ZWO AM5N Harmonic Equatorial Mount with Carbon Tripod
Manufacturer Part # ZWO-AM5N + Tripod
The AM5N is an extremely portable mount designed with the astro-photographer in mind. The new N model has taken the original version and tweaked it with you all in mind.
- Bluetooth support to improve the control experience
- New cable management to prevent the dreaded tangles
- Basic improvements for ease of use
ZWO has entered into the realm of mounts with a true tiny titan. Can you believe a mount head that only weighs 11 pounds can carry a payload of 30 pounds without the use of any counterweights? If you add some optional counterweights the payload goes all the way up to 44 pounds! Realistically it is easy to carry most astro-photography, up to a 130mm refractor or large Cassegrain, rigs without the need of counterweights.
The harmonic drive of each mount is measured and guaranteed guiding accuracy (0.5 - 0.8 arcseconds) and has very low periodic error. The secret sauce is the harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt. This combination allows precision and negates the need for counterweights with rigs up to 28 pounds. The ability to use the mount in either equatorial mode or alt-azimuth mode is just icing on the proverbial cake. There is a status light on the mount head that tells you which mode the mount is in. Red is for equatorial, while green is for alt-az. It is truly one of the most versatile mounts available today.
The mount also has a fail safe for a sudden power failure. It has a brake that engages with a sudden loss of power protecting your scope and preventing it from falling.
The new cable management integrates jacks into the saddle plate of the AM5N head. The saddle plate now has DC output and Type-C port built right in.
What really makes this interesting is the AM5's ability to work in the ZWO family of products.
ASIAir integration? No problem. Control your entire rig from your smart device or tablet.
Don't want to use the ASIAir? No problem. The mount is WiFi compatible so you can use an approved app on your smart device or tablet to control the mount.
Don't want to go WiFi at all? No problem. The mount comes with a wireless controller.
The included TC40 carbon fiber tripod weighs in at only five pounds, but has a load capacity of 110 pounds! It should give you zero problems supporting just about every size rig.
Tech Details:
| Mount Type | Dual Alt-Az/Equatorial |
|---|---|
| Type of Mount Electronics | Computerized - GoTo |
| Weight Capacity (lb.) | 30 lb. no counterweight, 44 lb. w/ optional counterweight and shaft |
| Mount Includes Tripod or Pier? | Yes |
| Power Requirements | 12V - 3A |
| Power Failure Protection Included? | Yes |
| Includes Manual Slow Motion Controls? | No |
| Mount Slew Speeds | 6°/S |
| Motor Type | Harmonic Drive and Synchronous belt (Reduction Ratio: 300:1) |
| Stepper Motor Resolution | 0.17" |
| Mount Latitude Range (°) | 0° - 90° |
| Azimuth Angle Adjustment Range | ±10° |
| Drivers Available | ASCOM |
| Includes Integrated WiFi? | Yes |
| Included Accessory Ports | USB, ST4 |
| Includes GPS? | No |
| Periodic Error Correction? | Yes |
| Periodic Error Duration | 432 s |
| Saddle Type | Dual - Vixen or Losmandy |
| Hand Controller Included | Yes |
| Polar Scope Included? | No |
| Mount Weight (lb.) | 11.0231 lb. |
| Warranty | ZWO - 2 Years |
| Tripod Weight (lb.) | 5.07 lb. |
| Tripod Leg Diameter (in.) | 1.5" |
| Tripod Height Range (in.) | 18.5" to 31.49" |
| Tripod Leg Material |
Carbon Fiber |
| Warranty |
2 Years |