Posts Made By: Andrew Weiner

Maurice,

I have a GT-1100, the original incarnation of the robotic mount. I bought it used (new in box). I wanted a good mount for imaging, one that would track well and put objects on the camera chip every time. This the Paramount does well. The interface with the Sky software is easy to use as is T-Point. The only downside is that mine uses stepper motors while the 1100s and the ME use servo motors, so they slew faster and have a longer life. The Me has a higher load capacity also, 125 pounds versus 75 for mine. The ME has a mounting plate that takes Losmandy dovetail accesories as well as other mounting configurations. I do not use my mount remotely or to slew by itself all night in survey work, so I cannot comment on those functions. I know that they are used in the UK and Australia, so there must be provision for adapting them to that power supply. If you want more information, go to the Bisque web site: www.bisque.com The Bisques have always replied quickly to my inquiries. I hope that this helps.

Best regards,

Andrew

I recommend that you use a self-guiding camera, such as an ST 7,8,9 or 10 which has a guiding chip next to the imaging chip. I tried using a guide scope ( Orion ED80 with ST-7) mounted on a C-14 (in a Homeyer cradle) and ST-8 without success. The C-14 and ST-8 could not guide the ED80 either. The ST-7 will guide the ED80 just fine as will the C-14 be guided with the ST-8. There is just too much flexure in the SCT's including mirror flop to do it any other way. This is just my experience. If anyone has different results, I would love to hear how they did it.
Andrew Weiner

Hi Benny,

The Paramount ME is worth the investment. As I got involved with CCD imaging, I found that the mount was the most important factor. Without a solid and accurate tracking mount that could be pointed with near perfection, imaging is a trying task. I found that with a great mount I could be most productive, each image well tracked with round stars. The integrated software suite works very well. I could not be happier with the ME. There are certainly other good mounts out there such as AP and Takahashi, but the ME is at the top. You will not regret having one.

Andrew Weiner

Hi Keith,

Were your CPC1100 optics made in Torrance or in Taiwan? Just curious. I have seen some nice optics out Taiwan lately--a very pleasant surprise.

Andrew