Paramount MX Series 6 Robotic Telescope Mount

Description

Paramount MX Series 6 Robotic Telescope Mount

The Paramount MX Series 6 is a professional, gear-driven German equatorial mount designed for serious astrophotography, remote observatories, and heavy imaging systems. It sits between portable mounts and large observatory-class systems, offering exceptional rigidity, precise tracking, and long-term reliability for demanding applications.

Built around Software Bisque’s proven mechanical design and advanced control electronics, the MX Series 6 is engineered to operate night after night with minimal intervention. Whether installed in a permanent observatory or used as the backbone of a semi-portable imaging setup, this mount is designed to disappear into the background and let you focus on data collection.

Encoder Options: Choosing the Right Configuration

The Paramount MX Series 6 is available in two encoder configurations, both sharing the same mechanical platform and software ecosystem.

Motor-Based Encoders

This configuration uses high-resolution encoders attached to the drive motors. Combined with accurate polar alignment and telescope modeling, it delivers excellent pointing accuracy and stable tracking suitable for long-exposure astrophotography. A short homing procedure is required at startup to establish a reference position.

This option provides outstanding performance for most advanced imaging setups while maintaining a more accessible cost.

On-Axis Encoders

In this configuration, high-resolution encoders are mounted directly on the RA and DEC axes. These encoders continuously measure the actual axis position, independent of gear errors, and significantly reduce the effects of periodic error. Homing after power cycling is not required, and the mount retains precise positional awareness even after unexpected shutdowns.

This version is ideal for fully robotic or remote observatories, where maximum uptime, repeatability, and automation are critical.

Precision Tracking and Drive System

The MX Series 6 uses a precision worm-gear drive system on both right ascension and declination axes, combined with spring-loaded worm blocks that maintain constant gear engagement. Belt-driven pulleys with spring-loaded worm gears produce virtually zero backlash and ensures stable mechanical behavior, resulting in smooth tracking and predictable performance over long imaging sessions.

In practical use, this translates into:

• Stable star profiles during long exposures

• Reliable tracking across the sky

• Strong unguided tracking performance at moderate focal lengths, particularly when using on-axis encoders and accurate pointing models

Tracking modes include sidereal, lunar, and solar, making the mount suitable for deep-sky imaging, lunar work, and solar observation with appropriate equipment.

Designed for Heavy Imaging Systems

With a high payload capacity, the Paramount MX Series 6 comfortably supports large refractors, corrected reflectors, and complex imaging trains that include filter wheels, off-axis guiders, rotators, and cooled cameras. The rigid mount head maintains alignment under load, which is critical for consistent results over extended imaging sessions.

The integrated Versa-Plate™ dovetail system allows secure and repeatable mounting of compatible dovetail plates, simplifying instrument changes without compromising rigidity.

Power, Connectivity, and Cable Management

The mount is designed as a modern imaging platform, not just a mechanical device. Multiple high-power output ports on the mount head allow direct powering of accessories, reducing the need for external cabling. Internal cable routing helps keep the system organized and minimizes the risk of cable snags during slewing.

Communication options include USB-C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, making the mount equally suitable for local control, networked observatories, or fully remote operation. The included computerized hand controller provides direct manual control when needed, although most users will rely primarily on computer-based operation.

Real-World Reliability

The MX Series 6 is built for continuous operation in demanding environments. Its robust construction and wide operating temperature range make it suitable for year-round use in permanent observatories. Once properly installed and modeled, the mount requires minimal routine adjustment, making it well suited to unattended and automated imaging workflows.

Who is this product for?

The Paramount MX Series 6 is ideal for:

• Advanced amateur and professional astrophotographers
• Permanent or semi-permanent observatory installations
• Remote or robotic telescope systems
• Users operating heavy optical tubes and complex imaging trains
• Anyone seeking observatory-class performance without moving to very large, fixed installations

What’s in the box

• Paramount MX Series 6 mount head
• Counterweight shaft
• Counterweights
• Computerized hand controller
• 48 V DC power supply
• USB and Ethernet cables
• Versa-Plate™ dovetail mounting plate
• Mounting hardware and documentation

Technical Overview (Key Attributes)

• Type of mount: German equatorial mount
• Mount model: Paramount MX Series 6
• Tracking modes: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Tracking rates: Precision motor-controlled tracking
• Payload capacity: Suitable for heavy imaging systems
• Ports: USB-C, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, accessory power outputs
• Counterweight: Included
• Computerized hand control: Included
• GPS: Supported through software and system integration
• Latitude adjustment range: Wide range for global installations
• Azimuth adjustment range: Fine, precision-adjustable
• Periodic error: Low and predictable; significantly reduced with on-axis encoders
• Drive (RA/DEC): Precision gear-driven worm system with spring-loaded worm blocks
• Dovetail compatibility: Versa-Plate™ system
• Tripod / pier connection: Compatible with heavy-duty tripods and permanent piers
• Max slew speed: High-speed, smooth slewing
• Communication protocols: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Operating temperature: Designed for wide environmental conditions
• Mount head weight: Heavy-duty, observatory-class construction

Technical Specifications – Paramount MX Series 6