ZWO AM5 HARMONIC EQUATORIAL MOUNT
ZWO
Equatorial
Payload: 13 kg without counterweight, 20 kg with counterweight
Encoders: None
Vixen/Losmandy
5 kg
ZWO AM5 HARMONIC EQUATORIAL MOUNT - With Tripod is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
- Info
- Specifications
- Items included
- Gallery
- Reviews
IMPORTANT: Click here for safety information regarding the side dovetail saddle.
The ZWO AM5 is a new low-cost strain wave-geared equatorial/alt-az mount for on the go visual observing and astrophotography.
Incredibly lightweight at only 5kg, the AM5 has an impressive payload of 13kg 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 telescopes up to 900mm focal length. With a latitude range of 0-90°, the mount can be used easily near the equator.
The AM5 can be controlled via Wi-Fi 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 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 errors (within ±20 arc-seconds) 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.
Compatible counterweights
Mount type |
Alt-Az/Equatorial |
---|---|
Max payload | 13 kg without counterweight, 20 kg with counterweight |
Mount weight |
5 kg |
Drive | Strain wave gears + synchronous belt |
Reduction ratio |
300:1 |
Periodic error (PE) | <± 20 arcsec, 288 seconds duration |
RA drive | NEMA42 stepper motor + brake |
DEC drive | NEMA35 stepper motor |
Weight | 5 kg |
Latitude adjustment range | 0º ~ 90º |
Azimuth adjustment range | ± 10º |
Dovetail saddle | Losmandy & Vixen |
Counterweight shaft | M12 |
Stepper motor resolution | 0.17" |
Max slew speed | 6º/S |
Power port | DC 5.5 x 2.1 12V 3A |
Power consumption | 0.386A standby, 0.58A tracking, 1.7A GOTO |
Guide port | ST4 |
Communication interface | USB / Wifi, ASCOM, INDI (LX200) |
Zero Position | Mechanical |
Operating Temperature | -15º - 40º C |
Power failure protection | Yes |
SKU | ZWO-AM5+Tripod |
Sample images taken with a 130mm apochromatic refractor with 900mm focal length. Image is 1 arcsecond per pixel at 200% zoom.
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)
I,m not new to Astrophotography its been my passion for the last 18 years . During that time I’ve graduated from a standard Dslr on a tripod to my present setup of a hypertuned skywatcher Neq6 ,a skywatcher Eq6R and now a Zwo Am5 harmonic mount and quite frankly and as good as both the Skywatcher mounts are (tracking between 0,3 to 0.7 as)carrying 4 different scope’s ranging from 60mm to a 9.25 inch edge.
But quite frankly the Zwo Am5 controlled with an Asiair plus blows them both out of the water at 0.18- 0.3as. With 300 sec exposures.
Accuracy and ease of use aside its worth the purchase just based on weight alone as you get older it gets a lot harder to move the Neq and the Eq6 around but the Am5 is light , a breeze to set up and transport
I cannot praise the Zwo Am5 highly enough. What a great product
Also a big vote of thanks to Testar for a fast delivery and all their assistance with the purchase.
I am relatively new to the DSO astrophotography then take my feedback with a grain of salt, I started my journey with a SkyWatcher GTI adv. and a 135mm photo lens paired with a ZWO 533mm
As everyone I wanted to migrate to longer focals and steadier mounts but living in a B9 sky in Perth I knew I had to look for something light and portable but at the same time it has to be able to give me the quality and Payload for future upgrades. Ofc I do not have a lot of experiences with other traditional EQ mounts but the AM5 paired with a ASIAIR , EAF, EFW and ZWO guiding cam is a bomb!! Setting it up is painless and fast even if I need to move in and out due to rain or excessive winds (I am using it with ZWO's tripod). Guidance and Meridian Flips are always perfect or close to be perfect, the building quality is amazing and can be moved with the provided case everywhere. The only complain is maybe the output power on the mount not powerful enough for the ASIAIR but hopefully they will improve it in their MarkII or in the future AM7 (dreaming).
As always testar delivered it across australia without any issue and surprisingly fast. After a half dozen of orders I can confirm that they will remain my GOTO store for Astrophotography in Australia!!!