Paramount MX User Guide
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P a g e
The Vernier scale also allows the mount’s elevation to be returned to a specific value and is useful for
restoring a specific elevation if the mount is used at multiple observing sites. For example, suppose your
observatory’s 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 restore the height of the
polar axis each time the mount is setup.
Figure 27: The Vernier scale on the Altitude Adjuster.
Counterweight Shaft
To attach the 16-in. (41 cm) stainless steel counterweight shaft to the Paramount MX, insert the
threaded end into the bottom of the declination assembly (Figure 24) and rotate the shaft clockwise
until it is hand tight. The counterweight shaft changes the mount’s center of mass and can make the
unit “top heavy”, so make sure to secure the mount to the pier or tripod first.
Always make sure the Counterweight Shaft is attached
before
operating the mount.
The weight of the Counterweight Shaft effectively balances the unloaded right
ascension axis.
Counterweights
Two 20 pound (9 kg) counterweights are included with the Paramount MX and can be mounted on the
counterweight shaft to balance the mount’s payload. Slide the counterweight to the approximate
balance position, then rotate the counterweight knob until the knob is hand tight. The softer metal
brass plunger
