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ZWO Counterweight Balance Bar for AM5 Mount
The ZWO Counterweight Balance Bar for AM5 Mount is a 230 mm (9") solid stainless steel shaft required for balancing imaging payloads over 28 lbs. Its standard M12x1.75 thread and 0.787" (20 mm) diameter ensure a secure fit to the mount and compatibility with a wide range of third-party counterweights, allowing you to safely mount heavier optical tubes.
Unlocking AM5 Payloads Beyond 28 lbs
The ZWO AM5's strain wave drive is engineered for counterweight-free operation with payloads up to 28 lbs (13 kg). To push beyond this limit, this counterweight bar is the essential component. It threads directly into the base of the AM5 mount head, providing a rigid, stable axis for adding mass to perfectly balance heavier OTAs like large refractors or Schmidt-Cassegrains.
Standard 0.787" Shaft for Broad Counterweight Compatibility
This bar's 0.787" (20 mm) diameter is a common standard in the astronomy market, freeing you from proprietary counterweight systems. You can use counterweights from other brands as long as they have a 20 mm bore. This flexibility allows many users to integrate the bar with counterweights they may already own.
M12x1.75 Thread and Solid Metal Build
Built from a single piece of stainless steel, the ZWO BC230 bar is designed for maximum rigidity and longevity. The precision-cut M12x1.75 thread provides a secure, no-slip connection to the mount that won't loosen during a session. This robust construction prevents flexure that could otherwise degrade the AM5's precise tracking accuracy when carrying heavy loads.
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At what payload weight do I need the ZWO Counterweight Bar for my AM5?
ZWO recommends using this counterweight bar and a separate counterweight for any imaging rig that weighs more than 28 lbs (13 kg). This ensures stable tracking, protects the mount's internal drive system from excessive strain, and provides a critical margin of safety.
What size counterweights fit the ZWO BC230 Counterweight Bar?
The counterweight bar has a standard 0.787" (20 mm) diameter. Any counterweight with a 20 mm bore will fit securely. This includes counterweights from other brands with a 20 mm bore.
Can I use this ZWO counterweight bar on a mount other than the AM5?
Yes, potentially. The bar uses a standard M12x1.75 male screw thread to attach to the mount. It is compatible with any mount that features a matching M12x1.75 female thread for its counterweight shaft.
I'm mounting a 30 lb Celestron C11 OTA on my ZWO AM5. Is this bar enough?
This bar is the necessary first component for that setup. For a 30 lb payload, you will need this 230 mm bar plus at least one 10 lb or 11 lb counterweight (sold separately) to achieve proper balance. Balancing is critical for maintaining the AM5's tracking accuracy with heavier telescopes.
Will the ZWO Counterweight Bar help balance a long refractor like a 130mm f/7, even if it's under 28 lbs?
While not strictly required for payloads under 28 lbs, adding a counterweight can significantly improve stability for physically long instruments. A long OTA creates a large moment arm, and balancing this with a counterweight reduces strain on the mount's gears, leading to smoother, more reliable tracking, especially in windy conditions.
How do I install the ZWO Counterweight Bar on the AM5 mount?
Installation is simple:
- Unscrew the screw on the bottom of the AM5 mount head (anticlockwise) and remove it.
- Thread the counterweight bar into the mount base until it is hand-tight.
- Slide your counterweight(s) onto the bar and lock them in place.
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| SKU |
ZWO-BC230 |
| MPN |
ZWO BC230 |
| Shaft Length |
9" (230 mm) |
| Shaft Diameter |
0.787" (20 mm) |
| Mounting Thread |
M12x1.75 |
| Material |
Stainless Steel |
| Weight |
1.1 lb |
| Warranty |
2-Year ZWO Warranty |
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ZWO Counterweight Bar for AM5 Mount
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ZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty
