Mount Body
The traditional equatorial mount requires heavy counterweights. It can be very difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions, also inconvenient for transit and storage, which bring the amateur astrophotographers a lot of pain when they are out for imaging.
Some of the strain wave geared drive mounts are relatively simple in functions, insufficient in load capacity, also not very stable in use.
The internal structure of the body optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1.
Astronomy-Dedicated Strain Wave Gear
ZWO jointly developed the strain wave gearing system with well-known domestic manufacturers based on the actual needs of astrophotographers. It comes with very low periodic errors, smooth gearing and high torque. The guiding accuracy is 0.5-0.8 arc seconds, which makes the AM5 mount extremely suitable for astrophotography.
5.5kg Mount Weight, Large Load Capacity
While the portability is very important, the stability is also essential in use. We don't blindly pursue the lightweight of the mount body; we are more so along the lines of stability for entire use.
The capacity of this mount is 13kg without any counterweights attached, and increases to 20kg when using (up to) a 5kg counterweight.
Note: the counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 25cm in length.
Equatorial Mount / Altazimuth Mount
- Equatorial Mount Mode: Suitable for tracking and photographing objects
- Altazimuth Mount Mode: Suitable for observing objects
- You can switch between these two methods with the app, or through the hand controller.
Other Features
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Status Light Indicator
Red Light: Indicated equatorial mount mode
Green Light: Indicates altazimuth mount mode
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All-Round 0-90 Degree Pitch Angle
Gear 1: Adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve any degree between 0 and 60
Gear 2: Loosen the hex-head screw, then adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve any degree between 45 and 90.
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Wireless Control
Tonight's Target, GOTO, Live Preview, and so many great functions can be achieved through your phone.
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Rocker-Style Hand Controller
Comfortable touch and easy to use, integrated with WiFi network allows for wireless control.
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Power Failure Protection
ZWO AM5 mount is equipped with a brake design in case of a sudden power failure, which will prevent the telescope from falling and being damaged.
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Seamless Linkage with ASAIR
ASIAIR can control AM5 via wired or wireless connection. The ASI package gives customers the best astrophotography experience.
What's In the Box
- Carrying Case
- AM5 Mount Body
- 2m USB2.0 Cable
- Performance Sheet
- Quick Guide Brochure
- Hand Controller
- 2m Hand Controller Cable
- M4 & M6 Allen Key
Specifications
| Mount type |
Equatorial mount |
| Mount mode |
Equatorial mode / Altazimuth mode |
| Drive |
Strain wave gear + Synchronous belt
(Reduction ratio: 300 : 1) |
| Periodic error |
<±20° |
| PE duration |
432 S |
| Drive (RA) |
NEMA42 stepper motor + Model No. 17 (Reduction ratio: 100:1) + Brake |
| Drive (DEC) |
NEMA35 stepper motor
(Reduction ratio: 100:1) + Model No.17 |
| Load capacity |
13kg without counterweight
20kg with counterweight |
| Weight |
5kg |
| Latitude adjustment range |
0°-90° |
| Azimuth angle adjustment range |
±10° |
| Dovetail |
Losmandy & Vixen 500g |
| Interface thread of counterweight shaft |
M12 |
| Stepper motor resolution |
0.17" |
| Max slew speed |
6°/S |
| Slew rate |
0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x,60x, 720x, 1440x |
| Power port |
DC5.5-2.1 (12V-3A) |
| Power consumption |
12V / 0.386A (Standby)
12V / 0.58A (Tracking)
12V / 1.7A (GOTO) |
| Guide port |
ST4 |
| Communication interface |
USB/WiFi |
| Zero position |
Mechanical |
| Operating temperature |
-15°C - 40°C |
| Power failure protection |
Yes |
