Appendix B: Miscellaneous Paramount ME Specifications
Paramount ME Dimensions
This section provides dimensions of the Paramount ME in the many possible positions
used for pointing a telescope. German Equatorial telescope mountings are very stable by
design, yet the requirement of counterweights increases the clearance space required
surrounding the telescope and mount.
Figure 72: Approximate Paramount ME dimensions (inches).
Determining Pier Height
Use the equation or table below to determine the “height” of the center of your optical tube
assembly when the OTA is pointed at the horizon, looking south. This orientation defines
the minimum position so that objects near the horizon are visible.
OTA Center Height at the Meridian (cm) = 8.2 + sin (latitude + 29º) x 38.3
OTA Center Height at the Meridian (inches) = 3.25 + sin (latitude + 29º) x 15.1
Approximate OTA Center Height (looking south, at the horizon)
The height is measured from the base of the Paramount ME to the center of the OTA. This
measurement is especially important if the mount is inside a dome, or there are walls
around the observatory building that might obstruct the telescope’s view. An
unobstructed view at the horizon requires the pier top be high enough so that OTA does
not point “into the wall” when pointing north or south.
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