Paramount GT-1100 Robotic Telescope Mount

Appendix C – Updating the Control Software on the Paramount
ME and Paramount GT-1100S
This appendix describes the procedure to update the Paramount ME and Paramount GT-
1100s internal control software.
1. Download the most recent version of TheSky from Software Bisque at
www.bisque.com/download.
2. The latest Paramount firmware is version 1145. The file named “MKS1145.out”
contains the latest, updated control software that will be transferred into
Paramount’s control system. This file is located in TheSky’s folder:
:\Program Files\Software Bisque\TheSky\MKS1145.OUT
where is the letter of the hard drive where TheSky was installed.
Programming the flash in the Paramount GT-1100 requires removing the side panel (where
the power switch and joystick plug in). On the Paramount ME, remove the access panel on
the control panel mounted on the back of the RA box.
Once removed, you will see the adapter board with numerous wires and ribbon cables
attached. There are two DIP switches on this board labeled Program on one side and Run
on the other.
Make sure the mount is turned off, and then switch both from Run to Program. This will
allow TheSky to update the control software in the flash memory of the Paramount via the
serial port.
After the DIP switches are set to Program, turn on the Paramount. Note that the motors
will not turn as they do when the DIP switches are set to Run.
Next, launch TheSky and click Telescope | Link | Establish. Instead of the normal
homing question, you will see the following dialog box:
Click Update to begin updating the firmware. The entire process takes about 25 seconds to
complete. The message Programming Complete! appears if the FLASH is successfully
updated.