How to Set Up the ZWO AM5

In this video, we go over how to set up the ZWO AM5 and get you started to capturing some great images with this mount.
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this, and pay for replacement screws I've dropped in the dark. Thank you for the support!

[@marvinwhisman3333]

I appreciate you making a video that is so easy to follow and went into all of the detail necessary to get going.

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome! I hope things have been going smooth since you started using the AM5!

[@marvinwhisman3333]

You really make great videos with tons of details that I find super helpful.

[@OlliesSpace]

Looking good Daylon heard pretty positive stuff on this mount so far. 👍Glad to see you're back up with videos again, hope you're going well.

[@AstroEscape]

Yes sir Ollie, doing well. Liking this mount so far!

[@benwilliams9627]

Thank you so much for making this video. I am 110% new astrophotography and this video was a life changer.

[@AstroEscape]

You're so welcome!

[@jims9982]

Thank you for the video. My AM5 just came in the mail a few days ago and I am in the process of setting it up properly.

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome! It's a great mount, enjoy!

[@flyalaz]

All black locking tabs are spring loaded and adjustable to let you rotate them out of the way to help prevent cable snags. Simply lift up and position them where you want. ;)

[@AstroEscape]

Did not know that! Thanks for the tip!

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Thanks for this video, as I set up my AM5 and my optical train. Question please: Did you ever put together that optical train storage video? I want to keep my scope, EAF, ASIAIR, 533, and guide camera/120 put together as a system. Thanks, Michael

[@sreeshab4093]

Great video my friend. Thank you so much. You are an asset to this fraternity.

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for the humbling comment.

[@grodqz]

Thank you for doing step by step instructions for the unsure beginners such as myself. So much to learn I am laughing at finding snags in the very beginning which for me is-the ZWO you tube video showing this set up places the spreader screw short side up not long side up. Hopefully it can work either way.

[@AstroEscape]

It does work either way. ZWO told me that by design for the AM5, the short side is what you want. The long side is for using the tripod with other mounts.

[@sssdeecee]

Thank you. This was a very helpful introduction to the AM5. I can't wait to receive my AM3 in August. :)

[@AstroEscape]

You'll enjoy it! The AM3 is pretty much the same as the 5 but smaller and better for travel. It's a great little mount!

[@thebearcat]

Seriously, brother. Great vid. Greatly appreciated.

[@AstroEscape]

Seriously, thank you for watching. It means a ton!

[@insalatacosmica]

Thank you usefull! Like your tee 🤩

[@sreeshab4093]

Am loving your channel. This is great help. Thanks.

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you! I'm glad it's helping you. If there's ever questions, please let me know here or on my Discord.

[@twobrotherskayaking4736]

Well, just got my AM5 delivered earlier today. After a couple of mods I got it mounted on my AVX. (Had to use my own 3/8 x 16 threaded rod, a couple of wingnuts and washers, but it sits nice and solid.) I should be getting the PE200 riser pier tomorrow and will set that up and not have to worry about my ASI2600 contacting the mount. Just followed this video for the setup, very straight forward and easy to get it up and running, thank you. This mount works well moving exactly as desired via the hc and/or the ASIAIR Plus app controls. Also, as you stated, homes EXACTLY with hc or app. (Been using the AVX mount and that one doesn't always return home especially later on after a few hours of imaging, etc.) So, needless to say I'm physicked to try some guiding and imaging and looks like will have CS here in upstate NY for tomorrow night. YESSS! Looking forward to trying this with my Redcat 51, and ASI662mc and the 2600mc!!! Thank you again for this superb approach to setting up and using the AM5. Very much appreciated! CS and good imaging!!

[@AstroEscape]

Didn't think it would work on the AVX tripod but I am glad to hear it did work! Since I am reading this as you expected to have clear skies, I hope your first session with it went well!

[@victorc2627]

You are the only one who said to leave the maunt on am5 seem many reviews but none mentioned it

[@AstroEscape]

Yeah if you leave the plate on it, there's no real need to ever detach it!

[@mikehardy8247]

It seems I was the last one to comment here a year ago...haha This week March 2024, I received my AM5! As with my asiair +, your your tutorial was the most straight forward to get me set up. Hopefully it'll be clear enough tomorrow for a test run. I haven't seen you do any videos lately, hope all is well 😊

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks Mike. Yeah, I've been on a much needed break. It's been rocky, but I am well. Congrats on the AM5! Enjoy the portability :)

[@mikehardy8247]

That wasn't an issue, as my mount (tracker) is a SW SA GTI. Just time to go with a bigger, and heavier OTA. Galaxies appear small. Had it under the stars last night. What a thing of beuty! I've never seen another mount in person. Fast, quite, accurate.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I wonder if ZWO is working on a bigger ASIAIR. Something like an Eagle that has a lot more ports and power options.

[@AstroEscape]

They keep going with attachments, like the rotator/EAF/EFW/etc they might have to!

[@nigelprice4480]

Thanks, great video. I’m thinking about a harmonic drive mount but May wait for AM6 if it has through the mount cabling. I don’t like the idea of tangled cables if out at a dark site and that’s why I’m looking at more portable mounts.

[@AstroEscape]

I don't know if ZWO has plans to do through the mount cabling. iOptron's mounts do though.

[@woody5109]

Nice camera, great video, thanks for these. Not sure if you’ve even done a review of the ASIAIR stacking ability? If not, consider this a request, thanks again.

[@AstroEscape]

I have not yet, well, at least since the 2.0 version came out. I will add that to the list. Thanks, Woody.

[@dalebeasley3113]

With the asi air plus. PA. With ever way the arrow points I move that knob and just lock down with the other one.

[@AstroEscape]

That's what I do, I just hope my explanation helped those who have never done a PA before. Thanks, Dale.

[@mikelockwood2104]

excellent presentation

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks Mike!

[@sberrett]

May I ask why you are powering the asi air and cameras from the mount? I thought this was a no no? In my case it would be an asi air mini, asi294mc pro, asi 174mm mini guide cam, and a zwo eaf. I would like to eliminate a power source and cable to streamline things, but i’m worried that everything would be drawing too many amps.

[@AstroEscape]

It's fine for just the air and the cameras. Total draw is below 5 amps, which is the max for the AM5. Once you add in dew heaters and other stuff, then you need to start paying attention and possibly use a different power source.

[@davidletz9123]

Thanks for the video! I wonder what compelled ZWO to provide such a short tripod? Even with the pier extension, that is going to be too short for me. Are you (or anyone reading this) aware of any after-market tripods that are taller and will securely hold this mount?

[@AstroEscape]

I unfortunately do not. I am a shorter guy. I wonder if @Astrobackyard has any insight, since he's taller than me by a bit!

[@johnposavatz]

Great video, and I LOVE the t-shirt lol! Quick question - why does it matter if you align a particular tripod leg pointing north? Any time I set up my AM5, so long as the AM5 (in it's home position) is pointing roughly north, the legs don't really matter?

[@johnposavatz]

Oh and to answer your question, I'd love it if the next version had some form of "safety" so that if it detects that anything in my imaging train has collided with (for example) my tripod or pier extension, it'll stop moving. Even better, notify the user of the problem via a pop-up notification on the ASIAir app / tablet / phone.

[@AstroEscape]

That would be fantastic!

[@AstroEscape]

Eh, I guess you could say that's because I am used to a mount that has an indicator on the tripod, and when you put the mount on the tripod, it's already facing the right way. If anyone needs something like that to make their setup easier, then having a leg or some other marker pointing to their pole would help 😀

[@gwzapo]

Very nice video!!! I would like to suggest a move away from MP4 vid format and provide the option for SER Format for video recording. SER is a very high quality format.

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks! I would switch but it's not on KZbin's list of supported formats unfortunately.

[@gwzapo]

@@AstroEscape I'm sorry, my comments were actually clear as a cheeseburger...lol. I was actually referring to video capture in the ASIAIR Plus. JPEG and MP4.....are listed formats. I prefer SER as it provides much better detail in planetary imaging. BTW, thank you so very much for this video. That Bluestacks is awesome.

[@AstroEscape]

@@gwzapoOooohhhhh! On the tablet I use a screen recording app, I'll see if there's any settings that can make it more crisp. It captures in 1080p but my camera does 4k. I'll see what I can do!

[@gwzapo]

@@AstroEscape No, let me try again, please. Inside the asiair application---for the main menu settings, in the video mode, you have mp4, avi, MP4 +AVI. I understand avi, but my suggestion as an improvement inside the asiair app, is to drop the MP4 and incorporate SER Format like SC Pro allows you to.

[@AstroEscape]

@@gwzapo Ah, gotcha. I'll make sure ZWO gets that feedback!

[@badmatt4227]

What portable power supply do you recommend?

[@AstroEscape]

I tend to run with Jackery when I need to use a battery. Purely because I use it for other things (camping, emergencies, etc).

[@kubakubolski1365]

Hey, Do these loose rings on your M6 screws scratch metal off around the holes while unscrewing too? I did not go soo crazy about that tightening so that was disappointing to see.

[@AstroEscape]

I haven't noticed. Ever since I attached the plate for the video, I haven't removed it.

[@MrGp3po]

I have been using the ASIAir Plus on my HEQ5 mount but never success running everything off the ASIAir power ports. I run three separate 12V/5amp converters: one for the mount, one for the ASI294MC Pro camera, and one for the ASIAir. Would love to simplify like you show in this video.

[@AstroEscape]

If you are only running the mount and the camera, the ASIAIR can handle powering just those two. You just need to keep it below 6 total amps. it's when you start adding things like the EFW, EAF, Dew heaters, etc that you need to use extra power sources.

[@MrGp3po]

@@AstroEscape Just received the AM5 yesterday and set it up with my AT115EDT/ASI294MC Pro, Orion 50mm guide scope and ASI120MM mini camera, also have the ASIAir Plus mounted on the scope. This rig weighs a total of 18 lbs. With the AM5 and TC40 Tripod, the entire rig is only 35 lbs! Great for an old guy like me. I was able to power every thing with just a single 12V 5amp converter (haven't seen if the 294 can cool all the way to -20C yet). I did order the 12V converter you suggested since it has more amperage. I saw a great way to check the center of balance with the scope assembly off the mount. Just set the dovetail plate cross ways on a dowel on a table top and move or roll on the dowel until you find center. For this rig, I may try it off the weight center and more to the length center.

[@akb1974]

I've had my AM5 now for 2 months. So far I like it. They need to make some sort of cover for the alt/az to stop snags. Also, they should just ad $400 to the price and make a "AM5 ADVANCED" and have a model that has a asiair plus built into the mount with cable management built in. LOL if ZWO wants to rule the amateur astro industry the should motorized the alt/az adjusters and have it auto PA and while they are at it make a harmonic mount yhe can hold 80lbs too.

[@AstroEscape]

I agree, and I've wondered when auto-polar aligning might become a thing. But yes, the AIR built into the mount would eliminate a some things!

[@sreeshab4093]

Daylon, one question. You said whole imaging train you will put it inside a case. at 4:50 can u pls share the link of the carry ccase you use? i have similar setup and looking for a carry case. thank you

[@AstroEscape]

The case I use is linked below. However, I replaced the pluck foam with padding more like what you would find in a camera backpack. It just works better for reconfiguring as needed. www.harborfreight.com/4800-weatherproof-protective-case-x-large-green-56863.html

[@sreeshab4093]

@@AstroEscape thank u Daylon, appreciate it

[@friedbertninow9455]

Just a quick question: I plan to use the AM5 with the ASIAirplus which will power my ASI2600, the filter wheel, EAF, and two dew heater straps; I understand the I can connect power from the mount to the ASIAir - is the power supply for the mount enough to power all the stuff that is hanging at the ASIAir?

[@AstroEscape]

I would say not in this iteration. And for your setup it will be really close but that is highly dependent on what your weather conditions are. One night, your dew straps could barely need to work, the next, it could be super wet and they are working full tilt drawing a lot of power. The camera is a constant draw, and the EAF and wheel are periodical based on your program. The AM5 is just as limited as the ASI AIR with amperage so you do still need to keep that in mind so something doesn't fry. While the outbound power of the AM5 is a great idea, I think they should take advantage of the non-raspberry pi structure of the mount to make sure anything attached to the whole rig can be powered without endangering any of the attached electronics.

[@3_Gold_Coins]

I just ordered one

[@AstroEscape]

Nice, enjoy!

[@sssdeecee]

Here is a question that many of my colleagues are asking. What if you don't have an ASIair? How does one polar align the AM5/3 for reliable GOTO for visual use? I wanted to counter this complaint, but I haven't found any information and ZWO hasn't responded to my questions about this (which is very disappointing). I have heard that GOTO without the ASIair is unreliable because 3-star alignment is not supported... huh, tell me that's not true. I intend to do a lot of outreach using my AM3 and I may want to keep it simple w/o the ASIair so I hope my information is wrong. Or maybe I ought to reconsider the iOptron HEM15?

[@AstroEscape]

I haven't messed with it too much, but I will soon without the AIR. I have asked others to chime in if they have experience with NINA or another program in combination with the AM5/3.

[@CDigata]

Had to Laugh BUMP 😁 love my AM5 - balance does affect guide tracking so make it your best guess

[@AstroEscape]

Watch out for them BUMPS! Technically yes, it does matter, but not nearly as much as a EQ mount. There's some pretty cool videos showing how the harmonic gears work, balance doesn't affect that at all, it can compensate. I'm betting ZWO added something to the guiding to compensate for it being off balance though, if it is plugged into the AM5. Next time I talk to them I will ask.

[@CDigata]

@@AstroEscape Dont get me wrong.. im running a fully decked rasa and if off balance i get good guiding, but balanced I get awesome tracking.. there all different, like us humans.. I have no cons

[@MrGp3po]

Have you mounted the AM5 on your HEQ5 tripod? If yes, how? Where can one get an adapter?

[@AstroEscape]

I have not, since I am also using the HEQ5. I do want to try it..... and with the way the tripod is made, it's supposed to be able to mount other brands of mounts. When I do, you'll know :)

[@MrGp3po]

@@AstroEscape ok, great. I have an HEQ5 mounted on a Primaluce pier, but would need an adapter to mount the AM5 instead of the HEQ5 mount. So I need an adapter from the HEQ5 type tripod head (it has a fixed North "knob" or "peak" that the adapter would have to cover. Haven't found one yet.

[@torybruno7952]

Good video. Kind of annoying that a $2000 mount does not include its $7 power supply. At the very least, that might be mode more clear at the point of sale, so a buyer could order one from Amazon at the same time.

[@AstroEscape]

I agree. But, it's the case with most mounts unfortunately.

[@skye7690]

Why do i need the hand controller for AM5, i don’t plan on using it. I’ve powered on the AM5, but the AM5 App can’t find it, via Wi-Fi nor Bluetooth.

[@AstroEscape]

It it isn't necessary, but it has its uses. Keep in mind it HAS to be plugged in to use.

[@3_Gold_Coins]

The ASIAIR needs a dc to dc cigarette connection for a power tank. Zwo should jump on it.

[@AstroEscape]

They do make an AC adapter for the cameras. Most any cigarette adapter works for the air though.

[@BenGieCruz]

Mine came with a power supply

[@BenGieCruz]

Do you happen to know the diameter of the tripod plate on this thing? Wonder if I could use current tripod with that provided plate....

[@AstroEscape]

Apologies for the delay, just measured it. 3 1/4 inches was what I measured it at.

[@BenGieCruz]

@@AstroEscape no biggie! I appreciate that!

[@augiet65]

I would love to have a built in asi air into the mount.

[@AstroEscape]

GREAT suggestion. That would simplify things a tad, wouldn't it?

[@TheRamsquare]

The ASIAIR pro and the AM5 must have WIFI to operate?

[@AstroEscape]

AM5, no. It can be controlled by USB. ASI AIR line: Mini is only wifi. Pro and Plus: Mostly yes, but you gave me an idea to try hardwiring it to see if it works. Since there's an ethernet port on it, it can technically be hardwired. Give me some time to test and see if it works!

[@KalashKat]

In my experience leveling doesn't make a difference. This scope reminds of my GT71. (I just bought the AM5.)

[@AstroEscape]

Eh, it's still not a bad idea to have it leveled anyways.

[@autobot3b5]

AM6 would need a better hand controller.

[@AstroEscape]

That would be great! The current one gets the job done but it's not for everyone.

[@mikehardy8247]

Call me stupid, I can't find the link to your Discord server. Please reveal the secret. I'd very much like to have discussions. Find your content presented the way I enjoy, thanks!

[@AstroEscape]

I will update the link to include icons to make it obvious 😀 I know there's a lot going on in my description! Thanks for the feedback on that.

[@larrycable984]

+1mon wifi and ethernet on the mount!

[@yukonfox3]

Your hand waving is really distracting

[@AstroEscape]

I apologize. I'm one of those people that "talk with my hands." I can't stand still, if I wanted to do that I'd rejoin the military haha. I at least hope the information in the video helped you out, even if all you could do was listen because what I did on video was distracting.