Paramount User Guide
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P a g e
The Paramount base consists of an outer, fixed plate that is mounted to the pier, and an inner rotating
plate on which the mount sits. Adjustments in azimuth are achieved by rotating the Azimuth Adjustment
Knobs at the front of the mount (Figure 43). For a level mount, rotation of this plate does not affect the
altitude of the polar axis.
The altitude axis is held in place using a separate mechanical system that includes the Altitude Adjuster
Thrust Knobs (Figure 60) and the Altitude Adjuster (Figure 45). For a level mount, adjustments in altitude
will not change the azimuth of the polar axis.
Azimuth Adjuster Knobs
The base of the Paramount incorporates a circular plate inside the mount’s rectangular base, and allows
the mount to rotate about a vertical axis through the center of the mount. This rotation permits the
azimuth of the polar axis to be changed when aligning the mount to the celestial pole. The Azimuth
Adjustment Knobs push against a bar that is mounted to the circular plate and provide the means to rotate
the plate, even when the mount if fully loaded.
The Azimuth Adjustment Knobs work in
opposition
– one must be loosened before the other can be
tightened. The knob that is tightened rotates the azimuth axis; the knob that is loosened provides
“clearance” for the axis to rotate.
Provided the opposite knob is sufficiently loose, the azimuth axis can be rotated by tightening the opposite
knob, without applying excessive force. Note that a fully-loaded mount may make rotating the base plate,
and the knobs, more difficult. If necessary, insert a 5/32 hex wrench into the center of the adjustment
knob to assist rotation. For really heavy loads,
Tightening the right knob moves azimuth east.
Tightening the left knob moves azimuth west.
Before making any adjustments to the azimuth of the polar axis:
Make sure the rotating plate is close to its center position so there is a maximum amount of
rotation in both directions.
Rotate both knobs counterclockwise until both are just tight. This effectively squeezes the
rotating bar and serves as a good zero point. To avoid deforming the rotating bar, do not over
tighten the knobs.
When making adjustments based on the advice given in the TPoint Add On Polar Alignment
Report, first loosen the knob on the opposite side of the direction of rotation the suggested
number of tics, then tighten the other knob until it is “just tight” again.
