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.
The coolest feature of our new Series 6 mounts is that they’re Paramounts.
While the new Paramount Series 6 refinements are important, they pale in comparison to the highly desirable results that Paramounts are already known to deliver even without absolute encoders: all-sky pointing accuracy below 30 arcseconds and unguided exposures as long as 20 minutes.1
That extraordinary performance would be impossible without Paramount’s integrated software. TPoint™ and ProTrack™ dynamically update the mount’s position across both axes to correct system-wide errors caused by tube flexure, atmospheric refraction, polar misalignment, mis-centered encoders and/or worm gears, and more.
While the optional on-axis absolute encoders eliminate periodic error, TPoint™ telescope modeling with ProTrack™ is required to correct all the errors mentioned above.
Paramounts routinely deliver unsurpassed pointing and tracking accuracy — with or without on-axis absolute encoders. Paramounts are also known for their reliability and straightforward operation. They just go, night after night, as it should be!
Order yours today and enjoy owning a Paramount Series 6, the world’s finest robotic German equatorial mount.
15- to 10-minute unguided exposures are more common. To see an example photograph composed of multiple 20-minute unguided exposures, please click here.
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?
Included Items
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.
| Item | Description |
| Paramount™ MYT 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 and Ethernet Cables |
|
| 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 13 in. (33 cm) x 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) counterweight shaft can carry up to four 9 kg (20 lb.) or five 4 kg (10 lb.) counterweights. |
| Counterweights | One 20 lb. (9 kg) stainless-steel counterweight is included and can balance about 25-30 lb. (11-15 kg) of instrumentation.
Heavier payloads require more counterweights. You will need to purchase additional counterweights if your instruments weigh more than about 15 kg (30 lb.). |
| Counterweight Safety Knob | This knob is installed at the end of the counterweight shaft to prevent the counterweights from sliding off. |
| Paramount Quick Start | The printed quick start guide helps you get your mount up and going quickly. |
| Through the Mount Cable Tie | The 12-inch cable tie can be used to help run custom cabling through the mount. |
| Hex Key Set | Thirteen piece SAE hex key set. |
| Paramount User Guide | Downloadable in PDF format from Bisque.com, the 190+ page Paramount User Guide contains in-depth instructions for setting up and using your mount. |
|
TheSky™ Universal bundle |
A coupon code for TheSky™ Universal bundle, the ultimate Paramount control software.
TheSky Universal bundle includes TheSky™ Professional, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, TPoint™, and Weather modules. The Multi-OS+ module lets you install TheSky on macOS™, Windows™, and Linux operating systems (both x86_64 and ARM64 architectures). |
Paramount MX Documentation
Technical Documents
- Paramount Software Suite Quick Start Guide
- Paramount User Guide (GEM Models)
- Paramount ME II/MX/MYT Worm Block Replacement Instructions
- Paramount GEM MKS 5000 Replacement Instructions
- Paramount GEM Homing Sensor Cable Troubleshooting and Installation Instructions
- Paramount Hand Paddle Electronics Replacement Instructions
- Paramount ME II/MX/MYT Worm Block Replacement Instructions
- Paramount MYT/MX PoleMaster Adaptor Installation and Use
- Paramount Portable Power using the EGO Battery
Technical Drawings
- Paramount MX Dimensions
- Paramount MX SolidWorks eDrawing
- Paramount MX Versa-Plate Technical Drawing
- Paramount MX Wedge Assembly and Base Plate Technical Drawing
- Paramount ME/MX Counterweight Shaft Drawing
- Paramount MX/MYT Permanent Pier Technical Drawing
- Paramount ME/ME II/MX Permanent Pier Technical Drawing
- Paramount MX/MYT Permanent Pier Top Plate Technical Drawing
- Paramount Pier and Tripod Adapter Plate Options
- Paramount ME/ME II/MX/MYT Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar Technical Drawing
- Paramount MX Polar Shaft Nut
- OTA Ring Accessory Segment Technical Drawing
Additional Information
| Weight | 54 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20 × 19 × 10 in |
| Encoders |
Motor-based encoders, On-axis absolute encoders |
For more detailed information about the Paramount Series 6, please click here.
See the Limited Warranty Page for details about the Paramount warranty.