The Software Bisque Paramount MYT Series 6 is a premium, portable German equatorial robotic telescope mount designed for astrophotographers, observatories, and advanced astronomers who require exceptionally accurate pointing, high-end tracking performance, and robust computer-controlled operation in a more transportable format. Software Bisque describes the MYT as its “grab-and-go observatory-class mount”, making it the most compact of the three core Series 6 German equatorial Paramount models while still retaining the precision engineering and advanced control architecture that define the Paramount range.

Observatory-Class Performance in a Portable Mount

The Paramount MYT Series 6 carries an instrument payload of 70 lb. / 32 kg, with a maximum total payload capacity of 140 lb. / 64 kg when instruments and counterweights are combined. The mount itself weighs 35 lb. / 16 kg without its counterweight shaft or counterweights, which makes it well suited to serious mobile astrophotography setups, transportable imaging systems, remote field use, and compact permanent observatories. Compared with the previous MYT generation, the Series 6 model provides a 40% increase in instrument capacity, giving imagers more flexibility when building larger, more capable optical trains.

Precision Tracking and Pointing

At the heart of the Paramount MYT is a high-precision, belt-driven gear system with spring-loaded worm gears that produce virtually zero backlash. Software Bisque specifies a maximum uncorrected periodic error of 7 arcseconds peak-to-peak, which is reduced to typically 1 arcsecond peak-to-peak or less after a one-time periodic error training procedure. This level of mechanical consistency is one of the key reasons Paramount mounts have earned such a strong reputation among serious imagers and research users. 

The MYT is designed to deliver all-sky pointing accuracy below 30 arcseconds RMS when used with Software Bisque’s integrated TPoint™ modelling tools. In practical terms, this allows the mount to place targets accurately across the sky and maintain excellent tracking performance throughout demanding imaging sessions. Software Bisque notes that 5- to 10-minute unguided exposures are common, while some users have achieved exposures of up to 20 minutes when the system is properly modelled and configured. 

TPoint™, ProTrack™, and TheSky Integration

A major strength of the MYT Series 6 lies in its tight integration with TheSky™ Professional, TPoint™, and ProTrack™. Rather than relying only on mechanical precision, the system builds a detailed model of the telescope and mount, then actively compensates for systematic errors caused by factors such as:

• Tube flexure
• Atmospheric refraction
• Polar alignment error
• Gear centring imperfections
• Encoder-related harmonic errors

ProTrack™ dynamically updates the mount’s position across both axes during operation, improving tracking accuracy over long imaging runs. Software Bisque explicitly states that even mounts fitted with absolute encoders still benefit from TPoint™ modelling, because encoders alone cannot correct every telescope- and system-level error.

Optional On-Axis Absolute Encoders

The Paramount MYT Series 6 can be ordered with optional 26-bit Renishaw on-axis absolute ring encoders. These encoders offer an exceptionally fine 0.02 arcsecond resolution and operate across a broad temperature range from -40°C to +80°C. When installed, they provide several operational advantages:

• No nightly homing routine required
• No periodic error
• No backlash
• Faster precision calibration with fewer TPoint™ samples
• Improved convenience for automated and remote systems

Software Bisque also confirms that Series 6 Paramounts purchased without absolute encoders can later be returned to the factory for encoder installation.

Advanced MKS 6000 Control System

The MYT Series 6 includes Software Bisque’s MKS 6000 telescope control system, offering modern connectivity through:

• USB-C
• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi

The system also includes a redesigned through-the-mount power solution with three high-power XT60 ports and a pass-through Ethernet connection located on the instrument panel. These XT60 connectors are intended to support the increasing power requirements of modern astrophotography equipment such as cooled cameras, focusers, dew control, rotators, and other DC-powered devices mounted on the telescope.

Clean Cable Management

Cable management is a major issue in complex imaging systems, particularly with long unattended sessions and automated observatories. The MYT addresses this with internal cable routing and ample room for additional user-supplied through-the-mount cables. The telescope control system, power cabling, and encoder cabling are integrated within the mount body, helping to minimise snagging and cable drag during slews and meridian operations.

Clutch-Free, Model-Preserving Design

Unlike many mounts that use manual clutches, the Paramount MYT features a clutch-free mechanical design. This helps preserve the accuracy of the TPoint™ model because the mount’s internal coordinate system remains consistent. In the event of an abrupt power loss, AutoHome™ allows the mount to re-establish its known orientation after a homing routine that Software Bisque says typically takes a minute or less.

Included Hardware and Software

The Paramount MYT Series 6 package includes:

• Paramount MYT German equatorial mount body
• Versa-Plate™ mounting plate with integrated Losmandy D compatibility
• 48V DC power supply
• USB-C and Ethernet connection cables
• Hand controller with joystick, variable rate switch, lanyard, and built-in red-light flashlight
• 13-inch counterweight shaft
• One 20 lb. / 9 kg stainless steel counterweight, suitable for balancing approximately 25-30 lb. / 11-14 kg of instrumentation

It also includes the TheSky™ Universal Bundle, which Software Bisque values at US$1,095. The bundle incorporates:

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

The Multi-OS+ module supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, with licensing for installation across multiple computers.)

Who the Paramount MYT Series 6 Suits

The MYT Series 6 is ideal for users who want true Paramount-class precision in a more portable form. It suits:

• Advanced deep-sky astrophotographers
• Mobile imagers working from dark-sky locations
• Compact private observatories
• Research and educational installations that do not require the larger carrying capacity of the MX or ME
• Users who want premium tracking, automation, and observatory-grade control without moving into the heaviest Paramount models