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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Software Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier

Software Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier

by Software Bisque
SKU SB10205
Sold out
$2,395.00 - $2,395.00
$2,395.00
$2,395.00 - $2,395.00
$2,395.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Provides a rigid, stable platform for Paramount MX and MX+ mounts
  • Weighs 29 lbs for a balance of stability and portability
  • Stands at a fixed height of 40 inches
  • Pyramid design with a 15 x 15 inch base minimizes vibrations
  • Engineered for rapid field setup and teardown
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • Warranty

  • Software Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier

    The Software Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier provides an exceptionally stable, 29 lb foundation designed specifically for high-precision imaging with Paramount mounts. Its rigid, all-metal construction, with a base footprint of 15 x 15 inches and a height of 40 inches, is engineered to suppress the low-frequency vibrations that can compromise long-exposure astrophotography.

    Pyramid Design: A 29 lb Foundation for Paramount Mounts

    The pier's stability originates from its pyramid structure, which creates an extremely rigid base that resists twisting forces and flexure far more effectively than conventional tripod legs. This single-piece column design eliminates the multiple joints found in tripods, which are often the primary source of instability under heavy or off-axis loads. For a Paramount MX or MX+ carrying a large optical tube, this pier ensures the mount's tracking and guiding corrections are translated directly to the sky, not lost to mechanical flex.

    Engineered for the Field: At Just 29 lbs

    Designed for observers who need observatory-level stability without a permanent installation, the Pyramid Pier is built for transport and rapid setup. At 29 lbs, it is substantial enough to damp vibrations yet manageable for one person to carry and assemble at a dark sky site. The design prioritizes quick deployment, allowing you to spend less time on setup and more time imaging.

    Pyramid Pier vs. Heavy-Duty Tripod: The Stability Trade-Off

    While a high-end field tripod offers adjustable leg height for uneven terrain, it cannot match the torsional rigidity of the Pyramid Pier's fixed design. The primary trade-off is between adaptability and absolute stability.

    • Pyramid Pier Advantage: Superior vibration damping and resistance to twisting. This is critical for long-focal-length imaging where even microscopic movements can elongate stars.
    • Tripod Advantage: Lighter weight and the ability to level the base on sloped surfaces. However, each leg joint and extension point introduces a potential source of flexure.

    For imagers using Paramount mounts near their capacity, the pier is the definitive choice for maximizing tracking and guiding accuracy. The fixed 40-inch height also places the eyepiece at a comfortable position for most refractor and SCT configurations.

  • What is the primary advantage of the Pyramid Portable Pier over a standard tripod for the Paramount MX+?

    The main advantage is torsional rigidity. The pier's solid, single-column pyramid design eliminates the flex points inherent in tripod legs. This results in superior vibration damping and stability, which is crucial for preventing star trails during long-exposure astrophotography with heavy equipment.

    How portable is the 29 lb Pyramid Pier in practice?

    At 29 lbs, the pier is designed to be field-portable by a single person. While heavier than many tripods, its weight is a key part of its stability. It strikes a balance between being solid enough to support a Paramount mount without flexure and light enough to transport to a remote observing site.

    Is the 40-inch height of the Pyramid Pier adjustable?

    No, the pier has a fixed height of 40 inches. This is a deliberate design choice to maximize rigidity, as adjustable components can introduce flexure. You will need to ensure your observing site is relatively level for proper setup.

    What mounts is the Software Bisque Pyramid Portable Pier compatible with?

    This pier is specifically designed for the Software Bisque Paramount MX and Paramount MX+ Robotic Telescope Mounts. It provides the correct mounting interface and stability required for these high-precision systems.

    I image with a Paramount MX+ and a heavy C14 OTA. Will this pier be stable enough to prevent flexure?

    Yes, this is precisely the scenario where the Pyramid Pier excels. Its rigid design is engineered to handle the significant weight and long moment arm of a large optical tube like a Celestron C14. It will provide a much more stable platform and better guiding performance than even a heavy-duty tripod under such a load.

    I need to set up on uneven ground at a dark sky site. How does the Pyramid Pier handle this?

    The pier itself does not have adjustable legs, so it requires a relatively level surface for optimal stability. Unlike a tripod, you cannot adjust individual legs to compensate for a slope. For slightly uneven ground, leveling shims can be used under the pier's feet, but for significant slopes, a tripod would be more adaptable.

  • Weight 29 lbs
    Dimensions 15 × 15 × 40 in
    Compatibility Software Bisque Paramount MX and MX+ Mounts
  • Software Bisque 2-Year Warranty