How to Mount the ZWO AM5 to a Celestron AVX Tripod - Part II

[@psegre]

Thanks Cody! I’m sitting here watching Monday Night Football with AM5n, AVX mount, and pier extension. I followed your instructions and it went together perfectly, thanks again!

[@AstroBlender]

That’s a good way to do it! Who are you rooting for?

[@stevensiwinski]

Perfect timing! I was just about to attempt to put something like this together!

[@AstroBlender]

Oh nice, that works out good then! :)

[@MakeAMark]

Thanks Cody -- I bought an AM3 and the ZWO tripod to pair with my Askar 300FRA-pro for travel purposes. That works great and all fits in a backpack (tripod in suitcase) -- in fact I traveled from Colorado to Australia with the setup. My prior mount was the AVX. The AM3 blew that away in terms of guiding accuracy. Originally, I was still going to keep the AVX to use with my larger (18.5 pound) 115mm APO. But I tried the 115mm on the AM3 setup (with a counter-weight) and it also guided much better, aside from potential leg collisions, which was mitigated by getting the PE200. The only issue was, as you pointed out, that's a lot of weight for the ZWO tripod. After watching this, I'll use the AVX tripod and PE200 for my 115mm -- thanks again. What's the market like these days for a used AVX mount (without tripod)?!

[@AstroBlender]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I’d say the used AVX market depends on your price. I see a lot of AVX mount heads on CloudyNights classifieds so I assume many folks are selling their units just to keep the tripod. It’s too bad Celestron doesn’t sell the tripod as a standalone.

[@AstroIsland]

Thanks for releasing this new method. Every time I watch your videos I’m heavily tempted to sell my AVX mount and get the AM5 (now AM5N) mount to attach to my tripod. Nothing’s wrong with my current setup by the way. I’m one of those that always get the itch to buy new equipment. lol

[@AstroBlender]

Yeah, the AM5 is an amazing mount, and always gives me great performance. I’d say stick with whatever you will use the most.

[@markalot]

Great looking workbench!

[@AstroBlender]

Thank you! :)

[@PhaethonJ]

Hello Cody, where did you get that small round adapter shown at 5:46 ? I have the pier extension and a AM5N I want to mount on a AVX tripod. Thank you

[@stevensiwinski]

Cant wait to see images from the 10" Schmidt-Newtonian! I've been considering a 10" Newtonian and am not sure how well it'll work with an AM5 on an AVX tripod.

[@AstroBlender]

You and me both! I have to order an adapter to attach my camera to my MoonLite focuser, then I should be ready to try it.

[@Dustin17-w1v]

Is the center hole on the bottom of the zwo pier extension (minus any adapter plate) threaded for 3/8-16 or 10mm-1.5?

[@Noncenx]

Cody, appreciate the video but now I have a problem. The base of my AM5 does not fit into the top of the pier extension. on either side of the tightening screws, there is a small "ledge" that is preventing the base of the mount to go into the pier. Did you run into this and if so, how did you get around it?

[@AstroBlender]

No, I didn’t run into that issue. Is the mounting plate installed upside down? If you loosened all 3 locks, it should slip right in and tighten up.

[@alexis8471]

Hi AstroBlender, It would be helpful if you could answer this?! ‘Is it possible to attach the AM5 to a CGX TRIPOD’? (The CGX tripod has a very UNIQUE base to it) Thanks!

[@AstroBlender]

I have the CGX and I don’t think it would be possible without a custom machined adapter. The CGX attaches to its tripod using 3 bolts at 120-degree angles to each other through the sides. I think a machine shop would need to put together a base that has those 120-degree holes and a spot for the AM5 on top. That could be very expensive.

[@ericmazaleyrat4559]

Hi astroBlender, thanks for your great video. I am about to buy an AM5, but would liké ti use my Takahashi tripod. Do you think it could work with the Eq adapter. I understood they are quite close. Thanks again.

[@donaldhalvorsen4135]

Hello Cody why in your earlier videos do you call yourself Simon. Just curious kind regfards

[@KJRitch]

The AVX tripod is a good tripod but when you buy an AM5N and PE200 you probably will never use the AVX mount. It would probably be impossible to sell the AVX mount without the tripod. I understand the PE200 has hole pattern that will allow it to be used on an iOptron tripod like their LiteRoc 1.75” tripod which you can buy separately.

[@AstroBlender]

The PE200 comes with the proper hardware for the iOptron mount as well. I picked up an AVX tripod used, and that’s what I’d recommend looking for, although I do assume more people try to sell the mount head and keep the tripod than vice versa.

[@monteroder2708]

Cody..are you saying the advanced vx tri pod adapter comes with the pier?

[@AstroBlender]

Yep, the AVX tripod adapter comes with the PE200 Pier Extension.

[@monteroder2708]

@@AstroBlender Thanks

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Interesting but I will stick to my Celestron CG-4 mount with the Astro-Gadget go to conversion kit, since I already paid for it.

[@AstroBlender]

That works.

[@marvinwhisman3333]

Thanks for the video. Either I don't know where to look or, as I suspect, the AVX is harder to find than say a Celestron CPC 1100 which is a great and heavy tripod. I have searched both Ebay and Cloudy Nights with no luck. I finally gave up looking for an AVX and bought a Celestron CPC 1100 and jury rigged the attachment using a long 3/8 bolt that works, but isn't as good as using the Skywatcher adapter. But I digress. Another great and informative video. I appreciate your detailed instructions.

[@AstroBlender]

Yeah, it can be tough to find. I picked up my AVX tripod on CN a few years back I believe. It will probably get harder to find them as Harmonic mounts get more popular. Your method still works well though, the CPC tripod is excellent.