Paramount User Guide
100
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P a g e
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.
Figure 57: Please,
never
ever
place any model Paramount mount in this orientation, not even with a single counterweight.
Never
position the Paramount in the above orientation, with or
without counterweights!
Figure 57 shows the Paramount in an
unstable
configuration that places extreme and
potentially destructive lateral force on the teeth of the right ascension worm and gear. The
counterweight shaft should always remain in the vertical position while the Paramount is
being loaded with counterweights and payload (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 73), for the
Paramount ME II 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 the
transport lock knob 90 degrees to a lock position.
Even when mount’s axis is locked, the excessive imbalance demonstrated above could
bend, mar or otherwise damage the shaft or bolts that lock the axis in place. Please do not
abuse your precision mount in this manner.
