Product Details ＋

ZWO AM5 Harmonic Drive AZ-EQ Dual-Purpose Mount - Head Only

The 2022 ZWO AM5 Harmonic Drive Mount is a ground breaking addition to the world of astrophotography and astronomy. Available exclusively at Dark Clear Skies, this versatile mount is designed for both professional astro-photographers and passionate astronomy enthusiasts.

Key Benefits of the ZWO AM5 Mount:

Dual-Mode Operation: Switch between Equatorial (EQ) mode for precise astrophotography and Azimuthal (AZ) mode for visual observations.
Unmatched Precision: Achieve tracking accuracy of 0.5 to 0.8 arc seconds with high-resolution stepper motors and a wave gearbox.
Versatile Control Options: Control via hand controller, mobile app, or ASCOM-compatible software, with seamless integration with ASIAIR™ controllers.
Compact and Powerful: Lightweight design supports up to 20 kg with counterweights, making it ideal for travel and setup.
Advanced Safety Features: A built-in brake mechanism protects your equipment during power outages.

Distinctive Features:

High load capacity with a lightweight form factor, perfect for EQ and AZ modes.
Superior tracking precision with top-tier stepper motors and a 300:1 wave gear ratio.
Customized periodic error correction within ±20 arc seconds.
Multiple control options including hand controller and mobile app.
Full ASIAIR™ compatibility for comprehensive control and integration.

Technical Specifications:

Mount Type: Equatorial (EQ)
Modes: EQ/AZ
Max Focal Length: 900 mm
Load Capacity: 13 kg without counterweights, 20 kg with counterweights
Optical Tube Mount: Losmandy/Vixen
Counterweight Axle Thread: M12
Latitude/Azimuth Adjustment: 0 - 90° / ±10°
RA/DEC Drive: NEMA 42 (RA), NEMA 35 (DEC) stepper motors
Motor Resolution: 0.17 arc seconds
Drive Transmission: Wave gear, toothed belt, 300:1 ratio
Periodic Error: <±20 arc seconds
Rotation Speed: Max 6°/s
Travel Speeds: Multiple options from 0.5x to 1440x
Connectors: USB, ST-4, hand controller, power

Traditional equatorial mounts require heavy counterweights for use. Extra effort needed to achieve balance in RA and DEC directions and the extra weight makes them not so convenient when there is a need to take the equipment away to a dark site or even just to the other end of the garden...

Well made harmonic drive mounts bring the solution. The internal structure of the body is optimised with the harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1.

SUPPORT: ASCOM / INDI / SkySafari

LX200 PROTOCOL

Astronomy-dedicated Harmonic Speed Reducer

ZWO jointly developed with well-known domestic manufacturers to improve the harmonic drive speed reducer according to the actual needs of astro-photography.

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.

The internal structure of the body is optimised with the harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1.

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 error 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 brighter 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 approximate 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

Mount Type	Equatorial Mount
Mount Modes	German Equatorial Mode / Alt-Azimuth Mode
Drive	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	13kg without counterweight 20kg with counterweight
Weight	5kg
Latitude Adjustment Range	0 - 90 degrees
Azimuth Angle Adjustment Range	/- 10 degrees
Dovetail Clamp	Losmandy and Vixen-style 500g
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	-20C - 50C
Power Failure Protection	Yes