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Software Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier 6" Extension
The Software Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier 6" Extension adds a critical 6 inches of clearance between your mount and pier, solving the common problem of long optical tubes colliding with the tripod legs. This robust metal extension weighs only 6 lbs and is engineered specifically to integrate seamlessly with the Paramount MX and MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier, ensuring stable, worry-free imaging at any orientation.
A 6-inch Riser for OTA and Mount Clearance
When tracking objects near the zenith, the back of a long refractor or an extensive imaging train can strike the legs of the pier, interrupting an exposure or even damaging your equipment. This 6-inch extension provides the necessary vertical separation to eliminate that risk, allowing your Paramount MX or MX+ to slew from horizon to horizon without obstruction.
Installation is straightforward: the extension fits between the top plate and the main body of the Pyramid Portable Pier. Each extension includes a cut-to-length threaded rod designed to accommodate the new height, ensuring a secure and rigid connection for your mount.
Choosing Your Extension: 6" vs. 4" Options
Software Bisque offers multiple extension heights to tailor the pier to your specific setup. The choice between the 6-inch and 4-inch models depends on your equipment and clearance needs.
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6-inch Extension: This is the ideal choice for observers using very long optical tubes, such as large refractors, or those with complex imaging trains that extend far behind the mount's saddle plate. It provides maximum clearance for unrestricted meridian flips.
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4-inch Extension: For setups that require only a modest increase in height, the 4-inch version provides adequate clearance while keeping the setup's center of gravity as low as possible. This can be beneficial for stability in windy conditions.
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Will this 6" extension fit my Paramount ME or ME II pier?
No. This extension is designed exclusively for the Paramount MX and MX+ model of the Pyramid Portable Pier. It is not compatible with the pier models designed for the Paramount ME or ME II.
Can I stack multiple Software Bisque 6" pier extensions?
Yes, the design allows for stacking one or more extensions to achieve a custom height. A correctly sized threaded rod is included with each extension to ensure a secure fit based on the total height you create.
How does the 6" extension help when imaging the Cygnus Loop (NGC 6960) with a Paramount MX+ and a long refractor?
The Cygnus Loop is a large, high-declination target that often requires imaging past the meridian. The 6-inch extension provides the clearance needed for a long refractor to track this region without the camera or filter wheel hitting the pier legs, preventing interrupted exposures during a meridian flip.
My 140mm refractor's dew shield hits the pier legs. Is the Paramount MX/MX+ 6" extension the right solution?
Yes. This is precisely the scenario the 6-inch extension is designed to solve. It lifts the entire mount assembly high enough to ensure that even long optical tubes and their accessories have a clear rotational path above the pier legs.
How is the Paramount MX/MX+ 6" extension installed?
The extension is installed between the main body of the Pyramid Portable Pier and its removable top plate. You simply use the included, longer threaded rod to bolt the components together, creating a rigid and stable column.
How much weight does the 6" extension add to my portable setup?
The extension adds only 6 lbs to your total rig weight. Its sturdy but lightweight construction ensures it does not significantly impact the portability of your Paramount MX/MX+ and Pyramid Pier system.
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| Weight |
6 lbs |
| Dimensions |
12 × 12 × 6 in |
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Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier 6" Extension
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Software Bisque 2-Year Warranty
