Will this 22 lb counterweight fit my Paramount ME II mount?
This counterweight will fit a Paramount ME II only if you are using the optional 1.5" counterweight shaft. The standard shaft included with the ME II is a larger 1.875" diameter and is not compatible with this counterweight's 1.5" bore.
Which Paramount mounts are compatible with this 1.5" bore counterweight?
This counterweight is designed for all Software Bisque Paramount mounts that utilize a 1.5-inch counterweight shaft. This includes the Paramount MYT, Paramount MX+, Paramount MX, and the legacy Paramount ME.
When do I need to add an extra 22 lb counterweight to my Paramount mount?
An additional counterweight is required whenever your payload—the combined weight of your optical tube, camera, guide scope, and all accessories—exceeds the balancing capacity of your mount's included counterweights. Proper balance is critical for accurate GoTo performance and precise tracking.
Why is this counterweight listed as 22 lbs when it's called a '20 lb' counterweight?
The product is nominally known as the "20 lb counterweight." However, due to minor variations in the stainless steel blanks used in manufacturing, the final weight can vary slightly. The specified weight of 22 lbs is the measured weight and should be used for precise balancing calculations.
I'm adding a guide scope and a larger camera to my Paramount MYT. Is this 22 lb counterweight the right choice?
Yes, this is the official Software Bisque counterweight for the Paramount MYT. Adding accessories increases your total payload, and this 22 lb counterweight is the correct component to help you re-establish proper balance for stable, accurate tracking during your imaging sessions.
I bought a used Paramount ME that came with a 1.5" shaft. Will this 22 lb counterweight work with it?
Absolutely. This counterweight is fully compatible with the 1.5" counterweight shafts used on the legacy Paramount ME and MX mounts. It allows you to balance heavier or more complex telescope payloads that the original owner may not have used.