Cable × 1 TheSky Universal Bundle Software License × 1 Software Bisque 2-Year Warranty Show more