Software Bisque - Paramount Taurus Equatorial Fork Mount 500
The Software Bisque Taurus 500 is a high capacity mount. Supports instruments up to 400 lb (180 kg) and telescopes to 20″ (0.5 m) aperture.
Precision Performance. Features 26-bit absolute encoders (0.02″ resolution), TPoint™ modeling, and ProTrack™ tracking for extreme pointing accuracy and pinpoint stars.
Meridian-Free Imaging. Equatorial fork design allows horizon-to-horizon tracking with up to six hours past the meridian, eliminating flips.
Portable & Modular. Breaks into five sub-100 lb components, enabling easy transport and setup in about one hour by two people.
Comprehensive Software Suite. Includes TheSky® Professional plus TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Weather, and Multi-OS+ for complete observatory integration.
Software Bisque Paramount Taurus 500
The Paramount Taurus 500 is a high-precision equatorial fork mount engineered for serious astrophotography and observatory applications. With a total instrument capacity of 400 lb (180 kg) and support for typical telescopes up to 20-inch (0.5 m) aperture, this mount enables horizon-to-horizon imaging without meridian flips.
Software Bisque’s TPoint™ telescope modeling delivers outstanding pointing accuracy (repeatable results at or below 20 arcseconds RMS, and often around 10 arcseconds RMS in well-mounted systems), while ProTrack™ assisted tracking ensures pinpoint stars during long exposures. The mount features 26-bit on-axis absolute encoders providing 0.02-arcsecond resolution and virtually eliminating periodic error.
Built from precision-machined 6061 aluminum at Software Bisque’s Colorado facility, the Taurus 500 comprises five modular components (each under 100 lb / 45 kg), making it highly transportable and deployable. A two-person team can assemble it in about one hour. Its equatorial fork design permits up to six hours of tracking past the meridian (effectively horizon-to-horizon) without requiring flips. The built-in polar axis adjustment (0° to 58°) accommodates a wide range of site latitudes, and optional custom pedestals are available for more extreme latitudes.
Included with the Taurus 500 is the full Paramount Software Suite, which bundles TheSky® Professional, TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Weather, Multi-OS+, and more. Software Bisque’s internal cabling, precision counterweight system, fork spacing control, and built-in cable conduits support complex instrumentation while maintaining rigidity and stability.
Taurus 500 Specifications
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Total instrument capacity: 400 lb (180 kg)
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Optimized for telescopes up to 20″ / 0.5 m aperture
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Direct-drive motors with no measurable backlash
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26-bit on-axis absolute encoders offering 0.02 arcsecond resolution per axis
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All-sky pointing accuracy ≤ 20 arcseconds RMS (10″ typical with TPoint)
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Meridian-free tracking up to 6 hours past the meridian (horizon-to-horizon)
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Modular breakdown into 5 components (each < 100 lb / 45 kg) for transport
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Assembly time: ~1 hour for two-person team
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Polar axis adjustability: 0°–58° via built-in altitude ratchet mechanism
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Internal cable routing with built-in conduits and fork-arm cable paths
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Included control electronics, power supply, hand paddle, counterweight shaft & initial counterweights
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Full Paramount Software Suite (TheSky Professional, TPoint, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, Weather) included
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Built-in counterweight system to correct instrument asymmetries and mis-centering
Taurus 500 vs. Taurus 600
| Feature | Taurus 500 | Taurus 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical OTA aperture support | 20″ (0.5 m) | 24″ (0.6 m) |
| Total instrument capacity | 400 lb (180 kg) | 400 lb (180 kg) |
| Price (list) | ~$49,595 | ~$51,595 |
| Slew / tracking / performance | Identical direct-drive system, same pointing/tracking architecture | Same direct-drive, same encoders, same no-flip horizon-to-horizon capability |
| Physical modularity & deployment | Breaks into 5 components (<100 lb each) for transport; ~1 hour assembly by two persons | Same modular design, same breakdown and assembly profile |
| Meridian flip behavior | No meridian flips thanks to fork design; tracks 6 h past meridian | Same, full horizon-to-horizon tracking without needing flips |
| Polar axis adjustability | 0° to 58° built-in ratcheting altitude mechanism | Same 0° to 58° adjustment, custom pedestals available for extreme latitudes |
| Notable differentiator | Slightly more optimized for 0.5 m class telescopes | Better suited for larger, heavier OTAs while retaining the same mount architecture |
| Brand | Software Bisque |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping | Does Not Qualify for Free Shipping |
| GPS | No |
| Case Included | No |
| Includes Autoguide Port | Yes |
| Periodic Error Correction | No |
User Manuals
