Software Bisque - Paramount ME II Equatorial Robotic Mount - DISCONTINUED
- The Software Bisque Paramount MEII equatorial mount features incredible accuracy and premium engineering. This research grade equatorial mount from the Bisque brothers is designed for lasting performance.
- This Software Bisque mount has an instrument capacity of 240 pounds (108.8KG) and a total weight capacity of an incredible 480 pounds (217.7KG) making it the most robust of the Paramount mount line.
- CNC machined from a single piece of high grade aluminum to maintain structural integrity and reliable performance.
- The Bisque MEII includes a 11.4” RA gear for research grade tracking and performance.
- Package includes the SkyX Professional Edition (Mac & PC), TPoint & Camera add-ons for Mac & Windows as well as the MKS 5000 dual-axis control system with USB and serial interface, and AutoHome start-up
- Features remote start up functionality as well as telescope and ccd camera control for full remote control of your mount making it perfectly suited for remote and offsite observatories.
Software Bisque ME II Equatorial Paramount
- Maximum 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak periodic error PEC
- Completely redisgned control system featuring USB 2.0 computer to mount interface
- Calibrated polar alignment polar adjustments
- Belt-driven gears offer virtually zero backlash
- Unibody mount design weighs 84Ib (38kg)
- 240Ib (109kg)total instrument capacity (480 Ib/218 kg total capacity)
- Ample room to add through the mount cabling
- Power supply and PC to mount cabling included
- Versatile equipment mounting plate (a.k.a. the Versa-Plate) that can accept virtually any optic
- All electronics and wiring are enclosed within in the mount (power supply is external)
- 30 arcsecond or better all sky pointing accuracy with TPoint and Super Model
- Clutchless design maintains TPoint assisted pointing accuracy
- Two port USB 2.0 hub on Instrumental Panel
The review Di Cicco's conclusions is:
"I’ve tested a lot of equipment over the years, but I can’t recall ever having a better experience than I had with the RiDK 300 and Paramount ME II. And given the sophistication of this setup, that says a lot. It truly is exceptional stuff"
1 - officiana stellare ride 300
2 - paramount meii
Comparison of the Paramount ME II and Paramount ME**
|
|
Paramount ME II |
Paramount ME |
|
Control system electronics |
MKS 5000 |
MKS 4000 |
|
Counterweight shaft diameter |
1.875" (ME II can also accept the ME counterweight shaft) |
1.5" |
|
Counterweights |
30 lb (14 kg), 2 included |
20 lb (9 kg), 2 included |
|
Declination bearing |
8" (48 contact points) |
6" (14 contact points) |
|
Declination gear diameter |
9.5" |
7.5" |
|
Declination housing |
5" x 0.5" wall 6061 aluminum tubing |
Rectangular aluminum box (6061) |
|
Declination shaft diameter |
3.0" |
2.0" |
|
Declination worm diameter |
1.0" |
0.75" |
|
Degrees past meridian |
45 |
7 |
|
Motor diameter |
2.3" |
1.7" |
|
Motor torque |
30 in-oz |
11 in-oz |
|
On axis encoder (optional) |
Available mid 2013 |
None |
|
Physical hard stop position |
Configurable |
Fixed |
|
Power supply |
200 W |
80 W |
|
Right ascension bearing |
8" (48 contact points) |
8.6” (18 contact points) |
|
Right ascension gear diameter |
11.4" |
11.4" |
|
Right ascension housing |
7" x 0.5" wall 6061 aluminum tubing |
Rectangular aluminum box (6061) |
|
Right ascension shaft diameter |
3.0" |
2.5" |
|
Right ascension worm diameter |
1.0" |
1.0" |
|
Software included |
|
Bisque Observatory Software Suite |
|
Through the mount cabling |
Large diameter cable conduits (no mount disassembly required) |
Smaller diameter cable conduits (some mount disassembly required) |
|
USB ports on Instrument Panel |
Two (2) |
None |
|
Weight (mount) |
84 lb (38 kg) |
69 lb (31 kg) |
|
Weight capacity (total payload without counterweights) |
240 lb (109 kg) |
150 lb (68 kg) |
| Brand | Discontinued |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping | Does Not Qualify for Free Shipping |
| GPS | No |
| Mount Motor Drive | DC Servo Motors |
| Case Included | No |
| Includes Autoguide Port | No |
| Periodic Error Correction | Yes |