In 1996, Software Bisque delivered the very first Paramount to Fairbanks, Alaska.  Michael Rice, then Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, installed his mount in a remote observatory that was accessible for much of the year by a 50 mile snow cat ride…or a three day dog sled excursion that would have given even Balto pause.

Mike occasionally shared with us the trials and tribulations of operating an observatory in the middle of nowhere, with temperatures routinely dropping to 50 below. He also learned a thing or two about the need for ultra-reliable equipment for remote observatory operation.

After retiring as Vice Chancellor of UAF, he and his wife Lynn founded New Mexico Skies, a new-style “bed and breakfast” geared to the astronomer.

In 2002, Steve Bisque took a road-trip to Cloudcroft to personally deliver the very first Paramount ME to Mike and Lynn’s place.  The ME quickly became the backbone of a new business venture hosting remote telescopes under world-class skies.

Today New Mexico Skies and Fairdinkum Skies in Australia host over 40 remote observatories that rely on the Paramount ME for consistent, reliable and precision performance.

As we finish assembling the first production run of Paramount MXs, it’s only fitting that Mike and Lynn receive the very first one to herald the dawn of a new era in “truly portable or permanent use” robotic telescope mounts.

We’ve placed Paramount MX delivery responsibilities in the hands of United Parcel Service this time. And, much to our UPS driver’s dismay, the next several months (and hopefully longer) will bring a deluge of Paramount MXs shipping from of our offices here in Golden to destinations all over the globe.

We want to express our sincere thanks to all who have placed deposits for the Paramount MX during the past several months. Now that Paramount MX #1 is out the door, we’ll do our best to deliver your mount to you as quickly as possible, and will let you know exactly when your mount is ready to ship.

We’re also looking forward to learning where astronomy takes you.