The 2024 edition of ZWO's AM5N mount boasts a high load capacity of 33 pounds without a counterweight and 44 pounds with one. The mount includes updated cable management with newly added USB Type-C and DC power ports. It offers precision control with single period error within 10". Control options include a hand controller, app, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a live star database within the app.
The AM5N mount differences in the 2024 edition
The mount can function as both an equatorial and alt-azimuth mount and has a lightweight design with a net weight of 12.1 pounds. It is also built to withstand extremely low temperatures down to -4°F. The heavy load mode enhances performance in cold environments. The dovetail plate integrates DC output and USB Type-C ports to prevent cable tangling.
Here are some of the newly added features and enhancements in the AM5N mount:
- Without counterweight: 15 kg (33 lbs) | With counterweight: 20 kg (44 lbs)
- Net weight: 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
- Strain Wave gear reducer + synchronous belt
- Single period error: within 10"
- Can be used as both an equatorial mount and an alt-azimuth mount
- Altitude adjustment range of 0-90 degrees
- Cable Management: USB Type-C and DC power ports integrated into the dovetail plate
- Rocker-style hand controller, integrated with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth allowing wireless control, with ability to easily upgrade the firmware of the hand controller
- Power-off brake structure protects the mount from falling in the case of power loss
- ASIAIR seamless linkage: The ASIAIR can control the AM5N via wired or wireless connections
- Mobile app with Tonights Target, GOTO, Live Preview, and a live star database
- Low Temperature Tolerance: Can be used at -20°C (-4°F)
- Heavy Load Mode: Enhances load capacity in cold environments
AM5N mount specs
- Mount type: German Equatorial Mount
- Mount mode: Equatorial/Alt-Azimuth
- Drive: Strain Wave Gear + synchronous belt (300:1 reduction ratio)
- Periodic error: A?10"
- PE duration: 2885*
- Drive (RA): Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 17 type 100 reduction ratio strain wave gear + brake
- Drive (DEC): Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 17 type 100 reduction ratio strain wave gear
- Payload: 15kg (without counterweight) / 20kg (with counterweight) @25cm
- Mount weight: 5.5Kg
- Latitude adjustment range: 0°-90°
- Azimuth adjustment range: ±6°
- Dovetail saddle: Losmandy & Vixen
- Interface thread for counterweight bar: M12X1.75 coarse teeth
- Resolution: 0.17"
- Max slew speed: 6°/S
- Slew speed: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x
- Power port: DC5.5 - 2.1 (12V- 3A)
- Power consumption: Standby: 12V/0.5A, Tracking: 12V/0.7A, GOTO: 12V/1.2A
- Auto Guide port: ST4
- Communication: USB/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Zero position: Mechanical
- Operating temperature: -20°C to 40°C
- Power-off brake: RA axis
- Cable Management: Support
AM5N options and cost
- AM5N - $1,999
- AM5N +TC40 $2,298
- AMH Hand Controller - $49
The AM5N 2024 edition
The internal design of ZWO's AM5N Harmonic Mount (2024 edition) features a strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, ensuring precise control with a 300:1 reduction ratio. Unlike traditional equatorial mounts that require cumbersome counterweights, the AM5N eliminates this need, offering a high load capacity (33 lbs without counterweights, 44 lbs with an 11 lbs counterweight). This mount balances portability with stability and precision, maintaining accuracy within 10". It functions as both an equatorial and alt-azimuth mount, with an altitude adjustment range of 0-90 degrees, addressing stability issues and cable management with USB Type-C and DC power ports
What's in the ZWO AM5N mount box
- Foam packaging box
- Equatorial mount unit
- 2-metere USB 2.0 cable (Type-B to Type-A)
- AM5 periodic error test report
- Quick guide
- Hand controller
- 2-meter hand pad connection cable
- 1-meter USB 2.0 cable (Type-C to Type-A)
- M6 hex key (included within the unit)
Cuiv The Lazy Geek's take on the ZWO AM5N
In the video below, Cuiv details the latest version of the ZWO AM5N mount. He highlights the improvements, such as a new hard shell case, an upgraded USB cable, bluetooth connectivity, and an increased payload capacity of 15 kg. Cuiv also mentions the removal of the small finder saddle, enhanced periodic error, and the addition of USB-C and DC output ports. Despite the mount's increased weight of 5.5 kg, which might be inconvenient for some users, he views the AM5N as an evolution of the original AM5 mount, with various enhancements aimed at improving the user experience.