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  • September 4, 2007 at 10:13 am #91982

    Daniel R. Bisque
    Keymaster

    Software Bisque Knowledge Base Article – 1218

    AN OBSERVATORY HOUSING A PARAMOUNT ME IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

    ISSUE

    My observatory suffered a lightning strike (or other significant electrostatic discharge). How do I proceed to diagnose what needs repaired or replaced? Does the mount need to be returned to Software Bisque?

    RESOLUTION

    Typically, the component that fails when a Paramount suffers a lightning strike is the MKS (3000, 3200, 4000 or 5000) electronics controller and replacing this component will fix the mount.

    A worst case scenario is that every Paramount's internal electronic component and wiring has been damaged and must be replaced.  See this page for details how to proceed. 

    Important Note: The MKS 3000, MKS 3200, and MKS 4000 printed circuit boards are no longer available.  Paramount ME owners can purchase the Paramount ME MKS 5000 Control System Upgrade.

    For either case, the customer can perform the replacement on site (that is, the mount does not have to be returned to Software Bisque for repair).

    1. To determine if the MKS (3000, 3200, 4000 or 5000) controller has failed, see SBKB Article 1211 for a step-by-step procedure to check the fitness of the power supply and the Adaptor Panel. If the power supply and the Adaptor Panel have the correct voltages, but the mount still fails to power on, or communicate with TheSky, then it's safe to conclude that the MKS 4000 controller needs replacement.

    2. Visually inspect all electronic components for burn marks or other damage. Other components could fail in the event of a more or less “direct” strike. If any other electronic components show damage, they should be replaced.

    Paramount electronics can be purchased  from the Software Bisque Store.  Depending on the severity of the damage, the following components may need to be replaced:

    Model Components
    Paramount ME

    The document Paramount ME Electronics Upgrade Instructions describes how to replace the MKS 4000 control system.

     
    Paramount ME II

    See the Paramount ME II and MX Electronics Replacement Instructions for details about how to replace the MKS 5000 control system.

     
    Paramount MX

    See the Paramount ME II and MX Electronics Replacement Instructions for details about how to replace the MKS 5000 control system.

    APPLIES TO

    • Paramount ME with the MKS 4000 control system. If the main controller on a Paramount ME's that has the earlier model MKS 3000, then the mount must be upgraded to the MKS 4000 (The MKS 3000 control system is no longer in production.)
    • Paramount MX
    • Paramount ME II

    All prices subject to change without notice.

    KEYWORDS

    SBKB, hit, struck, power, surge, serial, port, failure, warranty, replacement, Paramount ME, Paramount ME II, Paramount MX

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