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Software Bisque Paramount 6 Series User Manual

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The Paramount Series 6
User Guide
Paramount MYT, MX and ME Series 6 German Equatorial Mounts
Revision 1.1
January 2024
© 2024 Software Bisque, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Summary of Contents for Software Bisque Paramount 6 Series

  • Page 1 The Paramount Series 6 User Guide Paramount MYT, MX and ME Series 6 German Equatorial Mounts Revision 1.1 January 2024 © 2024 Software Bisque, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • 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 described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement. It may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Paramount GEM User Guide Table of Contents Telescope Operation Disclaimer ........................8 Sun Warning ..............................8 The Paramount Robotic Telescope System ....................9 Features and Specifications By Model ...................... 9 Paramount Series 6 Model Comparison ....................11 Optional Accessories ..........................13 Optional TheSky Databases ........................
  • Page 4 Paramount GEM User Guide Visual Control System Feedback ......................34 Through the Mount Cabling ........................34 Routing Cables through the Paramount ME ..................36 Routing Cables through the Paramount MX and MYT ................ 37 Packing List ..............................38 Box 1 Contents (Mount) .......................... 39 Important Packing Material Notes ......................
  • Page 5 Paramount GEM User Guide HA Worm Block Switch ........................... 63 HA Spring Plunger and Cam Stop Access Hole (Paramount ME and MX Only) ........67 HA Encoder Cover (Paramount ME Only) ....................67 HA Assembly ............................67 Electronics Box ............................67 Polar Axis Adjustments ........................
  • Page 6 Paramount GEM User Guide Counterweight Safety Knob ........................ 91 Paramount ME Side View ........................92 Paramount MX Side View ........................93 Altitude Adjustment Thrust Knobs ......................94 Integrated Wedge ........................... 94 Bubble Level ............................95 Declination Axis Locking Hole (Paramount ME Only) ................95 Micro Levelers (Paramount ME Only) .....................
  • Page 7 Paramount GEM User Guide Periodic Error Correction Tab ....................... 125 Bisque TCS PEC Table Tab ......................... 127 Compute PEC Curve Tab ........................129 Utilities Tab ............................134 Wi-Fi Quick Start ........................... 151 Configuring the WiSky Control ......................151 Connecting the WiSky to a Mac ......................154 macOS WLAN Minimum System Requirements ................

  • Page 8: Telescope Operation Disclaimer

    TheSky Professional 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 supplies.

  • Page 9: The Paramount Robotic Telescope System

    Unfortunately, there is simply no way that all the different facets of setting up and controlling a robotic telescope mount can be covered in a single document. Features and Specifications By Model Feature Software Bisque’s fifth generation dual- axis control system (MKS 6000™) provides dependable, precision performance. TheSky Universal bundle includes: •...
  • Page 10 Paramount GEM User Guide Feature x86_64 architectures, and Windows. • TPoint™ module with Super Model™ and ProTrack™ provides unmatched telescope pointing and tracking accuracy. • The Weather module reports the temperature, wind speed, and other weather-related data from supported weather stations.

  • Page 11: Paramount Series 6 Model Comparison

    Paramount GEM User Guide Feature and reliable pointing repeatability from night to night, or if power is lost. Extremely stable mechanical design that rapidly dampens external vibrations. Configurable slew limits prevent damage to the mount and telescope by slowly decelerating to limit regions. The integrated Cable Conduit™...
  • Page 12 Paramount GEM User Guide Feature or Specification 25 cm x 51 cm x 2.5 cm (9.9-in. x 20-in. x 1.0- 15 cm x 37.4 cm x 1.6 16 cm x 41 cm x 1.8 cm (6.4-in. x 16-in x 0.72 (5.95-in.

  • Page 13: Optional Accessories

    4.5 kg/10 lb. 1.5-in. kg/10 lb. 1.5-in. kg/40 lb. 1.875-in. bore hole bore hole bore hole Software Bisque Permanent Pier Base to Pier Adaptor Plate for mounting the Paramount to an existing pier Helium™ Tripod Latitude Adjustment Wedge for use below 10 degrees and above...

  • Page 14: Optional Thesky Databases

    Software Bisque does its best to monitor our forums between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Time Monday- Friday and tries to respond to questions within 3-5 business days. Our knowledgeable community members are there to help outside regular office hours.

  • Page 15: Coordinate Systems

    Paramount GEM User Guide • What is homing and what does it do? • What is mount parking? • How does atmospheric refraction affect mount performance? • Why is polar alignment so important? In addition to these basic questions, if you have not controlled a “go to” German equatorial mount with TheSky Professional, please carefully read the following sections and then use TheSky Professional’s Telescope Simulator before setting up, connecting to, and operating the Paramount.

  • Page 16: The Equatorial Coordinate System

    Paramount GEM User Guide Azimuth The azimuth (az for short) of an object is generally reckoned from north, increasing in the clockwise direction, and ranges from 0 to 359 degrees. North is 0 degrees, east is 90 degrees, south is 180 degrees and west is 270 degrees.

  • Page 17: Hour Angle

    Paramount GEM User Guide Zero degrees longitude passes through Greenwich, England and is the designated reference line for longitude. What, then, is the reference line for 0 hours right ascension? Astronomers use the vernal equinox, the location where the Sun crosses the celestial equator during its apparent annual motion against the background stars, as a "starting point"...

  • Page 18: Local Sidereal Time

    Paramount GEM User Guide Smaller hour angles equate to positions of optimal observing, so your telescope will likely spend a great deal of the time pointing to and tracking objects near hour angle zero (near the meridian). TheSky Professional can be used to configure the mechanical orientation at which the control system slews the telescope to the opposite side of the pier, or the “flip hour angle”...

  • Page 19: Polar Alignment Basics

    Paramount GEM User Guide • Except low down in the sky, the refraction goes roughly as the tangent to ZD, so at ZD = 70 degrees, or, at 20 degrees above the horizon, it is up to 165 arcseconds. (It reaches 1800 arcseconds, or 0.5 degrees at the horizon.) •...
  • Page 20 (or using your preferred polar alignment technique) and pointing calibration is crucial to achieve optimal mount performance. Figure 3: Paramount 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. 20 |...

  • Page 21: Homing

    Paramount GEM User Guide Step 1 Use TheSky Professional’s “Rough Polar Alignment” feature (page 101) to align the mount’s polar axis to within 10-15 arcminutes of the pole. This step can be performed during daylight hours using the Sun with proper solar filters on the telescope. Step 2 Use the TPoint module’s Accurate Polar Alignment feature to align the mount’s polar axis to the pole using a fiducial star.

  • Page 22: Labeling The Home Position On The Sky Chart

    The next step is to post a support question asking, “Why is my mount pointing to the wrong coordinates?” For this reason, Software Bisque recommends creating a permanent text label on the Sky Chart that shows the location of the mount’s absolute home position (page 136) on the Sky Chart to provide a constant visual reminder of where the telescope cross hairs must be after successfully finding home.
  • Page 23 Paramount GEM User Guide If, after homing the mount, the telescope cross hairs do not end up near hour angle 2.0 and declination 0.0 (or hour angle –2.0, declination 0.0 in the southern hemisphere), either TheSky Professional’s site information is wrong, or the mount has been synchronized on the wrong star. Remember, the mechanical home position of the Paramount cannot change.
  • Page 24 • The mount is not aligned to the celestial pole. (Believe it or not, Software Bisque has had several support cases claiming that the mount could not point the telescope correctly, only to discover the Paramount’s polar axis was mounted in the wrong direction;...

  • Page 25: Session-To-Session Pointing Repeatability

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 4: If you think Find Home is not working, mark the home position on both axes with masking tape. The Paramount will dutifully return to the identical position. This “homing repeatability test” will hopefully provide confidence that, after finding home, the mount is always pointing to hour angle 0 and declination 0 (in the northern hemisphere) and will help narrow down the actual causes of pointing errors (most commonly, incorrect settings in TheSky Professional, incorrect Versa-Plate or telescope mounting, or poor polar alignment).

  • Page 26: Tpoint Calibration

    Paramount GEM User Guide 5. Slew the mount to a nearby star. The mount should slew back to this star; that is, it should return to the same position in the eyepiece, video, or CCD detector. In practice, there may be small pointing errors that are introduced by mirror flop, or slight differences in time, so the star may not be in the same position, but it should be very close.
  • Page 27 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 5: TheSky Professional showing overhead view with the purple and red meridian regions. Purple Region When the telescope is on the east side of the mount, the purple region (the region on the east side of the meridian) indicates the area where the mount can be slewed beyond the meridian without flipping sides.

  • Page 28: The Local Celestial Meridian

    Paramount GEM User Guide The Local Celestial Meridian The local celestial meridian is a great circle on the celestial sphere that runs from the zenith directly overhead to a point due South on the horizon, continuing around to the nadir (directly below) and back up to the zenith.

  • Page 29: Maintaining Accurate Time

    Paramount GEM User Guide • The Versa-Plate is mounted 180 degrees off. • The polar axis of the Paramount it not orientated north-south. Make sure the mount is attached to the pier or tripod Versa-Plate is mounted in the correct orientation before proceeding.

  • Page 30: Parking The Paramount

    Paramount GEM User Guide Parking the Paramount The Park command can be issued to the Paramount from TheSky Professional to perform the following: 1. The mount is slewed to the park position, which is a user-defined altazimuth mount orientation. Use the Set Park Position command to define the park position. See “Defining the Park Position” below for more information.

  • Page 31: Parking Notes

    Paramount GEM User Guide External scripts or third-party automation applications can customize the post-park behavior by calling the desired parking method above. For more information about scripted operation, see “Script TheSky” documentation at www.bisque.com/scriptthesky. Parking Notes • When connecting to a parked Paramount from TheSky, the Unpark is issued automatically. If a non-Paramount mount was parked using TheSky’s Park command, it must be unparked first.

  • Page 32: Park Position Rules

    The table below describes the different sounds the mount may emit, when in the startup process each sound occurs, and describes what the sound means. To listen to each sound, visit the Software Bisque website and click Support, Videos & Audio and search for “sounds” then click the Download graphic to save the audio file to your computer.
  • Page 33 Paramount GEM User Guide Sound Occurs Description When the three Status LEDs on the Electronics Box are illuminated (see “Visual Control System Feedback” on page 34), the control system is functioning nominally. Single beep When the servomotor To initialize the control system, turn on the mount and initialization is interrupted, listen for the whistle sound and two successive beeps, shortly after mount is...

  • Page 34: Visual Control System Feedback

    (DC) power, only. • Software Bisque recommends 12 AWG through the mount cables that carry a maximum of +12V DC, 5.0A (60W max). • Never install through the mount cabling that carries an alternating current (AC) power source;...
  • Page 35 Paramount GEM User Guide • When balancing the declination axis (page 63), this internal shaft can rotate freely, and may do so with a high angular velocity when the mount’s payload is even slightly out of balance. In both cases, the rotating internal shaft creates a potentially dangerous pinch point with the outer declination axis assembly that can cut, crush, or sever fingers.

  • Page 36: Routing Cables Through The Paramount Me

    Paramount GEM User Guide Routing Cables through the Paramount ME Figure 8: Paramount ME cross section showing path of cable through the mount. Routing custom cables through the Paramount ME is a relatively straightforward procedure. 1. Remove the RA Rear Cover (Figure 14) by hand-loosening the two knobs that hold the cover in place. 2.

  • Page 37: Routing Cables Through The Paramount Mx And Myt

    Paramount GEM User Guide 6. Thread the cable tie up the declination shaft until it exits the top. Once the cable tie can be grasped, gently pull it upward until the cable itself exits the top of the axis. For cables with wide ends, some coaxing may be necessary to snake it completely through.

  • Page 38: Packing List

    Please make sure the following items are included in the Paramount boxes. In the event one or more items are missing, please contact Software Bisque (page 14) immediately to obtain a replacement. 38 |...

  • Page 39: Box 1 Contents (Mount)

    Paramount GEM User Guide Box 1 Contents (Mount) Photo Description Paramount MYT Robotic Telescope Mount with Versa-Plate attached. Box Dimensions: 48 cm x 51 cm x 24 cm (19 in. x 20 in. x 9.5 in.) Total Shipping Weight: 22 kg (48 lb.) Photo Description Paramount MX Robotic Telescope Mount with...

  • Page 40: Important Packing Material Notes

    Software Bisque strongly recommends that you keep both the shipping boxes, and the two Styrofoam inserts as these packing materials are specifically designed to protect your mount during transport. If the boxes or inserts are lost or damaged, contact Software Bisque to purchase replacements. 40 | P a g e...

  • Page 41: Box 2 Contents (Accessories Box)

    Paramount GEM User Guide Box 2 Contents (Accessories Box) Photo Description The printed Paramount Getting Started Guide. 4.6 m (15-foot) USB cable. See “USB C Port (USB)” on page 68 for details. Power Supply Unit (PSU). See “Power Supply Unit (PSU)” on page 100 for the PSU power specifications.
  • Page 42 Paramount GEM User Guide Photo Description Power Supply Extension Cable (Paramount ME only). See “Plugging Power Supply Unit into the Electronics Box” on page 69 for details. Power Cable for the Power Supply Unit (NEMA 5-15 male plug). Hand Controller with joystick (page 96). Counterweight Shaft (page 86).
  • Page 43 Paramount GEM User Guide Photo Description Paramount ME (only) Accessory Pouch This pouch can be used to conveniently store the following items: • Two (2) 3/8-in. shoulder bolt hole plugs for holding the two (2) 5/16 in. x 2-1/4 in. hour angle locking shoulder bolts and two (2) declination locking shoulder bolts.

  • Page 44: Locating Your Serial Numbers

    Paramount GEM User Guide Photo Description 13-piece SAE hex wrench set. Locating Your Serial Numbers The Paramount mount and the Universal bundle serial numbers are printed on a card that is attached to the mount’s altitude adjuster (Figure 10). Please retain this card for your permanent records. The mount’s serial number is also affixed to the bottom of the hour angle housing.

  • Page 45: Your Safety Is Paramount

    Paramount GEM User Guide documentation only after something gets confusing. Taking a few moments now to understand the basic mount design will hopefully avoid personal injury or damage to your mount. Your Safety is Paramount The Paramount is designed to provide years of reliable service, but, like any precision instrument, you must become familiar with the basic features and operating procedures to ensure proper use and your personal safety.
  • Page 46 A printed copy of The Paramount Getting Started Guide is inside the Paramount Accessories box and can be downloaded in PDF format from https://www.bisque.com. From the Software Bisque website, click My account, Log in, then click Support, Downloads, Documentation and enter Getting Stared in the Search field and press <Enter>...

  • Page 47: Paramount Mx Unpacking Insert

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount MX Unpacking Insert Figure 12: Please carefully read this flyer before unpacking the Paramount MX. Please see the “HA Worm Block Switch” on page 63 for details about using the two-position switch. 47 | P a g e...

  • Page 48: Paramount Myt Unpacking Insert

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount MYT Unpacking Insert Figure 13: Please carefully read this flyer before unpacking the Paramount MYT. The Paramount MYT hour angle axis includes locking holes at 10-degree increments. Boxing the Paramount for Transport Always perform the following steps when boxing the Paramount for shipment or transport. 1.

  • Page 49: Paramount Components

    Paramount GEM User Guide 8. Rotate the Versa-Plate fully clockwise to the hard stop position. In this position, the Versa-Plate is parallel to the sides of the mount so that the mount will lay flat in the box. Note the internal physical hard stops prevent the declination axis from fully rotating 180 degrees.

  • Page 50: Paramount Me Front View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount ME Front View Figure 14: The Paramount ME front view. 50 | P a g e...

  • Page 51: Paramount Mx Front View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount MX Front View Figure 15: The Paramount MX front view. Figure 16: The hour angle axis through-the-mount panel includes one XT60 power input connector, one passthrough Ethernet port and one customizable Keystone module. 51 | P a g e...

  • Page 52: Paramount Myt Front View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount MYT Front View Figure 17: The front view of the Paramount MYT. HA Worm Block Cover Always keep hands and fingers away from the hour angle axis worm block cover! A “pinch point” is created as the declination axis rotates past the hour angle axis worm block cover.

  • Page 53: Telescope Mounting Plate (Versa-Plate)

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 18: Caution: Always keep hands clear of this area! Telescope Mounting Plate (Versa-Plate) The Paramount comes with a Versa-Plate™ that provides a stable mounting platform for your telescope and other equipment. The telescope can be attached using the integrated, drop-in style Losmandy and Celestron dovetail, a telescope cradle, or telescope mounting rings.
  • Page 54 ADM Accessories and repeatability. o Celestron International o Losmandy Astronomical Products o Meade Instruments o Officina Stellare • • Software Bisque Extremely rigid mount-to-telescope More expensive. OTA Mounting attachment. • Rings Allows multiple optics to be rigidly attached to the Versa-Plate.

  • Page 55: Paramount Versa-Plate Knobs

    Paramount GEM User Guide OTA Mounting Advantages Disadvantages • Accurate, reliable, and repeatable all sky pointing and tracking. Paramount Versa-Plate Knobs There are four Versa-Plate knobs (up to six on a Paramount ME the optional Large Dovetail Accessory Rail) are designed to securely captivate a male Losmandy-compatible dovetail. Rotating each knob clockwise advances an angled brass plunger on the inside of the dovetail.
  • Page 56 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 21: The brass plunger compresses the male dovetail against the opposite side (from left to right in the above diagram). 3. Tighten each Versa-Plate knob by hand until the brass plungers securely hold the dovetail in place. While tightening the knobs, push the telescope dovetail in the same direction as the advancing brass plungers to make sure the dovetail plate is securely compressed against opposite side of the dovetail wedge (Figure 21).
  • Page 57 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 22: Machined circles mark the four mounting positions on the Paramount MYT and MX Versa-Plate. The Paramount ME’s Versa-Plate has two mounting positions. Figure 23: The machined slots in the Paramount MYT and MX Versa-Plates allow the payload to slide fore and aft to achieve balance in declination.
  • Page 58 Paramount GEM User Guide Standard Versus Wide Mounting Versa-Plate Orientation The Paramount is shipped with the Versa-Plate in the standard orientation. In this orientation, the optical axis of the telescope is parallel to the long axis of the Versa-Plate. In the wide orientation, the Versa-Plate is rotated 90 degrees from the standard orientation, so that the telescope’s optical axis is perpendicular to the long axis of the Versa-Plate.
  • Page 59 “wiggle room” compared to the standard orientation. Software Bisque manufactures and sells an optional Paramount ME Dec Axis to Versa- Plate Spacer that provides additional room for through the mount cabling. See Versa- Plate Spacers (Paramount MYT and ME only, Optional Accessory) on page 60 for details.

  • Page 60: Large Dovetail Rail (Paramount Me Only, Optional Accessory)

    Versa-Plate Spacers (Paramount MYT and ME only, Optional Accessory) Software Bisque offers optional spacers that can be used when the Paramount MYT or ME Versa-Plate is mounted in the wide orientation. When mounted to the top of the declination axis, the spacers create a channel through which instrument cabling can be passed.

  • Page 61: Ha Rear Panel Components

    Paramount GEM User Guide HA Rear Panel Components Figure 25: The Paramount MX HA rear panel components. Table 1: The through-the-mount panel components. Number Description When connected to an external power source, the yellow male XT60 plug supplies power to the three female XT60 connectors on the Instrument Panel.

  • Page 62: L-Com Keystone Panel Adaptors

    Paramount GEM User Guide Number Description Access hole for custom through-the-mount cables. L-COM Keystone Panel Adaptors The L-COM Keystone connector on the HA Rear Panel is designed to make adding a custom through mount cable easier to install, and simpler to disconnect from the mount. The L-com webpage (http://www.l- com.com/Adaptors) has cables, connectors and adaptors that can be used to tailor this port to your needs.

  • Page 63: Ha Worm Block Cover

    Paramount GEM User Guide The Paramount external power ports and through the mount cabling are intended to be used with direct current (DC) power sources only. Never attempt to power devices through the mount with an alternating current (AC) power source. HA Worm Block Cover The HA worm block cover incorporates the following features: •...
  • Page 64 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 27: The Paramount ME two position switch. Figure 28: The Paramount MYT and MX two position switch. Model Mechanical Switches When the two-position switch (Figure 28) is in the balance position, the worm and gear are separated, so the axis can rotate freely.
  • Page 65 Paramount GEM User Guide Model Mechanical Switches When the two-position switch (Figure 28) is in the balance position, the worm and gear are separated, so the axis can rotate freely. When the switch is rotated to point at the star (Track position), and the transport lock knob is in the unlock position, the mount is ready for normal operation.
  • Page 66 Paramount GEM User Guide This position is for balancing the payload and is the recommended position to place the switch after the mount has been placed inside the shipping container box and while the mount is being transported. If the mount is subjected to a severe impact during shipping, both axes will rotate freely.

  • Page 67: Ha Spring Plunger And Cam Stop Access Hole (Paramount Me And Mx Only)

    Paramount GEM User Guide HA Spring Plunger and Cam Stop Access Hole (Paramount ME and MX Only) This hole provides access to the spring plunger and cam stop adjustment. To access this document, visit www.bisque.com, My account, Log in, then click Support, Downloads, Documentation and search for Paramount MX Cam Stop Adjustment Instructions.
  • Page 68 If this LED is not illuminated after turning the mount on, there may be a problem with the Bisque TCS. Please contact Software Bisque (page 14) for further troubleshooting advice.

  • Page 69: Polar Axis Adjustments

    Paramount GEM User Guide The Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Paramount MX and Paramount MYT PSUs use tip positive plugs. See “Power Supply Unit" on page 100 for more information. Plugging Power Supply Unit into the Electronics Box The table below describes how to physically connect the PSU of each model from the external power source to the 48V Power In port (page 68) on the Electronics Box.

  • Page 70: Keystone Modules

    Paramount GEM User Guide The Paramount base consists of an outer, fixed plate that is mounted to the pier, and an inner rotating plate on which the mount sits. Adjustments in azimuth are achieved by rotating the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs at the front of the mount (Figure 32). For a level mount, rotation of this plate does not affect the altitude of the polar axis.
  • Page 71 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 31: Caution: Always keep hands clear of these areas! 71 | P a g e...

  • Page 72: Xt60 Dc Power Connector

    Paramount GEM User Guide XT60 DC Power Connector The female XT60 DC power connector on the rear hour angle panel and the three male connectors on the Instrument Panel are ideal for supplying through-the-mount DC power to your astronomical equipment. XT60 connectors are rated to carry up to 500V DC at 30A (15,000W DC maximum) and can accept 12 AWG wires, which is more than sufficient to power all the direct current astronomical devices at the telescope.
  • Page 73 (or so) of the celestial pole so that polar alignment can be achieved without having to rotate the permanently mounted pier itself. • Software Bisque Permanent piers have slotted mounting holes that provide additional azimuth rotation (plus or minus five degrees from the center position).

  • Page 74: Base Thrust Mounting Knobs

    Paramount GEM User Guide • The Software Bisque tripods allow unlimited rotation in azimuth, so the mount’s initial orientation does not matter. Base Thrust Mounting Knobs The four base-thrust mounting knobs are used to securely attach the base of the Paramount to the top of the pier, tripod, or other mounting surface.

  • Page 75: Paramount Me Rear View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount ME Rear View Figure 33: The rear view of the Paramount ME. Hour Angle Axis Locking Holes (Paramount ME Only) The Paramount ME’s hour angle axis can be locked into one, and only one, position by orienting the counterweight shaft vertically and then inserting two shoulder bolts (supplied with mount) into both hour angle locking holes and through the gear.

  • Page 76: Declination Axis Locking Holes (Paramount Me Only)

    Paramount GEM User Guide When installed, the hour angle and declination axis locking bolts are designed to prevent the axis from rotating during shipment or while adding payload to the mount. As a best practice, always try to maintain a relatively balanced payload, even when mounting equipment.

  • Page 77: Paramount Mx Rear View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount MX Rear View Figure 34: The rear view of the Paramount MX. Declination Carrying Handle (Paramount MX Only) Use the integrated carrying handle (located above the Declination Three Position Switch) to lift the mount. Remember to always place both Three Position Switches in the Lock position before lifting the mount (page 63).

  • Page 78: Paramount Myt Rear View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount MYT Rear View Figure 35: The rear view of the Paramount MYT. Cable Conduit Access Hole and Cover Always keep fingers clear from the cable conduit access hole! • While the declination axis rotates during mount slews, an internal shaft in the declination assembly is also being rotated by a very high torque servomotor.

  • Page 79: Declination Axis Encoder Cover

    Green light emitted from the encoder module’s LED indicates the encoders are functioning normally; yellow means the encoder is operational, but the signal from the module is not ideal; red means the module is not working properly and may need alignment. Contact Software Bisque support for information how to proceed.

  • Page 80: Declination Axis Assembly (Dec Assembly)

    Paramount GEM User Guide Declination Axis Assembly (Dec Assembly) The declination assembly is a permanent component of the Paramount and cannot be removed. Paramount Serial Number (Serial Number) The Paramount’s serial number is permanently affixed to the base of the hour angle assembly before shipment (page 44).
  • Page 81 Paramount GEM User Guide 62° (max.) 64° (max.) 70° (max.) 60° 60° 60° 50° 50° 50° 40° 40° 40° 30° 30° 30° 20° 20° 10° 20° 0° (min.) 14° (min.) 0° (min.) Figure 36: Altitude Scales for the Paramount ME, Paramount MX and Paramount MYT. Maximum Elevation (°) Model Minimum Elevation (°)

  • Page 82: Altitude Adjuster (Paramount Me Only)

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 37: The tic mark that is aligned with the bottom of the altitude reference block marks the Paramount ME polar axis altitude. Figure 38: The arrow machined into the hour angle base plate points to the altitude of Paramount MYT and MX polar axis. Altitude Adjuster (Paramount ME only) The altitude adjuster is used to make fine adjustments to the mount’s altitude axis during polar alignment.

  • Page 83: Polar Axis Elevation Adjustment

    Paramount GEM User Guide Remember the “Right Hand” Rule The altitude adjuster uses “right-handed” threads. If you want to increase the altitude of the polar axis, point your right-hand thumb upward and rotate the altitude adjuster in the direction your fingers naturally curl. Figure 39: Rotating the altitude adjuster in the direction of the arrow lowers the Paramount ME axis (right hand rule applies).
  • Page 84 Paramount GEM User Guide 1. Important! As shown in Figure 40, rotate the fine elevation adjustment knob until the stainless-steel bar is about in the middle of the threaded rod. Doing so ensures there will be sufficient fine adjustment to achieve polar alignment when the bar is placed in a given elevation slot (described below).

  • Page 85: Paramount Me Altitude Scale

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 41: The Paramount MYT and MX coarse altitude adjustment mechanism when lifted out of a mounting slot. From here, you can attach the telescope and other your equipment and get ready to precisely align the mount with the refracted pole. See “How to Polar Align” on page 100 for details.

  • Page 86: Counterweight Shaft

    Paramount GEM User Guide can be used to make absolute elevation adjustments. These vertical lines are 90 degrees apart and represent increments of fifteen arcminutes in elevation. The vernier scale also allows the mount’s elevation to be placed at a specific position and is useful for restoring a specific elevation if the mount is used at multiple observing sites.

  • Page 87: Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar (Optional)

    Description Extension Bar Specifications See “Appendix A: Paramount Technical Drawings” on page 167 for details where to find technical drawings on the Software Bisque Length: 24.6 cm (9.7 in.) webpage. Diameter: 4.763 cm (1.875 in.) Weight: 3.2 kg (7 lb.) In addition to the 1.875-in.
  • Page 88 Paramount GEM User Guide knob is hand tight. The softer-metal brass plunger on the end of the knob secures the counterweight and should not score or gouge the stainless-steel shaft. The table below shows the counterweight specifications by model. The total weight of the counterweights that are included with the Paramount mount are not sufficient to balance the maximum payloads.
  • Page 89 Paramount GEM User Guide Counterweights are extremely heavy! Please use extreme caution handling them during installation and removal. After the counterweights are added, firmly tighten each of the counterweight knobs to ensure they do not slip. Also, make sure to install the counterweight safety knob on the bottom of the counterweight shaft.

  • Page 90: Payload Imbalance Cause And Effect

    Paramount GEM User Guide counterweight shaft should always remain in the vertical position (Figure 44) while the attaching counterweights and instrumentation (telescope, camera, etc.). If you must orient the mount’s payload in a severely out of balance position, for the Paramount MX, place the Three Position Switch in the Lock position first (page 63), for the Paramount ME install the locking bolts and place the two-position switch to balance, and for the Paramount MX place the two-position switch to balance and pull and rotate...

  • Page 91: Balancing The Payload

    Paramount GEM User Guide Balancing the Payload After attaching the counterweights, mount your optical tube assembly, camera, and all other equipment (focuser, filter wheel, field rotator, dew heater, etc.) to the Versa-Plate, then begin balancing each axis, starting with hour angle. The Paramount operates best when the payload is properly balanced, which means that, when the worm and gear are separated for a given axis, the axis does not tend to rotate in either direction.

  • Page 92: Paramount Me Side View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount ME Side View Figure 45: The side view of the Paramount ME with the optional large dovetail accessory. 92 | P a g e...

  • Page 93: Paramount Mx Side View

    Paramount GEM User Guide Paramount MX Side View Figure 46: The Paramount MX side view. 93 | P a g e...

  • Page 94: Altitude Adjustment Thrust Knobs

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 47: Paramount MYT side view. Altitude Adjustment Thrust Knobs The altitude adjustment thrust knobs on the side wedges lock the mount’s altitude axis in place, without changing the position of the azimuth axis. (Adjusting either axis during polar alignment for some commercial mounts can be a frustrating trial and error process when trying to tighten on one axis moves the position of the other.) Make sure to completely loosen all of the knobs before attempting to raise or lower the polar axis.

  • Page 95: Bubble Level

    Paramount GEM User Guide Model Minimum and Maximum Altitude of Wedge 0° – 64° 0° – 70° 14° – 68° Bubble Level The Paramount bubble level is suitable for the most demanding astronomy work and can make polar alignment easier when no polar alignment scope is available. Figure 48: Center the bubble in the black ring for best results.

  • Page 96: Micro Levelers (Paramount Me Only)

    Paramount GEM User Guide When installed, the hour angle and declination axis locking bolts are designed to prevent the axis from rotating during shipment and while adding payload. As a best practice, always try to maintain a balanced payload, even when mounting equipment. The shoulder bolts are not designed to carry the mount’s entire payload.
  • Page 97 Paramount GEM User Guide The best approach for leveling the mount is to simultaneously rotate two Micro-Levelers so that the mount is tilted either north/south or east/west. The accuracy of the leveling required depends on the long-term use of the mount. If the mount is attached to a permanent pier, without the intent of portable use, leveling is less important.

  • Page 98: Hand Controller

    Paramount GEM User Guide about 1/16 of a turn (or so) more. Additional adjustment may be required to accommodate uneven mounting surfaces. You might also want to gently lift the mount when tightening the Micro-Levelers. If all four Micro-Levelers are not in contact with the mounting surface, when you attempt to loosen a Base Plate Attachment Knob, both will turn together and bind.
  • Page 99 Paramount GEM User Guide • As a mechanical button, place your thumb on the top of the joystick knob. Without moving the joystick from the center position, push the knob straight "down" (toward the hand controller body) and release to click the button. Repeat this process twice in succession, like double-clicking a mouse button, to issue a Find Home command.

  • Page 100: Paramount Accessories

    Paramount GEM User Guide Slew Rate Switch The slew rate switch can be adjusted to five positions. Positions 1-4 are labeled on the hand controller cover and by default the higher the number, the faster the rate. Rotating this switch counterclockwise to the unmarked position disables slewing via the joystick.

  • Page 101: Altitude Adjuster Wrench (Paramount Me Only)

    Error! Bookmark not defined. for an explanation why polar alignment is so critical for an equatorial mount. Software Bisque recommends starting with the rough polar alignment method, then using either the polar alignment ‘scope or TheSky Professional’s Accurate Polar Alignment feature to refine the alignment. Note that the accurate polar alignment procedure requires a TPoint model;...

  • Page 102: Step-By-Step Rough Polar Alignment

    Paramount GEM User Guide When the Paramount is positioned at the home position, the mount’s mechanical orientation is always identical (to about one arcsecond or so). In the northern hemisphere, this position points very near hour angle 0 and declination 0. For a mechanically perfect imaging system, the telescope would be pointing to a position on the celestial sphere at the intersection of the meridian and the celestial equator.

  • Page 103: Accurate Polar Alignment

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 53: The OTA’s optical and mechanical non-perpendicularity errors degrade the accuracy of the rough polar alignment method. Note that optical and mechanical non-perpendicularities in the telescope and the declination axis play a key factor in the accuracy of the rough polar alignment method. If these misalignments are large (in the order of 30 arcminutes or greater), the initial polar alignment will not be as accurate.
  • Page 104 TheSky Professional User Guide. From TheSky, click Telescope, TheSky User Guide to view the PDF document. The latest revision can be downloaded from the Software Bisque website by clicking Downloads, Documentation then enter TheSky User Guide in the Search field.

  • Page 105: Using The Polemaster

    QHYCCD’s PoleMaster™ is an easy-to-use electronic polar scope, and an alternative to the traditional polar alignment scope. Software Bisque offers a Paramount MYT/MX PoleMaster Adaptor that can be used to attach the PoleMaster to the declination axis and assist with polar alignment.

  • Page 106: The Paramount And Thesky Professional

    Minimum System Requirements The Paramount requires the following minimum hardware and software to operate: A Mac, Windows, or Linux ARM64 or x86_64 computer running TheSky Professional or a Software Bisque TheSky Fusion. See TheSky Professional User Guide for TheSky’s minimum computer hardware requirements for additional information.

  • Page 107: First Time Paramount Setup

    MX: A 1.66A 48V DC battery or other power source. ME: A 4.6A 48V DC battery or other power source. Software Bisque sells an EGO™ Battery to Paramount Power Adaptor that can be connected to a 56V Lithium-Ion EGO™ battery (adapter and battery sold separately).

  • Page 108: Getting Started With Thesky Professional

    6. On the Mount Setup pop-up menu, click Settings. 7. Choose the Port or Device Name (macOS) with the Software Bisque MKS 6000 description and click OK. 8. Click the Connect command from the Telescope menu and then click the Close button on the Imaging System Setup window.

  • Page 109: The Bisque Tcs Window

    Paramount GEM User Guide Feature Quick Start Reference Slewing Telescope window, Slew button. Star searching Telescope window, Tools pop-up menu, Star Search command. Telescope configuration Telescope menu, Telescope Setup command. Tracking spacecraft Telescope window, Track Satellite button. Tracking planets, comets, or asteroids Telescope window, Set Track Rates button.

  • Page 110: Status Messages (Status Text)

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 55: The Parameters tab of the Bisque TCS window. The Bisque TCS window includes the Parameters, Show Status, Periodic Error Correction, Utilities and Logging tabs. Status Messages (Status Text) The always visible Status message on the bottom of the window shows color-coded text about the mount’s current state.
  • Page 111 Paramount GEM User Guide changed to accommodate heavier payloads or other personal preferences (for example, you might want to lower the maximum slew rate because, “I don’t want my expensive equipment slewing around too fast!”). The advanced settings are mount-specific control system configuration options that are used for custom (non- Paramount) mounts.
  • Page 112 Paramount GEM User Guide Common Parameter Name Description • The Paramount MX’s maximum slew rate and default maximum slew rate in both hour angle and declination is the same as the Paramount MX, with the included power supply unit. o A higher wattage power supply unit can be purchased separately which gives the Paramount MX the abilities to slew up to 10 degrees per second.

  • Page 113: Advanced Parameters

    Paramount GEM User Guide Common Parameter Name Description Figure 56: 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 handle square on the flip hour angle line (see the white arrow on Figure 56).
  • Page 114 Paramount GEM User Guide • User-Defined • Axis • System • Homing • Initialization • Motor Parameters • Periodic Error Correction • On-Axis Encoders You may wish to change certain parameters based on the mount’s payload or to suit your personal preferences. For example, lowering the maximum acceleratiohn and slew speed for heavier telescopes, or changing the slew limit to prevent a longer telescope from hitting the side of the pier.
  • Page 115 Paramount GEM User Guide Homing-Related Parameter Description Relative Home Sensor The relative home sensor position is computed using both the mount’s Position fixed homing sensor location and the equatorial coordinates supplied to TheSky Professional when the mount was synchronized on a star. For a perfect mount that has no optical or mechanical misalignments, mechanical flexures or polar alignment errors, the relative home position would identically match the absolute mechanical home position.
  • Page 116 Paramount GEM User Guide Homing-Related Parameter Description Home from Joystick? When set to 0, double-tapping the joystick button will not find the home position. Set this value to 1 to allow homing with the joystick. Absolute Home Sensor These values represent the coordinates of the home position based on Position the mount's mechanical homing sensor location.
  • Page 117 The motor index angles are preset at the factory, and should not be altered unless instructed to do so by Software Bisque. • For the Paramount ME, the motor’s index angle is affixed to a sticker on the motor, and can also be viewed on the Control System Parameters report (page 122).
  • Page 118 Paramount GEM User Guide Initialization-Related Description Parameter PEC Motor to Worm Gear Specifies the gear ratio between the motor and the worm gear. Ratio PEC Cutoff Speed Set to two times the sidereal rate, this insures periodic error correction is not applied to higher slew rates.
  • Page 119 Paramount GEM User Guide Initialization-Related Description Parameter Mount Type Defines the physical telescope mounting type: 0 = German Equatorial Mount. 1 = Asymmetric equatorial fork mount. Sync Version 0 = Paramount ME, Paramount ME, Paramount MX, Paramount MX, Paramount MYT and Bisque TCS mounts. 1 = Paramount GT-1100S mount.

  • Page 120: Commands Pop-Up Menu

    Paramount GEM User Guide Initialization-Related Description Parameter IR Enabled If set to 1, then the infrared communications port is enabled (MKS 4000 only). Hand controller rate 1 Hand controller rate number 1. Hand controller rate 2 Hand controller rate number 2. Hand controller rate 3 Hand controller rate number 3.
  • Page 121 Paramount GEM User Guide Restore Defaults Choose this command to display the Restore Bisque TCS Defaults window that can reset all the mount’s parameters to default values. Note that the mount’s synchronization history and periodic error correction table are preserved. Figure 57: The Restore TCS Defaults window.
  • Page 122 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. The values for the MKS_INDEX_ANGLE (both RA and Dec) are required if the control system electronics need to be replaced for any reason.
  • Page 123 Paramount GEM User Guide MKS_HOME_MODE MKS_HOME_IN_OUT_IN MKS_PEC_CUTOFF_SPEED 89723468 , MKS_MAX_VOLTAGE 15 , MKS_MAX_GAIN 150 , MKS_MAX_POS_ERROR 2000 , 2000 MKS_JOY_CENTER 2184 , 2184 MKS_USER1_TICS360 12000000 , -12000000 MKS_USER1_dEXPECTED_HOME 2.0000000 , 0.0000000 MKS_USER1_dHOME_SENSOR 2.0000000 , 0.0000000 MKS_USER1_dBASE_RATE_PERC 100.0000000 , 0.0000000 MKS_USER1_dCREEP_RATE_ASPS 0.0000000 , 0.0000000 MKS_USER1_dGUIDE_RATE_FACT...

  • Page 124: Show Status Tab

    Paramount GEM User Guide How to Configure the Mount Settings Using a Bisque TCS File Use the procedure below to open a previously saved Bisque TCS parameters file and save these parameters to the mount: 1. From TheSky Pro, choose the Connect command from the Telescope menu to connect to the mount. 2.

  • Page 125: Periodic Error Correction Tab

    Paramount GEM User Guide Show Status Tab Parameter Description Current Encoder Shows the current encoder position for both axes. For each axis, the current encoder value changes when mount is tracking and remains fixed when not tracking. Non-sidereal Rate Shows a number that represents the incremental non-sidereal tracking rate (above or below the sidereal rate).
  • Page 126 Paramount GEM User Guide Note that periodic error correction does not apply to, and is not necessary for Paramount mounts equipped with on-axis absolute encoders. How to Train and Apply Periodic Error Correction 1. Create a tracking log that records the magnitude of the mount’s periodic error over three or more revolutions of the worm.

  • Page 127: Bisque Tcs Pec Table Tab

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 59: The Bisque TCS PEC Table tab on the Periodic Error Correction tab (Bisque TCS window). Apply Periodic Error Correction (Apply PEC Checkbox) Turn this checkbox on to correct periodic error correction sidereal tracking. Note that periodic error correction is not applied when tracking fast moving objects, such as spacecraft.
  • Page 128 Paramount GEM User Guide Retrieve PEC Table from Telescope Control System (Get Button) Click the Get button to retrieve the PEC table that has been saved to the mount’s firmware. The PEC Table graph shows the text Reading PEC Table… while the data is being retrieved from the Bisque TCS. Remove the PEC Table from Telescope Control System (Clear Button) Click the Clear button to permanently remove the PEC table stored in the Bisque TCS non-volatile memory.

  • Page 129: Compute Pec Curve Tab

    Paramount GEM User Guide Model Number of PEC Table Entries 0 – 499 0 – 499 0 – 1249 Compute PEC Curve Tab The table below lists the maximum peak-to-peak periodic error specification for each model Paramount mount. Maximum Peak to Peak Periodic Error Model (arcseconds) MYT MX ME...
  • Page 130 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 60: The Compute PEC Curve tab on the Periodic Error Correction tab (Bisque TCS window). PEC Table Graph The yellow shaded region can be used to show a graph of the tracking log data, the “best fit” curve to that data and the actual periodic error curve derived from the best fit curve that is stored to the Bisque TCS flash memory.
  • Page 131 Paramount GEM User Guide Train PEC Button After connecting to the mount and finding home, click the Train PEC button to start the periodic error correction training process. Train PEC Procedure 1. Choose your camera. For the best experience, use the imaging camera instead of the autoguiding camera. Be sure to configure the camera’s advanced settings to enable the autoguiding-related capabilities as this is normally not required when taking photos.
  • Page 132 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 61: Error message displayed when Train PEC is not ready to proceed. Figure 62: Follow the Train PEC Requirements instructions to proceed. 132 | P a g e...
  • Page 133 Paramount GEM User Guide Once the train PEC process is completed, a window showing the results of the process is displayed. Figure 63 shows the results of training the periodic error on a Paramount MX. In this example, the green status message text shows the results of the process, the before and after periodic error as well as graphs of the before and after PEC tracking logs.

  • Page 134: Utilities Tab

    Paramount GEM 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. Periodic Error Curve for Bisque TCS Turn on this checkbox to show a graph of the periodic error curve to be saved to the Bisque TCS control system’s flash memory.
  • Page 135 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 64: Example Hemisphere Setup for the northern hemisphere. Figure 65: Example hemisphere settings for the southern hemisphere. 135 | P a g e...
  • Page 136 Paramount GEM User Guide Relative Home Sensor Position (Hour Angle) Shows the hour angle of the homing sensor based on the mount’s synchronization information. Relative Home Sensor Position (Declination) Shows the declination of the homing sensor based on the TPoint model . Absolute Home Sensor Position (Hour Angle) This text box shows the mechanically fixed hour angle of the homing sensor.
  • Page 137 While every attempt is made to apply the latest firmware to the MKS 5000 control system before the mount is shipped, Software Bisque may periodically release newer versions. The current motor firmware version is listed on the bottom left of the Bisque TCS window.
  • Page 138 Access is denied otherwise. 3. On the Software Bisque website, click Support, Downloads. In the Search field, enter MKS 5000 firmware to locate the download for your operating system. 4. From here, follow the operating system-specific instructions below: Mac Instructions a.
  • Page 139 3. On the Software Bisque website, click Support, Downloads. In the Search field, enter MKS 4000 firmware to locate the download for your operating system. 4. Click the Paramount ME and MKS 4000 USB Driver and Utilities link.
  • Page 140 Paramount GEM User Guide Slew Rate Adjustment Based On Temperature The Paramount’s slew rate is automatically lowered when the ambient temperature drops below this value. (Lowering the slew rate provides more torque to the servomotors. This additional torque can minimize potential motor stalls from increased frictional forces at colder temperatures.) Figure 67: The Slew Rate Adjustment Based on Temperature settings on the Utilities tab.
  • Page 141 Paramount GEM User Guide Current Slew Rate Percentage This text shows the current temperature-adjusted slew rate percentage. A value of 100 percent means the temperature inside the mount is above the When the Temperature Is Below value. Ambient Temperature Shows the ambient temperature measured by the mount’s internal temperature sensor. Figure 68: The Calibrate Home Index Offsets pane.
  • Page 142 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 69: Window showing successful home index offset calibration. Calibration ensures minor mechanical motions due to temperature changes do not cause the home position to change from session to session. The results are automatically saved to the mount’s flash memory and applied when finding the home position.
  • Page 143 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 70: The Exercise Mount settings window on the Utilities tab. For example, you may wish to exercise the mount after the gears have been re-lubricated, or after installing through the mount cabling to make sure there are no stalling issues when the mount slews from slew limit to slew limit in both axes and after installing a replacement worm block to repair a damaged worm.
  • Page 144 Paramount GEM User Guide Exercise Mount/Abort Click this button to begin exercising the mount. While the mount is slewing, the text changes to Abort. Click Abort to end the exercise process. Slew Axis Settings These settings can be used to slew the RA or Dec axis using four different “slew units”. Units Enter the unit of measurement to slew the selected axis.
  • Page 145 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 71: The Set Motor Index Angles settings on the Utilities tab. Reboot For Indexing Click this button to restart the Bisque TCS so that DC servomotor’s motor index angle can be measured. Measure RA Click this button to measure the home index offset on the hour angle axis. This value will be applied when the Find Home command (page 108) is issued.
  • Page 146 Paramount GEM User Guide Get Current Click this button to read the current motor index angles from the control system. Mount Slew Limits The typical mechanical orientation of a GEM is when the optical tube assembly end of the declination axis is on one side of the pier when the observed object is on the opposite side of the meridian.
  • Page 147 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 72: The Mount Slew Limits settings on the Utilities tab. OTA on the East Side of Pier Turn this option on to the set the slew position limit when the optical tube assembly is on the East side of the pier. Once the desired slew limit position is determined, click the Set to Current Position button to save this limit to the mount’s firmware.
  • Page 148 Paramount GEM User Guide Reset Software Slew Limit (Hours Beyond Meridian) Use this group of controls to configure the mount’s software slew limit hour angle. For example, when a GEM is tracking near the meridian, at what hour angle should tracking be halted to prevent the possible collisions or equipment damage? Additionally, when commanded to slew from TheSky Professional, should the OTA switch sides of the pier when the destination of a target object is on the opposite side of the meridian? See “Error! Reference source not found.”...
  • Page 149 Paramount GEM User Guide Set To Current Position Click this button to use the mount’s current mechanical position to define the slewing and tracking limit. If the payload might collide with the side of the pier, for example, first slew the mount to the “post collision” position, then click the button.
  • Page 150 • MKS 5000 joystick calibration is performed at the factory and should not need to be recalibrated unless you are instructed to do so by Software Bisque. • The hand controller does not need to be plugged in to the Electronics Box for successful joystick calibration.

  • Page 151: Wi-Fi Quick Start

    Paramount GEM User Guide Wi-Fi or WLAN Configuration Settings (WiSky) The WiSky module is a standard feature on the Paramount Series 6 mounts with the MKS 6000 control system. Wireless mount control on earlier MKS 5000 telescope control systems required installation of a separate Wi-Fi module called WiSky.
  • Page 152 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 74: Profile 1 (Active) is shown here SSID SWBisqueMKS5616 The WiSky Configuration window includes five Profile tabs that can be used to configure WiSky for different networks. By default, Profile 1 is configured as an ad hoc network, and the Wi-Fi LED on the outside of the Electronics Box emits dark blue.
  • Page 153 Paramount GEM User Guide The settings from the (Active) profile are applied when the Paramount is powered on. Click the Reboot WiSky button to restart the Wi-Fi controller. Figure 75 shows the location of the Status LED and button to cycle through each profile. Figure 75: The WiSky’s Profile LED glows with a steady dark blue when configured for the default ad hoc network profile.

  • Page 154: Connecting The Wisky To A Mac

    Paramount GEM User Guide When the WiSky board is in the active broadcast mode, you can then see the name of the ad hoc network in your list of available Wi-Fi networks within range. Although Windows shows this ad hoc network by name, (for example, SWBisqueMKS5616), you cannot simply click on this network to join.
  • Page 155 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 76: Configuring the WiSky as an ad hoc network. Ensure the following settings are selected for Profile 1: • Network Type: Open Ad-Hoc Creator • Wireless Network Name (SSID): SWBisqueMKS5616 (or you can type any allowable network name; make sure to remember this name, as it will be required later) •...

  • Page 156: Configuring The Mac's Network Settings

    Paramount GEM User Guide Configuring the Mac’s Network Settings The Mac computer’s network settings must be configured correctly before connecting to the WiSky’s ad hoc network. Step-by-Step Mac Network Configuration 1. Make sure the Paramount is turned on, and the LED located between the profile button and the antennae is blue.
  • Page 157 Paramount GEM User Guide 7. Important! Click the Advanced button on the Network window to manually configure the networks settings. Figure 78: Manually configure the network's IP address. a. Choose Manually from the Configure IPv4 pop-up menu. b. Enter 169.254.1.2 for the IPv4 Address and click OK. 8.
  • Page 158 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 79: The Status text shows the IP address that is assigned to the ad hoc network. The Mac is now successfully connected to the WiSky’s ad hoc network. The next step is to configure TheSky Pro to communicate with the mount through the WiSky’s IP address on this ad hoc network. 9.
  • Page 159 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 80: The Wi-Fi Settings pane on the Utilities tab. Bisque TCS Configuration Click the Configure the Bisque TCS button on the Bisque TCS Configuration to configure control-system specific settings for non-Paramount mounts. This feature is intended for the Bisque TCS and Bisque TCS Professional systems, only.

  • Page 160: On-Axis Encoders Tab

    Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 81: The Bisque TCS Configuration window is used to configure control-system specific settings for custom mounts. On-Axis Encoders Tab Paramount Series 6 models are available with absolute, on-axis encoders. Absolute on-axis encoders offer the following benefits: •...

  • Page 161: Protrack Minimum Requirements

    ProTrack Minimum Requirements ProTrack requires the following minimum hardware and software. • A Paramount MYT, Paramount MX, Paramount MX, Paramount ME, Paramount ME, or MKS Series Software Bisque Telescope Control System (Bisque TCS). • TheSky Professional. • TheSky Professional’s TPoint module (included with the Paramount mount).

  • Page 162: Troubleshooting Mount Operation

    Paramount GEM User Guide Troubleshooting Mount Operation Problem Solutions TheSky Professional cannot Communication between a personal computer and hardware device communicate with the requires that the software and hardware be properly configured. If Paramount, or displays you cannot establish a link to the telescope, please try the following: communication error 1.
  • Page 163 Windows update, so you may need to reapply these settings occasionally. To minimize issues related to operating-specific power management features, Software Bisque strongly recommends reviewing your computer's power plan before attempting to automate observatory control.

  • Page 164: Usb Hubs And Usb Extenders

    Paramount mount. Any other cable configuration can introduce unwanted behavior. To control CCD cameras, Software Bisque strongly recommends using a dedicated 5 m (16 ft.) USB cable plugged directly into the camera’s USB port and the computer’s USB port. The two USB ports on the...

  • Page 165: Controlling Multiple Usb Devices With Usb Hubs

    Software Bisque cannot guarantee the Paramount will work with every possible USB/USB Hub/USB Extension/USB Device configuration. The number of hardware permutations is virtually unlimited, and, based on Software Bisque’s experience, USB extenders and USB hubs, even “industrial grade” hubs, can introduce communication problems.
  • Page 166 Paramount GEM User Guide • Click Edit Power Plan from the list of Power Options. • Click Change Advanced Power Settings on the Edit Plan Settings window. • On the Advanced Settings tab, expand USB Settings. • Expand USB Selective Suspend Setting. •...

  • Page 167: Appendix A: Paramount Technical Drawings

    Paramount GEM User Guide Appendix A: Paramount Technical Drawings Technical drawings of many Paramount components are available in PDF format on the Software Bisque website. A SolidWorks eDrawing can also be used to determine many “non-standard” mount dimensions. The table below lists the names of the common drawings. Note that you must log in to the Software Bisque site to access these files.

  • Page 168: Computing Dome Offset Distance

    Paramount GEM User Guide Computing Dome Offset Distance Intersection of the HA and Dec axes Distance from center of mount to HA/Dec intersection Center of the base Figure 82: Diagram showing the derivation of dome offset equation for the Paramount MX or Paramount MX. You may wish to permanently mount your Paramount so that the center of the intersection of the mount's hour angle and declination axes is aligned vertically with the center of the dome.
  • Page 169 Paramount GEM User Guide Equation to compute the distance (D) between the base center to HA/Dec Model intersection based on your latitude ME Classic D = 14 * cos((π/180) * (lat. + 15.7°)) D = 35.6 * cos((π/180) * (lat. + 15.7°)) – 12.2 –...
  • Page 170 Paramount GEM User Guide Distance to base center from RA/Dec intersection (cm/in.) Latitude () 3/1.2 0.8/0.3 1.9/0.7 1.3/0.5 1.3/0.5 -0.9/-0.4 0.6/0.2 0.2/0.1 –0.4/–0.2 -2.7/-1.1 –0.8/–0.3 -1.0/-0.4 –2.2/–0.9 -4.5/-1.8 –2.1/–0.8 -2.2/-0.9 –4.0/–1.6 -6.3/-2.5 –3.5/–1.4 -3.4/-1.3 –5.8/–2.3 -8.1/-3.2 –5.0/–2.0 -4.6/-1.8 –7.7/–3.0 -9.9/-3.9 –6.4/–2.5 -5.8/-2.3 For the northern hemisphere, a positive value indicates that the intersection of the hour angle and...

  • Page 171: Appendix B: Motor Index Angles

    Paramount GEM User Guide Appendix B: Motor Index Angles The Paramount’s hour angle and declination axis servomotors require a unique motor index angle that is required for motor initialization when the mount is turned on. These motor-specific motor index angles are normally measured and saved to the control system at the factory.
  • Page 172 Paramount GEM User Guide 3. Turn the mount on. The control system uses the factory default motor index angles to initialize the motors, and this may cause the motor initialization to fail. When motor initialization fails, the control system emits continuous audible beeps. Note that even if there are no audible beeps, you should still follow the steps below.
  • Page 173 Paramount GEM User Guide 9. Restart the mount or highlight the Reboot/Update Firmware option on the left side of the Utilities tab, then click the Reboot Normally button. The motor index angles have now been permanently saved and the mount is ready for normal operation. Figure 85: Follow Steps a-f to measure and save the motor index angles for both axes.
  • Page 174 Paramount GEM User Guide Figure 86: Prompt to measure the motor index angle. 174 | P a g e...

  • Page 175: Appendix C: Optional Paramount Accessories

    1.5-in. kg/40 lb. 1.875-in. bore hole bore hole bore hole Software Bisque Permanent Pier Power supply cables to use in conjunction with the mount’s built-in through the mount power cabling (page 170) Base to Pier Adaptor Plate for...
  • Page 176 Paramount GEM User Guide Optional Accessory Meade 16-inch OTA Mounting Rings Mounting Ring Dovetail Accessory Plate PoleMaster™ Adapter In the table above, n/a means not available. Optional Software Modules and Databases TheSky Professional offers additional software modules and astronomical databases. •...

  • Page 177: Appendix D: Paramount Limited Warranty

    (for two years) and all electrical parts (for one year) from the date of delivery. Software Bisque’s limited warranty covers only those defects that are the result of normal use and does not apply to any improper or inadequate maintenance or modification or operation outside the product's specifications.

  • Page 178: Appendix E: User Guide Revision History

    Paramount GEM User Guide Appendix E: User Guide Revision History The table below describes the changes in each revision of this user guide. Revision Number Changes Paramount Model 6 Series draft release. 178 | P a g e...

  • Page 179: Index

    Paramount GEM User Guide Index absolute encoders ........... 67 cable conduit ............63 absolute on-axis encoders ....... 13, 175 cables Adaptor plate custom ..............35 wedge to pier ..........13, 175 mini-USB .............. 41 altitude ..............15 power supply ............42 altitude adjuster ............
  • Page 180 Paramount GEM User Guide audible ..............32 local celestial meridian ..........28 firmware version ........... 110 local sidereal time ............ 18 first time setup ............107 LST................18 flashlight ..............99 mini USB cable ............100 gears mount identifier............. 110 number of teeth ..........
  • Page 181 Paramount GEM User Guide right ascension ............16 Tips on parking position..........32 tracking satellites horizon limit ............117 tracking .............. 109 tripod serial number Helium ............13, 175 mount ..............44 Troubleshooting Paramount ME II ..........80 audible feedback ..........32 Paramount MX ............

This manual is also suitable for:

Paramount myt 6 seriesParamount mx 6 seriesParamount me 6 series

Table of Contents