Paramount MX to be replaced by 'MX+'

[Logieberra (Logan)]

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 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.
• 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 (Logan)]

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 (Fred)]

mmm, looks like "we stuffed up a bit, heres the MX the way we intended to start with".

[Logieberra (Logan)]

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/Softw...ocation=stream

[Astromelb]

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