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View Full Version here: : Paramount MX to be replaced by 'MX+'


Logieberra
01-06-2014, 08:52 PM
Just saw this:

http://www.bisque.com/sc/pages/ParamountMX.aspx

Paramount MX+

An upgrade equivalent to the ME to ME2/II I guess?

They won't be making the original MX.

The MX+ supersedes it.

Q: What is the Paramount MX+?
A: The Paramount MX+ German Equatorial Mount has been redesigned to incorporate the same high-torque precision servo motors used in the Paramount ME II (See the Paramount Spec Sheet (http://www.bisque.com/Paramount/ParamountSpecSheet.pdf) for details about the new motors.).
Otherwise, the Paramount MX+ has virtually the identical feature set of the original Paramount MX.
Q: What are the changes and new features in the Paramount MX+?
A: The Paramount MX+ includes the following changes and new features:


Upgraded servo motors. The Paramount MX+ now employs the same long life, high-torque, brushless servo motors that are used by the Paramount ME II.
Higher payload capacity. The Paramount MX+ can carry up to 100 lb (45 kg) of equipment, or 200 lb (90 kb) equipment plus payload.
Optional higher maximum slew rates of up to 10 degrees per second. An optional, higher wattage power supply is sold separately (http://www.bisque.com/sc/shops/store/MEIIPSU.aspx).
To accommodate the larger motors, the original Paramount MX Three Position Switch has been replaced with a Two Position Switch that places an axis in balance and track mode. There is also a separate rotating knob that allows each axis to be locked during transport.
Easier to maintain


Worm and gear “cam stop” adjustments can be made without removing the worm block covers.
All servo motors have the same motor initialization value, so that axes-specific “index angle” values are no longer necessary.


Q: What is the price of the Paramount MX+?
A: The price of the Paramount MX+ is $9,000, the same as the original Paramount MX.
Q: When will the Paramount MX+ begin shipping?
A: The Paramount MX+ will begin shipping early June, 2014. We presently have a backlog of mounts to ship, so mounts purchased in second quarter of 2014 should arrive in about one month.
Q: Does the Paramount MX+ replace the Paramount MX?
A: Yes. The Paramount MX+ supersedes the Paramount MX.

Logieberra
01-06-2014, 09:03 PM
I wonder if high-res encoders will be on the cards now? It would make sense, as they're available for the ME2 (and the majority of the AP mounts, 1100GTO and up).

Bassnut
02-06-2014, 06:22 PM
mmm, looks like "we stuffed up a bit, heres the MX the way we intended to start with".

Logieberra
02-06-2014, 07:11 PM
As a former (original) MX owner, I am saddened by the news :( That being said, the + replacement does look and sound sweet! Photo courtesy of SB's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Software-Bisque/204254822941069?ref=stream&hc_location=stream

Astromelb
03-06-2014, 05:10 PM
They made this upgrade to make the MX competitive against gear that has moved ahead of it - specifically AP & ASA.
You judge which product is the better technically.
For me its always going to be a direct drive Eq.
I have simply never gone back to using worm & wheel since purchasing a direct drive unit, IMHO they are simply galaxies apart in capability :)