Software Bisque Paramount ME Robotic Telescope System

The Observatory Workhorse for Permanent and Remote Use

The Paramount ME is designed from the ground up for stability and reliability in a permanent installation. Its 85 lb. (38 kg) chassis is built to carry large-aperture instruments and extensive imaging trains without compromise. All moving parts are on bearing surfaces suitable for all-night, every-clear-night use, and the ME is an observatory favorite among advanced amateur and professional astronomers.

This focus on permanence is evident in features like through-the-mount cabling, which prevents snags and drag, and the robust MKS 6000 control system with Ethernet and Wi-Fi for dependable remote connectivity.

A 240 lb. Instrument Capacity for Observatory-Class Systems

With an instrument capacity of 240 lb. (109 kg) and a total carrying capacity of 480 lb. (218 kg) including counterweights, the Paramount ME shoulders telescopes up to 20 inches (0.5 m) with all their imaging accessories.

The system ships with two 14 kg (30 lb.) stainless steel counterweights and a 47 cm (18.5 in.) long by 4.763 cm (1.875 in.) diameter counterweight shaft. This initial configuration is sufficient to balance about 60-70 lb. (27-32 kg) of equipment. For heavier systems approaching the 240 lb. limit, additional counterweights are required to maintain optimal balance and performance.

11.4-inch RA Gear and a Zero-Backlash Belt Drive

The heart of the Paramount ME's tracking precision is its research-grade drive train. It features a massive 11.4 in. (29 cm) 576-tooth right ascension gear and a 9.5 in. (24 cm) 475-tooth declination gear. These are paired with brass worms in a spring-loaded worm block, driven by belt-driven pulleys. This combination produces virtually zero backlash, ensuring that autoguiding corrections and tracking adjustments are immediate and precise.

The mount is designed to be clutch-free. This is a critical feature for maintaining the integrity of the TPoint pointing model. Once the mount is homed and a model is established, its physical orientation is never lost to clutch slippage. For balancing, mechanical switches disengage the worms, allowing each axis to rotate freely without compromising the mount's established position in the sky.

7 Arcsecond Native PE and Optional 0.02 Arcsecond On-Axis Encoders

Out of the box, the Paramount ME's precision mechanics deliver a native periodic error of 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak or less. After a one-time PEC training session within TheSky software, this is typically reduced to 1 arcsecond or less, a level often below the threshold of atmospheric seeing. This is the performance of the standard motor-based encoder version.

As an option, the mount can be configured with optional on-axis absolute encoders. These 26-bit Renishaw ring encoders offer several key advantages:

• 0.02 Arcsecond Resolution: Provides extremely fine positional feedback.
• No Homing Required: No mount initialization is needed at startup or after a power loss.
• Zero Periodic Error: The encoders directly measure the axis position, effectively eliminating all gear-based periodic error.
• Extended Temperature Range: The extended temperature range read heads operate down to -40 °C.

Under 30 Arcsecond RMS Pointing with TPoint and ProTrack

The Paramount ME's pointing accuracy comes from TPoint modeling. TPoint builds a comprehensive mathematical model of your entire telescope system, achieving all-sky pointing accuracy of 30 arcseconds RMS or less. This model corrects for systemic, repeatable errors that hardware alone cannot address, including polar misalignment, atmospheric refraction, and telescope tube flexure.

Once the model is built, ProTrack uses it to actively improve tracking. It continuously issues micro-corrections to the mount's position in both axes, compensating for the modeled errors in real time. With this software-assisted tracking, 5- to 10-minute unguided exposures are common, with up to 20 minutes possible, even without the optional on-axis encoders.

MKS 6000: The 48V DC Command Center for Remote Operation

The MKS 6000 is the advanced telescope control system at the core of the Paramount ME. It provides three methods of high-speed communication: USB-C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, offering robust options for both local and remote network control. The included power supply delivers 48V DC at up to 4.6A (221W max) to the brushless DC servomotors.

The system provides both audible and visual feedback for startup, homing, and error states. For hands-on control at the telescope, an included hand controller features an integrated joystick for homing and slewing, a five-position rate switch, and a built-in red LED flashlight. Safety is paramount; if the mount's payload encounters an obstruction, a collision-stop feature immediately halts all movement.

The 51 cm Versa-Plate with Through-Mount Power and Data

The Paramount ME includes the 51 cm long Versa-Plate, a versatile mounting platform with an integrated Losmandy D-style dovetail and a grid of mounting holes to securely attach almost any optical tube. An instrument panel on the Versa-Plate provides three XT60 12V DC power ports and a pass-through Ethernet port, placing power and data connections right at the telescope to minimize cable drag.

All mount electronics, power, and data cables are routed internally through the mount, preventing snags during long slews or tracking past the meridian. Ample room is provided for you to run additional custom cables through the mount, keeping your imaging setup clean and reliable for remote operation.

TheSky Universal: Integrated Observatory Control for All Platforms

Included with the Paramount ME is a full license for TheSky Universal Bundle. This is not just a planetarium program, but a complete, integrated observatory control suite. It combines the functionality of TheSky Professional, TPoint, ProTrack, camera control, dome control, and weather monitoring into a single, cohesive application.

A key advantage of TheSky Universal is its true cross-platform support. The software runs natively on macOS, Windows, and Linux (both x86_64 and ARM64 architectures) with a consistent user interface. This frees you from being locked into a single operating system and ensures your observatory can adapt to future technology changes.

Precision Polar Alignment from 14° to 62° Latitude

The Paramount ME features a precision-machined equatorial wedge with a latitude range of 14° to 62° (Bisque offers an optional polar wedge for latitudes outside this range). An integrated rotating base allows calibrated azimuth adjustments without affecting the mount's altitude.

An integrated altitude scale provides a precise starting point, while a fine-position vernier scale on the altitude adjuster allows for adjustments with an accuracy of approximately 15 arcseconds. An included altitude adjuster wrench helps rotate the integrated altitude adjustment mechanism when making polar alignment adjustments with heavy payloads.

4° Per Second Slewing on a 220W Power System

The Paramount ME is powered by a robust 48V DC, 220W power supply (221W max), feeding high-torque brushless DC servomotors. This combination enables a maximum slew rate of 4° per second in both hour angle and declination, allowing the mount to move swiftly between targets across the sky. The motors deliver consistent torque at all slew rates, and Paramounts can slew or track several foot-pounds out of balance, though good balance is always recommended.

The MKS 6000 control system includes intelligent temperature compensation. A built-in sensor monitors ambient conditions and automatically lowers the slew rate when the temperature drops to ensure reliable operation and prevent motor stalls during cold-weather imaging sessions.

An 85 lb. Foundation for Permanent Installations

The Paramount ME mount head weighs 85 lb. (38 kg), a clear indicator of its intended role as a permanent observatory instrument. Virtually all mechanical components are machined from 6061 aluminum, with stainless steel used for fasteners and counterweights. The durable finish combines a fade-resistant red powder coat with black anodized components.

Getting started involves securing the mount to a pier, attaching the 47 cm (18.5 in.) counterweight shaft, and adding the two included 14 kg (30 lb.) counterweights. After mounting your telescope on the Versa-Plate and achieving balance, you connect power and the included 4.6 m (15-foot) USB-C or Ethernet cable. The first operation is to perform a homing sequence, which establishes the mount's physical orientation and prepares it for TPoint calibration.

Paramount ME vs. MX: A 240 lb. vs. 125 lb. Capacity Choice

The choice between the Paramount ME and Paramount MX comes down to instrument capacity and permanence. The Paramount ME is the clear choice for a permanent observatory with a large, heavy, or complex instrument package.

• Instrument Capacity: The ME's 240 lb. capacity is nearly double that of the MX (125 lb.). The ME is rated for telescopes up to 20 inches with accessories and the MX for up to 14 inches.
• Weight and Portability: The ME mount head weighs 85 lb., compared to the MX's more manageable 54 lb. The MX is designed to be transportable for field observers who demand observatory-level results, whereas the ME is built to be installed once.
• Mechanics: The ME features larger gears (11.4" RA gear vs. 7.5" on the MX) and larger bearings (8 in. vs. 6 in.).

If your plans involve large-aperture optics or you are building a permanent, remote-capable observatory, the Paramount ME is the Series 6 model that is perfect for permanent and remote use.