The Software Bisque Paramount ME Series 6 is the flagship observatory-class German equatorial mount in the core Series 6 line-up. Built for very heavy optical systems, professional-grade astrophotography rigs, advanced amateur observatories, and research-class installations, the ME is presented by Software Bisque as an “observatory workhorse”and a long-standing favourite among serious astronomical users.

Massive Payload Capacity for Serious Installations

The Paramount ME Series 6 supports an instrument capacity of 240 lb. / 109 kg, with a maximum total payload capacity of 480 lb. / 218 kg when instruments and counterweights are combined. The mount body itself weighs 85 lb. / 38 kg without counterweights or the counterweight shaft. This places it firmly in the category of mounts intended for large, fixed or semi-fixed observatory systems, including substantial corrected astrographs, large refractors, RCs, CDKs, imaging Newtonians, and institution-level optical assemblies.

Built for Advanced Amateur and Professional Use

Software Bisque describes the ME Series 6 as an observatory favourite among advanced amateur and professional astronomers. Its large payload tolerance, refined pointing system, internal cable routing, and modern MKS 6000 electronics make it especially suitable for remote or automated observatories where reliability, repeatability, and mechanical stability matter just as much as raw payload.

Precision Mechanical Drive System

Despite its greater size and payload rating, the ME Series 6 follows the same performance philosophy as the other Series 6 GEMs. It features:

Belt-driven pulleys
Spring-loaded worm gears
Virtually zero backlash
Maximum uncorrected periodic error of 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak
Typical corrected periodic error of 1 arcsecond peak-to-peak or less after one-time training

This precision mechanical platform supports demanding long-focal-length imaging and complex observatory use, especially when combined with TPoint™ and ProTrack™.

Observatory-Grade Pointing and Tracking

Using TPoint™ calibration, the Paramount ME Series 6 is designed to deliver all-sky pointing accuracy below 30 arcseconds RMS. Software Bisque also notes that non-encoder Paramount systems routinely support 5- to 10-minute unguided exposures, with some users achieving 20-minute unguided imaging under suitable conditions. For a large observatory-class mount carrying heavy gear, that level of pointing and tracking performance is a major selling point.

TPoint™ Modelling and ProTrack™ Corrections

The ME’s accuracy does not come from mechanics alone. The mount is built around an integrated modelling workflow using:

TheSky™ Professional
TPoint™ telescope modelling
ProTrack™ dynamic tracking correction

Together, these tools address multiple whole-system error sources, including:

Telescope flexure
Atmospheric refraction
Polar misalignment
Harmonic errors
Gear centring inaccuracies
Encoder-centred tracking deviations

ProTrack™ updates the mount position in both axes during operation, which is crucial for maintaining tracking accuracy over long exposures and across different sky positions.

Optional On-Axis Absolute Encoders

The ME Series 6 can be fitted with optional 26-bit Renishaw on-axis absolute ring encoders, offering 0.02 arcsecond precision and rated operation from -40°C to +80°C. With these encoders installed, the mount gains:

No mechanical homing required
No periodic error
No backlash
Faster and more efficient calibration
Reduced TPoint™ sample counts for high-precision pointing models

However, Software Bisque remains clear that absolute encoders do not automatically correct every tracking error. TPoint™ and ProTrack™ remain essential for addressing telescope and system-level effects, even on encoder-equipped models.

Advanced MKS 6000 Telescope Control System

The Paramount ME Series 6 includes Software Bisque’s MKS 6000 control system, which provides flexible modern communications and more robust observatory integration. Connection options include:

USB-C
Ethernet
Wi-Fi

The ME also incorporates three high-power XT60 power connectors on the instrument panel, helping distribute power to imaging accessories mounted on the telescope. Software Bisque presents this as part of a broader redesign of through-the-mount power handling for the Series 6 generation.

Internal Cable Management for Observatory Systems

The ME’s motor, power, and electronics cables are housed inside the mount to reduce external cable hazards. Software Bisque also provides ample internal space for additional user-routed through-the-mount cabling. This is particularly valuable for permanent astrophotography and remote observatory systems, where multiple devices must be powered and connected reliably without hanging cables interfering with mount movement.

Accurate Polar Alignment Without Pole Visibility

The ME Series 6 includes Accurate Polar Alignment functionality through TheSky™ software, which Software Bisque notes does not require direct visibility of the celestial pole. This can be a major advantage for observatories with partial obstructions or installations where Polaris or the south celestial pole is not easily accessible.

Clutch-Free Design and AutoHome™

Like the MYT and MX, the ME uses a clutch-free design that helps preserve the TPoint™ model’s pointing consistency. If the system loses power, AutoHome™ allows the mount to recover its positional reference through a homing process, provided the model is configured without absolute encoders. Software Bisque notes this usually takes one minute or less. (Bisque)

Heavy-Duty Counterweight System

The ME Series 6 includes two 30 lb. / 14 kg stainless steel counterweights, with additional counterweights recommended for instrumentation systems heavier than approximately 60 lb. / 28 kg. The counterweight shaft is sized for very heavy balancing loads and can carry up to six 30 lb. or six 40 lb. counterweights depending on configuration.

TheSky™ Universal Bundle

The ME includes Software Bisque’s flagship astronomy control software package, the TheSky™ Universal Bundle, comprising:

TheSky™ Professional
TPoint™
Cameras+
Domes
Weather
Multi-OS+

It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, including both ARM64 and x86_64 Linux architectures. Software Bisque also states that the licence allows installation on multiple systems, which is useful for observatories that operate dedicated acquisition computers, control-room systems, and backup machines.

Who the Paramount ME Series 6 Suits

The ME Series 6 is the strongest option among Software Bisque’s core German equatorial Paramount mounts for:

Permanent and professional observatories
Large, heavy telescopes and multi-instrument imaging systems
Advanced remote imaging installations
Universities, research facilities, and educational observatories
High-end astrophotographers requiring maximum payload and dependable robotic control
Users who want the stability and performance headroom of a true large-format observatory mount

109 kg instrument capacity; 218 kg maximum payload capacity (instruments + counterweights)
All sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS
Unibody mount design weighs 38 kg without counterweights or counterweight shaft
Maximum seven (7) arcseconds peak-to-peak periodic error before correction
After a one-time training, periodic error is 1 arcsecond, peak-to-peak or less
Optional 26-bit Renishaw encoders eliminate periodic error and the need for homing; operates in temps as low as –40° C
If you skip encoders now and later decide you want them, they can be retrofitted on the Paramounts ME Series 6
As there’s some confusion about what encoders can and cannot do, there’s an FAQ below that elaborates on that and whether they’re right for you
Its encoder cables are located inside the mount to help prevent snags.
All electronics and through-the-mount cables are housed inside the mount with ample room for additional cables
Its state-of-the-art MKS 6000 telescope control system (TCS) lets you connect via USB C, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi
Two-port USB 2.0 hub located on instrument panel
Included Versa-Plate™ conveniently accepts most telescopes
48V DC power supply and PC-to-mount USB and Ethernet cables included
Two 14 kg counterweights included. You may need more if your imaging system weighs more than 28 kg.
Belt-driven gears with spring loaded worm gears produce virtually zero backlash
Durable and fade-resistant red powder coating and black anodized finish; components are aluminum
Clutch-free design helps maintain its TPoint™ assisted pointing accuracy
AutoHome™ homing capability ensures the mount always knows its orientation (after performing an initializing process called “homing” that typically takes less than a minute)
Calibrated azimuth and elevation polar alignment adjustments speed polar alignment

Software Specifications

Paramount’s unequaled pointing and tracking wouldn’t be possible without its TPoint™ and ProTrack™ software.
By employing TPoint’s calibration and telescope modeling tools, you’ll enjoy all sky pointing accuracies at or below 30 arcseconds RMS. Nothing outperforms that
Operating in conjunction with TPoint ™, ProTrack™ continuously updates the mount’s position across both axes to correct system-wide tracking errors including tube flexures, atmospheric refraction, polar misalignment, harmonic errors from mis-centered encoders, and more.
On-axis absolute encoders alone cannot correct these errors which exist with all telescopes. A properly applied telescope model is necessary to achieve superior tracking.
Without encoders, the Paramount ME Series 6 can deliver uncommonly long unguided exposures (one customer reported 20 minutes).
For more information about what encoders can and cannot do, please see the FAQ below.
All the included software is integrated into a single, easy-to-use, application consisting of TheSky™ Professional, TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, and Weather modules.
You can control all your astrophotography-related cameras and devices with this one app.
It runs on macOS™, Windows™, Ubuntu™, and Linux (x86_64 and ARM64 architectures).
Regardless of the operating system you run it on, it appears and operates identically. You can even switch between operating systems and its license allows up to six computers. Why paint yourself or your institution into a corner?
Absent ProTrack™ which is unique to Paramount, the included software is sold separately as TheSky™ Universal Bundle and represents a US$1,095 value.

Paramount ME German equatorial mount body
Versa-Plate™ mounting plate with integrated Losmandy D compatibility
USB-C and Ethernet connection cables
48V DC power supply
Power supply extension cable
Hand controller with joystick and red-light flashlight
Heavy-duty counterweight shaft
Two 30 lb. / 14 kg stainless steel counterweights
Counterweight safety knob
Altitude adjustment wrench
Accessory pouch and hardware set
Hex key set
Downloadable Paramount Series 6 User Guide
TheSky™ Universal Bundle activation coupon

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Paramount ME Series 6 Robotic Mount – Motor-based encoder

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