The new ZWO AM5 N mount is an innovative mount that, unlike the equatorial mounts commonly used in amateur astronomy, eliminates the need for the familiar yet heavy counterweights, even when used with larger telescopes.
The new model offers increased payload capacity! Thanks to its harmonic drive axes, a technology adopted from robotics, it can carry loads of up to 15 kg without counterweights. (The previous model was rated for 13 kg.) With a counterweight, its payload capacity can be increased to 20 kg. (The manufacturer recommends using a maximum of one 5 kg counterweight.) As the mount itself weighs only 5.5 kg, it is an excellent travel mount even for larger instruments. It can be used in both alt-azimuth and equatorial modes.
The ZWO AM5 N mount is compatible with optical tubes fitted with both Vixen- and Losmandy-standard dovetail bars. The basic package includes a simple hand controller, while full GOTO control is available via a mobile app over WiFi or Bluetooth. Its maximum slewing speed is up to 6° per second. It can be powered by a 12 V mains adapter or gel battery with a minimum output of 2 A. Another new feature is the addition of DC and USB-C connectors to the mount's dovetail clamp, making cable management more convenient.
The manufacturer individually tests every AM5 N mount and provides a test report. Unlike the previous version, it now guarantees only half as much periodic error, with a maximum of ± 10", which can be effectively corrected to values between 0.5" and 0.8" with guiding. Thanks to the drive design, it operates with virtually no backlash.
The mount can be operated using the included joystick-style hand controller or wirelessly via an app over a WiFi or Bluetooth network.
The mount is naturally compatible with the manufacturer's ASI AIR controller and supports ASCOM (LX200 protocol). The manufacturer recommends its own exceptionally lightweight yet sturdy TC40 tripod for use with the mount. As the mount features a standard 3/8" thread on its base, it can also be attached to other tripods.
