Paramount GEM User Guide
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knob is hand tight. The softer-metal brass plunger on the end of the knob secures the counterweight and
should not score or gouge the stainless-steel shaft.
The table below shows the counterweight specifications by model.
The total weight of the counterweights that are included with the Paramount
mount are not sufficient to balance the maximum payloads. If the total weight of
the instruments attached to the Versa-Plate exceeds the total weight of the
standard counterweights that come with the mount as shown in the table below,
you will need to purchase and add more counterweights to achieve balance.
Counterweight Specifications
20 lb. (9 kg), 1.5 in. bore; the height is
approximately 2.9 in. (7.3 cm)
20 lb. (9 kg), 1.5 in. bore; the height is
approximately 2.9 in. (7.3 cm)
30 lb. (14 kg), 1.875 in. bore; the height
is approximately 2.9 in. (7.3 cm)
2
2
The Paramount ME accepts the 1.5-in. diameter Paramount ME/MX counterweight shaft.
The weight of the counterweights that are required to achieve balance depends on the total weight of the
optical tube assembly and accessories, and how the weight is distributed. Before adding any
counterweights to the counterweight shaft, first estimate the required weight is required for
counterbalance, and then add this amount to the counterweight shaft. Err on the heavy side. If the weight
of the equipment exceeds the weight of the supplied counterweights, additional counterweights must be
purchased.
Initially, the counterweights should be placed a bit too far down the counterweight shaft so that
counterweight shaft rotates downward, instead of your expensive equipment.
Once enough counterweights are added, the hour angle axis should be very bottom heavy. At this point,
adding the telescope should result in a system that is close to balanced.
To avoid damaging the precision worm gear, before attaching any counterweights
to a Paramount mount, please thoroughly read the following section.
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