Paramount ME

Introducing the new ME Series 6 observatory workhorse.

The Paramount ME™ Series 6 represents the latest in gear-driven German equatorial mount performance.

It includes the advanced MKS 6000 telescope control system which lets you connect via USB C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. For more information, click here or watch the video below.

The ME is an observatory-favorite among advanced amateur and professional astronomers.

Hardware Specifications

• 240 lb. (109 kg) instrument capacity; 480 lb. (218 kg) maximum payload capacity (instruments + counterweights).
• Weighs 85 lb. (38 kg) without counterweights or counterweight shaft.
• Includes two 30 lb. (14 kg) stainless steel counterweights. Purchase more for payloads heavier than 60 lb. (28 kg).
• All-sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS (see Software Specifications below for details).
• Its standard motor-based encoders provide:
  • A maximum peak-to-peak periodic error before correction is seven (7) arcseconds.
  • After a one-time PE training, the peak-to-peak periodic error is typically 1 arcsecond or less.
  • Belt-driven pulleys with spring-loaded worm gears produce virtually zero backlash.
  • No clutches mean the TPoint™ model’s pointing accuracy is maintained.
  • AutoHome™ homing capability ensures the mount always knows its orientation (after performing an initializing process called “homing” which usually takes a minute or less).
• Optional on-axis absolute encoders provide:
  • No mount initialization (a.k.a. homing) required.
  • No periodic error.
  • No backlash.
  • Exceptional TPoint™ pointing and tracking results from fewer calibration points which saves time.
  • 0.02 arcsecond resolution extended temperature range absolute on-axis encoders operate from –40° C to +80° C.  See the FAQ below to find out if absolute on-axis encoders are right for you.
• Its telescope control system motor, power, and electronics cables are conveniently housed inside the mount to prevent snags.
• Ample room to run additional through-the-mount cables.
• Advanced MKS 6000 telescope control system lets you connect via USB-C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi  (MKS 6000 Upgrade Kits will be available for earlier models).
• Three high-power XT60 ports on the Instrument Panel.
• Its included Versa-Plate™ accepts most telescopes.
• 48V DC power supply and PC-to-mount USB and Ethernet cables included.
• Durable, fade-resistant red powder coating with black anodized finish; external components are machined aluminum alloy.

Software Specifications  

• Paramount’s unsurpassed pointing and tracking performance is made possible by its integrated TPoint™ modeling and ProTrack™ technologies. For more information about why accurate pointing is non-trivial, click here.
• By employing TPoint’s calibration and telescope modeling tools, you’ll enjoy all sky pointing accuracies below 30 arcseconds RMS. Nothing outperforms that — and that’s without on-axis absolute encoders.
• Operating in conjunction with TPoint™, ProTrack™ continuously updates the mount’s position in both axes to correct system-wide tracking errors including tube flexure, atmospheric refraction, polar misalignment, harmonic errors caused by evenly slightly misaligned encoders or the main gear, and more.
  • On-axis absolute encoders alone cannot correct those errors which exist with all telescopes. A properly applied telescope model is required to achieve superior tracking.
  • Even without on-axis absolute encoders, 5-to-10-minute unguided exposures are common with many enjoying up to 20 minutes.
  • For more information about the differences between motor-based and on-axis absolute on axis encoders, please see the FAQs.
• Its included software is integrated into a single, easy-to-use, application consisting of TheSky™ Professional, TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, and Weather modules. Enjoy the simplicity of controlling your cameras and astrophotography devices with one application. Its included TheSky™ Universal Bundle represents a $1,095 value.
• Its Accurate Polar Alignment feature does not require pole visibility.
• Compatible with Windows™, macOS™, and Linux (arm64 and x86_64 processors).
• TheSky’s user-interface is consistent across all operating systems. You can install TheSky on multiple operating simultaneously on up to six computers per OS. Why paint yourself or your institution into a corner?

For more detailed information about the Series 6 Paramounts, please click here.