Software Bisque Paramount MX Robotic Telescope System

A 125 lb Capacity Transportable Observatory Mount

The Paramount MX is engineered as the mid-size solution in the Paramount lineup, balancing substantial payload capacity with the practicality of transport. With an instrument capacity of 125 lb. (57 kg) and a total carrying capacity of 250 lb. (113 kg), it supports optical tubes up to 14 inches with a full suite of imaging accessories. Yet, the mount head itself weighs only 54 lb. (24 kg), making it a choice for both permanent observatories and remote dark-sky sites.

The MX is a mid-size mount for portable or permanent use: an observatory class mount that is transportable.

Balancing 57 kg with Two 20 lb Counterweights

The Paramount MX ships with a complete counterweight system designed to handle significant payloads. The included 16-inch long, 1.5-inch diameter stainless-steel counterweight shaft provides ample moment arm for balancing heavy and long instruments. Two 20 lb. (9 kg) stainless-steel counterweights are included, which together can balance an instrument package of approximately 40-50 lb (18-22 kg).

For heavier payloads approaching the mount's 125 lb. (57 kg) capacity, additional counterweights are required. The shaft can carry up to six counterweights. Balancing is simplified by mechanical switches that disengage the worms, allowing each axis to rotate freely without placing stress on the drive train.

7.5-inch Gears and Spring-Loaded Worms: The Paramount MX Drive Train

At the core of the Paramount MX's tracking accuracy is its robust drive train. The mount features large 7.5-inch (19 cm), 375-tooth aluminum gears in both right ascension and declination, supported by 6-inch contact ball bearings. Power is transferred from the brushless DC servomotors via a belt-driven system with spring-loaded worms, a design that produces virtually zero backlash.

This clutch-free worm block design preserves the mount's physical orientation, so the TPoint model's pointing accuracy is maintained night after night. Worms can be mechanically disengaged for balancing, and a Transportation Lock Knob can lock each axis to prevent rotation.

7 Arcsecond Periodic Error and Optional 26-bit Absolute Encoders

The Paramount MX is available in two configurations to meet different tracking requirements. The standard model uses motor-based encoders and offers a native periodic error of 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak or less. After a one-time PEC training session with the included software, this is typically reduced to 1 arcsecond or less, enabling long, unguided exposures.

An optional on-axis absolute encoder system is also available. This upgrade features 26-bit Renishaw ring encoders with 0.02 arcsecond resolution, which effectively eliminate periodic error and backlash. Mounts with this option do not require homing upon startup and can operate in temperatures down to -40 °C, so the mount is ready to use at startup.

TPoint and ProTrack: Achieving 30 Arcsecond RMS Pointing

The Paramount MX's mechanical precision is fully realized through TheSky Universal's software suite. TPoint creates a detailed mathematical model of your entire optical system, mapping out and correcting for repeatable errors to achieve all-sky pointing accuracy of 30 arcseconds RMS or less. This model accounts for issues like tube flexure, non-perpendicularity, and other geometric errors.

Once a TPoint model is built, ProTrack uses it to make continuous, real-time corrections to the mount's tracking rate. This active adjustment compensates for system-wide errors, including atmospheric refraction, polar misalignment, and harmonic errors from mis-centered encoders or gears. For imagers with rigid, fixed-mirror telescopes, this system makes 5- to 10-minute unguided exposures common, with many users achieving up to 20 minutes.

The MKS 6000: A 48V Telescope Control System

The MKS 6000 is the advanced telescope control system at the heart of the Paramount MX. It provides versatile connectivity through USB-C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, allowing you to control the mount reliably from a local computer or a remote network. The system features audible and LED feedback for status updates on startup, homing, and errors.

Safety and reliability are built-in, with collision detection that immediately stops slews if the mount encounters a fixed object. The included hand controller features a joystick for manual control and an integrated red-light flashlight. A key feature is AutoHome™, which lets the mount re-establish its orientation after an abrupt power loss by homing, which usually takes a minute or less.

Versa-Plate and Instrument Panel: Cabling for a 57 kg Payload

The Paramount MX routes its motor, power and electronics cables inside the mount to prevent snags. The Versa-Plate provides a secure mounting platform for your telescope via its integrated Losmandy-D style dovetail or a grid of threaded holes. An Instrument Panel is attached to the Versa-Plate, placing power and data ports right at the telescope.

This panel includes three XT60 12V DC power ports and a pass-through Ethernet port, fed by cables routed internally through the mount's axes. Ample room remains for additional through-the-mount cables for your camera, focuser, and other accessories.

TheSky Universal: A Complete Observatory Suite on up to Six Computers per OS

Every Paramount MX includes a full license for TheSky Universal bundle, a comprehensive software package for observatory control. This is not a lite version; it is a professional suite that integrates mount control, TPoint modeling, ProTrack, camera and device control (Cameras+), dome control, and weather monitoring into a single application.

Crucially, the Multi-OS+ module allows you to install and run TheSky on macOS, Windows, and Linux (both x86_64 and ARM64), with licenses for up to six computers per operating system. This cross-platform support ensures your observatory is never locked into a single ecosystem and provides a consistent, powerful user interface regardless of your computing environment.

Polar Alignment and Field Setup for a 0° to 70° Latitude Range

The Paramount MX is designed for precise and straightforward polar alignment across a wide range of locations, with a latitude adjustment range from 0° to 70°. An integrated rotating base allows calibrated azimuth adjustments without affecting the mount's altitude, and an integrated altitude scale gives a precise starting point.

For the most precise alignment, TheSky's "Accurate Polar Alignment" routine leverages a TPoint model to calculate the exact polar error, even if the pole itself is not visible. The software then provides simple instructions for adjusting the mechanical knobs to achieve a precise alignment. The mount can also track 2 hours past the meridian typically (up to 4 hours depending on the telescope and latitude), maximizing imaging time on your target.

48V Power System: 5.4°/s Slews with the 90W Supply

The Paramount MX operates on a robust 48V DC power system, which provides the high torque needed for slewing heavy payloads with speed and precision. The included 90W power supply unit (PSU) supports a maximum slew rate of 5.4° per second in both axes. This is more than sufficient for quickly moving between targets across the sky.

For those requiring even faster slew speeds, an optional 220W PSU is available separately. With this higher-wattage supply, the Paramount MX can achieve slew rates up to 10° per second. The maximum rate needs a balanced payload of about 50% of rated capacity or less, and heavier payloads or cold temperatures need slower slews.

A 54 lb Mount Designed for Transport and Installation

The Paramount MX is constructed from machined 6061 aluminum with stainless steel hardware, finished in fade-resistant red powder coating and black anodizing. The 54 lb. (24 kg) mount head features integrated handles and mechanical axis locks, which secure the RA and Dec axes to prevent rotation during transport or when attaching and removing equipment. This makes setup safer and more convenient.

Getting started is streamlined with an included quick-start guide, a 15-foot USB-C cable, and a 15-foot Ethernet cable. A complete thirteen-piece SAE hex key set is also provided for all necessary adjustments. From unboxing to your first night of imaging, the system is designed for a logical and efficient workflow.

Paramount MX vs. MYT and ME: Finding the Right Fit

The Paramount MX occupies the critical middle ground in Software Bisque's lineup, balancing payload and portability.

• vs. Paramount MYT: The MYT is the clear choice for portability. Its 35 lb. mount head and 70 lb. instrument capacity are optimized for smaller, field-portable setups. The MX, while transportable at 54 lb., offers a significantly higher 125 lb. capacity, making it the better choice when stability for a larger instrument is more important than minimum weight.
• vs. Paramount ME: The ME is perfect for permanent and remote use, with an 85 lb. (38 kg) mount and 240 lb. (109 kg) instrument capacity for telescopes up to 20 inches. The MX is the transportable choice if you plan to move your setup.

Choose the MYT for travel, the ME for a permanent, heavy-duty installation, and the MX when you need observatory-class capacity in a package that can still be deployed in the field.