AM5N

AM5N


A Lightweight Precision Mount

The ZWO AM5N is a compact harmonic drive astrophotography mount and the improved successor to the already well-received AM5. Compared to traditional mounts, the AM5N is small and lightweight thanks to its harmonic drive design. The mount head alone weighs just 5.5 kg. Pair it with ZWO’s TC40 carbon-fiber tripod, which weighs only 2.3 kg, and you get a setup that is easily portable yet capable of supporting significant payloads.
The mount head can carry up to 15 kg without a counterweight and up to 20 kg with one. However, using the mount with a heavy payload and no counterweight can pose a tipping hazard, so caution is strongly advised.
Also worth noting: if you're using the TC40 tripod, a pier extension is something to consider, especially with longer payloads like refractor telescopes. Without it, there's a real risk of the camera or accessories colliding with the tripod legs during certain orientations.
As a harmonic drive mount, the AM5N offers a respectable periodic error of about 10". Like all mounts of this type, it benefits greatly from guiding. With guiding enabled, I consistently achieve 0.5" RMS with my heaviest setup (around 9 kg total), thanks to the harmonic drive system’s virtually zero backlash.


Practical Usability

I’ve used the AM5N for a number of imaging sessions, and I can’t overstate how convenient it is to bring this compact, lightweight setup outside. Since the mount lacks a polar scope, you'll need to use a digitally assisted polar alignment process. With the ASIAIR Plus, this process is as smooth and easy as it gets, helped by the mount’s well-designed, precise adjustment knobs.
Cable management is another area where the AM5N shines. It features a USB-C port and a passthrough power port on the top plate, reducing the number of cables hanging from your payload. The mount also supports Bluetooth control, so technically you don’t need any cables at all for basic operation. Personally, I’ve continued to use a USB-C cable out of habit, so I haven’t tested the Bluetooth feature extensively.
The power output supports up to 5A, which is sufficient for most setups. However, it can get tight if you’re powering dew heaters in addition to your imaging system through the same connection.


Summary

For me, the AM5N is a reliable workhorse that has consistently delivered excellent guiding. Its lightweight, compact design is especially appreciated since I have to carry it down a flight of stairs every time I image.


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