Paramount Fitness ME II, User Manual

Page 1: ...Copyright 2015 Software Bisque Inc All rights reserved The Paramount Robotic Telescope System User Guide Paramount ME II MYT MX and MX models Revision 1 94 August 2015...

Page 2: ...kup purposes No part of this manual and or databases may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including but not limited to photocopying recording or inform...

Page 3: ...eric Refraction 19 Polar Alignment Basics 20 Homing 22 Labeling the Home Position on the Sky Chart 23 Physically Marking the Home Position 24 Synchronization 25 Best Synchronization Practices 26 Step...

Page 4: ...g Insert 52 Packing the Paramount for Transport 54 Paramount Components 55 Paramount ME II Front View 56 Paramount MX Front View 57 Paramount MX Front View 58 Paramount MYT Front View 59 RA Worm Block...

Page 5: ...king Hole Paramount ME II Only 89 Configurable Hard Stop Positions Paramount ME II Only 90 Declination Axis Assembly Dec Assembly 90 Paramount Serial Number Serial Number 91 Altitude Scale 91 Altitude...

Page 6: ...Professional Edition 116 Paramount Minimum System Requirements 116 First Time Paramount Setup 117 Paramount USB Driver Installation 117 Mac OS X 118 Windows 118 Controlling the Paramount with TheSkyX...

Page 7: ...KS 5000 Driver 172 Appendix B Paramount Technical Drawings 174 Computing Dome Offset Distance 175 Appendix C External Power Cable Sets 178 Apogee QSI SBIG ST 402 STF 8300 Model Camera External Power C...

Page 8: ...can run into its mechanical limits through accident carelessness or component failure Software Bisque cannot be responsible for any damage to your telescope that occurs when using TheSkyX Professiona...

Page 9: ...sing a telescope and or CCD camera in conjunction with a personal computer If a concept presented here is new to you consider searching the Internet to find out more information about it Unfortunately...

Page 10: ...or curves Direct Guide allows optimal guiding without a guider cable Both the right ascension and declination axes include mechanical switches to change quickly switch between balancing the payload an...

Page 11: ...ons Configurable software slewing limits prevent damage to the mount and telescope by slowly decelerating to limit regions Clutch free design ensures consistent pointing and tracking from night to nig...

Page 12: ...n page 174 See technical drawing references on page 174 Structural design is extremely rigid even at maximum payload capacity Landing lights under the mount can be turned on to illuminate dark working...

Page 13: ...axes page 73 The Two Position Switch engages the worm with the gear or permits payload balance by separating the worm from the gear The right ascension and declination axes can be locked in place for...

Page 14: ...Levelers See Micro Levelers Paramount ME II Only on page 108 Not available Not available Not available Optional Accessories The table below lists optional accessories for each model Optional Accessory...

Page 15: ...w the information in this document If you still cannot find an answer please join the Software Bisque at www bisque com support and click the Write a New Post link on the Paramount ME II Support Forum...

Page 16: ...e Simulator feature before setting up connecting to and operating the Paramount Coordinate Systems The three most common coordinate systems used when working with equatorial mountings are described be...

Page 17: ...the equatorial 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 wher...

Page 18: ...tarting point for right ascension The term right ascension comes from the fact that when viewed from the equator all stars rise or ascend at right angles to the horizon so their times of rising are ca...

Page 19: ...dian would come a few minutes earlier for someone living 60 miles to the east Only those people living at the same longitude would share a common time In the late 1800 s time zones were established to...

Page 20: ...ture and Polar Alignment Report automatically determines the position of the refracted pole and give recommendations on how to proceed including how much to rotate the altitude and azimuth knobs when...

Page 21: ...r alignment methods to ensure efficient and optimal polar alignment Step 1 Use the Rough Polar Alignment Method page 113 to align the mount s polar axis to within five arcminutes of the pole even duri...

Page 22: ...by the physical position of the gears relative to fixed internal homing sensors See Physically Marking the Home Position on page 24 for a simple procedure to demonstrate the mount s absolute home pos...

Page 23: ...ross hairs do not match the actual physical orientation of the Paramount or it does not slew to the correct coordinates you will be scratching your head wondering what is wrong The next step is to pos...

Page 24: ...Position and then click OK The Sky Chart now shows a label at the absolute home position of the mount To double check the accuracy of this position choose the Find Home command Note that when compare...

Page 25: ...ting parts of the mount The vertical edges of the tape mark the home position in that axis 3 Use the joystick or TheSkyX Professional Edition to slew the mount to any orientation 4 Double tap the joys...

Page 26: ...at the wrong place in the sky Best Synchronization Practices Do not synchronize on stars near the celestial pole The celestial pole represents a point of singularity on the celestial sphere As a best...

Page 27: ...hart 8 Choose the Synchronize command on the Start Up pop up menu in Telescope tab When the Telescope Synchronization window appears click the Sync button The mount is now synchronized on the bright s...

Page 28: ...ed TheSkyX Professional Edition s relative position of the home sensors should approximately match the absolute position of the home sensors Remember the mount s absolute home position cannot change s...

Page 29: ...red region also indicates the area where when the OTA is on west side the mount can be slewed past the meridian without flipping sides Synchronization Checklist Make sure that the computer s time is a...

Page 30: ...nutes or so then one or more is the case TheSkyX Professional Edition is not configured correctly for your location The Versa Plate is mounted in the wide configuration page 65 The Versa Plate is moun...

Page 31: ...will degrade if time is not accurately maintained from night to night Inaccurate time causes the mount to slew to objects ahead or behind objects in right ascension by a consistent offset Software th...

Page 32: ...re is an example of a situation that will cause unexpected parking behavior Suppose you want your telescope to always park in the same orientation near the meridian with the OTA on the east side and t...

Page 33: ...listen to recordings of these sounds To get there navigate to www bisque com click the Downloads link then click the Video and Audio Clips link under Browse Downloads in the left column of the Downlo...

Page 34: ...g the servomotors from rotating so the mount cannot slew or track normally Typical causes include The mount encountered a fixed object while slewing For example the counterweight shaft has run into a...

Page 35: ...cluding cameras focusers filter wheels focusers rotators etc are connected to the telescope The Paramount mount s standard through the mount cabling and through the mount cabling conduits can be used...

Page 36: ...the right ascension and declination axis up to the top of the declination axis and out to the Instrument Panel Routing cables through the mount has many advantages particularly during remote operation...

Page 37: ...asily removed later around the end of the cable Figure 8 A 15 inch cable tie looped around the cable 7 Insert the cable tie into the RA Cable Conduit until the end is visible through the cable conduit...

Page 38: ...ng the proper routing of the through the Paramount MX and Paramount MX declination axis A 24 inch flexible wire grabber can help pull stiffer cables through the mount and up to the Instrument Panel ev...

Page 39: ...talled Figure 8 4 Insert the pointed end of the cable tie into the Right Ascension Cable Conduit and continue threading the cable upward through the access hole in the declination axis until the cable...

Page 40: ...rd stop to hard stop more or less does the work for you but allowing additional slack in the cable is recommended Note that this procedure can be performed with a telescope in place Routing Cables thr...

Page 41: ...nd gear There are two 4 40 threaded holes on the instrument panel that can be used to create a strain relief for cables ran 8 Unlike the Paramount ME II Paramount MX and Paramount MX there is no need...

Page 42: ...ached Box Dimensions 33 cm x 62 cm x 66 cm 13 x 24 5 x 26 Shipping Weight including the Paramount MX 29 kg 65 lb Qty Photo Description 1 Paramount MX Robotic Telescope Mount with Versa Plate attached...

Page 43: ...g the Paramount MYT mount 20 4 kg 45 lb Important Packing Material Notes The Paramount is shipped encased in two ultra dense white Styrofoam inserts inside two double walled cardboard shipping boxes S...

Page 44: ...Paramount User Guide 44 P a g e Box 2 Contents Accessories Box Qty Photo Description 1 The printed Paramount User Guide 1 USB 2 0 cable 4 Base Thrust Mounting Knobs page 84 1 Hex key wrench set...

Page 45: ...supply power to the mount Do not plug the circular connector on the PSU into the Auxiliary Power Out port on the Electronics Box See Plugging Power Supply Unit into the Electronics Box on page 80 for...

Page 46: ...16 in x 2 1 4 in right ascension locking shoulder bolts and two 2 declination locking shoulder bolts Four 4 Delrin washers When locking the Paramount ME II s right axis page 89 use two of these washer...

Page 47: ...is attached to the altitude adjuster Figure 13 Please retain this card for your permanent records Figure 13 The Paramount serial numbers are attached to the altitude adjuster Before installing TheSky...

Page 48: ...for you Unpacking the Paramount We trust you are excited to unpack and start using your Paramount as soon as possible Please resist the urge to simply remove everything from all the boxes try to use t...

Page 49: ...Paramount User Guide 49 P a g e Paramount ME II Unpacking Insert Figure 14 Please carefully read the above flyer and the warning below before unpacking the Paramount ME II...

Page 50: ...de 50 P a g e Paramount MX Unpacking Insert Figure 15 Please carefully read this flyer before unpacking the Paramount MX Please see the RA Worm Block Switch on page 73 for details about using the thre...

Page 51: ...ide 51 P a g e Paramount MX Unpacking Insert Figure 16 Please carefully read this flyer before unpacking the Paramount MX Please see the RA Worm Block Switch on page 73 for details about using the two...

Page 52: ...que orientations Figure 18 Figure 18 The three Paramount MYT right ascension axis locking positions 1 The counterweight shaft is horizontal and the optical tube assembly side of the right ascension ax...

Page 53: ...Paramount User Guide 53 P a g e The declination axis can be locked at one of four unique positions each 90 degrees apart Figure 19 Figure 19 The four Paramount MYT declination axis locking positions...

Page 54: ...ition switch to the Lock position Pull and rotate the transportation lock knob clockwise to the Lock position Pull and rotate the transportation lock knob clockwise to the Lock position 4 Carefully re...

Page 55: ...clockwise to the Balance position and make sure the worm and gear are disengaged by rotating both axis a few degrees back and forth Pull and rotate the transportation lock knob clockwise to the Balanc...

Page 56: ...Paramount User Guide 56 P a g e Paramount ME II Front View Figure 20 The front view of the Paramount ME II...

Page 57: ...Paramount User Guide 57 P a g e Paramount MX Front View Figure 21 The front view of the Paramount MX...

Page 58: ...Paramount User Guide 58 P a g e Paramount MX Front View Figure 22 The front view of the Paramount MX...

Page 59: ...ew Figure 23 The front view of the Paramount MYT RA Worm Block Cover Always keep hands and fingers away from the right ascension axis worm block cover A pinch point is created as the declination axis...

Page 60: ...f astronomical equipment The optical tube assembly can be attached using the integrated Losmandy and Celestron dovetail rail compatible dovetail a telescope cradle or telescope mounting rings The Inst...

Page 61: ...Paramount User Guide 61 P a g e Figure 25 The Paramount ME II Versa Plate technical specifications Figure 26 The Paramount MX and MX Versa Plate technical specifications...

Page 62: ...es Disadvantages Losmandy compatible Dovetail Mounting the OTA to the Versa Plate is relatively fast and easy Hardware is available or integrated into telescopes from several different manufacturers i...

Page 63: ...egardless of the mount s orientation To mount an OTA with a male dovetail to the Versa Plate 1 With the counterweight shaft oriented vertically lock the right ascension axis in place Model How to unlo...

Page 64: ...obs or the internal threads can be damaged Note that when two or three of the knobs are hand tightened the dovetail will not slide The final 1 4 turn with the hex wrench ensures that your heavy and ex...

Page 65: ...g mount slews but not so tight as to deform the washers Standard versus Wide Mounting Versa Plate Orientation The Paramount is shipped with the Versa Plate in the standard orientation The Versa Plate...

Page 66: ...MX pay very close attention to the mounting holes on the top of the declination axis The three circled holes in Figure 31 form a triangle that must point toward the stars or in the opposite direction...

Page 67: ...light for the declination axis as described above Mounting the Paramount MYT s Versa Plate in the wide orientation reduces the cross sectional area for cabling to pass through on the top of the decli...

Page 68: ...tical tubes The safety knob allows a heavy optical tube assembly to be mounted by placing one edge of the male side of the dovetail into place then rotating the telescope to meet the other side rather...

Page 69: ...carry a maximum of 20 volts at 7 5 amps The External Power connectors on the Instrument Panel and on the Electronics Box do not supply power nor do they have anything to do with the Paramount MX or Pa...

Page 70: ...the Instrument Panel are powered by the Paramount control system If a USB camera plugged into one of these ports and the mount s power is turned off the USB camera will no longer be able to communicat...

Page 71: ...t Power Jack 5V The Instrument Panel port labeled 5V can supply power for devices that require up to 5W 5V DC at 1A max Power to this unfused 2 1 mm female port is supplied by the MKS 5000 control sys...

Page 72: ...ee Position Switch page 73 RA Cable Conduit This access hole in the right ascension shaft allows custom cables to be passed through the mount See Through the Mount Cabling on page 35 for more informat...

Page 73: ...ositions and is referred to as the Two Position Switch The Paramount MX switch has three positions and is referred to as the Three Position Switch This switch can be rotated to one of two or three pos...

Page 74: ...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 the mount is ready for normal operation Separate locking bolts must b...

Page 75: ...e mount is ready for normal operation Notes The Transport Lock Knob is slightly recessed in the lock position The Transport Lock Knob should always be rotated clockwise when locking or unlocking the a...

Page 76: ...ew beyond the software slew limits Lock Position Paramount MX only Rotate the Three Position switch fully clockwise to separate the worm from the gear and lock the axis in place Always lock both axes...

Page 77: ...will rise slightly out of the worm block cover when in the unlocked position RA Spring Plunger and Cam Stop Access Hole Paramount ME II and MX Only This hole provides access to the spring plunger and...

Page 78: ...o run up to 20V at up to 7 5 amps DC maximum power through the mount to the Instrument Panel See Powering Devices Power Out on page 69 for specifications for this connector and the internal cabling Th...

Page 79: ...ting advice Right Ascension and Declination LEDs Dec and RA The right ascension and declination LEDs show the status of the DC servo motors The LEDs blink while the motors are being initialized When t...

Page 80: ...ource to the 48V Power In port page 80 on the Electronics Box Model Connecting PSU to 48V Power In Port Connecting the PSU to External Power 1 Plug the 4 pin locking male Kycon connector on the PSU in...

Page 81: ...a mounting bracket that provides space for custom through the mount cabling to exit the mount Figure 42 Polar Alignment Scope and mounting hardware Download the PDF document named Paramount Polar Alig...

Page 82: ...muth Adjustment Knobs work in opposition one must be loosened before the other can be tightened The knob that is tightened rotates the azimuth axis the knob that is loosened provides clearance for the...

Page 83: ...the azimuth axis 180 arcseconds east you would have to rotate the right knob clockwise three tics about three arcminutes on the Vernier scale The azimuth axis polar axis adjustment range is plus or m...

Page 84: ...an can help level the Base Plate on a slightly uneven mounting surfaces Please carefully read Micro Levelers Paramount ME II Only on page 108 for details about using this component Base Plate The base...

Page 85: ...Paramount User Guide 85 P a g e Paramount ME II Rear View Figure 44 The rear view of the Paramount ME II...

Page 86: ...Paramount User Guide 86 P a g e Paramount MX Rear View Figure 45 The rear view of the Paramount MX...

Page 87: ...Paramount User Guide 87 P a g e Paramount MX Rear View Figure 46 The rear view of the Paramount MX...

Page 88: ...sition Switches in the Lock position before lifting the mount page 73 Declination Axis Three Position Switch Paramount MX Dec Three Position Switch See the RA Worm Block Switch description on page 73...

Page 89: ...ular 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 th...

Page 90: ...long Configurable Hard Stop Positions Paramount ME II Only The Right Ascension Locking Holes also provide access bolts that define the Paramount ME s configurable hard stop position For each side of...

Page 91: ...ee increments and the shorter tics are approximately one degree increments The short tic marks on the Paramount MyT altitude scale represent approximately two degrees in elevation longer tic marks rep...

Page 92: ...and Paramount MX polar axis can actually be adjusted to exceed the maximum scale by about one degree so that the highest reachable latitude is closer to 66 degrees An optional Paramount ME II or Param...

Page 93: ...right ascension base plate points to the altitude of Paramount MYT polar axis Altitude Adjuster The Altitude Adjuster is used to make precise adjustments to the mount s altitude axis during polar ali...

Page 94: ...106 2 Rotate the large central knob near the arrow in Figure 52 to raise or lower the polar axis The Paramount ME II includes a removable Altitude Adjuster Wrench page 112 to help rotate the Altitude...

Page 95: ...ter the bar in the threads then move the altitude higher or lower using the coarse alignment as necessary 2 Loosen but do not remove both Altitude Retaining Knobs on the wedge side plate of the mount...

Page 96: ...Polar Alignment Report states raise the mount s polar axis 62 arcminutes it means that one complete revolution of the Altitude Adjuster plus two positive tic marks on the Vernier scale from the vertic...

Page 97: ...elevation is 39 degrees plus an additional rotation that aligns the vertical B line with the 4 5 tic mark on the Vernier scale You can subsequently use this position to precisely restore the altitude...

Page 98: ...the unit top heavy so make sure to install the secure the mount to the pier or tripod first Model Length Diameter Weight Maximum Number of Counterweights 47 cm 18 5 in 4 763 cm 1 875 in 6 7 kg 14 75...

Page 99: ...t shaft the Paramount ME II can also accept the 1 5 in diameter Paramount ME MX counterweight shaft 9 kg 20 lb 1 5 in bore Technical drawing URL http www bisque com sc media p 70864 aspx 4 5 kg 10 lb...

Page 100: ...nsion 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 th...

Page 101: ...to the worm and gear is usually minimal The recommended procedure is to exercise the mount page 155 and to please try not to make this a habit Balancing the Payload After attaching the counterweights...

Page 102: ...nterweight shaft until the system has no tendency to rotate in either direction To balance the declination axis slide the OTA forward or backward If you routinely swap cameras or other components the...

Page 103: ...Paramount User Guide 103 P a g e Paramount ME II Side View Figure 59 The side view of the Paramount ME II...

Page 104: ...Paramount User Guide 104 P a g e Paramount MX Side View Figure 60 The side view of the Paramount MX...

Page 105: ...Paramount User Guide 105 P a g e Paramount MX Side View Figure 61 The side view of the Paramount MX...

Page 106: ...process when trying to clamp down on one axis actually moves the position of the other Make sure to completely loosen each knob four on the Paramount ME II and two on the Paramount MX and Paramount M...

Page 107: ...ignment scope is available Figure 63 Center the bubble in the black ring for best results One tenth of one inch motion in the level bubble s level equates to 45 arcminutes of angular tilt Positioning...

Page 108: ...are 18 8 stainless steel shoulder screw 5 16 in shoulder diameter 2 1 4 in long shoulder 1 4 in 20 thread The declination axis locking shoulder bolt has the same specifications but is 1 3 4 in long M...

Page 109: ...se Plate Attachment Knob upper right arrow Critical Micro Leveler Note The Micro Levelers and Base Plate Attachment Knobs both serve different purposes The Micro Levelers stabilize and level the Base...

Page 110: ...ighten yes tighten both knobs a small amount until they are no longer bound At this point rotate the Micro Leveler clockwise until it is in full contact with the mounting surface Hand Controller The P...

Page 111: ...a convenient location when not in use Slew Rate Switch The slew rate switch can be adjusted to five positions Positions 1 4 are labeled on the hand paddle cover and by default the higher the number th...

Page 112: ...221W can be purchased separately to achieve slew rates of 10 degrees per second Altitude Adjuster Wrench Paramount ME II Only The Paramount ME II includes a removable Altitude Adjuster Wrench that mak...

Page 113: ...echanical azimuth axis not the telescope s position can be adjusted until the object is centered in the eyepiece This technique relies on the home position and the computed equatorial coordinates of a...

Page 114: ...gnment The TPoint Add On includes a Polar Alignment Report that quantifies the mount s polar alignment based on the pointing calibration data and the Super Model command The report also shows the amou...

Page 115: ...the mount should be aligned with the pole Using the Polar Alignment Scope After mounting the polar alignment scope to the front of Paramount page 81 follow the manufacturer s instructions to calibrate...

Page 116: ...n the MKS 4000 and earlier control systems Paramount Minimum System Requirements The Paramount requires the following minimum hardware and software to operate A Mac or Windows computer with TheSkyX Pr...

Page 117: ...le into the Electronics Box port labeled USB and the other end into a free USB port on the computer 3 Flip the On Off switch up to the on position When the Paramount is turned on three LEDs on the Ele...

Page 118: ...computer you must configure TheSkyX Professional Edition to control the Paramount 1 Make sure the mount is turned on so that the computer recognizes the Paramount USB port The Paramount must be turne...

Page 119: ...l Edition s basic telescope controls please refer to TheSkyX Professional Edition User Guide for details about basic mount control features including Feature Quick Start Reference Adding TPoint Add On...

Page 120: ...window 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...

Page 121: ...e window See Mount and Status in TheSkyX Professional Edition User Guide s Telescope documentation for a detailed explanation of each status message Firmware Version and Mount Identifier The bottom ri...

Page 122: ...eceleration Non sidereal Rate The non sidereal rate in arcseconds per second is the rate added to or subtraced from the sidereal tracking rate Although this rate can be set manually TheSkyX Profession...

Page 123: ...es to slew up to 10 degrees per second The default maximum slew rate in both axes is 3 6 degrees per second Flip Hour Angle HA Slews within this hour angle region expressed in decimal hours cause moun...

Page 124: ...nitialization Motor Parameters Periodic Error Correction System User Defined Most advanced parameters should not need to be changed unless you are using the Bisque TCS on a custom mounting You may wis...

Page 125: ...ixed homing sensor location and the equatorial coordinates supplied to TheSkyX Professional Edition when the mount was synchronized on a star For a perfect mount that has no optical or mechanical misa...

Page 126: ...nterruptor the motor reverses direction and searches at this rate Home Velocity Low After the second pass of the interruptor the motor searches at this rate Home from Joystick When set to 0 double tap...

Page 127: ...displayed on the Logging window Focus Pulse Slow The number of milliseconds the built in focuser is pulsed when the Slow focus button is clicked Focus Pulse Fast The number of milliseconds the built i...

Page 128: ...Gear Ratio Specifies the gear ratio between the motor and the worm gear PEC Cutoff Speed Set to two times the sidereal rate this insures periodic error correction is not applied to higher slew rates A...

Page 129: ...rate one revolution of the worm takes 269 seconds 4 minutes 29 seconds Both the right ascension and declination gears have 320 teeth PEC Worm Periods Number of worm revolutions to use in PEC curve de...

Page 130: ...is pressed when power is turned on Startup Test Guider If set to 1 then Bisque TCS will abort startup and the control system s speaker will emit a single beep if any of the guider lines are high when...

Page 131: ...Tics Revolution The total number of encoder tics per one complete revolution of the RA axis computed by multiplying the gear ratio by 2000 For mounts located in the southern hemisphere the RA value m...

Page 132: ...r for each model mount so make sure to choose the right one before clicking the Restore Defaults button Restore Defaults Button Click this button to reset the mount s parameters to default settings Wh...

Page 133: ...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 In particular th...

Page 134: ...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 1 MKS_INI_FLIPHA 18 0000000 MKS_INI_SPEEDPERC 60 MKS_INI_SPEEDTH...

Page 135: ...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 it remains fixed when not tracki...

Page 136: ...is axis is closed and guider corrections are being applied to the mount If the graphic shows that the relay is unexpectedly closed for example if there is no autoguiding taking place here are possible...

Page 137: ...Step by step details follow 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 138: ...k to peak error or less which is normally less than the errors introduced by local seeing conditions typically 1 5 arcseconds depending on the location weather conditions etc Figure 73 The Bisque TCS...

Page 139: ...shows the text Deleting PEC Table while the data is being deleted from the Bisque TCS Paste Custom PEC Table Paste Button Retrieve the periodic error correction table values from the Clipboard and dis...

Page 140: ...ced by local seeing In other words the tracking error introduced by mechanical periodic error is in the noise and not readily detectable at the eyepiece or in the measured FWHM of stars on a CCD photo...

Page 141: ...e Scale Enter the image scale of the optical system in arcseconds per pixel Image scale is critical for computing the correct periodic error from the tracking log data If you are unsure of the photo s...

Page 142: ...tracking log is a record of the position of a star s centroid over four or more revolutions of the worm without making any tracking corrections to the mount s position Technically a tracking log is me...

Page 143: ...dition to determine the best fit periodic error curve for your mount On the Paramount 1 Unplug the autoguider cable from the mount s Electronics box Paramount ME II Paramount MX Paramount MX and Param...

Page 144: ...OK Note that you can use your autoguider or imaging camera to create the tracking log We recommend using the larger imaging camera to make the process easier 1 Click the Telescope Setup command from...

Page 145: ...t the tracking log folder of the CameraAutoSave the operating system specific Application Support Files folder See TheSkyX Professional Edition User Guide for details about the location of this folder...

Page 146: ...n The raw periodic error data shown on Figure 77 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...

Page 147: ...ve for your mount Figure 78 After clicking the Fit button the graphs show both the raw and fitted data 8 Click the Periodic Error Curve for Bisque TCS checkbox to display the graph of the curve that w...

Page 148: ...connect to the Paramount by clicking the Connect command on the Telescope menu 2 Open the Bisque TCS window see page 120 3 Click the Periodic Error Correction tab 4 Turn on the Apply PEC Corrections c...

Page 149: ...unt MX or Paramount MX mounts and is always HA 2 0 and Dec 0 0 Absolute Home Sensor Position Declination This text box shows the mechanically fixed declination of the homing sensor This value cannot b...

Page 150: ...ction is reversed and the homing sensor positions can be updated The control system is automatically rebooted so that these changes take effect Reboot Update Firmware If control system is emitting con...

Page 151: ...b site at www bisque com and sign in if necessary 3 If you have not already done so register your Paramount serial number at www bisque com register Registering your serial number gives your account p...

Page 152: ...n X Y Z page 7 Most browsers offer an option to save the file to be downloaded to a folder on your computer When prompted to save the file navigate to TheSkyX s Application Support Files folder 8 From...

Page 153: ...e and the temperature below which this slew rate is applied When the Temperature Is Below C Enter the temperature in degrees Celsius below which the maximum slew rate of the mount will be reduced Appl...

Page 154: ...t model and axis These controls measure the home position offset that insures that small mechanical motions due to temperature changes do not cause the home position to differ The measured offset is s...

Page 155: ...ount slews from slew limit to slew limit in both axes Exercising slews both mount axes from limit to limit at the current Slew Rate specified as a percentage of the maximum slew rate The telescope cro...

Page 156: ...w button to perform the slew By design two Slew buttons and two unit input text boxes appear so that slews using two different units can be performed Motor Index Angles The MKS control system use a mo...

Page 157: ...dex angle there can be no load on the motor so you must remove the drive belt before proceeding Measure Dec Dec Button Click this button to measure the declination motor index angle When measuring the...

Page 158: ...synchronization to earlier synchronizations Relative Home Sensor Position This text shows hour angle and declination of the current relative home sensor position page 126 Clear Click this button to cl...

Page 159: ...normal 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 meridian In this orientation th...

Page 160: ...on the Telescope window to ensure the mount stays at the limit position Next use the hand controller or joystick to carefully slew the right ascension axis until the mount is in the abnormal position...

Page 161: ...commanded to slew from TheSkyX Professional Edition should the OTA switch sides of the pier when the destination of a target object is on the opposite side of the meridian See Hour Angle on page 18 fo...

Page 162: ...tion then click the button To gain confidence that the slew limit is actually working use the hand controller to try to slew the mount at the slowest slew rate past the limit A properly defined softwa...

Page 163: ...y MKS 5000 joystick calibration is performed at the factory and normally need not be calibrated again The hand paddle does not need to be plugged in to the Electronics Box for successful joystick cali...

Page 164: ...ta and the resulting pointing model small corrections are periodically made to the telescope s position that actually compensate for mechanical tracking errors such as tube flexure and out of round ge...

Page 165: ...rrors that cannot be corrected by TPoint and therefore degrade ProTrack s performance Use the TPoint Add On s Automated Pointing Calibration feature to obtain an accurate pointing calibration data set...

Page 166: ...ue com sc media p 45732 aspx 2 Install TheSkyX Pro Daily Build when available http www bisque com sc media p 45603 aspx 3 Launch TheSkyX 4 Choose the Connect command from the Telescope menu If prompte...

Page 167: ...n com They are expensive but they work Software Bisque has experimented with many inexpensive USB extenders and most of them just do not work Even worse some work some of the time but often result in...

Page 168: ...bservatory control By default Microsoft Windows can suspend power to USB devices connected to the computer Once power is suspended mounts cameras and other USB devices that are connected to TheSkyX Pr...

Page 169: ...ments for the connected USB device This information can be useful to ensure a USB device that is connected to the Paramount s Instrument Panel s USB hub does not exceed the maximum power specification...

Page 170: ...received with your mount This installer can also can be downloaded from the Software Bisque web site from the following URL http www bisque com MKS5000 Remember you must sign in and register your Para...

Page 171: ...X 2 Click the Device Manager command from the Power User Menu Windows 7 and Windows Vista 1 Click Start 2 In the Search Programs and Files text box type Device Manager then click the magnifying glass...

Page 172: ...ce Manager above for your operating system 2 On the Device Manager window expand Ports COM LPT Note that Windows Device Manager lists the driver only when the Paramount is turned on and a USB cable is...

Page 173: ...ninstall window turn on the Delete this driver software for this device checkbox if you wish to delete the drivers from the computer s hard drive then click OK to finish Figure 93 Confirm uninstallati...

Page 174: ...sic Dimensions http www bisque com sc media p 71810 aspx http www bisque com sc media p 47243 aspx http www bisque com sc media p 105132 aspx Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar http www bisque com sc m...

Page 175: ...ation of dome offset equation for the Paramount MX or Paramount MX You may wish to permanently mount your Paramount so that center of the dome is coincident with the center of the intersection of the...

Page 176: ...of latitudes Latitude Distance to Base Center cm in 10 19 9 7 8 17 6 6 9 14 7 5 8 12 4 4 9 13 19 7 5 16 8 6 6 14 0 5 5 11 9 4 7 16 18 1 7 1 15 8 6 2 13 3 5 3 11 3 4 4 19 17 1 6 7 14 8 5 8 12 6 5 0 10...

Page 177: ...0 1 6 6 3 2 5 3 5 1 4 3 4 1 3 64 5 8 2 3 8 1 3 2 5 0 2 0 4 6 1 8 67 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 right ascension...

Page 178: ...d Electronics Box to the External Power connector in the Instrument Panel External Power Cable Sets can be purchased from the Software Bisque Store for Apogee QSI cameras SBIG ST 7 series 5 pin DIN or...

Page 179: ...del SBIG power connectors on the 36 inch 91 cm bottom cable wire color may vary Plug the M Kycon end of this cable into the port labeled Power In on the Paramount MX MX MEII Electronics Box Plug the c...

Page 180: ...le wire color may vary Visit the URL below to purchase this cable from the Software Bisque Store http www bisque com sc shops store MXPowerCableApogeeQSI aspx Plug the 5A or 3A M connector into the ca...

Page 181: ...bottom cable wire color may vary Figure 98 shows the specifications for the top cable in this set Figure 97 5 pin SBIG ST 7 type power connectors on the 36 inch 91 cm bottom cable wire color may vary...

Page 182: ...ow to purchase this cable from the Software Bisque Store http www bisque com sc shops store MXPowerCableSBIGST7 aspx SBIG ST L Series 6 Pin External Power Cable Specs Figure 99 shows the wiring specif...

Page 183: ...rnal Power Cable Set is compatible with all SBIG camera models that use the 6 pin power connector Visit the URL below to purchase this cable from the Software Bisque Store Plug the 6 pin F end into th...

Page 184: ...in Figure 103 To power an FLI camera using the Paramount s built in through the mount cabling plug one end of the male to male FLI External Power Cable Figure 102 into the port labeled Power Out on t...

Page 185: ...nstruments Visit the URL below to purchase this cable from the Software Bisque Store http www bisque com sc shops store MXExtCableFLI aspx Generic External Power Cable Specs The generic external power...

Page 186: ...mount User Guide 186 P a g e Visit the URL below to purchase this cable from the Software Bisque Store http www bisque com sc shops store MXPowerCableGeneric aspx Figure 104 Generic external power cab...

Page 187: ...returning items please clearly print the RMA number on the outside of shipping boxes shipments received without an RMA number will be rejected The following section describes the warranty and non warr...

Page 188: ...a warranty replacement electronic board The failed MKS 5000 must be returned to Software Bisque When Software Bisque receives the failed electronics your account will be credited the amount of the dep...

Page 189: ...o include several missing graphics in the previous revision 1 88 In the PEC Teeth on Gear table list the number of teeth in the declination gear for each model for informational purposes only Clarifie...

Page 190: ...related to the generic cable set Added note to cable set wiring diagrams that wire cable may vary compared to the cable you receive 1 81 Corrected the generic cable set documentation these cables are...

Page 191: ...rranty policy and procedure 1 67 Added a photo to clarify Paramount MX declination axis through the mount cabling 1 66 Corrected the PEC table index range for the Paramount ME II 1 64 Added Power Supp...

Page 192: ...tting acceleration 122 setting non sidereal rate 122 setting slew rate 122 settings 120 southern hemisphere setup 148 temperature 127 visual feedback 35 bubble level 107 C cable conduit 72 access hole...

Page 193: ...ng periodic error correction 23 horizon coordinate system 16 hour angle 18 I install Windows drivers 170 Instrument Panel 69 external power 178 J joystick status 135 L landing lights 12 111 Latitude a...

Page 194: ...system objects 124 setup first time 117 southern hemisphere operation 148 sun warning 8 synchronization 25 best practices 26 checklist 29 from TheSkyX Professional Edition 120 history 159 purple regio...

Page 195: ...s 168 V vernal equinox 18 Vernier scale 96 Versa Plate 60 W warning homing 22 observing sun 8 pinch point 35 89 three position switch 75 unpacking mount 48 wedge 106 Wi Fi 15 77 164 Windows Device Man...