Will the 4" Extension be enough for my 140mm refractor on a Paramount MX+?
Yes, for most long refractors, including 140mm models, a 4-inch extension provides sufficient clearance to prevent the focuser or camera assembly from hitting the pier legs. This is one of the most common use cases for this accessory, allowing your scope to track past the meridian without a flip.
I'm imaging near the celestial meridian with my EdgeHD 11 on a Paramount MEII. Will this extension prevent a crash?
Absolutely. An 11-inch SCT, especially with a full imaging train attached, can easily collide with the pier. The 4" extension raises the declination axis high enough to ensure the rear cell and camera clear the legs, giving you the freedom to image through the meridian without worrying about equipment damage.
How do I install the Paramount Pyramid Pier 4" Extension?
Installation is straightforward. You first remove the top mounting plate from your Pyramid Portable Pier. Place the 4-inch extension tube on top of the pier, then use the included cut-to-length threaded rod to secure the original top plate to the extension and pier.
Can I stack multiple 4" extensions for more height?
Yes, these extensions are designed to be stackable. If you need 8 inches of clearance, for example, you can stack two 4" extensions. When you order multiple units, a single threaded rod cut to the appropriate length for the total combined height is included.
Which Paramount Pyramid Pier models is this 4" extension *not* compatible with?
This extension is specifically not compatible with the Pyramid Portable Pier designed for the Paramount MYT, or the newer pier model that accommodates the MX and MX+. It is only for the pier designed for the ME, ME II, MX, and MX+ mounts.
Does the 4" extension reduce the stability of my Pyramid Portable Pier?
The extension is robustly constructed to match the pier itself, and when installed correctly with the supplied hardware, it maintains a very high degree of rigidity. While any extension technically raises the center of gravity, for typical imaging loads, any impact on stability is negligible and far outweighed by the benefit of collision avoidance.