Page 2 Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Software Bisque. The software products described in this document are furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement. They may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Session to Session Pointing Repeatability ................... 22 Making Sure Synchronization Is Correct ..................... 22 Setting the Computer’s Clock ......................... 25 Parking the Paramount MX ........................25 Parking from TheSkyX Professional Edition ..................25 Defining the Park Position ........................25 Park Position Rules ..........................26 Audible Control System Feedback ......................
Page 4 Location of Your Serial Numbers ......................36 Unpacking the Paramount MX ........................36 Your Safety is Paramount ........................36 Packing the Paramount MX for Transport ....................37 Paramount MX Components ........................38 Front View ............................... 38 RA Worm Block Cover ......................... 38 Payload Mounting Plate (Versa-Plate) ....................
Page 5 Paramount MX USB Driver Installation ....................72 Mac OS X ............................. 72 Windows ............................. 72 Controlling the Paramount MX with TheSkyX Professional Edition ............72 Getting Started with TheSkyX Professional Edition ................74 The Bisque TCS Window ......................... 75 Status Messages (Status Text) ......................76 Firmware Version and Mount Identifier .....................
Page 6 Windows 7 Driver Installation....................... 117 Accessing Windows Device Manager ....................121 Windows XP Driver Installation ......................122 Appendix B: Paramount MX Technical Drawings ..................127 Technical Drawing Name (PDF) ......................127 SolidWorks eDrawing ..........................127 Appendix C: External Power Cable Sets ....................128 Apogee/QSI/SBIG ST-402 Model Camera External Power Cable Specs ..........
Page 7: Telescope Operation Disclaimer
TheSkyX Professional Edition to control it. Furthermore, Software Bisque cannot be held responsible for damage caused by plugging cables into electronic devices. We strongly recommend turning off all electronic devices (computers, mobile devices, telescopes, focusers, dew heaters, CCD cameras, etc.) before attaching any cabling or power...
Page 9: The Paramount Mx
This document covers the basic setup and use of the Paramount MX. It assumes that you are familiar with many fundamental concepts in astronomy and are somewhat experienced using a telescope and or CCD camera in conjunction with a personal computer.
Page 10: Optional Accessories
Write a New Post link on the Paramount MX support forum post a question. The Software Bisque support staff monitors this forum between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Time Monday-Friday. Other knowledgeable astronomers are there to help outside regular office hours.
Page 11: What You Need To Know
(or drift out of the field of view if the polar alignment is particularly poor) and the mount’s “TPoint unassisted pointing accuracy” will be disappointing. This will most likely make you frustrated with the performance of your Paramount MX. 11 |...
Page 12: Coordinate Systems
Paramount MX User Guide Figure 1: Paramount MX aligned with the refracted celestial pole in the northern hemisphere. Software Bisque recommends the following polar alignment methods to ensure efficient and optimal polar alignment. Step 1 Use the “Quick Polar Alignment Method” (page 65) to align the mount’s polar axis to within five arcminutes of the pole, even during daylight.
Page 13: The Equatorial Coordinate System
0 to 360 degrees. North is 0 degrees, east is 90 degrees, south is 180 degrees and west is 270 degrees. When the Paramount MX is controlled by TheSkyX Professional Edition, attempting to slew the mount below the local horizon is not permitted and will result in an error message.
Page 14 Paramount MX User Guide coordinate system, the coordinates of all celestial objects remain fixed* from hour-to-hour, day-to-day and so on. An object's equatorial coordinates remain the same regardless of from where on Earth the object is viewed. This allows astronomers to create star maps that apply to any place on Earth, or publish the anticipated position of an upcoming comet so that astronomers everywhere know where it is located among the stars.
Page 15: Hour Angle
TheSkyX Professional Edition can be used to configure the Paramount MX’s “flip hour angle” in order to maximize the length of time a particular object can be tracked near the meridian for longer exposures.
Page 16: Atmospheric Refraction
The color of the observed object matters, blue being refracted a few arcseconds more than red at ZD 70. When you use your Paramount MX to take long, unguided exposures at modest or longer focal lengths, refraction becomes an important source of tracking error that is not taken into account in the standard sidereal tracking rate.
Page 17: Homing
Finding the home position, or homing the Paramount MX is an automated initialization process that slews both axes to the mechanically fixed or absolute home position. Homing must be performed every time the Paramount MX is turned on so that the control system can establish the mount’s position and restore the synchronization information.
Page 18: Labeling The Home Position
Synchronizing the mount (page 19) on the wrong star or configuring TheSkyX Professional Edition to use the wrong location, date, time or time zone for your location means the Paramount MX will be “lost in space”. The telescope cross hairs will appear in the “wrong” place on the Sky Chart and the mount will apparently not slew to the correct coordinates when commanded to do so.
Page 19: Synchronization
TheSkyX Professional Edition then choosing the Synchronize command from the Start Up pop-up menu on the Telescope window. Once the Paramount MX has been synchronized on a star, TheSkyX Professional Edition uses the equatorial coordinates of the star to determine the mount’s mechanical orientation and software slew...
Page 20: The Local Celestial Meridian
Figure 4: TheSkyX Professional Edition with the meridian reference line turned on. The orange line in Figure 4 represents the local celestial meridian. When the Paramount MX is at the home position, the telescope must be pointing to the west side of the meridian, near hour angle 2 and declination 0 in the northern hemisphere.
Page 21: Best Synchronization Practices
Paramount MX User Guide If the optical tube assembly is not pointing to the home position, or if the telescope cross hairs in the TheSkyX Professional Edition indicate that the home position is anywhere else (by more than a few arcminutes or so), then one or more is the case: •...
Page 22: Session To Session Pointing Repeatability
Portable setups must synchronize the mount each session. Making Sure Synchronization Is Correct The first step to ensure the Paramount MX is properly synchronized is to look at the hour angle and the declination of the homing sensors reported by TheSkyX Professional Edition.
Page 23 See “Starting Synchronization Over” on page 24 to restore the default settings and resynchronize the mount. Note that the above description assumes the Paramount MX is located in the northern hemisphere and the Versa-Plate is mounted in the standard orientation (page 42). When the Versa-Plate is mounted in the wide orientation, then reported home position will be 90 degrees from hour angle 2.
Page 24 5. Click the Delete button to delete the synchronization history. Maintaining Accurate Time The Paramount MX can provide very accurate all sky pointing during a single session without an accurate time base (that is, if the computer’s clock is accurate to one or two minutes or so). However, TheSkyX Professional Edition must make decisions on how to slew to various positions in the sky based on the local time.
Page 25: Setting The Computer's Clock
Defining the Park Position Before parking the Paramount MX, you need to define the park position. This is the position that the mount will slew to when the Park command is issued from TheSkyX Professional Edition. Please carefully read “Park Position Rules”...
Page 26: Park Position Rules
Since the Paramount MX allows the OTA to slew up to 2.5 hours past the meridian before flipping sides, you have now defined a park position that will cause the mount to slew to a different orientation than when the park position was defined.
Page 27 Paramount MX User Guide Downloads link, then click the Video and Audio Clips link under Browse Downloads in the left column of the page. The audible feedback recordings are listed on the right of this page. Sound Occurs Description Immediately after turning Short whistle The sound indicates the control system is operational.
Page 28: Visual Control System Feedback
Increased drive train torque demands during cold temperature operation can prevent slews. Single “click” or During communication with The Paramount MX will emit a single “click” (or “tic”) when TheSkyX Professional serial communications between the mount and TheSkyX “tic” sound Edition.
Page 29 “through-hole” during polar scope alignment. The Paramount MX allows custom cables to be passed through the mount, entering at the cable conduit through the right ascension and declination axis up to the top of the declination axis and out to the Instrument Panel.
Page 30 Paramount MX User Guide 1. Make sure the additional cable is long enough to go from the Instrument Panel (or from a device mounted on the OTA), through the mount and to the its destination, then add an additional eight to 10 inches to accommodate a loop in the declination axis (described below).
Page 31 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 8: A flexible wire grabber. 31 | P a g e...
Page 33: Packing List
Paramount MX User Guide Packing List The Paramount MX is shipped in two separate boxes. The larger box contains the Paramount MX, the smaller contains the User Guide, manual and accessories. Please make sure the following items are included in the Paramount MX boxes. In the event one or more items is missing, please...
Page 34 Paramount MX User Guide Quantity Photo Description Mini USB cable. Base Plate Attachment Knobs. Hex key wrench set. Power supply cable. Power Supply Unit or PSU (page 63). Hand Controller (page 61). Counterweight Shaft (page 56). 34 | P a g e...
Page 35 Paramount MX User Guide Quantity Photo Description Counterweight Safety Knob (page 58). Counterweights (page 56). Hand Controller Hanging Knob (page 52). TheSkyX Professional Edition for Mac and TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows DVD ROM. Serial number for TheSkyX Professional Edition for Windows.*...
Page 36: Location Of Your Serial Numbers
Unpacking the Paramount MX We trust that you are excited to unpack and start using Paramount MX as soon as possible. Please resist the urge to simply remove everything from all the boxes, try to use the mount, and then consult the documentation only after something goes wrong.
Page 37: Packing The Paramount Mx For Transport
Packing the Paramount MX for Transport Always make sure to perform the following steps when packing up the Paramount MX for shipment or transport. 1. Rotate the right ascension axis Three Position Switch to the Balance position.
Page 38: Paramount Mx Components
Dec axes should always be in the Balance position when the mount is being transported. Paramount MX Components Please carefully review the individual Paramount MX components before attempting to operate the mount. A detailed description of each component listed in the diagram follows.
Page 39: Payload Mounting Plate (Versa-Plate)
Figure 12: Caution: Always keep hands clear of this area! Payload Mounting Plate (Versa-Plate) The Paramount MX Versa-Plate provides a stable mounting platform to carry a variety of astronomical equipment using a dovetail, ‘scope cradle, or mounting rings. The Instrument Panel (page 43) mounted to the bottom rear of the Versa-Plate conveniently places power ports, a two port USB 2.0 hub and...
Page 40 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 13: Paramount MX Versa-Plate technical specifications. The table below lists the most common hardware used to mount telescopes (or optical tube assemblies) and the advantages and disadvantages of each system. OTA Mounting Advantages Disadvantages Losmandy- •...
Page 41: Versa-Plate Knobs
Paramount MX User Guide OTA Mounting Advantages Disadvantages Tube Rings Repeatable all sky pointing. • Versa-Plate Knobs The three Versa-Plate Knobs are designed to securely captivate a male Losmandy-compatible dovetail. Rotating the knob clockwise advances an angled brass plunger on the inside of the dovetail. The angled brass plunger wedges the male dovetail to the opposite side of the female dovetail to prevent any slippage or rocking of the payload, regardless of the mount’s orientation.
Page 42 Figure 15: The four Versa-Plate mounting positions. (The Instrument Panel end is to the right.) Standard versus Wide Mounting Versa-Plate Orientation The Paramount MX is shipped with the Versa-Plate in the standard orientation. The Versa-Plate can also be mounted at 90 degrees from the typical orientation, offering a wider mounting to accommodate multiple optical tube assemblies.
Page 43: Instrument Panel
Paramount MX User Guide Figure 16: The standard (left) and wide (right) Versa-Plate mounting orientations. Figure 16 shows the standard and wide orientations of the Versa-Plate relative to the top of the declination axis. The green arrows show the direction of incoming light for the optical tube assembly mounted on the Versa-Plate.
Page 44 Instrument Panel. Software Bisque offers three different cable sets that can be used to route power through the mount for many model cameras, as well as a generic “pig tail” cable set if you want to supply power to different device.
Page 45: Ra Worm Block Cover
(using TheSkyX Pro as a server) can be used to “remotely” adjust the focuser’s position. Plug the pulse focuser into this port, establish communication with the Paramount MX, and then use the Focus Controls on TheSkyX Professional Edition’s Telescope window to adjust focus.
Page 46: Ra Cable Conduit
Paramount MX User Guide • Protects the internal right ascension worm block components from dust and debris. • Provides a convenient handle to grasp when lifting the mount. • Houses the right ascension axis Three Position Switch (page 46). RA Cable Conduit This access hole in the right ascension shaft allows custom cables to be passed through the mount.
Page 47 Unrestricted motion in each axis can help minimize damage to the worms and gears. The Paramount MX must always be homed after balancing either axis! Otherwise, the mount will be “lost in space” and potentially slew beyond the software slew limits.
Page 48: Ra Assembly
The Electronics Box includes the mount power switch, USB 2.0 cable inputs, status lights and connectors that can be used to run power through the mount to the Instrument Panel. Figure 20: Technical drawing of the Paramount MX Electronics Box labeling each component. Figure 21: Photograph of the Electronics Box.
Page 49 Hardware Parking (Park Port) Reserved for future use. This port will offer the ability to “hardware park” the Paramount MX using an external voltage. This capability offers an alternative to parking the mount using TheSkyX Professional Edition and can be crucial as a backup parking method when operating the mount remotely.
Page 50 Polar Alignment Scope Mounting The Paramount MX can be fitted with a polar alignment telescope to help align the mount’s polar axis with the celestial pole. The polar scope option is integrated through the center of the mount and is compatible with the Vixen model polar scopes.
Page 51: Azimuth Adjuster Knobs
The Azimuth Adjuster Knobs allow adjustment of the azimuth axis without changing the position of the altitude axis. The Paramount MX base consists of an outer, fixed plate and an inner rotating plate on which the mount sits. Adjustment in azimuth is achieved by rotating the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs at the front of the mount (see Figure 23).
Page 52: Base Thrust Mounting Knobs
Vernier scale. Base Thrust Mounting Knobs Use these four mounting knobs to securely attach the base of the Paramount MX base to the top of the pier, tripod or other mounting surface. Do not forget to always secure the Paramount MX to the top of your pier or tripod before attaching the...
Page 53: Declination Carrying Handle
Cable Conduit Access Hole and Cover The Paramount MX has an optional polar alignment scope that can be used to quickly align the mount to the polar axis. “Line of site” for the polar alignment scope is achieved by unscrewing the Cable Conduit Cover and rotating the declination axis until the through holes in the internal shaft allow incoming light to pass through the mount.
Page 54: Altitude Scale
“reachable” latitude is closer to 66 degrees.) Software Bisque manufactures the Paramount MX Latitude Adjustment Wedge that allows the mounts polar axis to be adjusted for lower or higher latitudes.
Page 55 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 26: Rotating the Altitude Adjuster in the direction of the green arrow lowers the axis. To adjust the altitude of the polar axis: 1. Loosen the both Altitude Adjuster Thrust Knobs (page 60). 2. Grasp and rotate the large central knob (near the green arrow in Figure 26) to raise or lower the polar axis.
Page 56: Counterweight Shaft
Counterweights Two 20 pound (9 kg) counterweights are included with the Paramount MX and can be mounted on the counterweight shaft to balance the mount’s payload. Slide the counterweight to the approximate balance position, then rotate the counterweight knob until the knob is hand tight. The softer metal...
Page 57 Never position the Paramount MX in the above orientation when the Three Position Switch is in the Track position! Figure 28 shows the Paramount MX in an unstable configuration that places extreme and potentially destructive torque on the teeth of the right ascension worm and gear. The counterweight shaft should always remain in the vertical position while the Paramount MX is being loaded with counterweights and optical payload.
Page 58: Payload Imbalance Cause And Effect
Versa-Plate, then begin balancing each axis. Paramount MX operates best when the payload is properly balanced. An unbalanced payload can cause numerous problems, such as stalling or “gear chattering” during slews. There is no clutching mechanism on the Paramount ME.
Page 59: Counterweight Safety Knob
Paramount MX User Guide Always use extreme care when balancing the telescope! Make note of the weight distribution on the telescope before placing the Three Position Switch in the Balance position. Always firmly grasp the OTA or counterweight shaft so that you can maintain control of the telescope.
Page 60: Side View
The Wedge component allows the altitude axis to be adjusted from 10 degrees up to a maximum of just over 65 degrees so that the mount’s polar axis can “reach the pole” at most latitudes. Software Bisque sells a Paramount MX Latitude Adjustment wedge if astronomy takes you outside these latitudes .
Page 61: Bubble Level
Paramount MX User Guide Bubble Level The Paramount MX bubble level can be used to find horizontal that is suitable for the most demanding astronomy work, and can make polar alignment easier when no polar alignment scope is available. Figure 31: Center the bubble in the black ring for best results.
Page 62 Double-tap the joystick to optionally issue the Find Home command (no external software required). Figure 32: The Paramount MX hand controller. The three position rocker switch located on the side of the hand paddle controls the mount’s lighting features.
Page 63: Other Paramount Mx Accessories
This cable connects the Paramount MX mini USB port to a USB port on the computer. Hex Wrenches The Paramount MX comes with a set of standard Imperial-size hex wrenches that can be used to tighten the Versa-Plate knobs (page 41), add or remove the polar alignment scope (page 50), loosen the base (page 52) or altitude adjuster thrust knobs (60) and other common setup tasks.
Page 65: How To Polar Align
How To Polar Align Once the Paramount MX has been securely mounted to the pier or tripod, the next step is to align the mount’s polar axis with the celestial pole. Make sure to review “Polar Alignment” on page 11 for an explanation why polar alignment is so critical.
Page 66 Step 2 Adjust the height of Paramount MX’s altitude axis to match the latitude of your observing site. See “Altitude Adjuster” on page 54 for details about how to adjust the altitude of the polar axis.
Page 67 Paramount MX User Guide Step 4 Verify TheSkyX Professional Edition is correctly configured for the observing site’s date, time, location and time zone. • Double-check the settings on the Custom tab of the Location window. • If an internet connection is available, choose the Verify TheSkyX Time command on the Tools menu to confirm TheSkyX Professional Edition is configured correctly.
Page 68: Precise Polar Alignment
The mount’s equatorial axis should be aligned to within 100 arcseconds of the refracted pole for optimal tracking performance. The recommended methods to achieve precise polar alignment are by using TPoint or the Paramount MX polar alignment scope. Using TPoint for Precise Polar Alignment The TPoint Add On window includes a Polar Alignment Report that shows the mount’s polar alignment...
Page 69: Using The Polar Alignment Scope
Using the Polar Alignment Scope After mounting the polar alignment scope to the front of Paramount MX (page 50), follow the manufacturer’s instructions to calibrate the scope, and then place Polaris in the polar scope’s reticule.
Page 71: The Paramount And Theskyx Professional Edition
The version of the Bisque TCS that came with your Paramount depends on the model and date of purchase: • MKS 5000 is included with the Paramount MX. (An optional MKS 5000 upgrade is planned for Paramount ME mounts.) •...
Page 72: First Time Paramount Mx Setup
Electronics Box so that mount can be turned on. 1. Plug the round end of the Paramount MX power cable into the port labeled 48V Power In on the Electronics Box and the other into an electric outlet.
Page 73 On Windows, select the COM port number assigned to the Paramount MX’s USB port (see page 121 for details about installing the MKS 5000 driver) and click OK. The Description of the Port in the Serial Port list will appear as Software Bisque MKS 5000.
Page 74: Getting Started With Theskyx Professional Edition
Paramount MX User Guide 8. The Telescope window’s Status text shows the current state of the mount. Getting Started with TheSkyX Professional Edition If you are not familiar with TheSkyX Professional Edition’s basic telescope controls, please refer to TheSkyX Professional Edition User Guide for details about basic mount control features, including:...
Page 75: The Bisque Tcs Window
Paramount MX User Guide Feature Quick Start Reference Turning Tracking Off Turn Tracking Off command from the Tools pop-up menu on the Telescope window Unparking Unpark command from the Shut Down pop-up menu on the Telescope window Virtual Mount Virtual Mount command from the Tools pop-up menu on...
Page 76: Status Messages (Status Text)
(non-Paramount) mounts. Most advanced parameters should not be modified for Paramount ME or Paramount MX mounts. Each parameter is displayed in the Description text box at the boom of the window. Click the parameter’s name in the tree list to view its current value. Click the Edit button to change the value for this parameter;...
Page 77 3.2 and 4.5 degrees per second. • The Paramount MX’s maximum slew rate in both right ascension and declination is 4 degrees per second. The default maximum slew rate in both axes is 3.6 degrees per second.
Page 78: Advanced Parameters
Paramount MX User Guide Common Parameter Name Description Figure 37: The orange line on the Sky Chart represents the current flip hour angle. To dynamically change the flip hour angle, click and drag the orange “dragger” square on the flip hour angle line (see the green arrow on Figure 37).
Page 79 Paramount MX User Guide Axis Parameters Description in control system’s position occurs at this rate. The general rule of thumb is that the fewer number of corrections to the mount’s position that are made during autoguided exposures the better the resulting star profile. So, a guide rate of fifty-percent of sidereal rate (the default setting) is the optimal value to achieve this goal.
Page 80 Position the mount's mechanical homing sensor location. The Paramount ME and Paramount MX’s home position is hour angle (HA) 2.0 and declination 0.0 in the northern hemisphere and HA –2.0 and declination 0 when the mount is configured for the southern hemisphere (see “Hemisphere Setup”...
Page 81 Paramount MX User Guide Axis Parameters Description Reduction Percentage drops below the Temperature Slew Rate Threshold value. Temperature Slew Rate When the ambient temperature, in Celcius, drops below this value, Threshold reduce the slew rate by the Temperature Slew Rate Reduction Percentage.
Page 82 Defines the physical telescope mounting type: 0 = German Equatorial Mount (GEM) 1 = Asymmetric equatorial fork mount Sync Version 0 = Paramount ME, Paramount MX and Bisque TCS mounts. 1 = Paramount GT-1100S mount. 82 | P a g e...
Page 83 Paramount MX User Guide Axis Parameters Description User Space Version Shows the current version for the format of the user-defined data that is saved to the control system’s flash memory. Focus Axis MKS 3200. MKS 4000, MKS 5000 and later should be set to 1. Otherwise, set this value to 0.
Page 84: Commands Pop-Up Menu
Paramount MX User Guide Axis Parameters Description General purpose I/O 2 General purpose input/output toggle. General Purpose I/O 3 General purpose output direction 2. General purpose I/O 4 General purpose input/output toggle. User-Defined Parameters Acceleration The motor's relative acceleration/deceleration setting. Lower numbers (for example, 250) will yield slow acceleration/deceleration while higher numbers (for example, 750) will yield very fast acceleration.
Page 85 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 38: The Bisque TCS Configuration window. The right side of the Bisque TCS Configuration window lists the mount models that use the MKS control system. • Paramount ME • Paramount MX • Paramount GT-1100S •...
Page 86 Choose this command to copy a report of the current Bisque TCS parameters to the Clipboard in ASCII text format. Use the Paste command from any text editor to view and save this report. Software Bisque strongly recommends printing a copy of your mount’s Bisque TCS Parameters and storing it with your permanent records.
Page 87: Show Status Tab
Paramount MX User Guide MKS_USER1_SYNC_VERSION 10000 MKS_USER2_NVERSION MKS_USER2_FOCUS_AXIS MKS_OTHER_MOUNT_ID , Paramount MX MKS_OTHER_DEBUG_OUTPUT MKS_OTHER_STARTUP_JS_RA MKS_OTHER_STARTUP_JS_DEC MKS_OTHER_STARTUP_JS_BUTTON MKS_OTHER_STARTUP_JS_GUIDER MKS_OTHER_SOUND_GUIDER MKS_OTHER_GP_IO_1 MKS_OTHER_GP_IO_2 MKS_OTHER_GP_IO_3 MKS_OTHER_GP_IO_4 MKS_OTHER_JOY_RATE_1 277581 MKS_OTHER_JOY_RATE_2 2523471 MKS_OTHER_JOY_RATE_3 66123104 MKS_OTHER_JOY_RATE_4 1322462080 MKS_INI_FOCMULT MKS_INI_FLIPHA -18.0000000 MKS_INI_SPEEDPERC MKS_INI_SPEEDTHRESH MKS_INI_KERNEL_STATE MKS_INI_CALLLEVELLOGGING MKS_INI_PACKETLEVELLOGGING MKS_INI_FOCUSPULSESLOW MKS_INI_FOCUSPULSEFAST...
Page 88 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 39: The Show Status tab on the Bisque TCS window. Parameter Description Current Position Shows the value of the mount’s current position. Current Encoder Shows the current encoder position for both axes. For each axis, the current encoder value changes when mount is tracking;...
Page 89 Unplug the joystick cable from the Adaptor Panel on the Paramount ME or Electronics Box on the Paramount MX and spray electronics cleaner on the cable and port, then try plugging in the joystick cable to see if the behavior persists.
Page 90: Periodic Error Correction Tab
The Compute PEC Curve tab is used to determine the optimal periodic error curve based on mount tracking data. The Paramount ME and Paramount MX have precision worms and gears that slew the mount’s axes and track the earth’s relative motion compared to the stars. As the worm rotates, imperfections (around 20- millionths of an inch) in the drive system introduce a predictable “back and forth”...
Page 91: Bisque Tcs Pec Table Tab
Paramount MX User Guide TheSkyX Professional Edition is used to compute, retrieve and save a periodic error correction curve to the Bisque TCS firmware. When the Apply PEC Corrections checkbox is turned on, the resulting corrected periodic error of the...
Page 92: Compute Pec Curve Tab
PEC Table Index 1249 -9<CR><LF> This value shows a number (1-1000 for the Paramount MX or 1-1250 for the Paramount ME) that represents the position of the worm in the table of PEC corrections. Compute PEC Curve Tab The Paramount’s (ME and MX) periodic error specification is a maximum of 7 arcseconds peak to peak periodic error before periodic error correction.
Page 93 Paramount MX User Guide Ultimately, the tracking of any Paramount MX that has a periodic error of less than 7 arcseconds peak to peak can be corrected so that the corrected periodic error is below errors introduced by local atmospheric turbulence or “seeing”. In other words, the periodic error is “in the noise” and not detectable at the eyepiece or in the measured FWHM of stars on a CCD photo.
Page 94: Collecting And Using Periodic Error Tracking Data
Paramount MX User Guide Raw Tracking Data Turn on this checkbox to show the positions of the star’s centroid from the tracking log data as a light gray line. Curve Fit To Tracking Data Turn on this checkbox to show the optimal periodic error curve computed by clicking the Fit button.
Page 95 Paramount MX User Guide • Set the sidereal tracking rate. • Remove or turn off adaptive optics devices. • Unplug all guider cables from the mount. • Unplug the mount's joystick from the Adapter Panel. • Physically rotate the CCD camera to orient it north Remember, the tracking log cannot be acquired during “autoguiding”, instead the star’s...
Page 96 Paramount MX User Guide 5. On the Drive Settings tab, click the Advanced option. VERY IMPORTANT: DISABLE AUTOGUIDING CORRECTIONS IN BOTH AXES. 6. Turn off both Yes checkboxes for Enabled X-Axis and Y-Axis. Turning these options off prevents corrections to the position of the guide star.
Page 97 Paramount MX User Guide detector (see diagram below). If the detector is not oriented properly, then the maximum magnitude of the periodic error is not recorded. Note that precise orientation is not crucial; the detector should be within 5 degrees of North (or South).
Page 98 Paramount MX User Guide 4. Click the Open Tracking Log button. 5. Select the tracking log file and click Open. The “raw” periodic error data shown on Figure 44. Your results will vary, but the noisy-looking data is normal. For this example, each pixel of motion recorded in the tracking log equates to one arcsecond of error.
Page 99 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 45: After clicking the Fit button, the graphs show both the raw and “fitted” data. 8. Click the Final option to display the graph of the curve that will be transferred to the Paramount control system's PEC table.
Page 100: Utilities Tab
Paramount MX User Guide Click the Save button to save this curve into the Paramount's PEC table (that is, the curve is saved in the control system's flash RAM for permanent use). Step 4 Apply PEC Corrections 1. From TheSkyX Professional Edition, connect to the Paramount by clicking the Connect command on the Telescope menu.
Page 101 Absolute Home Sensor Position (Hour Angle) Shows the mechanically fixed hour angle of the homing sensor. This value cannot be changed for the Paramount ME and Paramount MX mounts and is always HA = 2.0 and Dec = 0.0. Absolute Home Sensor Position (Declination) Shows the mechanically fixed declination of the homing sensor.
Page 102 Paramount MX User Guide Configured For Text Box This text box shows the current hemisphere configuration. Northern and Southern Buttons The Northern and Southern buttons are used to configure the mount for operation in either hemisphere. The default configuration is for the northern hemisphere. When the mount is located in the southern hemisphere, click the Southern button so that the sidereal tracking direction is reversed and the homing sensor positions can be updated.
Page 103 When available, MKS 5000 motor firmware updates are posted to the Paramount MX Downloads page on the Software Bisque web site. (The name of the file that contains the update ends with the three letter extension “.bin” for the MKS 5000 or “.out” for the MKS 4000.) Browse For Motor Firmware File Click this button to select the motor firmware update file.
Page 104 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 50: The Slew Rate Based on Temperature settings on the Utilities tab. Click Slew Rate Adjustment Based On Temperature on the right side of the Utilities tab to change the default temperature and slew rate settings. When the mount is connected, the current temperature recorded by the mount’s temperature sensor and the .
Page 105 Click this button to measure the home index offset on the declination axis. Exercise Mount Before leaving Software Bisque, each Paramount undergoes a “run in” or exercise procedure that slews the mount between the software slew limits to ensure that the gear train, motors and electronic systems are functioning normally.
Page 106 Paramount MX User Guide Slew Axis Settings These settings can be used to slew the RA or Dec axis using different four different “slew units”. Units Enter the unit of measurement to slew the selected axis. • Encoder Tics – Specifies the smallest division or angular rotation of the DC servo motor. The relative angular size of a Paramount encoder tic is one third of one arcsecond.
Page 107 Paramount MX User Guide Reboot For Indexing Click this button to restart the Bisque TCS so that DC servomotor’s unique motor index angle can be measured. RA Index Enter the motor index angle for the right ascension motor. If you know the already know the motor’s...
Page 108 Paramount MX User Guide Synchronization History Each line on the Synchronization History report shows details about past synchronizations, including (from left to right, separated by commas): • Date and time of the synchronization • Relative hour angle of the home sensor position (page 80) •...
Page 109 Paramount MX User Guide The Software Slew Limits options allow the Bisque TCS software limits to be configured such that the payload of a GEM cannot encounter the side of the pier. After mounting the payload (camera, optical tube assembly and other equipment) to the Versa-Plate, use the hand controller or joystick to orient the mount in the non-standard GEM orientation.
Page 110 German equatorial mount at the East and West meridian slew limits. This graphic is not intended to be “mount specific” (in other words, the graphic will be the same whether the Paramount ME or Paramount MX mount is selected in the TheSkyX Professional Edition’s Telescope Setup window). Hand Controller Settings The four slew rates on the Hand Controller slew rate switch can be configured from the Hand Controller settings on the Utilities tab.
Page 111: Logging Tab
Paramount MX User Guide Figure 55: The Hand Controller settings on the Utilities tab. Rate 1-4 Enter the desired slew rate for the corresponding rate position, based on the sidereal rate. For example, to configure switch position 3 to slew the mount two times the sidereal rate, enter the number 2 in the Rate 3 text box, then click the Save Current Rates button.
Page 113: Troubleshooting Mount Operation
“talk to” the attached device. The Paramount MX is supplied with a standard USB cable that is roughly 15 feet (4.6 m) long. This cable, when used in conjunction with an approximately 3 feet long, high-quality USB cable to connect the USB port on the Instrument Panel to the camera head, will reliably control the Paramount MX and a CCD camera simultaneously.
Page 114 (hubs) You will regret it. Troubleshooting Communication Problems After adding a USB hub, USB cable extender or any other USB peripheral device to the Paramount MX USB cable, if TheSkyX Professional Edition is unable to connect to the Paramount MX (with frequent timeout errors or poor communication errors), remove every USB device except for the supplied 15-foot USB cable.
Page 115: Using Protrack
ProTrack Minimum Requirements ProTrack requires the following minimum hardware and software. 1. A Paramount MX, Paramount ME or MKS Series Software Bisque Telescope Control System (Bisque TCS). 2. TheSkyX Professional Edition. 3. TPoint Add On.
Page 116 Activating ProTrack 1. From TheSkyX Professional Edition, choose the Connect command from the Telescope menu to connect to the Paramount MX. 2. Turn on the Activate ProTrack checkbox on the ProTrack tab of the TPoint Add On window to view a table of ProTrack corrections that will be applied to tracking.
Page 117: Appendix A: Installing The Mks 5000 Usb Windows Driver
USB port on the Electronics Box. 3. Flip the Paramount MX power switch to the on position. Windows detects that a Generic USB Hub is present and attempts to automatically find and install a driver for the device. This step will fail, showing the window in Figure 56.
Page 118 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 57: Generic USB Hub listed on the Devices and Printers window. 5. Right-click on the Generic USB Hub icon then select the Properties command on the pop-up menu. 6. On the Hardware tab of the Generic USB Hub Properties window, click the Properties button (Figure 58).
Page 119 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 59: Update Driver button on the General tab of the Unknown Device Properties window. 8. Click the Browse My Computer for Driver Software link on the Update Driver Software – Unknown Device window (Figure 60Figure 36).
Page 120 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 61: Locate the Software Bisque MKS 5000 Driver. 10. After a minute or so, you will be prompted that Windows is unable to verify the publisher of this driver. Click the Install This Driver Software Anyway option to proceed (Figure 62).
Page 121: Accessing Windows Device Manager
Paramount MX User Guide Figure 63: The Software Bisque MKS 5000 Driver is successfully installed. Note the COM port number in the caption. Use this COM port number when configuring the Paramount MX from TheSkyX Professional Edition’s mount Settings window.
Page 122: Windows Xp Driver Installation
3. Click the Device Manager button on the Hardware tab. With the Paramount MX’s USB cable plugged in to the computer and into the mount’s USB port, expand the Unknown USB Devices node to view the COM port number: Software Bisque MKS 5000 (COMN), where N represents the communications port number.
Page 123 MKS 5000 driver has not yet been installed. Right- Figure 66: The Windows XP Device Manager showing the Paramount MX USB port before driver has been installed. 5. Choose the Install From List or Specific Location radio button and click the Next button to proceed.
Page 124 Paramount MX User Guide named MKS 5000 Driver.inf, is located in TheSkyX Professional Edition’s installation folder (by default, the location of this folder is C:\Program Files\Software Bisque\TheSkyX ). This driver is distributed as part of TheSkyX Professional Edition Professional Edition Latest Update version 10.1.11 and later.
Page 125 8. From TheSkyX Professional Edition’s mount Settings window, select the COM port on the Telescope > Telescope Setup > Mount Setup pop-up > Settings > Serial Port list (Figure 64) with the description Software Bisque MKS 5000. Figure 70: Selecting the COM port from TheSkyX Professional Edition.
Page 126 Paramount MX User Guide Figure 71: The Device Manager window showing the COM port number assignment for the USB port. 126 | P a g e...
Page 127: Appendix B: Paramount Mx Technical Drawings
“non-standard” mount dimensions. Click on the link below to visit the Software Bisque web page and download the drawing. Note that you must be signed in to the Software Bisque site to access these files. Windows users must install a PDF reader to view them.
Page 128: Appendix C: External Power Cable Sets
Appendix C: External Power Cable Sets Software Bisque sells “sets of two cables” that can be used to supply power to a camera that is mounted on the optical tube assembly using the standard power supply from the manufacturer in conjunction with the External Power connectors on the Electronics Box (page 49) and the Instrument Panel (page 44).
Page 129: Sbig St-7 Series (5-Pin) External Power Cable Specs
Paramount MX User Guide To External To camera power Power connector supply (either connector) (input) Figure 72: Apogee, QSI and SBIG ST-402 power connectors on the 36-inch (91 cm) bottom cable. To camera power supply Figure 73: Apogee, QSI and SBIG ST-402 power connectors on the 36-inch (91 cm) top cable.
Page 130 Paramount MX User Guide To camera power supply To External Power connector (input) Figure 74: 5-pin SBIG ST-7 type power connectors on the 36-inch (91 cm) bottom cable. To External Power connector (output) To camera head Figure 75: 5-pin SBIG ST-7 type power connectors on the 36-inch (91 cm) top cable.
Page 131: Sbig Stl Series (6-Pin) External Power Cable Specs
Paramount MX User Guide To camera power To External Power connector (input) supply Figure 76: 6-pin SBIG STL type power connectors on the 36-inch (91 cm) bottom cable. To camera head To External Power connector (output) Figure 77: 6-pin SBIG STL type power connectors on the 36-inch (91 cm) top cable.
Page 132: Generic External Power Cable Specs
Note that Finger Lakes Instruments cameras use the male KPPX-4p connector to supply power from the FLI power supply to the FLI camera head. This means the FLI camera power source can be plugged directly into the Paramount MX Electronics Box to route power up to the External Power connector on the Instrument Panel.
Page 133: Appendix D: Paramount Mx Warranty
Paramount MX User Guide Appendix D: Paramount MX Warranty Software Bisque warrants to the original owner that the Paramount MX will be free from defects in mechanical parts (for two years) and all electrical parts (for one year) from the date of delivery.
Page 135: Index
Paramount MX User Guide Index cables custom ..............29 Adaptor plate mini-USB .............. 34 wedge to pier ............10 power supply ............34 altitude ..............13 camera altitude adjuster ............54 power ..............128 altitude adjuster thrust knobs ......... 60 carrying handle altitude scale............
Page 136 Paramount MX User Guide cable sets ............128 LEDs ................. 28 lighting turning on ............62 feedback limited warranty ............ 133 audible ..............26 limits finding home ............17 software slew ............ 108 firmware version ............. 76 local celestial meridian ..........20 first time setup ............
Page 137 Paramount MX User Guide using polar scope..........69 from TheSkyX Professional Edition ..... 74 polar alignment scope ..........10 history ............... 108 mounting ............. 50 purple region ............23 portable tripod ............10 red region ............24 power supply ............34 starting over ............
Page 138 Paramount MX User Guide Versa-Plate............... 39 unpacking mount ..........36 wedge ..............60 Wedge to pier adaptor plate ........10 warning Windows Device Manager ........121 homing ..............17 observing sun ............7 pinch point ............ 28, 53 zenith distance ............16 three position switch ...........

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