The ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount

The AM5 mount has been designed specifically for astrophotography enthusiasts, the AM5 mount represents the epitome of portability, effortlessly accommodating imaging setups weighing up to 13 kilograms sans the need for counterweights. For those seeking even greater capacity, the optional counterweights expand the load-bearing capability to a remarkable 20 kilograms, all while maintaining a very light 5-kilogram profile.

Unlike conventional equatorial mounts that necessitate bulky counterweights, which often prove challenging to maintain equilibrium in both right ascension (RA) and declination (DEC) when changing the pointing direction, the ZWO AM5 revolutionizes the game.

This mount incorporates the advanced Harmonic Drive speed reducer and a meticulously designed Synchronous belt system. The result is an unparalleled level of precision control, boasting a remarkable 300:1 reduction ratio for your imaging rig. Achieving guiding accuracy within the range of 0.5 to 0.8 arcseconds, the ZWO AM5 offers an exceptionally low periodic error, silky-smooth gearing, and impressive torque capabilities, rendering the need for cumbersome counterweights, commonly associated with traditional German equatorial mounts, obsolete.

Astronomy-Dedicated Harmonic Drive Speed Reducer

ZWO jointly developed with well-known domestic manufacturers to improve the harmonic drive speed reducer according to the actual needs of astrophotography. It comes with very low periodic errors, smooth gearing and high torque. The AM5 is born for astronomy.

ZWO measures each mount and equips it with the exclusive PE curve before it leaves our factory. The X-axis represents the drive angle. The Y-axis represents periodic errors. The periodic error is stably controlled within±20 arc seconds.

Precisely Calibrated Mounts:
Each mount undergoes meticulous measurement and receives an exclusive PE (Periodic Error) curve before it departs the ZWO factory.
This innovative approach provides our customers with unrivalled performance.

Graphical Insights:
To achieve this level of precision, a unique PE curve for each mount. The X-axis of this graph represents the drive angle, while the Y-axis vividly portrays periodic errors. Rest assured, our mounts consistently maintain a stable control of periodic errors within an impressive range of ±20 arc-seconds. This commitment to excellence guarantees that your astrophotography experience will be nothing short of exceptional.

5kg Mount Weight, Large Load Capacity

While portability is very important, 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.

Load Capacity: 13kg – 20kg

The capacity without the counterweight attached is 13kg, and 20kg with a counterweight.

Specifications

About ZWO Optical: Astrophotography has never been easier

Established in 2011, ZWO Optical is a fast-growing global astro imaging camera powerhouse based in Suzhou China. They focus on building and innovating groundbreaking CMOS cameras such as the iconic ZWO ASI120MM Monochrome CMOS camera (the first-ever planetary CMOS camera to beat a CCD in the early 2010s). ZWO continues to pioneer new astrophotography technology with revolutionary features to capture exceptional quality of images of space that will last you a lifetime.

Today, ZWO cameras are recognised by every passionate astrophotographer and are available in over 25 countries internationally.

Product Code: ZWO-AM5