Astronomy Specialist

SKU: ZWO-AM5+Tripod

ZWO AM5N HARMONIC EQUATORIAL MOUNT

$4,199.00

ZWO

Equatorial

Payload: 13 kg without counterweight, 20 kg with counterweight

Encoders: None

5.5 kg

Tripod options

ZWO AM5N HARMONIC EQUATORIAL MOUNT - With Tripod is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.


Current ETA is end of November 2024.

 

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.

 

Compatible counterweights

 

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

 


Sample images taken with a 130mm apochromatic refractor with 900mm focal length. Image is 1 arcsecond per pixel at 200% zoom.

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
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J
John
Sensational portable mount

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.

g
gary liney
Underwhelmed so far...

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....

P
Peter Allamby
AM5 + Tripod - Its great

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.

S
Simon Kidd
AM5 is a winner

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)

M
Mark Bridger
Zwo AM5

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.

ZWO AM5N HARMONIC EQUATORIAL MOUNT

From $3,699.00

Tripod options

  • With Tripod
  • Without tripod

Optical design

Image circle

Focal ratio

Aperture

Focal length

Optical thickness

Threads

Cooled

Colour or Mono

Pixel size

Sensor dimensions

Resolution

Sensor diagonal

Quantum efficiency

Read noise

Fullwell capacity

Bit depth

FPS

Camera backfocus

Filter size

Filter size

Bandpass (FWHM)

Bandpass (FWHM)

Glass thickness

Mount type

Equatorial

Payload capacity

15 kg without counterweight, 20 kg with counterweight

Latitude range

0º - 90º

Dovetail saddle

Vixen/Losmandy

Slew speed

6°/s max

Encoders

Encoders: None

Periodic error correction

None

Counterweight shaft

20 mm

Azimuth adjustment range

+/− 6°

Internal diameter

Illuminated diameter

Compatible telescope external diameter

Weight

5.5 kg

Length

Width

Height

View product