ZWO AM5 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount and Tripod - AM5-TRIPOD

In this ZWO package, users will receive the AM5 EQ/Alt-Azimuth mount head and a sturdy carbon fiber tripod. If you are looking for a lightweight, yet sturdy mount setup for your astrophotography session, then this mount, designed with astrophotographers in mind, is the perfect addition to your astrophotography setup.

The ZWO EQ/Alt-Azimuth AM5 mount is designed specifically for amateur astrophotographers looking for a lightweight, high-quality mount that can hold their imaging setup securely and help them produce fantastic celestial images. This 11 lb. (5 kg) mount is able to hold up to 28.66 lb. (13 kg.) without a counterweight and 44 lb. (20 kg.) with a counterweight.

Controlling Your Dual Alt-Az/EQ Mount

ZWO has designed the AM5 mount with the capability of switching between equatorial or alt-azimuth mount modes. You can switch the mode through the included hand controller or through the app on a smartphone or tablet. The body of the mount comes with a status light indicator that will indicate whether the mount is in an equatorial or alt-azimuth mode. The red light signals the AM5 is in EQ mode and the green light signals the mount is in Alt-azimuth mode. The equatorial mode is a great setting for tracking and imaging celestial objects while the alt-azimuth mode works well for observations.

When it comes to controlling the mount, users can use the included hand controller or use the WiFi connection and wirelessly control the mount from a smartphone or tablet. Included with this ZWO AM5 mount is a rocker-style hand controller. The size of the controller makes it easy to hold and use. The rocker-style allows for the mount to be pushed in multiple directions. For the wireless control function, users can utilize the integrated WiFi network and use Tonight's Target, GoTo, Live Preview, and others to pair with the ZWO AM5 mount.

The Harmonic Drive Speed Reducer and the Synchornous Belt

The incorporated Harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt allow the mount head to have precision control. While a traditional equatorial mount requires counterweight for use, this ZWO mount's harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt eliminate the need for counterweights, though they can be added if desired. Having this design allows for more accurate control and a reduction ratio of 300:1.

The design of this harmonic drive speed reducer is the result of ZWO working with well-known manufacturers, and it was developed with the needs of astrophotographers in mind. Just some of the amazing features of the ZWO AM5 mount that make it a must-have addition to astrophotography setups are the very low periodic errors, smooth gearing, and high torque. The guiding accuracy of this ZWO mount is 0.6 - 0.8 arc seconds.

ZWO AM5 Mount and Tripod Technical Features

• Mount Type: Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth

• Drive: Harmonic Drive + Synchronous belt (Reduction Ratio: 300:1)

• Periodic Error: <±20"

• PE Duration: 432 S

• Drive (RA): Harmonic NEM42 Stepper Motor + Model No. 17 (Reduction ratio: 100:1) + Brake

• Drive (Dec): Harmonic NEM35 Stepper Motor (Reduction ratio: 100:1) + Model No. 17

• Stepper Motor Resolution: 0.17"

• Max Slew Speed: 6°/S

• Slew Rate: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x

• Latitude Adjustment Range: 0° - 90°

• Azimuth Angle Adjustment Range: ±10°

• Power Port: DC5.5 - 2.1 (12V - 3A)

• Power Consumption: 12V / 0.386A (Standby), 12V / 0.58A (Tracking), 12V / 1.5A (GoTo)

• Power Failure Protection: Yes

• Guide Port: ST4

• Communication Interface: USB/WiFi

• Zero Position: Mechanical

• Operating Temperature: -20°C - 50°C

• Dovetail: Losmandy & Vixen

• Dovetail Weight: 1.1 lb. (500 g)

• Thread for Counterweight Shaft Interface: M12

• Mount Head Weight: 11.0231 lb. (5 kg)

• Tripod Material: Carbon Fiber