Paramount ME Series 6 Robotic Telescope Mount
Key Features
- True observatory-class German equatorial mount designed for permanent installations, professional observatories, and research-grade imaging systems
- Extremely rigid, gear-driven mechanical platform built to carry very large telescopes and complex imaging trains without flexure
- Advanced tracking performance optimized for long exposures, enabling precise guided and unguided imaging when paired with accurate modeling and encoders
- Available with on-axis encoder configuration for superior pointing accuracy, reliable unguided tracking, and fully robotic operation
- Deep integration with TheSkyX software ecosystem, supporting automated meridian flips, advanced pointing models, and remote observatory control
- Built for continuous, unattended operation, making it ideal for professional observatories where reliability and repeatability are critical
Description
Paramount ME Series 6 Robotic Telescope Mount
The Ultimate Platform for Permanent Observatories and Professional Imaging
The Paramount ME Series 6 is a high-end German equatorial mount engineered specifically for permanent observatory installations and fully robotic astronomical imaging. It represents Software Bisque’s most mature mechanical platform, developed for users who demand absolute precision, long-term stability, and uninterrupted operation night after night.
This mount is designed not as a portable solution, but as a permanent foundation for serious astrophotography, scientific observation, and remote telescope systems.
Mechanical Precision and Stable Tracking
At the core of the Paramount ME Series 6 is a fully metal drive system featuring precision worm gears on both the right ascension and declination axes.
Belt-driven pulleys combined with spring-loaded worm blocks maintain constant gear engagement and produce virtually zero backlash, even under heavy and unbalanced loads.
When equipped with on-axis absolute encoders, periodic error is effectively eliminated, enabling extremely smooth tracking and allowing unguided imaging at long focal lengths under suitable conditions.
Designed for True Robotic Operation
The Paramount ME Series 6 is built from the ground up for automation and remote control. Seamless integration with The SkyX Professional Edition provides advanced modeling, precision pointing, automated meridian flips, target scheduling, and full observatory control.
The mount always knows its exact position, making it highly reliable in unattended environments and ideal for robotic observatories where uptime and repeatability are critical.
High Payload Capacity for Professional Systems
This mount is engineered to carry large optical tubes and complex imaging trains with ease. Its rigid mechanical structure preserves alignment even with heavy instruments such as large refractors, corrected reflectors, and professional astrographs.
The result is consistent tracking performance throughout long imaging sessions, regardless of payload complexity.
Clean Installation and Cable Management
Internal cable routing and onboard power distribution reduce external wiring and minimize the risk of cable snags during slewing. Power and data ports are positioned directly on the mount head, allowing cameras, focusers, rotators, and other accessories to be connected cleanly and securely.
This design is especially valuable in permanent installations where reliability and neat integration are essential.
Who Is This Mount For?
The Paramount ME Series 6 is ideally suited for:
- Permanent and semi-professional observatories
- Advanced astrophotographers requiring ultimate precision
- Robotic and remote telescope installations
- Research, educational, and institutional observatories
- Users operating heavy telescopes and complex imaging systems
What’s in the Box
- Paramount ME Series 6 German equatorial mount head
- Counterweight shaft
- Standard counterweights
- Computerized hand controller with joystick and red backlight
- Dedicated power supply
- Required cables and connectors
- Mounting hardware and documentation
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | German Equatorial Mount |
| Mount Model | Paramount ME Series 6 |
| Instrument Capacity | 240 lb (109 kg) (telescope + accessories) |
| Maximum Total Load (with counterweights) | 480 lb (218 kg) (instruments + counterweights) |
| Mount Head Weight | 85 lb (38 kg) (including Versa-Plate) |
| Mount Head Dimensions | Base without OTA: 48 × 30 × 58 cm (19 × 12 × 23 in) (approx.) |
| Drive System (RA/DEC) | Precision worm-gear drive with belt-driven motor pulleys and spring-loaded worm blocks |
| Encoders (Standard Version) | Motor-based encoders |
| Encoders (Optional Version) | On-axis absolute encoders |
| Tracking Modes | Sidereal, Lunar, Solar |
| All-Sky Pointing Accuracy | ≤ ~30 arcseconds RMS (with TPoint modeling) |
| Periodic Error (Motor Encoders) | ~7 arcseconds peak-to-peak before correction; after training ~1″ or less |
| Periodic Error (On-Axis Encoders) | Effectively nil (no homing required) |
| Slew Speed | ~4°/sec in RA and DEC (default) (from typical mount behavior) |
| Counterweight Shaft | Included – 18.5 in (47 cm) × 1.875 in (4.763 cm) bore (holds up to 6 weights) |
| Included Counterweights | 2 × 30 lb (14 kg) stainless steel weights |
| Connections / Ports | Integrated power and data, USB-C, Ethernet, 3 × XT60 accessory power ports (from PDF specs) |
| Cable Management | Internal cable routing |
| Control System | MKS 6000 TCS with integrated control electronics |
| Software Included | TheSky™ Universal Bundle (Professional, TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, Weather) |
| Hand Controller | Included (with joystick and red flashlight) |
| Power Supply | Included – 221 W (48V DC) (Paramount Series 6 listed) |
| Installation | Permanent pier or heavy tripod |
| Intended Use | Professional astrophotography, robotic observatories, research & institutional |
Paramount Series 6 – ME vs MX vs MYT (Buyer Comparison)
General Positioning
| Model | Best for | Portability |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount MYT Series 6 | Portable observatory-class mount for field and home use | Portable — lighter and easier to move |
| Paramount MX Series 6 | Mid-sized system — balance of portability and permanent use | Semi-portable — can be moved but still sturdy |
| Paramount ME Series 6 | Permanent installations, heavy payloads, research & robotic observatories | Stationary — designed for permanent observatory installs |
| Summary: MYT -> MX -> ME increases in capacity and observatory focus. |
Payload & Capability
| Mount | Instrument Capacity | Maximum Payload (with counterweights) | Mount Weight (head only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MYT Series 6 | ~70 lb (32 kg) | ~140 lb (64 kg) | ~35 lb (16 kg) |
| MX Series 6 | ~125 lb (56 kg) | ~250 lb (113 kg) | ~54 lb (24 kg) |
| ME Series 6 | ~240 lb (109 kg) | ~480 lb (218 kg) | ~85 lb (38 kg) |
| As you move up the range, both instrument load and overall capacity scale significantly. |
Tracking & Performance
| Feature | MYT | MX | ME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gear-driven RA/DEC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Belt-driven motor pulleys + spring-loaded worm gears | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| All-sky pointing accuracy | ~≤30″ RMS (with modeling) | ~≤30″ RMS | ~≤30″ RMS |
| Unguided exposure potential | Good (5–10 min typical; reports of ~20 min) | Good (5–10 min typical) | Excellent (professional observatories) |
| Pointing/tracking performance is similar across the line with advanced modeling, capacity and stability scale with size. |
Encoder Options & Automation
All three Series 6 models offer two encoder configurations:
Motor-Based Encoders (standard):
- Requires nightly homing
- Periodic error trainable (~7″ p-p before correction, ~1″ after)
- Great overall precision
On-Axis Absolute Encoders (optional):
- No homing required
- Effectively no periodic error
- Fewer calibration points needed
- Better suited for unattended and robotic operation
(Across MYT, MX, and ME)
🏙️ Who Should Choose Which?
MYT Series 6
- Smaller setups and observers who want true portable observatory-class performance
- Users with moderate payloads (e.g., refractors ~100 mm–250 mm + accessories)
- Astrophotographers who move between locations
MX Series 6
- Users needing greater capacity without giving up all portability
- Good choice for medium to large optical tubes
- Great balance for both field and semi-permanent setups
ME Series 6
- For permanent observatories, heavy payloads, or professional use
- Large refractors or reflectors with heavy imaging trains
- Ideal for robotic, unattended, and institutional use
Key Practical Differences (Summary)
-
Load Scale: MYT < MX < ME — the ME can handle roughly 3× the payload of the MYT.
-
Weight & Size: ME is biggest/heaviest, MX is mid-range, MYT is most portable.
-
Use Case:
- MYT ~ portable observatory class
- MX ~ versatile/permanent or travelling install
- ME ~ heavy, automated observatory workhorse
-
Performance: All three deliver excellent tracking and pointing when matched with adequate software modeling and encoders.
Reviews
Recommended
- On Back Order
0.0 Average Rating Rated (0 Reviews)