Software Bisque Paramount ME User manual

Paramount ME
User’s Guide
Revision 1.77
Copyright 1996-2012 Software Bisque, Inc. All rights reserved.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Software Bisque. The software products described in this
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be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. It is against the law
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Software Bisque
912 Twelfth Street
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Software Bisque Web site: http://www.bisque.com
Paramount ME, Bisque TCS, MKS 4000, CCDSoft CCD Astronomy Software and TheSky6
Professional Edition Astronomy Software are trademarks of Software Bisque.
TPoint, TPOINT and TPOINT-PC are trademarks of TPoint Software.
Software Bisque sells TPoint software under a licensing agreement with Patrick Wallace,
Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Copyright © 1996-2012, TPoint Software and
Software Bisque. All rights reserved.
All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used solely for
identification.

Paramount ME User’s Guide
4
Software Bisque End User License Agreement
SOFTWARE BISQUE ("BISQUE") IS WILLING TO LICENSE THESKY™ ASTRONOMY SOFTWARE, CCDSOFT
CCD ASTRONOMY SOFTWARE™, TPOINT™ TELESCOPE POINTING ANALYSIS SOFTWARE, ORCHESTRATE™
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Paramount ME User’s Guide
5
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Copyright 2002-2007, Software Bisque, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Protected by copyright and licenses restricting use, copying, distribution and decompilation. TheSky6
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Software Bisque are trademarks of Software Bisque, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Paramount ME User’s Guide
6

Table of Contents
The Paramount ME Robotic Telescope System ............................................................................13
What Makes the Paramount ME So Different? ............................................................... 13
Optional Accessories...................................................................................................... 14
Unpacking the Paramount ME....................................................................................... 14
Packing List ................................................................................................................... 15
Box 1 ...................................................................................................................... 15
Paramount ME Mount ............................................................................................ 15
Box 2 ...................................................................................................................... 15
Paramount Additional Components ........................................................................ 15
Counterweights ...................................................................................................... 17
Removing Paramount ME from Shipping Box ................................................................ 18
The Paramount ME and TheSkyX Professional Edition................................................................19
Mount Nomenclature.......................................................................................................................20
Adaptor Panel Basics ..................................................................................................... 21
Instrument Panel Basics................................................................................................ 24
Aux 1 and Aux 2 Port Specification......................................................................... 25
Paramount ME Assembly and Setup..............................................................................................26
Approximate Altitude Adjustment.................................................................................. 26
Before Making Any Altitude Adjustments ............................................................... 26
Altitude Divisions ................................................................................................... 26
Remember the “Right Hand” Rule! .......................................................................... 27
Attaching the Counterweight Shaft................................................................................ 27
Positioning the Versa-Plate ............................................................................................ 28
Plugging In the Instrument Panel Electronics ................................................................ 31
Attaching the Mount to the Pier..................................................................................... 32
Adjusting the Micro-Levelers .................................................................................. 32
Critical Micro-Lever Note ........................................................................................ 33
Base Plate Attachment Knobs ................................................................................. 33
First Time Operation........................................................................................................................34
Visual Feedback ............................................................................................................ 34
Audible Feedback .......................................................................................................... 35
Sounds Emitted During Mount Initialization and Operation ................................... 35
What Is AutoHoming?.................................................................................................... 37
Homing the Mount Using the Joystick .................................................................... 37
Homing Troubleshooting......................................................................................... 38
The Joystick .................................................................................................................. 38
TReplacement Joystick Switch InformationT.............................................................. 38
Connecting the Paramount ME to Your Computer ......................................................... 38
USB or RS232 Interface .......................................................................................... 39
Quick Start for Experienced Users.......................................................................... 39
Homing the Mount Using TheSky6 Professional Edition ......................................... 39
Determining the Paramount ME’s Equatorial Coordinates ...................................... 40
Adding Counterweights ................................................................................................. 40
Balance the System ....................................................................................................... 42
Balance Knobs............................................................................................................... 43
Disengaging the Worm............................................................................................ 43

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Engaging the Worm ................................................................................................ 43
Attaching the Optical Tube Assembly to the Versa-Plate.............................................................44
Dovetail Use .................................................................................................................. 44
Attaching OTA Mounting Rings ..................................................................................... 44
Cable Channel............................................................................................................... 44
Initial Polar Alignment.....................................................................................................................44
Altitude Adjustment ...................................................................................................... 45
Azimuth Adjustment ..................................................................................................... 45
Azimuth Tensioning Screws.................................................................................... 46
Additional Azimuth Adjustment.............................................................................. 46
Paramount ME Quick Polar Alignment Method.............................................................................47
Step-By-Step Procedure ................................................................................................ 47
Precise Polar Alignment..................................................................................................................49
Polar Alignment Using TPoint ........................................................................................ 49
Getting Started Using TPoint......................................................................................... 49
Telescope Mapping and Polar Alignment Procedure................................................ 50
Polar Alignment –The Drift Method............................................................................... 51
Using a Calibrated Video Display ........................................................................... 52
Paramount ME Initialization............................................................................................................52
Homing ......................................................................................................................... 53
Why is Maintaining Accurate Time Important? ....................................................... 53
Setting the Computer’s Clock ........................................................................................ 54
Parking the Paramount ME ........................................................................................... 54
Parking from TheSky6 Professional Edition ............................................................ 54
Defining the Park Position ............................................................................................. 55
Park Position Rules ................................................................................................ 55
Connecting the Electronics and Power .........................................................................................56
Through the Mount Cabling .......................................................................................... 56
Cabling Supplied with the Paramount ME.............................................................. 57
Cable-Conduit ........................................................................................................ 58
Removing the RA and Dec Side Panels .......................................................................... 58
Remove the Declination Box Panel ......................................................................... 60
Rotate the Declination Axis .................................................................................... 60
Add Additional Cabling........................................................................................... 61
Assemble Mount..................................................................................................... 61
Interface to TheSky6 Professional Edition ....................................................................................61
More Settings Dialog Box .............................................................................................. 61
Mount Type ............................................................................................................ 62
Mount ID................................................................................................................ 62
Maximum Speed..................................................................................................... 62
Acceleration............................................................................................................ 62
Non Sidereal Rate ................................................................................................... 62
Guider Speed.......................................................................................................... 63
Track Rate .............................................................................................................. 63
Home After Link ..................................................................................................... 63

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9
Focus Pulse ............................................................................................................ 63
Home Sensor Hour Angle and Sensor Declination .................................................. 63
Save to Flash .......................................................................................................... 64
Copy to Clipboard ................................................................................................... 64
Periodic Error Correction (PEC) ..................................................................................... 65
Recording the Periodic Error.......................................................................................... 65
The Periodic Error Correction Tab.................................................................................. 66
Recording Corrections ............................................................................................ 67
Curve Fit: Smoothing the PEC Table ....................................................................... 68
Polynomial/Sine Curve ........................................................................................... 69
Uploading the PEC Curve ....................................................................................... 69
Apply PEC Correction ............................................................................................. 70
Recorded Table Group ............................................................................................ 70
Copy ....................................................................................................................... 70
Paste....................................................................................................................... 71
Zero Flash .............................................................................................................. 71
Status Tab ..................................................................................................................... 71
Advanced Tab ................................................................................................................ 72
Homing/Limits Tab ....................................................................................................... 72
Right Ascension/Declination .................................................................................. 73
Homing Required Before Slew................................................................................. 73
Allowed from Joystick ............................................................................................. 73
Home Axis .............................................................................................................. 73
Set Index Offset ...................................................................................................... 73
Velocity High/Medium/Low.................................................................................... 73
Direction S1, S2, Index ........................................................................................... 73
Minimum Limit, Maximum Limit, Set Limit Options ............................................... 73
Slew Between Limits ............................................................................................... 73
Count ..................................................................................................................... 74
MKS 4000 Options Tab.................................................................................................. 74
Slew Speed Adjustment (Temperature) Group......................................................... 74
If Degrees C is Below .............................................................................................. 74
Current (C) ............................................................................................................. 74
Current Percentage................................................................................................. 75
Apply (Percent of Maximum Slew Speed) ................................................................ 75
Global Setting Group .............................................................................................. 75
Unit Identifier (ID)/Reset ........................................................................................ 75
Enable Infrared....................................................................................................... 75
Debug Output Group.............................................................................................. 75
General Purpose Input/Output .............................................................................. 75
Direction Output (1) ............................................................................................... 76
Open Collector Output (1)....................................................................................... 76
Direction Output (2) ............................................................................................... 76
Open Collector Output (2)....................................................................................... 76
System Reboot Group ............................................................................................. 76
Normal.................................................................................................................... 76
For Flash Update .................................................................................................... 76
For Motor Indexing ................................................................................................. 76
Communications Error Count................................................................................. 76
The First Night .................................................................................................................................76
Quick Start.................................................................................................................... 77

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10
Synchronizing the Paramount ME ................................................................................. 77
What Does the Sync Command Do? .............................................................................. 78
The Local Celestial Meridian................................................................................... 78
Best Synchronization Practices .............................................................................. 79
Performing a Telescope Synchronization ....................................................................... 80
Session to Session Pointing Repeatability............................................................... 81
Making Sure Synchronization Is Correct ....................................................................... 82
Purple Region ......................................................................................................... 83
Red Region ............................................................................................................. 83
Synchronization Checklist...................................................................................... 84
Starting Synchronization Over................................................................................ 84
Telescope Mapping Overview ......................................................................................... 84
To Prepare For a Mapping Session.......................................................................... 85
To Map a Star......................................................................................................... 85
Using ProTrack™.............................................................................................................................86
Minimum Requirements for ProTrack ..................................................................... 86
Getting Started with ProTrack ................................................................................ 86
Enabling ProTrack.................................................................................................. 88
Activate ProTrack ................................................................................................... 88
Enable Tracking Adjustments................................................................................. 88
ProTrack Status Report ................................................................................................. 88
Tracking Satellites...........................................................................................................................89
To Track a Satellite................................................................................................. 89
Start/Stop Search .................................................................................................. 91
DirectGuide™...................................................................................................................................91
To Enable DirectGuide ........................................................................................... 91
Cold Temperature Operation ..........................................................................................................93
Troubleshooting Mount Operation.................................................................................................93
Problem .................................................................................................................. 93
Solution.................................................................................................................. 93
Appendix A: Preparing the Paramount ME Pier ............................................................................95
Paramount ME Adapter Plate Specifications.................................................................. 95
Heavy-Duty Wedge to Pier Adaptor Plate ................................................................ 95
Lightweight Wedge to Pier Adaptor Plate................................................................. 95
Primary Mounting Holes......................................................................................... 96
Old Pattern (Paramount S Compatible) ................................................................... 96
Software Bisque Pier Specifications ............................................................................... 98
Pier Base Plate .............................................................................................................. 99
Pier Top Plate .............................................................................................................. 100
Appendix B: Miscellaneous Paramount ME Specifications........................................................101
Paramount ME Dimensions......................................................................................... 101
Determining Pier Height .............................................................................................. 101
Guider Jack Wiring Specifications............................................................................... 102
Radio ShackP®PCross Reference.............................................................................. 102
Auxiliary Port 1 and 2 Fuse Replacement.................................................................... 103

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11
Slo-Blo Subminiature Fuses Part Numbers .......................................................... 103
Camera Power Cable Pin Out Specifications ......................................................... 103
Appendix C: Updating the Control Software (Firmware)............................................................105
To determine your mount’s firmware version ........................................................ 105
Appendix D –Southern Hemisphere Setup and Use ..................................................................109
Sensor Hour Angle (HA) and Sensor Declination (Declination) ..................................... 110
Setting Telescope Limits ....................................................................................... 110
Appendix E: USB Driver Installation and Use..............................................................................111
Minimum Requirements for USB Control .................................................................... 111
USB Driver Installation................................................................................................ 111
Notes .................................................................................................................... 111
To Install the MKS 4000 USB Drivers ................................................................... 111
To Uninstall the MKS 4000 USB Drivers............................................................... 115
Using the MKS 4000 USB Port .................................................................................... 116
Determining the MKS 4000 USB COM Port Number.................................................... 116
Changing the MKS 4000 USB COM Port Number ........................................................ 117
Appendix F: FCC Compliance Statement.....................................................................................119
Warning....................................................................................................................... 119
Note............................................................................................................................. 119
Index...............................................................................................................................................121

The Paramount ME Robotic Telescope System
Thank you for purchasing the Paramount ME Robotic Telescope System. The Paramount
ME is an ultra-precision German equatorial mount that is designed to deliver unmatched
performance to the amateur or professional astronomer.
This document covers the basic setup and use of the Paramount ME. It assumes that you
are familiar with many fundamental concepts in astronomy and are somewhat experienced
using a telescope and or CCD camera in conjunction with a personal computer. If a
concept presented here is new to you, consider using a search engine on the Internet to
find out more information about the topic. Unfortunately, there’s simply no way that all
the different facets of setting up and controlling a robotic telescope mount can be covered
in a single document.
What Makes the Paramount ME So Different?
The Paramount ME is designed from the ground up to be a rock solid, reliable mount for
instrument payloads up to 68 kg (150 lbs.). The following features ensure that you’ll enjoy
increased productivity and superior results from your observing efforts.
Research-grade right ascension gears with seven (7) arcseconds or less peak-to-
peak periodic error, before applying periodic error correction (PEC).
Integration with TheSky6 Professional Edition Astronomy Software to control the
mount locally, remotely, or via scripted operation.
CCDSoft CCD Astronomy Software for controlling CCD cameras, adaptive optics,
focusers, and filter wheels, as well as performing image processing, data reduction
and research.
CCDSoft’s DirectGuide™ feature eliminates the need for an autoguider cable on the
Paramount ME.
TPoint Telescope Pointing Analysis software with ProTrack™ provides unmatched
pointing and unguided, or autoguided, tracking performance.
Orchestrate™ scripting software automates data acquisition.
Software Bisque’s MKS 4000™ control system provides precise tracking, accurate
periodic error correction and smooth, fast slews.
The MKS 4000 control system supports a wide dynamic range for slewing and
tracking rates. Virtually any slew speed is available between stopped and several
degrees per second.
Configurable acceleration and deceleration rates during slews.
Accurate homing sensors for rapid initialization and precision repeatability from
night to night.
Homing allows the mount to be quickly reinitialized under any circumstance,
including power loss.
Super-stable physical design that rapidly dampens external vibrations.
Built-in software slewing limits prevent damage to the mount and telescope by
slowly decelerating to limit regions.
Clutch-free design ensures consistent pointing and tracking from night to night.
50 conductors of through the mount cabling to minimize the nightmare of having
CCD power, CCD signal, focus, video, dew heater, and other accessory cables routed
to the telescope.
Cable Conduit™ allows adding custom cables, wires or tubes through the mount.

Paramount ME User’s Guide
14
Integrated equatorial wedge design that accommodates latitude adjustment from 15
to 58 degrees.
Integrated rotating base allows calibrated azimuth adjustment without affecting
altitude.
Integrated altitude scale to provide an accurate altitude starting point for polar
alignment.
Eight-inch right ascension bearing and six-inch declination provide maximum
stability.
Overall structural design makes the Paramount ME extremely rigid, even with very
heavy payloads.
Optional Accessories
TheSky Pocket Edition
TheSky Pocket Edition with Pocket TPoint
PrecisionPEC™ can be used to accurately determine the Paramount ME’s periodic
error (under virtually any seeing conditions) to generate an optimal periodic error
correction curve for your mount.
AutomaDome dome control software
Integrated precision bubble level
Counterweight shaft extension bar for balancing ultra-heavy payloads
Latitude Adjustment Wedge for use below 15 degrees and above 58 degrees latitude
Pier to Wedge Adaptor Plate for mounting the Paramount ME to an existing pier
(heavy duty and lightweight models)
Electronic panel covers/Balance knob covers (future)
Software Bisque Paramount ME permanent piers
Unpacking the Paramount ME
We recommend you become familiar with the components of the Paramount ME before
attempting to assemble and use the instrument. Although we have taken many steps to
ensure ease-of-use, there are several critical steps that must be followed to achieve optimal
performance.
Software Bisque has made every effort to ensure that your new mount arrives just the way
it left our facilities: fully operational and ready to use. We want your first experience to be
as enjoyable as the hours you’ll spend using it under the night sky. Please inspect all
boxes for damage of any kind. If you notice anything peculiar, make detailed notes before
opening the packages (we recommend photographing or video recording the unopened
packages if there is any apparent damage).
After very carefully reading this section, remove all components from the packing boxes
and check to make sure they are in good order. Also compare the contents with the
following packing list.
Please note that the Paramount ME comes fully assembled. In general, you should not
have to dissemble any component of the Paramount ME mount before using it. If you
think you need to disassemble any component of the mount, for any reason, please contact
Software Bisque before doing so.

Paramount ME User’s Guide
15
Packing List
Item
Photograph
Description
Box 1
Dimensions:
76.2 x 68.6 x 45.7
cm
(30 x 27 x 18 in.)
Weight: 39.5 kg
(87 lbs.)
Paramount ME Mount
This box holds the Paramount ME German
equatorial mount with the Versa-Plate and
Instrument Panel Housing (page X28X)
mounted to the top of the declination
assembly.
Please carefully read “XRemoving Paramount
ME from Shipping BoxX” before attempting to
lift the mount out of the box.
Box 2
Dimensions:
61 x 30.5 x 30.5
cm
(24 x 12 x 12 in.)
Weight: 27 kg (60
lbs.)
Paramount Additional Components
The Additional Components Box contains the
items below.
One 4.7 m (15-foot) USB Cable
Use this cable to control the Paramount ME
through its USB port. (Page X116X)
Four 3/8-inch, 24 thread-per-inch Base
Plate Attachment Knobs
These knobs attach the mount to the pier.
(Page X32)
One Allen Wrench Set
This set of wrenches can be used to remove
the Versa-Plate covers, or remove the mount
side panels (if necessary).
One Power Supply Cable
The female end of this cable is plugged into
the power supply unit, and the male end into
a 120V (or 220V) outlet.

Paramount ME User’s Guide
16
Replacement Fuses
Two 3A Slo-Blo fuses for the adaptor panel.
See “XAuxiliary Port 1 and 2 Fuse
ReplacementX” for replacement details. (Page
X103X.)
One 48V Power Supply Unit
Plug the small, round tip into the port
labeled Power on the Adaptor Panel. (Page
X21X) Plug the power supply cable into the
power supply’s three-prong port.
One Joystick
Insert the RJ11 plug into the joystick port on
the Paramount ME Adaptor Panel. See “XThe
JoystickX” for details. (Page X38X)
One Counterweight Shaft
Dimensions: 460 mm (18 in.) long and 38
mm (1.5 in.) in diameter.
This shaft holds up to six (6) 9 kg (20 lb.)
counterweights.
Attach the counterweight shaft to the base of
the counterweight attachment block. See
“XAttaching the Counterweight ShaftX” for
details. (Page X27)
Thread
Nominal Size
Male
1 1/8-inch x 12 threads per inch
(TPI), 60 degree form, UNF
Female
1/2-inch x 24 threads per inch
(TPI)
One 3 m (10-foot) RS232 Serial Cable
The Paramount ME uses either USB or serial
communication for software-based mount
control. This cable runs from the computer’s
RS232 port to the port labeled RS232 on the
Paramount ME Adaptor Panel. (Page X21X.)

Paramount ME User’s Guide
17
One Counterweight Safety Knob
Screw this knob into the end of the
Counterweight Shaft after adding
counterweights. This knob prevents the
counterweight from sliding off the shaft. See
“XAttaching the Counterweight ShaftX” for
details. (Page X27.)
Counterweights
Two 9 kg (20 lb.) counterweights. Note that
two counterweights are supplied with the
“standard” Paramount ME. Contact Software
Bisque if you need to order additional
counterweights.
Additional counterweights are shipped
separately, in a 30.5 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm (12 x
12 x 12 in.) box that can hold up to three
total counterweights. The weight of this box
is either 9 kg (20 lbs.) for one counterweight,
18 kg (40 lbs.) for two additional
counterweights, or 27 kg (40 or 60 lbs.) for
three additional counterweights.
Attach the counterweights to the
counterweight shaft. See “XAdding
CounterweightsX” for details. (Page X40)
Optional
Component
Counterweight Extension Shaft Bar
This is an optional accessory and is not
included with the Paramount ME unless
ordered separately. The Counterweight Shaft
Extension Bar screws into the end of the
Standard Counterweight Shaft for additional
counterweight capacity.
Dimensions: 178 mm (7 in.) long and 38 mm
(1.5 in.) in diameter.
The combined length of the standard
counterweight shaft plus the counterweight
extension shaft (178 mm or 24-in.) holds up
to eight (8) 9 kg (20 lb.) counterweights.
This product can be purchased from the
Software Bisque Store at bisque.com.
Box 3 (inside Box
2)
Paramount ME Software Suite
This box contains:

Paramount ME User’s Guide
18
Dimensions: 23 x
30 x 8 cm (9 x 12
x 3 in.)
Weight: 1 kg (2
lbs.)
Location of TheSky6
Professional Edition serial
number.
Location of the CCDSoft
version 5 serial number.
Location of the TPoint
version 1 serial number.
One Paramount ME User’s Guide
One TheSky6 Professional Edition on CD-
ROM and DVD.
One CCDSoft version 5 CD-ROM.
One TPoint version 1 User’s Manual.
One Paramount ME System CD-ROM that
includes installation software for TheSky6
update, USB driver installation, CCDSoft
version 5, TPoint Telescope Pointing
Analysis Software, Orchestrate, IAClient
and IAServer software and documentation
in Portable Document Format (PDF).
Note:
TheSky6 Professional Edition serial
number is located on the inside flap of
TheSky6 Professional Edition box.
The CCDSoft serial number is affixed to
the CCDSoft CD-ROM case.
The TPoint serial number is affixed to the
title page of the TPoint manual.
Removing Paramount ME from Shipping Box
Please carefully read the following before attempting to remove Paramount ME from the
shipping box. In order to prevent damage, the right ascension and declination worms are
disengaged from the gears during shipment.
You must manually and properly engage the worm and gear in each axis before
removing the Paramount ME from the box!
Proper Worm/Gear Engagement Procedure
Engage the right ascension axis worm and gear by turning the right ascension balance
knob counterclockwise with one hand while gently wiggling the bottom of the declination

Paramount ME User’s Guide
19
axis with the other hand (see XFigure 1X). Engage the declination axis worm and gear by
turning the declination balance knob counterclockwise with one hand while gently
wiggling the end of the Versa-Plate with the other hand (see XFigure 1X.).
This procedure ensures proper that the worm and gear are properly engaged. The mount
can now be safely removed from the shipping box.
Figure 1: The black arrow points to the right ascension balance knob; the black circle indicates
where to grasp and wiggle the right ascension axis during engagement. The white arrow points to
the declination balance knob; the white circle indicates where to grasp and wiggle the declination
axis during engagement.
The Paramount ME and TheSkyX Professional Edition
TheSkyX Professional Edition offers new and expanded features for Paramount ME control
that are not included in this document.
If you plan to use TheSkyX Professional Edition to operate the Paramount ME, please refer
to the Paramount MX User Guide for details. The Paramount MX User Guide can be
downloaded in PDF format from the Software Bisque web site using the URL below:
http://www.bisque.com/sc/media/p/50302.aspx
To manually navigate to, and download the Paramount MX User Guide,
1. Go to www.bisque.com.
2. Click the Sign In link to sign into the web site.
3. Click the Downloads link.
4. Click the Documentation link in the left column, under Browse Downloads.
5. Click Paramount MX.
6. Click the Paramount MX User Guide link in the center of the window.
7. Click the Download link.

Paramount ME User’s Guide
20
Mount Nomenclature
Counterweights
Counterweight attachment block
Pier
Baseplate attachment
knobs (4) with Micro-levelers
underneath (4)
Altitude positioning
device
Altitude retaining knobs
(2 each side)
Azimuth adjustment knobs (2)
Declination assembly
RA assembly
Wedge assembly
Declination motor cover
Telescope plate
Counterweight shaft
Figure 2: Paramount ME components.
Versa-Plate