ZWO AM5N HARMONIC EQUATORIAL MOUNT
ZWO
Equatorial
Payload: 13 kg without counterweight, 20 kg with counterweight
Encoders: None
5.5 kg
ZWO AM5N HARMONIC EQUATORIAL MOUNT - With Tripod is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
The ZWO AM5N is a new low-cost strain wave-geared equatorial/alt-az mount for on the go visual observing and astrophotography.
The new 2024 AM5N version features improved payload capacity without counterweights (up to 15 kg), better tracking performance with smaller periodic error (now >± 10 arcsec) and includes power and USB output for mount control on the saddle, making cable management easier.
Incredibly lightweight at only 5.5kg, the AM5 has an impressive payload of 15kg without counterweight or 20kg with counterweight. Despite its size, the AM5 is precisely engineered to be stable and sturdy enough for deep sky imaging with a wide range of telescopes. With a latitude range of 0-90°, the mount can be used easily near the equator.
The AM5 can be controlled via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a wired USB connection seamlessly with the ASIAIR or ASCOM/INDI with the LX200 command set, as well as with the included hand controller. You can also use the AM5 app to control the mount over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with a smartphone/tablet.
ZWO has developed custom harmonic drive speed reducer with the demands of imaging in mind. This along with the mount's synchronous belt transmission system results in high torque, smooth gearing and very low periodic error make the AM5 an excellent mount for astrophotography.
The mount is equipped with an electromagnetic brake on the RA axis in case of sudden power failure, which will prevent your telescope from being damaged.
Counterweight bar compatible with counterweights from SKYWATCHER and iOPTRON. The AM5N can be connected to any tripod that has a 3/8" bolt in the centre.
- Sky-Watcher 2.3Kg counterweight for Star Adventurer GTI
- Geoptik 3.7Kg counterweight for AM5
- iOptron 2Kg counterweight for CEM25, CEM40, MiniTower
- iOptron 4.5Kg counterweight for CEM26, CEM40, GEM28
Specifications
| Mount type |
Alt-Az/Equatorial |
|---|---|
| Max payload |
15 kg without counterweight, 20 kg with counterweight @ 25 cm |
| Mount weight |
5.5 kg |
| Drive | Strain wave gears + synchronous belt |
| Reduction ratio |
100:1 |
| Periodic error (PE) | <± 10 arcsec, 288 seconds duration |
| RA drive | Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 17 type strain wave gear + brake |
| DEC drive | Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 17 type strain wave gear |
| Latitude adjustment range | 0º ~ 90º |
| Azimuth adjustment range | ± 6º |
| Dovetail saddle | Losmandy & Vixen |
| Counterweight shaft | M12 x 1.75 coarse thread |
| Stepper motor resolution | 0.17" |
| Max slew speed | 6º/S |
| Power port | DC 5.5 x 2.1 12V 3A |
| Power consumption | 0.4A standby, 07A tracking, 0.9A GOTO (1.7A in heavy lode mode) |
| Guide port | ST4 |
| Communication interface | USB C/ Wifi / Bluetooth, ASCOM, INDI (LX200) |
| Zero Position | Mechanical |
| Operating Temperature | -20º - 40º C |
| Power failure protection | Yes, brake on RA axis |
Items included
Gallery
Customer Reviews
Perfect
This mount has totally changed the convenience factor in astrophotography. It is light enough to leave set up with my small refractor and a pier extension by the front door and is light enough to be picked up as a whole unit and moved outside. Then just hook up to battery and polar align, and I'm ready to image in less than 10 minutes. That is just not possible with a heavier mount like my azeq6.
It works flawlessly with my ASIAir, making astrophotography a truly joyous experince rather than frustration. It routinely guides around 0.3 to 0.4 arc seconds total error. I'm going to buy another for a larger scope as soon as stock arrives.
I bought this to run two rigs with the intention to upgrade to a heavier scope. I have now imaged with it for 12 hours using only a small f/6 360mm (so 2 kg) and for the last 8 hours have comparative data from a f/2 135mm on my AZGTi. I can say that the AZGTi (with a bunnings bolt as a CW shaft etc) is outperforming the guiding of this very expensive AM5. I can get no better than 0.8 arc s which is the top end of what it is being promoted by ZWO- and this is with a small refractor. I am now very hesitant to upgrade to anything heavier....
I have a Skywatcher EQ6R Pro, which I'm very happy with; I wanted a 2nd smaller mount for my Esprit 120, something I could move between inside and outside. I've been impressed with ZWO's products; they keep getting better, so I went for the AM5. Both the mount and the tripod are beautifully made and solid and so far have performed superbly. It's so quiet and refined when it moves. My ZWO camera, guide camera, EAF and mount integrate in the ASIAir's App.
The tracking is usually under 0.5, and that's with the summer winds we get in Perth; a 300-second exposure is sharp.
I can carry the mount with the attached telescope and accessories without a problem.
I just love this mount! I was more than happy with my skywatcher gti mount but right at the weight limit. This mount allows me plenty of room to upgrade equipment. Coupled with my new ZWO533MS pro has been a game changer for my image quality
Check out this first effort of the Flame & Horsehead Nebulae (low res jpg)
