Paramount MyT 1-year Review

[@NeilCorke]

A good review. I have a Paramount MX+ and have experienced some of the issues you mention. The "Support Forum" was very frustrating with a problem I had, and in the end I picked up the phone and spoke to someone at Software Bisque who resolved this straight away by sending a new worm block. A friend of mine has the MyT and I'm 99% sure there is a spacer available to go under the Versaplate to facilitate through mount cabling.

[@danbartlett7923]

Hey Bray, Spot-on with your review. Have had mine since 2018. Careful with the USB port mini! It is held onto the circuit board by four weak solder joints (feet). Yours is close to the end. Recommend resoldering the feet before it costs you $800 for a fix (rebate from SB will take months as it did for me). Adjusting the plunger bolts is par for the mount and were loose when my mount first arrived - really. Thanks for being open with the review. I for one would not have bought the mount knowing what I know now (solid performer when there isn’t any issues.)

[@peterleveillee1321]

Oh, I see I was already here. Time for a Losmandy G11T. Thanks for your review.

[@muuraa1]

I really debated between the MyT and the 10 Micron 1000hps. The crosstalk is what ultimately swayed my decision. I ended up with the 10 micron and I'm a very happy camper! Great review!

[@astrofalls]

durak I got the chance to use a GM1000hps for a few months and it was amazing. I would spring for that if I had the money!

[@RaysAstrophotography]

That's an honest review Brey! I can't believe I watched begin to end. Sorry to hear issues, but we are not new to them. Interesting to hear your view point and review!

[@davidaylsworth8964]

I “was” looking at this model mount until I saw this review. It’s given me a half dozen new things to consider while searching for a new mount.

[@scottcarness]

This is a great review. I’m two years into my MyT ownership and your experience sounds very familiar.

[@markwscrivener]

Good review Bray. I bought the MyT when it first came out, still use it, and still think it is a great mount. Regarding the issues you raised: 1. Yeah, SB's forums are not the best avenue for support, and sometimes Tom's replies can seem a bit harsh. No argument. But pick up the phone or send a direct email and you will get great support - or at least that's been my experience. I've had no trouble getting help from knowledgeable engineers at SB when needed. 2. As others have noted, there is a spacer for more cable space. Also, SB gives Digikey/Mouser part numbers for the connectors used on the versa plate. No need to purchase their expensive cable - just buy the connector and make your own. That's what I did. I don't run any extra cables through the mount, just use the versa plate connections and my own cables. 3. Agree 100% on the USB connector. Not sure if I will upgrade, but SB has upgraded the MKS board to USB-C, and made WiFi standard, not an add on. 4. Fortunately I've never had the cross-talk issue, but I know others have. And finally, yes, we need more competition in this price range!

[@LM-ek2hb]

Thanks Bray! You just saved me $7k+ - and I hope SB takes notice. I'd rather have NO mount than a 7k mount that chops up cables, has software bugs and a company that doesn't stand by its products.

[@astrofalls]

Glad I could help! It is very easy to find good reviews on astro gear but after my experience I felt I had to be honest. If you’re still looking into premium mounts I loved the 10micron GM1000, it was perfect (but more expensive). I would also talk to galactic hunter about their experience with the AP Mach1, since they have also used both that and the MyT. Also if you do decide to get a mount it helps me out a ton if you use this link: bit.ly/2BhdyjL I’ll get a percentage of the purchase and it doesn’t cost you any extra!

[@LM-ek2hb]

@@astrofalls Thanks, I just spent time at the OPT website and 10micron.eu. I already have a CEM120EC2, but an looking for something just a little smaller. My short list is down to only the GM1000 now :)

[@kevinl1608]

Good review couple of things..my take. 1) the cable management..SB sells a riser plate to give you more room. 2) usb2. Totally agree and the wireless has its own issues. 3) paint ... yeah. 4) cross talk never experienced it 5)I have had very good results with the support forum, but I see your point. Really appreciate your honesty. Another con is that some of the mounts require a worm gear replacement to be in the 7 arcsec spec Clear sky’s

[@stevelawrence2927]

Great review on the Software Bisque Paramount MyT. I'm shocked that Software Bisque are so flippant with their customer support. I would certainly look at the Mesu as a comparative mount.

[@mariospenard5125]

Very interesting and surprising review. Thx!

[@lanchendesigns]

Thank for for the honest review!

[@hbmike47]

Suggest you look at the Sky-Watcher EQ8-Rh with it's 11.8 Million tick Renshaw encoder on RA. 110# capacity. I'm generally not a fan of these mounts because the motor and belt drives start failing because they don't use high precision bearings on the motor pulley shaft. This is an easy upgrade and with the encoder version it's worth the trouble. Retail is about 9500. Also, in a more precise premium mount there is the Losmandy G11 and G11T. Both are fabulous build quality and high precision. They have refraction correction tracking rates.There are also new harmonic drives. The NYX-101 from Pegasus looks interesting. RA resolution of 0.1 arc sec and refraction correction. For under 3k. (mount head only) Most important is great support from Losmandy and a huge number of users. You can add precision encoders and upgrade drive systems as suits your need. I agree with you. You shouldn't have to tolerate design flaws and lousy support with an $8k mount

[@andrewlindenfeld6222]

I stumbled upon this video because I was looking into buying one of these… as a current owner of an IOptron CEM70 I was looking for a more premium solution to carry my 130/910 TS optics refractor. After watching this, I’m going to have to do a bit more research… A friend of mine has owned a paramount MX for almost 10 years and swears by it. I think I’m going to have to give my CEM70 A bit more time because it was a solid performer for about a year before I started having tracking issues. I found out that the gears should be re-greased every six months or so to maintain performance, and after a year or so, and not knowing this, tracking started having random spikes that were ruining a lot of my exposures so I was getting frustrated and looking into a premium mount… But it may be that regular maintenance is all that’s needed. Normally my mount tracks under 1/2 arc second no problem, even better under good seeing conditions. After I started having these issues I was worried about the longevity of the mount, but I’ve since re-greased the gears and actually tonight is my first test after the “surgery”, and the spikes seem to be gone and it seems like a totally different mount… Maybe I don’t need a “premium” mount after all? I am hopeful with regular re-greasing every six months or so, this mount will continue to perform exceptionally well… Because it seems I’ve had less problems with this mount than you’ve had with this premium mount, the only issue is that IOptron doesn’t inform you that you need to re-grease the gears every six months… It seems as long as you keep the gears happy and lubricated the mount will perform as good as any premium mount out there. Thanks for the honest review!

[@larrychristianson2244]

Thanks for your input and comparison. I'm considering between the MyT, the CEM70 and Losmandy G11. I had been leaning to the MyT thinking service would be better and probably performance too, but that doesn't seem to be the case; very disappointing. The CEM70 isn't as pretty, but most people seem to like it.

[@andrewlindenfeld6222]

The MyT seems to have a weird bug… I can't remember exactly what it was, but you can definitely find it on review videos for it. If you could possibly save up some more money and get the Paramount MX+, that would be a truly premium mount that would literally run in the background and be one less piece of gear you would have to worry about. It does need to be maintained about once per year as far as re-greasing the worm gear, but every other mount is just the same, except paramount seems to be one of the only manufacturers where they provide a video on exactly how to do this… The only reason I found out it was necessary maintenance is when my mount started getting random massive spikes after about 18 months of use. Maintenance should be more of an upfront thing manufactures put forth in the instruction manuals for any amount no matter the class. By the way, the reason I know the MX+ is worth the money… My friend has the original MX, and he has had it going on 13 years now, and it works like a dream and has worked that way since the day he got it, despite seeing the FedEx guy purposely throwing the package containing an $8000 mount onto his porch. Crazy, right??

[@soupdragon2397]

I also have a Paramount MX+ and the USB port detached itself from the PCB within weeks of me getting it, thankfully Ian King managed to get it replaced for me. I'm always wary of it and secure the cable to the mount, to avoid another disaster. I don't bother with the through mount cabling, instead using lots of velcro straps to keep my cables "neat" and in place. All that said, it's a fantastic mount, I upgraded from a G11. It does exactly what you want a mount to do, to not have to think about the mount.

[@hbmike47]

Adding solder to the very fine PC board connections is not a fix. If the connector doesn't break loose the circuit traces will eventually crack. The way to do this is to use a USB connector receptacle that is mounted to the panel that has wire connections to the PCB. The jacks should have dust and waterproof covers. USB connectors like you have there are not rated for outdoor environments

[@siddharth4662]

Great review... I just got one and totally lost at Polar aligning the MyT. Can you please make a video on how to Polar align this specific mount.

[@southbronxny5727]

The company should have a step by step diy fix video to help with the big issue. Thanks for review.

[@benc7102]

G’day Bray Great tutorial! No BS just honest review Cheers mate

[@martrich1098]

Seems the EQ8-RH might be as good if not better than this mount. Does the MyT have any advantage over the EQ8-RH?

[@DavesAstrophotography]

Nice review Bray, , hopefully they see this, and review the feedback closely.

[@mnamnam6061]

Thx, feels better now to own a used EQ6 and some work done. Now, after Azimuth fix, good grease and beltmod, I just need the street lamp to be crushed and clear skies to go below 0.35" . I never thought for that price you might have to fight such problems. Maybe I go change the bearings also ;)

[@gregb5149]

I don't find any problem with Chinese made equipment. Very happy with the quality and performance.

[@blueastrophotography6131]

Very interesting video and thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinion about this mount.

[@sebastienb.5985]

Never had any of the issue you had with my MX, but one point I agree with is the customer support. It can be really frustrating. Last time I posted a something on the forum, it took more than a week before I got a response. Not fun...

[@sebastienb.5985]

You can use the ipotron cem120 counter weight on you myt. The CEM120 CW shaft is 1.5" in diameter(same as the myt). Thats what I did with my MX. Much cheaper than the SB one

[@adrienleone6829]

Nice review ! The day I upgrade I would definitely go for a Mesu 200. But then I am in Europe, so probably not an easy option for a US buyer.

[@SSMCable]

Really liked your video. Would be cool to hear your reasoning of buying this vs similar mounts.

[@wheetgeneration]

I have had this mount since 2018, but only this year got around to learning how to use it. As to your cable issues - they sell a pair of plates you insert under the versaplate that gives you much more room for cables. USB port wise, they of course moved to USB C and I've had no issued with it. I did have issues with drivers and TheSkyX for quite a while but after using NINA and lots of ASCOM drivers, I have to say the driver issues are not theirs. Guiding wise - I do not guide my MYT at all. I create TPoint models and use their ProTrack tech and take up to seven hours of 3 to 5 minute subs without any issues. I wonder if you still have and use this mount. I was thinking about trying to get a Mach2, but it is so hard to get the chance to consider one. I also own a Losmandy and it is nice, but does not track anywhere as well as this mount does.

[@Pipe-organ-recordings]

figuring out how to use it was a challenge, but go it now.

[@Pipe-organ-recordings]

I wish the company actually replied customer questions. The online support forum is just not good.

[@brinkoo7]

haha good review... I am also in AZ.. most of my stuff has turned pink as I leave it outside a lot

[@mcgphotography3602]

You should do a video on that wide field setup! I have the same camera and I’ve been wanting to do some wide angle shots

[@Danieltredway1431]

Thanks for review. Thanks for you honesty. I don't like fan boys.

[@fredcsjb2077]

I work with a paramount Mx daily and in my opinion, unless you have an optical system above 2500 focal length, a paramount is overkill. I use a Celestron C14 SCT imaging at 3900 focal length and this mount works wonders for that with very consistent performance. We use for occultation and exoplanets. Below 2500 focal length, this mount is a waste of money.

[@anata5127]

I could rather get Skywatcher, then any paramount products. Boys from our Astro club are constantly “fighting” with mount and software problems.

[@gregmckay666]

Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Just because it's the only mount in the price range, is not a good enough reason to make a purchasing decision. Did you consider the SkyWatcher EQ8 RhPro?

[@miguelmorales9667]

What about the AP1100?

[@kindjalkazad]

Never had the opportunity to watch your review until today...and I find it really disappointing, as it's not what I imagined from this type of mount. I was planning to buy one...or it was on my shortlist with Avalon and the Ioptron Gem45EC. But I think I'll go with the Ioptron solution, as it' seems more easily available in Europe :) What's your opinion on that Bray?

[@astrofalls]

Seems much cheaper with comparable specs, I would go for it! I just got a CEM70 myself

[@anata5127]

@@astrofalls Loptron has quite few negative reviews. Many people think they don’t last long, and often specifications are off.

[@perthpete7906]

Design from last century

[@timstopar8694]

Awesome video.👍🏻

[@patrickrebstock200]

classic would buy again but not for good reasons

[@ppi57]

Ouch, My-T just dropped off my short list.

[@N4GW]

Great review

[@gregb5149]

See Galactic Hunter's review. Very similar problems.

[@Robin-Visser]

such a bad idea of a company to not satisfy their customers. we dont live in the newspaper era anymore. problems are spread worldwide within 10 seconds.

[@MrLink-dk7yn]

"There's no other options in this price range" Losmandy G11, Takahashi EM-400, skywatcher & orions EQ8 pro... be like: hello?

[@astrofalls]

I guess I meant premium options, which technically the Tak falls under but its not one people usually consider in the US

[@MrLink-dk7yn]

@@astrofalls I guess it all boils down to if the mount is doing what you expect from it. and from your video it sounds it is! Nice setup you have and I hope you'll get many clear skies ahead!

[@matthewbrown8679]

Thanks for the review. It doesn't really sound like the MyT is a premium mount, unless your idea of premium is "costs a lot".

[@timstopar8694]

What telescope is the best for beginners

[@astrofalls]

Tough question! There is no best, it depends on many things

[@DanielKennedyaeos]

@@astrofalls lies! Stop hiding the best beginner scope from us!

[@peterleveillee1321]

Not interested in this mount anymore. WTF?

[@ronanhunt88]

Interesting. Will avoid if upgrading in future I think.

[@fernandorivera2395]

You can buy a used AP Mach 1 GTO for about $5K

[@alit7313]

That looks extremely heavy

[@OnceShy_TwiceBitten]

You blew your entire load on the mount and have nothing more than a cam lens as your scope on that? lmfaoooo dude you could have just had a star adventurer lol.

[@neilhankey2514]

CEM120

[@anata5127]

It has many negative reviews. How long do you have it?

[@neilhankey2514]

@@anata5127 2 Years and still working perfectly. Upgraded the software for the boards last month. Best mount in this class that I have own (40-50kg). Previous mounts G11, G41, G42+ and now the CEM120. Its carrying a 14inch RC with a ZWO OAG.

[@anata5127]

@@neilhankey2514 Thanks a lot for info. What do you think about CEM70G? CEM120 is very heavy. It is basically observatory grade mount. By the way, do you have encoders on your mount?

[@neilhankey2514]

@@anata5127 No encoders, the mount tracks perfectly without them. I will alway use a guide scope with my setups, so see no need for them at all. Can't comment on the CEM 70 but if its as good as the CEM 60 you can't go wrong. Only go for the encoders if you want to eliminate auto guiding would be my advise. Otherwise save your money and auto guide. I have used my Mewlon at 1850mm approx F7.5 with the CEM 60 no problem at all.

[@anata5127]

@@neilhankey2514 Great thanks. Long time ago; it was similar arguments about cars. A lot of people in 70s telling “why do you need automatic gears”. It drives much better with manual shifting. Now, the same arguments are about tracking without guiding. Are we in 21 century?

[@Panotaker]

I have an MX and have never had any problems you described. Mine has worked night after night for years. Mine is still red, never had cross talk problems, never had through the mount cabling problems, but then I never pointed my scope at the ground either. Never ripped out the USB cable, never had to take the mount apart and adjust anything. The few times I asked a question on the forums, somebody at SB answered it. I hang out on the forums, and a lot of the problems are from people that don't know what they are doing. No offense, but you probably screwed something up when you tried to run some cables through your mount, and are pissed off that SB won't give you a new mount. This is not a review of the MYT. This is a " I bought an expensive mount, I had some problems with it, and SB won't give me my money back. So I made a video, bad mouthing SB" Review.

[@astrofalls]

Lmao I never asked for a new mount. These problems are specific to the MyT not the MX they are different mounts. I’m merely sharing my experience. I’m glad you had a better one than me!

[@Panotaker]

@@astrofalls I believe all the mounts have the same boards and motors. They all have the same 5000 board. The MX is just a bigger mount. When the first MYTs came out, they had problems with the worms, but all those problems have been resolved in the newer mounts.

[@astrofalls]

A simple search in any forums will reveal that there are problems with the mount crosstalk that aren’t addressed, and no explanation is given anywhere. I am far from new to this hobby, and I’m an engineer. I don’t want SB to give me a new mount because I know getting another MyT will have the same problems. I’m sure I and many others have experienced the same headache, and what I’m interested in is being helpful to consumers, even if that means sharing my experience counts as “bad mouthing”. After posting on the forums once, and following their instructions to solve crosstalk, I posted multiple other times, and called their office several times to try to get someone to explain why crosstalk is happening. Nobody would. You do have to realize that your experience is not equal to everyone’s right?

[@astrofalls]

Panotaker interesting... is there anyone who’s experienced it in an MX before?

[@Panotaker]

@@astrofalls I don't know if anybody has or not. Maybe it is caused by one of the extra cables you installed through the middle of the mount. Have you tried removing all the extra cables and just using it with the internal cables that came with the mount? Same argument, just because you had problems, doesn't mean everybody had problems. Most of us don't have any problems, so I'm guessing it is on your end. I'm not blaming you, but maybe it is caused by another piece of equipment you are using near the mount.