Software Bisque - Paramount Taurus Equatorial Fork Mount 600
The Software Bisque Taurus 600 is an ideal mount for large aperture telescope support. Handles up to 400 lb (180 kg) total capacity and telescopes to 24″ (0.6 m) aperture.
Uninterrupted Imaging. Fork design enables horizon-to-horizon tracking with up to six hours past the meridian, eliminating flips.
Precision Accuracy. Equipped with 26-bit absolute encoders (0.02″ resolution), plus TPoint™ and ProTrack™ for pinpoint performance.
Portable & Modular. Breaks into five sub-100 lb components, allowing setup in about one hour by two people.
Complete Software Integration. Bundled with the full Paramount Software Suite (TheSky® Professional, TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Weather, Multi-OS+).
Software Bisque Paramount Taurus 600
The Paramount Taurus 600 shares the same robust architecture as the Taurus 500, while extending support for slightly larger telescopes. It is rated for a total instrument capacity of 400 lb (180 kg) and accommodates telescopes up to 24-inch (0.6 m) aperture. As with the 500 model, this mount enables uninterrupted, horizon-to-horizon tracking without meridian flips.
Software Bisque’s TPoint™ and ProTrack™ technologies deliver extreme pointing accuracy (with repeatable performance at or below 20 arcseconds RMS, and routine results near 10 arcseconds RMS under optimal conditions), and the integral 26-bit on-axis absolute encoders produce 0.02-arcsecond resolution while effectively eliminating periodic error.
Constructed from precision aluminum in Software Bisque’s Golden, Colorado facility, the Taurus 600 breaks down into five components (each under 100 lb / 45 kg) for efficient transportation and setup. A two-person crew can assemble it in approximately one hour. The fork mount’s design allows tracking past the meridian by up to six hours (i.e. full horizon-to-horizon capability) without requiring a flip. Its adjustable polar axis (0° to 58°) can suit most observing sites, and custom pedestals may be specified for high-latitude installations.
This model also includes the complete Paramount Software Suite, giving users access to TheSky®, TPoint™, Cameras+, Domes, Weather, Multi-OS+, and more. Features such as internal cable routing, counterweight balancing, fork spacing control, and a rigid frame ensure stable performance even under demanding instrumentation loads.
Taurus 600 Specifications
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Total instrument capacity: 400 lb (180 kg)
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Optimized for telescopes up to 24″ / 0.6 m aperture
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Direct-drive motors, no backlash, silent operation
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26-bit on-axis absolute encoders, 0.02 arcsecond resolution per axis
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All-sky pointing accuracy ≤ 20 arcseconds RMS; typical ~10″ with calibration
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Meridian-free operation, tracks objects up to 6 hours past meridian
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Identical modular design: disassembles into 5 parts (< 100 lb / 45 kg each)
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~1 hour assembly time by two persons
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Polar axis adjustability 0°–58° with built-in ratchet; custom pedestals for high latitude setups
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Internal routing of electronics and wiring, generous cable conduit
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Comes with control electronics, power supply, hand paddle, counterweight shaft & counterweights
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Full Paramount Software Suite included (TheSky Professional, TPoint, Cameras+, Domes, Multi-OS+, Weather)
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Counterweight system to correct for asymmetries or mis-centering within fork tines
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Slew speed up to ~30° per second
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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 |
