Weighing 3.9kg and with a Load Capacity of 8kg to 13kg, Introducing the Fantastic AM5 Mount with Unprecedented Tracking Accuracy!

Tripod Included

Introduction

Are you an avid astrophotographer looking to elevate your celestial imaging to new heights? If so, the ZWO AM5 Mount is the game-changing accessory you've been waiting for! Combining precision engineering, portability, and style, this mount is a must-have for both seasoned astronomers and newcomers to the field. In this detailed article, we will explore the impressive features and specifications of the AM5 Mount, highlighting its cutting-edge harmonic drive mechanism, wireless control, and versatile dual-purpose design.

The Revolutionary Harmonic Drive Mechanism

At the core of the AM5 Mount lies its revolutionary harmonic drive mechanism, setting it apart from traditional equatorial mounts. Developed in collaboration with renowned domestic manufacturers, this astronomy-dedicated harmonic speed reducer has been finely-tuned to meet the specific demands of astrophotography. The result is a mount with exceptionally low periodic errors, smooth gearing, and remarkable torque, ensuring an unprecedented guiding accuracy of 0.5-0.8 arc seconds. With such precision, the AM5 Mount guarantees sharp and crystal-clear images of even the most distant celestial objects.

PE Curve Report - Ensuring Quality Assurance

To further validate the mount's performance, each AM5 Mount undergoes rigorous testing and is provided with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory. This ensures that the periodic error is meticulously maintained within +/- 20 arc seconds, offering consistent and reliable tracking during your astrophotography sessions. This rigorous quality assurance process reassures astronomers that the AM5 Mount lives up to its promise of delivering top-tier results.

Lightweight yet High Load Capacity

Despite its powerful capabilities, the AM5 Mount strikes a perfect balance between stability and portability. Weighing just 5 kg, it is remarkably lightweight, allowing for easy transportation to your preferred stargazing locations. Don't be fooled by its lightweight build, as the AM5 Mount boasts an impressive load capacity of 13 kg without a counterweight. When equipped with a counterweight, the load capacity increases to approximately 20 kg, accommodating a wide range of telescopes and imaging equipment.

Versatility with Alt-Azimuth Conversion

The AM5 Mount's design offers unparalleled versatility by enabling users to adjust the pitch angle between 0 and 90 degrees. This innovative feature transforms the mount from its default equatorial mode into an Alt-Azimuth mount, providing astronomers with the convenience of visual observations through their telescopes. This flexibility makes the AM5 Mount equally suitable for astrophotography and casual stargazing sessions, catering to the diverse needs of astronomers.

Wireless Control Hand Controller

Simplifying astrophotography, the AM5 Mount comes equipped with a wireless control hand controller, allowing users to operate the mount remotely. This functionality proves invaluable during cold nights or when precise adjustments are necessary without disturbing the mount's stability. With the wireless control hand controller, capturing breathtaking images of the night sky becomes a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Power Failure Protection and Connection with ASIAIR

For added convenience and peace of mind, the AM5 Mount includes power failure protection. This essential safeguard ensures that in the event of a power outage, the mount retains its settings and alignment, preventing any disruption to your astrophotography session. Additionally, the AM5 Mount is designed to seamlessly connect with ASIAIR, a powerful and user-friendly astronomical imaging and control software. This combination unleashes a new level of automation and precision in your astrophotography endeavors.

Specifications - The Technical Marvel

The AM5 Mount's specifications showcase its technical prowess, cementing its position as a top-tier astrophotography equipment:

Mount Type

• Equatorial Mount

Mount Modes

• German Equatorial Mode
• Alt-Azimuth Mode

Drive Mechanism

• Harmonic Drive + Synchronous Belt (Reduction ratio: 300:1)

Periodic Error

• < +/- 20" PE Duration (432 seconds)

Drive (RA)

• Harmonic NEMA42 stepper motor + Model No. 17 (Reduction Ratio: 100:1) + Brake

Drive (Dec)

• Harmonic NEMA35 stepper motor (Reduction Ratio: 100:1) + Model No. 17

Load Capacity

• 13 kg without counterweight
• Approximately 20 kg with counterweight

Weight

• 5 kg

Latitude Adjustment Range

• 0 - 90 degrees

Azimuth Angle Adjustment Range

• +/- 10 degrees

Dovetail Clamp

• Losmandy and Vixen-style

Interface Thread of Counterweight Shaft

• M12

Stepper Motor Resolution

• 0.17"

Max Slew Speed

• 6 degrees / second

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 / 1.5A (GOTO)

Guide Port

• ST4

Communication Interface

• USB / WIFI

Zero Position

• Mechanical

Operating Temperature

• -20°C - 50°C

Power Failure Protection

• Yes

In the Box - A Complete Astrophotography Bundle

The AM5 Mount package, available at Dark Clear Skies, includes essential accessories to create a comprehensive setup for aspiring and seasoned astrophotographers:

• The AM5 Mount itself
• Sturdy tripod for stable setup
• Wireless control hand controller
• Stepper motors for precise movements
• Guide port for auto-guiding capabilities
• Power port for reliable power supply

Conclusion - Unleash Your Astrophotography Potential

In conclusion, the ZWO AM5 Mount stands as a testament to precision engineering and thoughtful design in the realm of astrophotography equipment. With its revolutionary harmonic drive mechanism, wireless control hand controller, and dual-purpose versatility, it surpasses expectations and offers unparalleled performance under the night sky. Whether you're capturing awe-inspiring deep-sky objects or observing planets in stunning detail, the AM5 Mount will elevate your astrophotography experience to new heights.

Discover the boundless beauty of the universe with the extraordinary AM5 Mount. Unlock your full astrophotography potential and take your celestial imaging to the next level with Dark Clear Skies and the ZWO AM5 Mount!

For more information and to purchase the AM5 Mount, visit Dark Clear Skies today!

PE Curve Report with Each Mount

ZWO measures each mount and provides it with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory. The x-axis represents the periodic error. The periodic erro is kept within +/- 20 arc seconds.

Above photos show images at 200% zoom. A 130mm aperture APO telescope with 900mm focal length was used. The image scale is 1 arc second per pixel, basically reaches the limit of the AM5 mount, therefore when imaging faint DSO objects with long exposure times, we do not recommend to use the mount with telescope with longer focal length than this.  Planetary imaging with much longer focal length is possible or shorter exposure of brigther deep sky objects as well.

Lightweight Mount with High Load Capacity

The mount weights 5 kg, which is a very good compromise between stability and portability.

Load capacity without a counterweight is 13kg.

The mount also comes with a counterweight, and when you use it, the load capacity increases to appr. 20kg.

DUAL PURPOSE MOUNT

The design of the mount makes it possible to change the pitch angle between 0  and 90 degrees, which also allows to convert the mount from equatorial into an Alt-Azimuth mount for convenient visual observations with your telescope.

WIRELESS CONTROL

HAND CONTROLLER

POWER FAILURE PROTECTION

CONNECTION WITH ASIAIR

FEATURES

SPECIFICATIONS

MECHANICAL DRAWINGS

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

This product listing of the BUNDLE comes with the TRIPOD included.