Software Bisque Paramount ME II Equatorial Mount
The Software Bisque Paramount MEII Equatorial Mount has a 240 pound (109 kg) weight capacity, and only weighs 84 pounds. The MEII’s belt driven motors are nearly backlash-free. A maximum of 7 arc seconds of periodic error, before correction, provide remarkable slewing accuracy and clutch-less gears maintains T-Point’s pointing accuracy.
- 240 pound (109 kg) total instrument capacity, 480 pound (218 kg) total Capacity
- New MKS 5000 control system featuring USB 2.0 computer to mount interface
- Calibrated polar alignment adjustments make TPoint-assisted polar alignment a breeze
- Belt-driven gears offer virtually zero backlash
- Unibody mount design weighs 84 pounds (38 kg)
- Maximum seven arcseconds peak-to-peak periodic error before PEC
- Ample room to add through the mount cabling
- Power supply and PC-to-mount cabling included
- Versatile equipment mounting plate (aka the Versa-Plate) that can accept virtually any optic
- All electronics and wiring are enclosed within the mount (power supply is external)
- 30 arcseconds or better all sky pointing accuracy with TPoing and Super Model
- Clutchless design maintains TPoint assisted pointing accuracy
- Two port USB 2.0 hub on the instrument panel
- Track or slew up to three hours past the meridian
As expected with every Software Bisque mount, the ME II is strong and smart. Borrowing from the MX mount design, you can now run you equipment cables through the mount – with no disassembly required. The instrument panel also includes 2 USB ports so you’re sure to be able to connect your guiding accessories with ease.
Check out all the features of the ME II mount below:
See the difference the MEII will make, below is a comparison of the original ME to the MEII.
Compare:
|
Paramount ME II
|
Paramount ME
|
Control system electronics |
MKS 5000 |
MKS 4000 |
Counterweight shaft diameter |
1.875-inches (ME II can also accept the ME counterweight shaft) |
1.5-inch |
Counterweights |
30-pound/each (14 kg), 2 included |
20-pound/each (9 kg), 2 included |
Declination bearing |
8-inch (48 contact points) |
6-inch (14 contact points) |
Declination gear diameter |
9.5-inch |
7.5-inch |
Declination housing |
5 x 0.5-inch wall 6061 aluminum tubing |
Rectangular aluminum box (6061) |
Declination shaft diameter |
3.0-inch |
2.0-inch |
Declination worm diameter |
1.0-inch |
0.75-inch |
Degrees past meridian |
45-degrees |
7-degrees |
Motor diameter |
2.3-inch |
1.7-inch |
Motor torque |
30 inches/ ounce |
11 inches/ ounce |
On axis encoder (optional) |
Available mid 2013 |
None |
Physical hard stop position |
Configurable |
Fixed |
Power supply |
200 W |
80 W |
Right ascension bearing |
8-inch (48 contact points) |
8.6-inch (18 contact points) |
Right ascension gear diameter |
11.4-inch |
11.4-inch |
Right ascension housing |
7 x 0.5-inch wall 6061 aluminum tubing |
Rectangular aluminum box (6061) |
Right ascension shaft diameter |
3.0-inch |
2.5-inch |
Right ascension worm diameter |
1.0-inch |
1.0-inch |
Software included |
TheSkyX Professional Edition TPoint Add On Camera Add On Multi-OS and Six License Add On for Mac and Windows |
Bisque Observatory Software Suite |
Through the mount cabling |
Large diameter cable conduits (no mount disassembly required) |
Smaller diameter cable conduits (some mount disassembly required) |
USB ports on Instrument Panel |
Two (2) |
None |
Weight (mount) |
84-pounds (38 kg) |
69-pounds (31 kg) |
Weight capacity (total payload without counterweights) |
240-pound (109 kg) |
150-pound (68 kg) |
On-Axis Encoder Options: This mount is available with either single or dual on-axis encoders. Unique from the servo encoders that control the input of mount movement, on-axis encoders will read the output of actual, rather than calculated, mount movement. This additional readout will vastly improve pointing and tracking accuracy as well as make up for the majority of any backlash or periodic error that are a natural part of mechanical movement. The axis will also always know it’s position which means the need for homing is eliminated.
Cost to upgrade each axis is $4000. Please indicate in the comments section of your order or email [email protected] if you would like the RA axis or both axis upgraded and your order will be adjusted accordingly. This is a factory installed option and it is strongly suggested that you request the upgrade at the time of your mount order to avoid any additional shipping fees in sending the mount back to Software Bisque.
Delivery times are extended for orders with on-axis encoders. Customers waiting on encoders will be updated as Software Bisque releases information.
- 220 pound weight capacity
- Belt-driven gears offer virtually zero backlash
- Unibody mount design weighs 84 pounds
- 30 arcseconds or better all sky pointing accuracy with TPoing and Super Model
- Clutchless design maintains TPoint assisted pointing accuracy
- Note: Tripod Sold Separately
- Software Bisque Paramount ME II Equatorial Mount
- 220W Power Supply
- Two 30 lb Counterweights
- Shipping lock bolts
- MEII Altitude adjust wrench
- Delrin Washers
- Velvet accessory bag that contains (4) 3/8 shoulder bolts plugs
- Counterweight Safety knob
- Hand paddle
- USB to USB min cable
- hex key set
- pier lock knobs
- QuickStart guide
- Paramount User Guide
- USB thumb Drive (loaded with the SkyX Pro for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi for easy download)
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