The ZWO AM5 Mount: Taming a Beast of the SkyWatcher 200P Newtonian Telescope

This is a video of David vs Goliath, in this video I try out my ZWO AM5 harmonic drive mount with my SkyWatcher 200P Newtonian telescope. This is a heavy 200mm reflector telescope that is challenging for any traditional mount let alone the lightweight AM5. You'll see how I get on with it, did it cope with the weight and the sheer size?
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[@CDigata]

the instructions do say maximum counterweight 5kg< 🙅‍♀

[@astrojourneyuk]

Yeah, someone else mentioned that too. 🙈 I couldn’t find anywhere in the manual where it says what the max weight but you’re both right it’s no more than 5Kg.

[@antonsinitsyn6420]

@@astrojourneyuk as far as I remember that were mentioned in QA on the ZWO website

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks Anton.

[@AstroQuest1]

Awesome video! I have not seen many videos yet with the AM5 and a big scope where you need the counter weight bar. Looks like a winner. The guiding looked pretty good and produced an excellent image. Cheers Kurt

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks Kurt for watching. I’m pretty pleased with the image.

[@TheAstrocast]

Man, i'm assuming that's the only place you have to setup. Would make me SUPER nervous. I would want that tripod (or a much sturdier one for that scope) on a concrete slab, for SURE...or better yet a pier. Crazy the mount can handle that weight though! I will say...the counterweights are designed for more than just making sure your setup doesn't fall over. by balancing the weight appropriately we releive pressure on the gears (harmonic wave in this case) to allow the mount to slew with less effort than would be required without a CW. Great video!

[@astrojourneyuk]

Yeah, there are a lot of trees in my garden so the options are limited. There was limited movement really but yes, concrete floor would have been a lot better!

[@Si-fp2ij]

thanks for the video, I had been thinking about mounting my 8 inch Dob on a mount that would handle the weight and it looks like you nailed it with that image...congrats. This will hopefully be my next mount!

[@astrojourneyuk]

It is able to handle the weight. It's always a good idea to check with any mount what it's max supported weight is for imaging as the visual weight is usually higher. Don't forget to think about a pier extension if you do put a big scope on the mount. I still need to get one.

[@astroindianx]

Wow, amazing result

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thank you. 😀

[@wildweedle6012]

Wouldn't have thought the am5 could handle this load. Impressive.

[@DSOImager]

Looks like a nice setup. The AM5 is looking like a winner. Great shot of M51! CS!

[@astrojourneyuk]

It is a lovely combination, I don’t get the 200P out much though, mainly for galaxy season really because I’m still not great with collimation. 😢

[@hawkesworth1712]

I'm also thinking of loading up my AM5 with a lot of extra weight in the form of an Askar 130PHQ. I'm currently using an Askar 80PHQ and, with all the gear, it weighs 7kg. The 130PHQ by itself is 13.5kg so by the time everything is bolted on it's going to get up toward 17kg. I don't know why I'm baulking at buying it because one of the most popular mounts seems to be the EQ6 Pro and it has the same weight limit. I guess like many people I'm a bit apprehensive about the weight limit claims and the small footprint of the tripod - particularly with a tripod extension.

[@Yambolic]

My TS Optics 115/800 is a lot lighter than your SW 200P but still comes in at around 9kgs. Although I have more hair than you I also have a few more years behind me so I can agree it can be a bit awkward. 😀 I mounted my scope on a Losmandy style plate as I thought it would make for a more stable set up and personally I'd do the same with that big beast! You might want to consider fitting a long enough bolt to the Vixen plate (wrap a bit of tape around it) that can prevent the scope sliding down through the saddle. Position it in the right place for your balance point and all you have to do is mount the scope, control its movement backwards until the bolt stops it and tighten up the saddle screws. 👍 Lovely image!

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks for the tips and for taking the time to share.

[@gg02gg]

Great final image! Did you try the pier extension?.maybe it's safer and avoid clashing.

[@92mrkite]

Instead of doubling the number of counterweights, with no to elongate the rod? Since the parameter to balance the tube is the inertia momentum = mass x distance. This way, you may reach the convenient balancing with less mass.

[@astrojourneyuk]

Yes, that’s a good point.

[@user-pi5xu7qs7n]

Looks good to me. Beautiful picture. Your stars looked nice and round considering guide scope. Carry on. 🙂

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks. It’s interesting the number of comments I’ve got on the guide-scope. It does make me wonder what is “good enough” from a guiding perspective. I don’t ever tend to see egg shaped stars but maybe they are but it’s very difficult to notice? Thanks for watching and commenting B.

[@user-pi5xu7qs7n]

@@astrojourneyuk if it works it works :-)

[@astrojourneyuk]

I couldn’t agree more. Well, it works well enough and doesn’t cost me anything more. 😂

[@TheTabugman]

Max guiding exposure for harmonic mounts is 1s. 0.5 is preferable. 😊

[@skyguy1728]

Without guiding… With guiding people have been doing up to 5 minute exposures with sub arc second RMS.

[@stevenwilliams6258]

Informative! Nice end result. This from someone who doesn't even have a rig, which is why I watched this video.

[@antonsinitsyn6420]

I tested Maxvision 127ed Apo with 952mm focal length and it totally had around 10kg. I didn't use counterweight. And I've got good results with waves for 0.2 arc sec on the guide graphic

[@PillarsOfCreationakaPillarbhai]

On AM5? That's awesome 😮

[@antonsinitsyn6420]

@@PillarsOfCreationakaPillarbhai yes, I used pre-order version. Probably, the latest mounts are more accurate

[@astrojourneyuk]

To be fair the counterweight is really just there to stop the scope falling over. That’s pretty good results though!!!

[@antonsinitsyn6420]

@@astrojourneyuk Thanks! Also, ZWO recommend do not use more than 5kg counterweight. To improve tripod stability I put between tripod legs all my items (around 15kg, include car battery).

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks. I had the Jackery there but that’s not too heavy. But yes, sound advice to load up the hammock thing. I used to have one of these for a landscape tripod too, where the plan was to put rocks in it if needed.

[@tullyfisher]

Very interesting. I'm having the 200 PDS and thinking about getting an AM5. :) Thanks & cs

[@astrojourneyuk]

The AM5 is a lovely mount, so much more manageable compared to the traditional mounts. You definitely need to make sure that it's balanced from a whole centre of gravity perspective so the whole tripod doesn't fall over. It is possible though.

[@testboga5991]

​@@astrojourneyuk the issue here is more the tripod, less the mount

[@bngwira]

It's amazing how light that harmonic mount is, and yet has similar capacity (with counter weights) to much heavier Equatorial mounts! Do you think we might see a steady shift away from traditional EQ mounts over time?

[@astrojourneyuk]

With more providers potentially comes more competition and efficiency so I think its possible.

[@astrojourneyuk]

They also have hybrid ones these days too which could help with price too.

[@anthonygraham6449]

You may get better guiding at .5 to 1 second and aggression about 35%. It will reduce those spikes some

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks, I’ll have a play with it if the clouds ever clear. 😂

[@anthonygraham6449]

@@astrojourneyuk other thing I have done ie switched the tripod. Carbon tripod is to flexible with my C8 in the wind. Good seeing I’m getting .3 to .5 rms. Beautiful image.

[@davidjennings2733]

Thanks for sharing and I noticed that your counter weights looks to be those of an EQ5 or EQ6 coming in around 11.x pounds each. Please note that when using the counterweight shaft and counterweight, the largest counterweight allowed is 11 lbs (5kg) according to ZWO. Be careful not to overload the mount in counterweights. Nice rig though.. Details from Agena Astro and the mounts description: ZWO AM5: High Payload Capacity, Low Weight Mount The ZWO AM5 mount head on its own weighs just 12 lbs (5.5 kg), making it the ideal mount to transport to your favorite dark sky sites. It also comes with a premium soft shell case to protect the mount head during travel. Despite its light weight, the AM5 can carry an astounding 28 lbs (13 kg) without any counterweights. Medium refractors, large SCTs, and more are all within the range of the AM5 with no counterweights. If you want to use an even larger telescope, you can increase the payload capacity to 44 lbs (20 kg) with the addition of a counterweight shaft and counterweight (both sold separately, see related products above). This makes the AM5 a highly versatile mount. You can leave the counterweight at home when traveling for a lightweight setup, or use a counterweight when imaging from home for imaging with larger telescopes. Please note that when using the counterweight shaft and counterweight, the largest counterweight allowed is 11 lbs (5kg).

[@astrojourneyuk]

Yeah, that was my mistake! A few others highlighted this too. I'll see if I can pin your comment so others can see this too!

[@figzastro-photography]

Nice setup and video. Curious to know what your dither and guiding settings are?

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks. Currently, I'm just using the default settings for dithering and guiding. I figured, if it's good enough then to not mess with it. Some people here have suggested that you should change the settings, but with a level mount, good polar alignment I've been happy with guiding a RedCat51, EvoStar 80ED Pro and 200P Newtonian.

[@hooch1111]

If am5 still needs counter weights for 8" newtonian, then what's the point in spending money on those new mounts?

[@TheVillageIdiotUk]

An excellent video, sir. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to record and post it. The AM5 being so light looks ideal for my requirements, as I’m partially disabled. Some great comments from fellow viewers as well. Well done. I’d be interested to see how it copes with solar tracking if that’s part of your extensive repertoire. Thanks again and best wishes. P.s. I have a losmandy bar I have no use for, if required, for no charge as a token payment in return for viewing your content.

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thank you for the very kind offer. Love your KZbin name by the way. 😂 Solar tracking theoretically should be a doddle. I only have a solar filter for the EvoStar scope though. I really should try solar again, I just got fed up with needing windows to stack the AVIs. :( The lightweight nature of the AM5 is fantastic but it comes at a cost. I’d love to replace the EQ6-R Pro with another but that’s not happening for a good while now.

[@michaelrushalko6040]

I run a 9.25sct with hyperstar on a am5 mount. I only use a 4.5lbs counterweight because the tripod is what you need to replace if you want to use that big scope and not feel like a disaster can happen at any moment. I have a Celestron CPc1100 tripod with pier extension and that is a tank. Your guiding will be better also and more consistent.

[@TiBiAstro]

do you think the AM5 could handle a C11?

[@astrojourneyuk]

It should as it’s well within the max payload capacity. Also it looks like they are using a C11 in their marketing shots.

[@gloomiehoodie]

Great results!

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thank you!

[@tompage8674]

Question, how many nights of clear skies do we get here in the UK per year

[@astrojourneyuk]

I’d probably say maybe 30?

[@michaelbibby8636]

Your guidescope is your weakness in this setup: firstly, ideally at least, it should have a longer focal length (at least 250mm), off axis might be better, and second, the finderscope holder could potentially allow for a bit of movement. Pair this setup with a Nexus 0.75 corrector and reducer and you have a nice F3.75 rig.

[@astrojourneyuk]

Oooo, f3.75? I could use the RedCat51 as a guidescope. 🙈 Thanks for the tip.

[@mikelockwood2104]

Well done - I purchased an AM5 yesterday hopefully will arrive with Clear Skies. Question : on the counterweights. What are the determining factors to warrant the amount of weight and distance from the mount head ? I will be using the mount primarily on top of their 6" pier extension, with everything mounted on top of a 12" diameter concrete pier. I have no worries of turning over a tripod - will I need counterweights ? Excellent video again - came in real handy for me right about now

[@astrojourneyuk]

Looking at the guidance it seems to be purely weight based, so over 13Kg and you need a counterweight and that weight cannot be over 5Kg. This page provides more details astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/am5-faq-35-things-you-want-to-know-about-zwo-am5-mount/

[@mikelockwood2104]

@@astrojourneyuk thank you sir

[@KJRitch]

How did you calculate how much counterweight to use and how far up or down the shaft? Are the counterweights needed only to insure the telescope doesn't tip over? I may get the AM5 and the PE200 Pier so I can use my AVX tripod. Thanks

[@sjpp71]

Nice little mount which is getting more and more popular. Amazing to see how big of a scope this mount can hold, Do you still need to balance the mount to avoid strain in the gears, or is it only to ensure stability of the whole setup? Oh and nice image, beautifully processed. Keep it up, looking forward to see more adventures with this mount!

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thank you Sergio. With the harmonic or strain wave gear mounts there is no need to balance and you can’t either because there is no clutch to disengage. It feels odd at the start and then you just get passed it and setup quicker. 😀 Thanks for the feedback on the image.

[@jeffrysmoovew2179]

are you using the stock finder scope as a guide scope? Is it easy to mount that camera to it if so?

[@astrojourneyuk]

Yes, it’s the stock finder scope although not quite the right focal length for the 200P, however, I get relatively good guiding from it still. Good enough for now.

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

I do like all these strain-wave mounts that are coming on the market sadly they're all out of my budget though so can't see me owning one any time soon. I must say it does look kinda ridiculous with a large Newt on there but the mount coped well with it all. Very nice M51 to clear skies.

[@astrojourneyuk]

Thanks, yes, they do look pretty crazy when paired together. 😂 Partly why I gave it a try. Also, definitely very expensive and I’ll be paying it off for the next year or so! 🙈

[@fabriziocanale9768]

Hello, I have a newton TS Optics 200/800 f4 and with all the accessories it comes to 11.4 kg. I’m torn between the AM5 and the iOptron HEM. I was suggested by my local seller, in the case of the iOptron, to buy the aluminum tripod because it is sturdier. Do you think the whole thing is going to work smoothly or I’d better sell the Newton and take a refractor? Thank you, Fabrizio

[@astrojourneyuk]

I think refractors can be heaver can't they? I would certainly consider the advice of the local seller if they are a trusted company, they live and breath this stuff more than I do to be honest. Personally, I've not seen guiding issues with this setup so once it was all on, everything has been good enough for 5 minute subs. Sorry for the late reply, I'm a bit behind. :D Did you get one in the end?

[@BBAFER]

What was the total weight of the scope with everything on it? I’m trying to put an 8inch dob on my am5 and my total weight is 26lbs. But I’m not getting below 1.5arcseconds guiding

[@astrojourneyuk]

Mine has to be about that as well. Mine was over the 9Kg payload capacity of the eq5 pro mount which is why I ended up with the EQ6-R Pro.

[@sergeyt.7564]

Hi, thank you for this video.Nice result! I have a problem with my Newtonian SW750/150. I can not to find a focus with my zwo asi294, the focus point is out of phocuser range. How you solve this?

[@astrojourneyuk]

Does it need to be closer or further away? I remember when I used my DSLR the focuser was almost all the way in. Technically the SW 200P isn’t suitable they same for astrophotography which is why they made the 200PDS but it works fine for me. Some have done crazy things like moving mirrors. Which feels a bit extreme.

[@sergeyt.7564]

@@astrojourneyuk i think focus is before focuser. I see you used a filter holder, may it works as extender

[@astrojourneyuk]

That’s true, mind you for your setup I guess the issue is not being able to wind the focuser in enough. :( Maybe a reducer might help but definitely ask a telescope retailer.

[@dubbleOHnegative]

I have the same setup sans guide scope (using OAG) and I don’t use the counterweight. The OTA weighs 11 kilos which is under the suggested limit without a counterweight. Have you tried it without the counterweights?

[@astrojourneyuk]

I did for the Comet a few weeks back and it felt quite unstable. I’ll give it another go when it’s clear next. 👍

[@dubbleOHnegative]

@@astrojourneyuk oh interesting. I have mine on the pier extension and even with an 8 position filter wheel, ASIair mini, and a ASIair 1600 I thought it did quite well without the weights. I’ve been thinking of getting one just to try it out

[@astrojourneyuk]

To be fair I was using it for visual and so I wouldn’t have had the camera etc on it and I didn’t think too much about over all balance because I was in a rush to see the comet. Maybe it’s fine?

[@dubbleOHnegative]

@@astrojourneyuk probably was. I’m a little lost on where I’d put the weight on the bar anyway since you can’t balance it.

[@astrojourneyuk]

I’d say if the idea is to balance the whole setup that you can move the scope over the legs at the extreme and see if it is stable. There was a diagram that showed how to measure too. There’s a bit of math(s) to work out how much to move it too.

[@Family_from_Altai]

Hello! I really liked your video! And how many kilograms does your telescope weigh? I have 13, will am5 survive?

[@astrojourneyuk]

My setup is probably getting close to that, the scope is 8.8Kg, plus cameras, guide scope, ASIAIR and cables. The AM5 payload capacity is 13Kg without counterweights, so theoretically I didn't need the weights! Insane!

[@Family_from_Altai]

@@astrojourneyuk Thanks!!!

[@book3100]

As long as cg is inside tripod, no prob.

[@astrojourneyuk]

That’s very true. 😀 I should probably be a bit more mathematical about it next time!!!

[@book3100]

@@astrojourneyuk na, you can eyeball it after awhile. You just get to know after years lol.

[@astrojourneyuk]

I’ll start with doing lateral raises with my scope in one hand and the counterweight in the other and feel it that way. 😂 Then progress to eyeballing it. 😀👍👍

[@PillarsOfCreationakaPillarbhai]

Damn so good 👍 😊

[@astrojourneyuk]

It’s pretty crazy really. Not sure how often I’ll use this configuration though.

[@PillarsOfCreationakaPillarbhai]

@@astrojourneyuk you will definitely enjoy the portable mount 😀

[@hooch1111]

200p is just 9 kg, am5 should be able to handle it without counter weight, as per specs.

[@valentinotera3244]

SSSSHEEEETT

[@astrojourneyuk]

😀

[@fellpower]

The AM5 is not made for a 200....thats the truth - u will break it over time ^^

[@astrojourneyuk]

Why do you say that? It is within the payload capacity.