Paramount MX User Guide
11 |
P a g e
What You Need to Know
Successful operation of the Paramount MX requires a solid understanding of many basic astronomy
concepts, a familiarity with controlling German equatorial mount as well as an understanding of how to
configure and control a mount using
TheSkyX Professional Edition
.
If you are new to the Paramount, operating a German equatorial mount, or just getting into astronomy,
please peruse the following section. Based on years of supporting the
Paramount ME
, even sage
astronomy veterans can often misstep on some of the following fundamental concepts.
•
Why is polar alignment so important?
•
What are the differences between right ascension, azimuth and hour angle?
•
Why does the meridian matter?
•
What exactly is synchronization?
•
What is homing and what does it actually do?
•
What is mount parking?
•
How does atmospheric refraction affect mount performance?
In addition to these basics, if you have never controlled a robotic German equatorial mount with
TheSkyX Professional Edition
, please carefully read the following sections and then use
TheSkyX
Professional Edition’s
Telescope Simulator feature before setting up and connecting to the Paramount
MX.
Polar Alignment Basics
For optimal performance, the equatorial axis of a German equatorial mount must be aligned to the
refracted pole
to within 100 arcseconds. If the mount’s equatorial axis is not “closely” aligned with the
celestial pole, stars will drift, mostly in declination, in the eyepiece (or drift out of the field of view if the
polar alignment is particularly poor) and the mount’s “TPoint unassisted pointing accuracy” will be
disappointing. This will most likely make you frustrated with the performance of your Paramount MX.
