The ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is a compact and portable telescope mount designed for astrophotography enthusiasts who want to take their equipment on the go. The AM5 is a strain wave gear (harmonic drive) mount that is lightweight and easy to set up, making it an ideal choice for those who want to travel to remote locations to capture stunning images of the night sky.
One of the standout features of the AM5 mount is its ability to operate in both equatorial and altitude-azimuth modes. This means that users can easily switch between the two modes depending on their needs, making it a versatile option for astrophotography. The mount is also compatible with ASCOM and lx200, making it easy to integrate with other equipment.
The ZWO AM5 mount is designed to support telescope rigs up to 28 lbs, which is impressive given its compact size. Its high payload capacity makes it an excellent choice for astrophotography enthusiasts who want to use heavier telescopes or camera equipment. Overall, the ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is a top choice for those who want a portable astrophotography mount that is easy to use and delivers high-quality results.
Overview of the AM5 Telescope Mount
The ZWO AM5 is an ultra-portable telescope mount that utilizes harmonic drive technology to provide a compact, lightweight, and robust equatorial mount. The mount head weighs only 5 kg (11 lbs), making it easy to transport and set up in the field. Despite its small size, the AM5 can handle a payload of up to 28 lbs (13 kg) without counterweights, or up to 44 lbs (20 kg) with an additional counterweight.
AM5 Mount Features
The AM5 mount features a number of advanced technologies and design elements that make it an ideal choice for astrophotographers and amateur astronomers. These features include:
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Harmonic drive speed reducer: The AM5 uses a strain wave gear (harmonic drive) system that provides precise and smooth movement with minimal backlash.
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Stepper motor: The mount is driven by a high-precision stepper motor that provides accurate tracking and pointing.
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Power failure protection: The AM5 includes a power failure protection system that ensures the mount will continue to track the sky even if power is lost.
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Latitude adjustment range: The mount has a latitude adjustment range of 0-70 degrees, making it suitable for use at a wide range of locations.
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Carbon fiber: The mount is constructed from lightweight and durable carbon fiber, which helps to reduce weight and increase stability.
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Payload capacity: The AM5 can handle a payload of up to 28 lbs (13 kg) without counterweights, or up to 44 lbs (20 kg) with an additional counterweight.
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Reduction ratio: The mount has a reduction ratio of 180:1, which provides smooth and accurate movement.
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Guarantee: The AM5 comes with a two-year guarantee, giving users peace of mind and ensuring that the mount will perform reliably for years to come.
Overall, the ZWO AM5 is an excellent choice for astrophotographers and amateur astronomers who need a compact, lightweight, and reliable equatorial mount. Its advanced features and design elements make it a versatile and easy-to-use mount that can handle a wide range of telescopes and payloads.
AM5 Mount Modes
The ZWO AM5 Mount is designed to operate in two different modes: Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand the differences between them to choose the best mode for your observing or imaging needs.
Equatorial Mode
In Equatorial mode, the mount is aligned with the Earth’s rotation axis, which allows it to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. This mode is ideal for astrophotography and long-exposure imaging, as it allows you to capture detailed images of deep-sky objects without any star trailing.
To use the Equatorial mode, you need to polar align the mount and set it to track the celestial object you want to observe or image. The AM5 mount has a power brake system that prevents the telescope from falling and being damaged in case of a sudden power failure during use.
Alt-Azimuth Mode
In Alt-Azimuth mode, the mount moves the telescope up and down and left and right, following the observer’s line of sight. This mode is ideal for visual observing and short-exposure imaging, as it allows you to quickly and easily point the telescope at any object in the sky.
To use the Alt-Azimuth mode, you need to align the mount with the horizon and set it to track the object you want to observe or image. The AM5 mount has a dual mount style, which means it can be used in both Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth modes, depending on your needs.
Overall, the AM5 mount is a versatile and portable telescope mount that can handle the job of a much more robust equatorial mount while being compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the AM5 mount is a great choice for observing and imaging the night sky.
AM5 Mount Performance
The ZWO AM5 mount is a harmonic drive telescope mount that is compact, portable, and lightweight. Despite its smaller size, it can handle the job of a much more robust equatorial mount. In this section, we will look at the mount’s performance, including its periodic error and guiding accuracy.
Periodic Error and Guiding Accuracy
The AM5 mount has a larger mount weight and increased load capacity, making it more stable in use. Each ZWO AM5 harmonic drive speed reducer is tested for periodic error, ensuring it meets the accuracy and the required performance. The mount’s precision control allows for accurate tracking and guiding, making it an excellent choice for astrophotography.
PE Curve Performance Guaranteed
The PE curve performance of the AM5 mount is guaranteed to be within +/- 3 arcseconds after calibration. This means that the mount’s tracking accuracy is very high, making it easy to capture sharp and detailed images of celestial objects.
Harmonic Drive Mounts
Harmonic drive mounts are known for their accuracy, precision, and reliability. They use a unique gear system that eliminates backlash, making them ideal for astrophotography. The AM5 mount is no exception and is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality mount that is easy to use and transport.
Overall, the ZWO AM5 mount is an excellent choice for astrophotographers looking for a compact, portable, and reliable mount. Its periodic error and guiding accuracy are impressive, and its harmonic drive system ensures accurate tracking and guiding. If you’re looking for a high-quality mount that won’t break the bank, the AM5 is definitely worth considering.
AM5 Mount Accessories
The ZWO AM5 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount comes with a range of accessories that enhance its functionality and ease of use. Here are some of the key accessories that come with the mount:
Hand Controller
The ZWO AM5 mount comes with a hand controller that allows you to control the mount’s movement and tracking. The hand controller is easy to use and provides precise control over the mount’s movement. It also has a backlit display that makes it easy to use in low light conditions.
ASCOM and USB Port
The ZWO AM5 mount is ASCOM compatible, which means that it can be controlled using third-party software. It also has a USB port that allows you to connect it to your computer for remote control.
Asiair Plus Compatibility
The ZWO AM5 mount is Asiair Plus compatible, which means that you can control it using the Asiair Plus app. The Asiair Plus app provides a range of features that make it easy to control your mount and capture stunning astrophotography images.
Shipping
The ZWO AM5 mount is shipped in a separate package from the tripod due to its large size. Shipping times may vary depending on your location, but ZWO strives to ship all orders as quickly as possible.
Firmware
The ZWO AM5 mount’s firmware can be updated to ensure that it is always running the latest version. Firmware updates can be downloaded from the ZWO website and installed using the USB port.
Other Features
The ZWO AM5 mount also comes with an Asiair finder shoe, which makes it easy to attach your Asiair device to the mount. It is available in a sleek black color and is currently in stock and valid for purchase.
In summary, the ZWO AM5 mount comes with a range of accessories that make it easy to use and control. From the hand controller to the USB port and Asiair Plus compatibility, the AM5 mount has everything you need to capture stunning astrophotography images.
AM5 Mount and Astrophotography
Astrophotography is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it requires a lot of patience, skill, and the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the telescope mount. It needs to be stable, accurate, and able to handle the weight of your telescope and accessories. The ZWO AM5 mount is a great option for astrophotography due to its compact size, lightweight, and high load capacity.
Astrophotography with the AM5 Mount
The AM5 mount uses a strain wave gear (harmonic drive) system that provides smooth and accurate tracking. This makes it ideal for astrophotography, where long exposures are needed to capture faint objects in the night sky. The mount can handle a payload of up to 20 kg (44 lbs) without a counterweight, making it suitable for most refractors and some smaller reflectors.
Imaging Setup with the AM5 Mount
Setting up the AM5 mount for astrophotography is straightforward. The mount comes with a synchronous belt drive system that allows for precise and stable tracking. It also has a USB port that can be used to connect it to a computer or an Asiair Plus device for remote control and autoguiding. The mount is ASCOM, UPS, and EMS compatible, making it easy to integrate with popular astrophotography software.
Guiding with the AM5 Mount
Guiding is an essential part of astrophotography, and the AM5 mount makes it easy. It has a built-in autoguiding port that can be used with a guide camera and software to ensure accurate tracking. The mount also has a WiFi connection that allows for wireless control and monitoring via a smartphone or tablet.
Portability and Stability
One of the standout features of the AM5 mount is its portability. It weighs only 7.7 kg (17 lbs) and can be easily carried by hand. The mount is also compact, making it easy to store and transport. Despite its lightweight and portable design, the AM5 mount is stable and robust, thanks to its strain wave gear system.
Conclusion
The ZWO AM5 mount is a great option for astrophotographers who want a lightweight, compact, and versatile mount. It has a high load capacity, precise tracking, autoguiding capabilities, and easy connectivity. The mount is also portable and stable, making it ideal for travel and field use. With the AM5 mount, you can capture stunning images of the night sky and take your astrophotography to the next level.