Paramount MX User Guide
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P a g e
Figure 24: The rear view of the Paramount MX.
Declination Carrying Handle
Use this carrying handle to lift the mount. Always place the Three Position Switch in the Lock position
before lifting the mount (page 46).
Declination Axis Three Position Switch (Dec Three Position Switch)
See the “RA Worm Block Three Position Switch” description on page 46 for details about using this
component.
Cable Conduit Access Hole and Cover
The Paramount MX has an optional polar alignment scope that can be used to quickly align the mount to
the polar axis. “Line of site” for the polar alignment scope is achieved by unscrewing the Cable Conduit
Cover and rotating the declination axis until the through holes in the internal shaft allow incoming light
to pass through the mount.
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.
•
When the declination axis’ Three Position Switch is in
the Balance Position (page 46), the 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.
Always keep fingers clear during mount slews and use extreme
caution when routing cables through the mount, or aligning the
declination shaft’s “through-hole” during polar scope
alignment.
Declination Axis Assembly (Dec Assembly)
The declination assembly is a permanent component of the Paramount MX and cannot be removed.
Paramount MX Serial Number (Serial Number)
The Paramount MX serial number is affixed to the base of the right ascension assembly. It also appears
on your invoice or packing slip (page 36).
