Paramount ME Maintenance

The Paramount ME should provide years of reliable operation with relatively little maintenance. This page outlines some of the Paramount ME-specific upkeep you that you should perform regularly.

Lubricating the Paramount ME

Like all mechanical systems, the Paramount ME requires some periodic maintenance.  Under “normal” operating conditions, Software Bisque recommends lubricating the mount’s right ascension and declination worm gears at least once a year.  For a step by step tutorial of this procedure, watch the Lubricating the Paramount ME video.

If the Paramount ME is used for sky survey applications (all night, every clear night), or is located in a desert environment or in a climate that has particularly high amounts of eolion particulates, or in rodent or insect infested regions, in addition to covering the mount daily, Software Bisque recommends thoroughly cleaning worm block housings and the right ascension and declination housings every six months (in addition to lubrication).

Frequently Asked Lubrication Questions

What brand of grease should be used to lubricate the worm and gears?A. Under normal operating temperatures, Software Bisque recommends using Lubriplate Motor Assembly Grease Series 105 (Manufacturer number L0034-094) for the worm and gears.

This product is available at many auto-parts stores, or online. (Search Google.)

My Paramount ME is used at temperatures below -20° C. What lubrication do you recommend?A. Customers report that the Lubriplate Motor Assembly Grease Series 105 (Manufacturer number L0034-094) works well at temperatures near -25 degrees C.

If your mount is operated under extremely cold operating temperatures, consider using Molykote® 33 Extreme Low Temperature Bearing grease, Medium, which is rated for operating temperatures between -73 to 204° C.

Use the "Find a Distributor" link on this page to locate a distributor near you.

Did all Paramount ME's use the same lubrication?A. No. The initial production run used a mixture of viscous greases. Subsequent production runs use the Lubriplate Motor Assembly Grease Series 105. If your mount exhibits vibration under cold operating temperatures, consider replacing the existing grease with a cold-temperature grease.

Cleaning Exterior Surfaces and Maintaining the Original Color

Armor All® Multi-Purpose Auto Cleaner (available everywhere) does a good job of cleaning the Paramount ME's external anodized surfaces.  Armor All also helps block the sun’s ultra-violet rays, which can cause the color of anodized metals to fade.  Applying a coat of Armor All to the exterior surfaces of your mount monthly will help maintain the original color.