ZWO AM5N Harmonic Equatorial Mount

Payload Capacity: 33 lb. Native, 44.09 lb. with Counterweight

The core of the AM5N's design is its exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The mount head's 12.1 lb. weight makes it a true grab-and-go solution, capable of supporting imaging rigs up to 33 lb. without the need for any counterweights. This simplifies transport, shortens setup time, and reduces the total weight of your field kit. For permanent observatory setups or exceptionally large optical tubes, adding a counterweight (sold separately) boosts the capacity to a substantial 44.09 lb.

ZWO AM5N vs. AM5: Critical Upgrades for Imaging

While the original AM5 established the category, the ZWO AM5N refines the design with targeted improvements for imagers. The AM5N increases the native payload capacity to 33 lb. and incorporates internal cable management through a powered saddle, eliminating the risk of cable snags as the mount tracks across the meridian. It also adds Bluetooth connectivity for more flexible wireless control and features a redesigned azimuth adjustment mechanism for smoother, more precise polar alignment.

Dual-Mode Operation: 0° to 90° Latitude Range

The AM5N functions as both a German Equatorial mount for serious astrophotography and a simple Alt-Azimuth mount for visual observing. The mechanical design supports a latitude range from 0° to 90°, making the mount fully operational from the equator to the poles. You can switch between modes using the hand controller or app, transforming your precise imaging mount into a simple point-and-look system for outreach or quick visual sessions.

Harmonic Drive Core with 288s Period

At the heart of the AM5N is a strain-wave gear system driven by a synchronous belt. This combination produces high torque for responsive slewing and tracking, while eliminating the backlash inherent in traditional worm-gear systems. The drive has a periodic error duration of 288 seconds, which is smoothly corrected by autoguiding for round stars in long exposures. A key trade-off for this portable design is the absence of an integrated polar scope, requiring software-based polar alignment using a camera and applications like the ASIAIR, SharpCap, or N.I.N.A.

Connectivity for Any Workflow: WiFi, USB, ST-4

The ZWO AM5N integrates into any modern astrophotography setup. It includes three primary connection methods to suit your control preferences.

• Integrated WiFi: Connect directly to the mount with a smartphone or tablet running the ZWO app or ASIAIR for complete wireless control over GoTo, tracking, and settings.
• USB Port: A dedicated USB port provides a hard-wired connection to a PC, enabling control through the ASCOM driver for use with popular software like N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro, and TheSkyX.
• ST-4 Port: The industry-standard ST-4 autoguide port allows you to connect any compatible guide camera for high-precision tracking corrections during long exposures.