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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 Taurus 400 Pier

Software Bisque Paramount Taurus 400 Pier

by Software Bisque
SKU SB10528
Sold out
$1,715.00 - $3,320.00
$1,715.00
$1,715.00 - $3,320.00
$1,715.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Engineered specifically for the Paramount Taurus 400 Mount
  • Angled column design minimizes torque and flexure
  • 65 lb weight for superior vibration damping
  • Standard 24-inch height with custom heights available
  • 18 x 18 inch base for a stable footprint
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Software Bisque Paramount Taurus 400 Pier

    The Software Bisque Paramount Taurus 400 Pier is a 65 lb foundation engineered as an integral component of the Taurus 400 mount system, utilizing a calculated angle to counteract the mount's off-center mass and eliminate torque. With base dimensions of 18 × 18 inches and available in a standard 24-inch height or custom lengths, this pier provides an exceptionally stable platform for the 30-inch-tall structure.

    An Angled Design for the Taurus 400 Fork Mount

    Unlike a standard German Equatorial Mount, the Paramount Taurus 400's equatorial fork design places the center of mass away from the rotational axis and toward the fork arm. This pier is not a generic support column; its main structure is precisely angled to shift the load back toward the center of the pier's base. This engineering choice directly counteracts the inherent torque of the fork design, ensuring the entire system remains rigid and free of flexure during long-exposure imaging.

    A 65 lb Foundation in 24" or Custom Heights

    Weighing a substantial 65 lbs, the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier provides the mass needed to damp vibrations effectively, whether from wind or ground sources. The pier is offered in a standard 24-inch height suitable for most installations. For permanent observatories with specific height requirements, custom-length piers can be ordered to perfectly match your viewing position and environment, ensuring optimal ergonomics and clearance.

  • Why is the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier angled?

    The pier is angled to counteract the off-center mass of the Paramount Taurus 400 fork mount. This specific design places the system's center of gravity directly over the pier base, which minimizes torque and provides a more stable platform for tracking and imaging.

    What is the standard height of the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier?

    The standard height for the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier is 24 inches. However, custom heights are available by special order to accommodate specific observatory setups or user ergonomic needs.

    How much does the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier weigh?

    The pier weighs 65 lbs (29.5 kg). This significant mass is crucial for damping vibrations and providing a rock-solid foundation for the Taurus 400 mount.

    Can I use a different pier with my Paramount Taurus 400 mount?

    While other mounting solutions may be possible, the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier is specifically engineered to handle the unique load characteristics of the Taurus 400 fork design. Using a standard, non-angled pier would introduce significant torque and instability, compromising the mount's pointing and tracking accuracy.

    I'm installing a Taurus 400 in an observatory with a raised floor. Can the pier be made taller than 24 inches?

    Yes. Software Bisque offers custom pier heights for exactly this type of scenario. You can order a Paramount Taurus 400 Pier with a custom length to ensure the eyepiece height is comfortable and the mount has adequate clearance within your dome or roll-off roof observatory.

    Will the 65 lb weight of the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier be stable enough on a concrete pad for long-exposure imaging?

    Absolutely. The 65 lb weight, combined with the 18 x 18 inch base and torque-canceling angled design, creates an extremely stable platform when properly anchored to a concrete pad. This level of stability is essential for maintaining the sub-arcsecond tracking needed for high-resolution astrophotography.

  • Weight 65 lbs
    Dimensions 18 × 18 × 30 in
    Available Heights 24 in, Custom
    Available Options 24", Custom
  • Software Bisque 2-Year Warranty