The Paramount Taurus 400 gives advanced astrophotographers and observatory users a high-capacity robotic equatorial fork mount built for demanding long-exposure imaging. Its equatorial fork design removes the need for meridian flips, helping users image from horizon to horizon without the interruption that comes with many German equatorial mounts. It also avoids dangling counterweights, which makes the setup cleaner and more practical around larger telescope tubes.

With a 68 kg instrument capacity, the Taurus 400 suits large optical tubes, including Schmidt-Cassegrain and open-truss telescopes up to 17 inches. This makes it a strong choice for permanent or semi-permanent observatories running large imaging systems, heavy accessories, filter wheels, cameras, focusers and other payloads.

At the core of the mount is Software Bisque’s MKS 6000 telescope control system. It supports USB-C, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, while the built-in instrument panel provides three XT60 high-power ports and a pass-through Ethernet connection. As a result, users can keep cables cleaner, reduce cable drag and simplify power distribution across the telescope system.

The Taurus 400 uses belt-driven gears with spring-loaded worm gears to reduce backlash and maintain smooth mechanical performance. Software Bisque lists a maximum uncorrected periodic error of 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak, which can reduce to 1 arcsecond peak-to-peak or less after one-time periodic error training. For users who want the highest level of convenience, the optional 26-bit Renishaw on-axis absolute encoders remove periodic error, remove the need for homing and operate in temperatures as low as -40°C.

Software integration gives this mount much of its strength. The included Paramount Software Suite combines TheSky Professional, TPoint, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+ and Weather modules into one system. TPoint and ProTrack work together to correct errors caused by tube flexure, atmospheric refraction, polar misalignment, miscentred encoders, worm gear errors and other real-world variables. Software Bisque states that the mount can deliver all-sky pointing accuracy at or below 30 arcseconds RMS, even without on-axis absolute encoders.

For advanced unguided imaging, Software Bisque notes that 5-to-10-minute unguided exposures are common, with some users achieving up to 20 minutes under suitable conditions. The company also makes clear that encoders alone do not correct every telescope-system error, so a proper TPoint model remains important for top tracking and pointing performance.

The mount also includes practical features such as integrated azimuth and elevation polar-alignment adjustments, a clutch-free design, AutoHome orientation recovery after power loss and comfortable eyepiece access. The red powder-coated and black anodised aluminium construction gives the mount a durable finish suited to long-term observatory use.

Please note that the pier and telescope are sold separately. Software Bisque also lists accessories such as the Universal Adapter Plate, Meade 16-inch OTA mounting rings and the Paramount Taurus 400 Pier as optional additions.