The Software Bisque Paramount ME Series 6 is the flagship observatory-class German equatorial mount in the core Series 6 line-up. It is 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.

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