To Buy or Not to Buy: The ZWO Pier Extension

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Clarification about leg positioning. I state in the video that my legs are set up the "right way" with one leg pointing straight back and two legs foward. This is due to having previously used a EQ6-R Pro where the pin indent in the tripod head only allows you to install the head with the legs in this configuration. BUT! Other manufacturers have it the other way with one leg forward and two to the rear! So either way would be safe. BUT! what I wouldn't be doing is having the legs rotated say 45deg, you might get your clearance but now stability would definitly be an issue.

[@gregorymckenna6609]

The PE200 is cheap insurance to help protect very expensive equipment from damage. I bought one and so glad I did.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Totally agree, and the fact it gets everything that bit higher helps too.

[@FrankSD76]

Thanks! Just the info I needed. Not many reviewers (any?) have addressed the clearance and pier but it’s critical.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Glad it was helpful and thanks so much for the super thanks!!!

[@bobwaterfield7222]

Was questioning the need, other than the adapter plate to mount to my Ioptron Tir-Pier. Glad I saw this, thanks.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

@@bobwaterfield7222 I’m glad it helped 😊

[@MichaelCory-xf9mr]

Thanks for this video... I had just ordered my new Askar 120 APO and AM5 mount when I saw this. I went back and ordered the PE200 Pier Extension, and glad I did! I was able to use the new setup straight away. My target (M81) was very high last night, so the rig was near vertical. Yes, with a telescope like the Askar 120 APO - the pier extension is a must. Thank you Glenn.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

So glad the video helped you out! Thanks so much for letting me know 😊

[@TheNewJankyWorkshop]

Production quality on this was top notch! Nice work my friend!

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it

[@nameisunique]

Super helpful video, thanks for posting! Have the Explore Scientific 127mm and AM5, you've convinced me to get the pier.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Glad you found it helpful and for sure would recomend the pier for a scope of that size. There's affiliate links in the description if Agena Astro or Highpoint Scientific are either of your go-tos for gear 😊

[@robertcarroll5036]

Thanks Glen, I have an AM5 and tripod on my wish list, so I better add in the pier extension.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Good choice! Some affiliate links in the description if either of those online stores are a go to for you ;-)

[@FredLombardo]

I just bought the AM5N and TC40 Tripod. The guys at Starizona talked me into the PE200 pier and I’m glad they did. I run an Edge HD8 at F7 with an Askar OAG and an ASI533MC Pro and I have no concerns with anything striking the legs of the tripod. Great video.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Would defintily be a good idea for that load out!

[@FredLombardo]

@@GlennMartinPhotography it has been perfect with the pier. I also like that it puts the rig higher off the ground when I’m trying to look through the TelRad star finder when shooting planets. At 60 years old, my neck is not as flexible as it once was lol.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

@@FredLombardo absolutly none of us are getting any younger

[@ricksonzella2826]

I just received the AM5N mount, tripod, and i did order the puer extension. I will be using a WO Redcat 91 (when it gets shipped to me).

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

You’re going to love it!

[@BrettsWoodshop]

Very clear description of the components and the potential issues. And the text graphics were helpful. I also like the music. It sounds sciencey. Well done Glenn!

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Thanks so much, Brett, I really appreciate your feedback!

[@frankm81m82]

Another option that might help is they sell scope ring riser blocks that can give you a few more inches to play with.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Another good option to look into!

[@paulmcnamara7023]

My APO is 127mm. I use 2 pier extensions. The weight in the bag is about 15kg. It works perfectly.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Two of them, that's cool!

[@АстроКот-ы1д]

Great video! Respect from Russia!)

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Thank you very much!

[@mikehardy8247]

I have an Askar 120mm APO Triplett on AM5. Even with the PE200 I watch every flip. Like you, I have a "battery " in the tripod sling. I think a weigt is equality important!

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

I tried to be brave and didn't watch my second to last flip because the filter wheel was up not down. Except post flip it failed to platesolve the target so lost two hours of imaging :(

[@tommyozzy317]

Thanks for the review. Just placed my order. For now i only have a 70mm which actually did hit the legs (filter wheel). Am getting a 140mm refractor soon and im sure thatll be much worse.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Yeah, that's a good plan, you won't regret it!

[@Stefan-Astro-Art]

I got the PE200 too, and the good thing is the hole where I putt my zwo power adapter in there.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Ha! clever!

[@whatmattersmost6725]

Good video, and adding 2 PE200 f0r longer refractors like a 125mm or 150mm scopes are needed! Thanks

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

That's for the feedback :) Must look seriously tall with the two extensions!

[@viewintospace]

Thanks - that was very helpful!

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@starman6092]

A pier extension is good money spent to keep your rig from banging the tripod. I installed the SW 8" pier extension on my EQ6R mount/tripod because my ED127 kept hitting the tripod legs at zenith. Haven't had any problems since.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Wow at over a meter without a camera I can see why that would have been an issue!

[@astrofromhome]

Great video! I am also into affording an AM5 or similar so your test is very valuable for me. BTW try to use a 90 degree angled USB-B connector for the filter whell. This may give you a centimeter or two more space for the vertical position. You may just need to swap cables of the EAF and the EFW. Without the PE200 you may rotate the full assably of the AM5 by 60 degrees counter clockwise when looking from the back of the telescope and then stand the tripod into the new required position to have the telescope pointed towards the NCP. For sothern hemesphere users you need to check if mounting the AM5 60 degrees clockwise would be better taking the meridian flip into consideration.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Yeah have the top off axis to the bottom may help, just need to test before and ensure there's lots of weight in the basket to stop it toppling

[@astrofromhome]

@GlennMartinPhotography I need to run my current mount also off axis because of available space. The first GOTO each session is always tensioning. I am afraid that the whole setup tips over or that the clearance to the window is not enough. If the mount is at its designated spot, my scope swings through similar to the situations with the leg when you have the PE installed. Clearance for my setup is about -0.5cm as the cables are touching the window already. Going with an AM5 would give me about 20cm more space compared to my CEM40. But not sure yet as I love my current setup.

[@darkrangersinc]

Nice production quality, and overview - I clicked on because I have a similar set up and used without a pier and with. When using an EFW I could get away with no pier if the filter wheel was pointing vertical or close, but if I wanted to rotate it down I couldn't. So adding the pier gave me flexibility with a 90mm apo. Without an EFW, a longer bar and pushing the scope forward should keep most out of trouble.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Thanks so much for the comment, Ryan, I've been an admirer of your channel and you helped me out on FB with the recent Graxpert PI integration.

[@darkrangersinc]

@@GlennMartinPhotography thank you, this is great Conant this is the stuff people need to know that you can’t read in a manual. It’s kind of a borderline situation. In some cases you can get away with it. In some cases you can so making a video like this is a great idea! Looks like you are well on your way to 1000 subscribers with the effort you’re putting into your videos. Your channel will do very well. It’s just a consistency, and time game. I’ll check out some more of your content, clear skies!

[@yervantparnagian5999]

Love the channel. Your videos are very clear and concise. Well done! Quick question. I'm getting an Am5/3. I have the ASIAir Plus. If I'm using the Air to control the mount, do I need to attach the HC too? I'm thinking I can just use the Air's Wi-Fi and built in pad to control the mount without the need of the HC. Thanks in Advance.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

You’ve pretty much got it right. When the mount is connected to the ASIAIRpro via USB cable you don’t have hand controller plugged in and do everything via the ASIAIR app. In this video I was using the ASI Mount app which is different.

[@yervantparnagian5999]

Much appreciate the quick reply. Some of these other popular astro KZbinrs can’t be bothered to reply. So, thanks again.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

@@yervantparnagian5999 no worries, glad it helped 😊

[@oldnordy2665]

So far, I have only tried out the AM5 with my guide scope - but I have already run into the tripod once and also (separately) destroyed a (longish) USB stick attached to the ASIAIR Plus. There must be more to this than trial-and-error?

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Ah that's a bugger! Unfortunatly need to do a bit of testing with new gear before first light, can never be sure what will happen in the dark. Where do you have your ASIAir mounted?

[@oldnordy2665]

@@GlennMartinPhotography I have the ASIAIR to the left of the black front face of the mount, when looking at it (say, from North). Some KZbinrs use this position because it is convenient and it has a shoe right there, but also say that ZWO does not recommend it. Once I have an actual telescope (beyond my cheap Newtonian), I will try to mount the ASIAIR on top of the scope or the guide scope. I have also bought an extension, so my guide scope is further out from the Vixen shoe.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

@@oldnordy2665 yeah definitly a risky proposition there for cables/antennas to get tweaked by the head RA rotating

[@RobPauza]

Thanks for the video. I love the extra clearance, but my worry is how much does the higher center of gravity effect guiding on a larger scope?

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

I think the PE200 you would be ok as it really is a solid piece of kit. The PE160 on the other hand it's payload is significantly less than the 200 (and I *think* ZWO has discontinued the 160 now)

[@RobPauza]

@@GlennMartinPhotography Thank you for the reply. 😁 I’m pretty careful, but I’ve still managed to run my filter wheel into a leg a couple times with my FF 107. Luckily it’s just unscrewed it a bit. I’ll go ahead and get one and try it out. ZWO needs more of my money anyway. Thanks again and take care. 👍

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

@@RobPauza it's the never ending money pit

[@GrumpyToadCreations]

Great video 👍

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Thanks so much, Grumpy glad you enjoyed it!

[@jtepsr]

I just bought the am5 mount with ASI air plus, what is the best place to mount the air

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

If you have a look at 1:25 you'll see my AAP bolted to the side of my scope.

[@miguelmorales9667]

I always adjust my camera angle so that the filter wheels points no more than 90 degrees to the left or to the right from the straight up position when in park. Doing this will help avoid the wheel hitting the tripod leg. If need be, I will rotate this image in processing to attain the wanted image orientation. I don't like using pier extensions, it's too much like trying to balance a mattress on a bottle of wine. 8-)

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Great tip on always making sure the EFW is rotated. Personally I like the idea of a mattress and wine under the stars 😂

[@Gumba213]

90deg cables help for those tight spots

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Great suggestion! I've had trouble finding the right ones myself, but definitly should be kept in mind.

[@pederp5749]

Since it does not need balancing. Why not buy a longer dovetail bar and move the telescope forward?

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

That could definitly be an option, however, even though the AM5 may not need as precise balancing as a traditional head, going too far forward could shift the center of gravity potentially putting the rig at risk of toppling forward. So would at least need to make sure it is properly weighted down.

[@abulka]

Eqmod on my heq5 mount let you set mount movement limits, albeit the user interface is too confusing for me. Not sure if there is any way to do this with a ZWO mount. It doesn’t solve the problem but it at least protects your gear.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Definitely a good point, other mount control apps can also set limits.

[@Luftbubblan]

I wouldn't rely on that tho. Astronomy software is notorious for failing and it's also open for many user errors. The software limits is something but don't lean on it imo. I have software limits / limit sensors / and physical hard stops on my mount.

[@andrea25021974]

What is the make of the tilt adjustment device you have before your FW ?

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

@andrea25021974 it's a Gerd CTU (Camera Tilting Unit). I did an installation video if you want to check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYvFhXmMeLZmkLs I never got to the Part 2 of getting the tilt adjusted out of my setup as not long after I lost access to my shooting location for a year 😞

[@amolambli]

total set up cost ?

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Going to depend on where you live, but there’s affiliate links for everything in the description that are relevant to the US.

[@MrB976]

Great Info! I'm building nearly an identical rig as well. Would you be willing to share your ASI airplus settings? Like the calibration step, Max DEC/RA duration, Aggressiveness #, EAF Slow/Course #'s what your backlash came out to (so I can compare quality of mechanisms).

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

The EAF is set to 10 Fine, 30 Coarse and 90 Backlash Guiding is 60% RA and 70% DEC with 2sec exposures - my last session saw me around 0.6" Calibration, Max DEC and Max RA all set to 2000ms Hope that helps :)

[@hael8680]

Warning: ZWO support doesn't exists. Your warranty means nothing. My AM5 has major mechanical problems. ZWO has ghosted me after the initial "try this, try that " emails.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Really sorry to hear that's how it has gone for you, that sucks 😢

[@SydneyDunk]

Don’t you have your Tripod legs backwards? I always have a single leg at the front (pointing south) and 2 at the back. This is because the weight is always at the back so you want more stability there…

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Great question!. I've always had my legs with one pointing backwards from PA due to that's how my old Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro legs came out of the box. Those legs have a peg that orientates the head and out of the box the head will only mount with two legs foward, one leg back. It does seem other mounts might have a different peg orientation like the Celestrons. Doing a Google it looks like a potentially decisive subject right up there with how long an exposure is enough? :D

[@astrodysseus]

Long story short : expensive for what it is but also unfortunately very practical

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

You got that right

[@mikelockwood2104]

good video

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

Thanks, Mike I appreciate the feedback :)

[@deltacx1059]

They want 170$ for a pipe, I think I will just do it myself.

[@GlennMartinPhotography]

You do you 😊