ZWO AM5 Harmonic EQ/Alt-Az Mount Review

AgenaAstro Affiliate Link: bit.ly/3MiW5LL
Video Description: The ZWO AM5 Harmonic EQ/Alt-Az Mount is packed with features and is very-well machined (one of the first things I noticed about it). The strain-wave gear system allows this small mount to carry a significant payload: 13-kg without any counterweights, and 20-kg with counterweights. The mount itself only weighs 5-kg, thus making it very portable, while able to carry heavy payloads. The mount is capable of high-performance guiding, giving astrophotographs nice, round stars, and fits a long-awaited role in the ZWO ecosystem of products. For those that wish, the mount can be changed from equatorial (EQ) mode to altitude-azimuth mode (Alt-Az), with minimal effort.
To see one method for mounting a heavy-duty tripod to the ZWO AM5, please view this video: • How to Mount the ZWO A...
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[@AstroBlender]

Please be aware, ZWO has announced they no longer recommends mounting the ASI Air system to the side of the mount, as it can run into the tripod causing damage. Instead, it is suggested to mount the ASI Air to the side of the saddle. Thank you!

[@Cdubwow]

Crazy the engineers couldn't figure that out prior to release

[@alexanderthegreat3106]

It’s fine on the side of the mount if you are at latitudes 30 to 60

[@RobertKarlBerta]

The ASI AIR also works better mounted on top of the telescope than on the side of the dove tail. I have had mine for a year and it has been an excellent mount,.....and my other mounts are Astro Physics. The AP has more capacity and is a bit more precision....but I am getting amazning guiding and images with my AM5 with both 80mm APO refractor and my 8" SCT either with a .7 focal reducer or with Hyperstar setup. The latest software now does All Sky Polar Alignment if you have the ASI AIR's and it is very accuragte. I agree that a heavier tripod is best if you have a heavier setup. I have a metal tripod with pier extension from Ioptron (was modified to work wit the AM5. It is a rock solid setup. I am convinced the counter weight is more to keep the heavy setups from toppling over rather than to improved guiding ;-) I don't use a counter weight with the refractor but do with the 8" SCT. PE is not really able to be compared to a ring and pinion type drive so not cyclical repeats. But the big advantage seems to be the absolute 0 backlash of a hyperdrive. I alway get pin point round stars. You did get a good one my max and min PE is about 20% higher but still very good and half or better of the max allowed by ZWO. The real proof is that I get excellent guiding using my off axis guide scope....60mm aperture and 240mm focal length.

[@paskoh]

@@RobertKarlBertanice to hear. I was wondering what guiding camera you are using with the 8” SCT and OTA. Thanks

[@RobertKarlBerta]

@@paskoh The 8" SCT is a Celestron HD with either .7 focal reducer or Hyperstar. Guiding is with an Astromania 240mm fl 60mm aperture guide scope and the ISA 290 guide camera. This is the setup on my AM5 mount. I get great guiding and nice round stars edge to edge. I also have an Astromania 70mm aperture 400mm fl refractor for use on my 11" SCT/Hyperstar setup for my AP 1100 mount.... but that is a much larger/heavier guide scope so avoid that on the 8". Both scopes are achromats and work great for guiding and are rock solid and a very nice helical focuser. The same guider camera is used in both cases. I don't use an-off axis guider thus far.

[@viniguez487]

I just purchased the AM5 because of this video. I forgot to use the affiliate link but reached out to their support and said they would take care of it!

[@joedenisco6033]

Hi Cody, Thank You so much for your clear, concise review of this mount. You do an outstanding job of bringing the facts and details. Excellent job. Joe D

[@JuanLopez-jk9mu]

Great review! answered all the questions I had. Subbed.

[@medicineman4040]

AVX tripod for the AM5 !!!! Thanks for that info. Just another fantastic presentation. Appreciated.

[@user-pj8ko9ol5d]

Thanks for your review. I have had my AM5 mount for over a month and I have also had a very positive experience. You mentioned near the end of video to set the mount's altitude to 0 degrees before putting it in the case. I found I could leave my altitude as is (around 44 degrees for me) and it still easily fits in the case.

[@AstroBlender]

Nice tip! I pack my case with other stuff, so perhaps that’s why.

[@napper1496]

Same here,I leave mine at 56 deg and it fits no problem

[@magicker8052]

This was the video i needed before purchasing

[@AstroSoundscape]

Good to see a considered video on this that isn't just a sales pitch, great job. Interesting to see that it can handle a 925, I have the XLT 925 so good information. Like you say it does seem like the eco system is changing and tying people into one platform, I just hope Zwo doesn't push everyone else out of the market.

[@gothicm3rcy426]

I doubt they will... if anything they will either follow suit or make their own hardware more seemless to connect.... maybe getting 3rd party deals. Its how Android kept up with iphone

[@3DAstroTC]

Fantastic review! Glad you mentioned they recommend up 900mm. I just started using my 8" Meade SCT.

[@gothicm3rcy426]

The warning from zwo is because theyre expecting people to use the light tripod... with a steel 2in tripod its much less of an issue :)

[@Zero_Point_Energy1]

I have the AM5 and recently used it over several nights at a dark site with the RASA and ASIAIR. Worked flawlessly - polar alignment was super easy and it’s almost hard to believe that the mount can do what it does considering how compact and portable it is.

[@gothicm3rcy426]

Will be getting one soon, really encouraging what im reading about it

[@SKYST0RY]

Water damage? You and me both! Our home took huge damage from Hurricane Fiona and set us back about $40K. It set my own work on my natural history channels back by almost six months. Just now starting to get into the work again! BTW, I have had my eye on ZWO AM5, so I am really glad to see you reviewing it. I've always liked your work--very frank.

[@peterschmitz4308]

Hi Cody, sorry to hear about the water damage. We're going through some too but fortunately covered by insurance. But the pain of having the house tore up...😪😪 Thanks for the great review as I have been considering this mount for portability.

[@niraj_dave]

thanks for the amazing review...and hopefully things come together fine at your place...looks like some or most flooring is done.

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! In the time since filming this review, getting it edited and uploaded, we have finished the upstairs portion. New floors (I hope to never pull tile ever again!), countertops, cabinets, etc. It was quite a busy time, but nice to have a kitchen again.

[@niraj_dave]

@@AstroBlender that sure is a nice feeling. Glad something is going your way. I've had similar issue and it's been a disaster with work not completing properly. But at least in a way it's done though..so there's an end to it at least.

[@victortapia-montano8114]

I am looking into getting another mount for my Edge HD 9.25 and was between the CGEM II and the AM5. This has been very helpful!!

[@aw7425]

Sorry to hear about the noise damage. Hope all is well with all of you. Clear skies our good friend and positive thoughts

[@doctorschulte9751]

I’m very pleased with mine!!!

[@ma-fi1nu]

Nice to see a video from you...

[@AstroBlender]

Right?!

[@deep_space_dave]

Thanks for the review! I am glad to see I wasn't the only person having guiding issues with the carbon fiber tripod. Now I am back to using the iOption LiteRoc 2.5 tripod and no more oval stars. The iOptron and ZWO CF tripods are basically the same but maybe it's just the way it is when you want to shoot longer FLs. I guess the tripod works fine for smaller rigs. Thanks again, awesome review.

[@xpanderxsert2613]

Thanks a lot for this video. I have this mount in my 2023 scope also. Also the EdgeHD. Unfortunately EdgeHD 8 & 9.25 are not on stock anywhere :(. However I see that your lovely AM5 works together with EdgeHD. Important input for me. Tx again!

[@englishfires6728]

Hi Cody! Great review. Thanks for posting, hope all goes well with the house. Be careful about placing the Asiair on the side of AM5. ZWO has issued a warning not to do that due to possible cable snags and antenna bending for AA+. They updated AM5 user manual as well.

[@AstroBlender]

Sigh… haha. I haven’t had an issue, but I can see that now. It would make much more sense to have the unit mounted on the saddle.

[@malanstecker]

I read in another review that the cable snagging is not a problem if you use a right angle power cable instead of a straight one.

[@massimo541]

Excellent review as always. I think that many, me first and foremost, are also interested in knowing the settings you would give on Asiair plus for harmonic frames: exposure time (from 0.5 to1 sec ?), calibration step, Max Dec and Max RA duration, RA and Dec Aggr. Thank you very much

[@michaelrushalko6040]

Hello, what are your guide settings for RA aggression and DEC aggression in the ASIAIR? My stars have a point or look like they are trailing in one direction. Great video as I am loving my AM5. Periodic error on my mount is 23.1-7.9.

[@deepd4393]

Hey Cody, thanks for the video. Could you please make a small video explaining how to change the mount from EQ to Alt-AZ. It will be really help. So if you can demo how to use this mount when there is no visibility of north. I’m struggling a lot to do a PA to keep the mount facing north and then slewing the OTA to south. I know I’m doing something wrong. Thanks

[@WilliFromEarth]

Great review. I have a GSO RC10. This might be at the limit of the weight capacity. Different question: What about GoTo pointing accuracy without plate solving for visual use? Did you have a chance to test this?

[@markmayer9290]

Great review. Been waiting a long time to hear how a heavily loaded AM5 would work. Impressive. I think Celestron HEAVY DUTY CPC 1100 TRIPOD might also work? Like the VX tripod it also has a spreader plate with a screw at the base that rigidly locks the tripod legs, and it can handle a lot of weight. Celestron still sells this as a stand alone product.

[@TheMalbroughs]

Any flat top heavy mount tripod should work fine.

[@marvinwhisman3333]

Do you need some sort of adapter plate to make these connect?

[@jonathanpearceff]

Great video. I have had my AM5 since late August and finding it a pleasure to use. It is my first goto mount, having progressed from a star tracker. I use a RedCat and 533MC Pro on it, plus 120MM guide scope and of course an ASIAIR. I too get sub 1” guiding, normally around 0.6”. One thing I don’t you of have seen or not was that update from ZWO saying not to mount the ASIAIR on the side of the mount as you have, as there is a chance to could crash into the tripod and do damage. They say it should be mounted on the saddle and you can move the finder shoe position. But, and this is important, don’t put the two spare screws back into the holes as they are so long (without the thickness of the shoe) the ends will poke into the inside of the mount and could trap the wires. So take them out and put them somewhere safe. I am still trying to work out if I should use wifi or usb to connect the mount to the ASIAIR. Whatever method you have to plug a cable into the mount. If the mount had built in wifi rather than via the hand controller, then it would be a winner, but I understand the controller is acting as an external antenna.

[@deepd4393]

Hey Jonathan, how’s ur experience with AM5 AAP Wi-Fi connectivity? Was it stability? Can we rely Wi-Fi connection while doing auto run for longer?

[@jonathanpearceff]

@@deepd4393 I have never had an issue with the connectivity, never had a disconnection between them.

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks for the tip, and I'm glad you've been enjoying your ZWO AM5 as well! I missed that announcement. I haven't had any trouble with the ASI Air Pro, mounted to the side, but I could certainly see this as an issue. I've pinned a comment letting everyone know! Good tip on the saddle. You're right about the hand-control. I either use the mount with the ASI Air wireless ability, or I directly connect it to my laptop for FireCapture. However, I mostly use my Celestron CGX for planetary imaging. It's incredibly stable and works amazing with FireCapture.

[@medicineman4040]

@@AstroBlender What if you're using the ZWO pier extension....collision change go down? AND more importantly, can you please test the pier extension with the AVX tripod. That would be very helpful.

[@markmuller3086]

Cody Thanks for your review. I like the brake for the RA axis if power goes out. Is there no concern for the Dec axis rotation if power goes out?

[@afryhover]

Good job, thanks for making this. Two questions if I may: Is there somewhere we can see your deep sky images? Where is your Bortle-1 sky location? Thanks.

[@stergiosfykatas624]

Hello Cody, I like the review and it is quite informative. I just missed one information. How did you mount the mount on the AVX tripod. A short video would be very interesting. Keep going with your videos and best wishes for your house. Greetings from Vienna.

[@luispalacios568]

Hi Cody, Thank you for the video, very interesting mount. How do you know how to place the counter weights distance to properly make the right balance effect?, Clear skies!

[@rickspeedygonzales]

Great review - and sorry to hear about the water damage......question - do you know / think an EQ6R-Pro tripod would also work with the AM5?

[@malanstecker]

Thanks for the great review. I recently purchased the AM5 mount to use on an iOptron Lite Roc metal tripod with the PE200 and a Celestron EHD 9.25-inch SCT at f/7, all controlled with the Asiair Plus. My guiding is horrible with RA over 2 arcseconds and Dec over 20 (twenty) arcseconds. The same optical train gives under 0.8 arcseconds in RA on my iOptron GEM45 mount with Asiair Plus. Why is the guiding on the AM5 unusable? Are there any special settings I need to use on my Asiair Plus?

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Thanks for the review. My AM5 is due soon. I thought it might struggle with my longest focal length scope, but sounds as though it will be fine. I’ll have and Edge 8 HD on it with the 9,7x reducer and it’ll be on a permanent pier in my observatory. Hoping to use it with my old Skywatcger tripod and a 65mm refractor for portable sessions - some targets are obscured by trees from my observatory. I have a Bortle 3 Sky so not as good as you but I can’t complain when some have to deal with Bortle 8 or 9! Have you tried it with PHD 2 and Nina? Hoping it will be fine as one of my cameras is an old QSI660 WSG8 and I still love it but can’t use it with the ASIAir. I do like the ASIAir and have the pro version - terrible WiFi! I agree with you that it works well but I’m not keen on how ZWO are trapping people in their ecosystem. The handset is poor, but, if you use the app on your phone or tablet together with the handset I can see it working well for visual observers. Would love to see a follow up where you go through your ASIAir setting with your Egde 9.5. Focus steps, calibration step size RA/Dec aggression etc. Thanks again and clear skies.

[@CM-2000]

Hi Cody, Thank you very much for your very informative video. I am about to buy a mount and am considering between a CEM40 GoTo LightRock or the AM5. Judging by your video, I think I know your decision, but is it true? My focus is on portable and precession. Your RC51 unit interests me because I use it myself. Do you have a video of this setup? Thank you and kind regards from Germany "CosMusic" Helmut

[@kevinfillhouer5877]

Great video, I'm getting ready to buy one of these! Do you find that you need to have a dovetail counterweight when you have all the imaging optics on the back end of it?

[@fabrizziofalconi]

Thanks for your video and advices. Had you some issues or problems with Asiair guiding, seems this kind of mount need another setting for guiding, thanks in advance.

[@tomtoka]

Great video . Is it safe to use sct11 with the standard tripod or I am risking to damage am5 or it may fall

[@skyebird783]

Did you use the Berkebach or other tripod adapter between the avx tripod and am5? I have the Berlebach coming. Maybe Agena could comment on this Agena us my go to, and where I got my am5 and everything else.

[@anthonygraham6449]

Question. The counter weight bars are on extended back order. I was wondering if the skywatcher counter extension has the same threads.

[@petermonson3719]

Another really excellent review. Thanks. I noted your comments about the TC40 tripod for bigger OTA's. I've ordered an AM5 and the TC40 tripod, as well as the pillar extension. The largest OTA I'll be loading on it is a C8 XLT (12.5 lb). At home the AM5 will sit on a Nexdome pillar and I will just use the TC40 for other observing sites. With a couple of 10 pound weights in the tripod bag I assume the TC40 mount will be steady enough for the C8. My major concern is whether a scope on the TC40 can sit high enough for comfortable visual observations. Would welcome your comments on that.

[@willissutherland8516]

Put your Battery in the cloth bag (which comes with AMD5 underneath the AMD5

[@LM-ek2hb]

Nice review. So what part of the US are these Bortle 1 skies you image from? And why do you still need to pack up on occasion and drive to a "dark sky" site?

[@trackdayadventures]

Thank you Cody. Sorry about the hard times. Glad you got to use the mount though. I've spent thousands at Agena and agree they are one of the best out there. I think you confirmed my suspicions that this mount could replace my EQ6R Pro. I'm so tired of lugging that mount around. I will be using the same tripod as you though. I am curious of how you plate solve with the c9 though

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks, I appreciate it! That’s the same with me and the Celestron CGX. That thing is a beast to carry around (I’m too lazy to take the tripod off, so I carry it as one piece). The AM5 had made that a non-issue now. :) I use the f/7 reducer on the C9.25 EdgeHD and take 2-3 second exposures for plate solving and haven’t had an issue.

[@willissutherland8516]

Ditto..

[@Dennis-tf2cs]

I buy a LOT from Agena Astro. Always GREAT to deal with.

[@AstroBlender]

Agreed, the absolute best service around if you ask me.

[@Kay_jay_999]

So tempting to get the am5....

[@mtlassen1516]

This mount looks like it would fit the bill for me! What tripod did you use? Does it need some sort of adapter? I have a couple mounts for my Orion Atlas Pro. Thanks and great video!

[@marvinwhisman3333]

Cody are you still using the avx tripod? I am having trouble finding one but you can find the CPC 1100 tripod although I haven't found anyone that is actually using one with the AM5. Just wondered if it had enough stability to handle your EdgeHD (I have the 9.25). Thanks for your thoughts.

[@southbronxny5727]

Looks great. Can the saddle be switched to have the knobs on the other side?

[@gwzapo]

Cody great vid!!! What are you using to power your mount?

[@alomgirmiah]

Thanks for the video! I am having stability issues with my Edge HD on my AM5. I would like to use a counterweight but not sure which model to use. Could you please let me know what counterweight you are using. It looks like "Celestron 12-Pound Counterweight for Advanced VX"

[@veeretsy7528]

hi slymin just subbed I was asking if what would a better choice am5 mount or eq6r thanks

[@azamgarner2849]

Great video, as others say, nice to have an actual review vs a sales pitch. I also have an edge 9.25. Im wondering what exposures you've been able to take. Id like to get 600-800s narrowband with my 9.25 setup. Currently I'm using the EQ6R, I'd like to make the jump to the AM5, but unsure if it can handle 800s as well as the EQ6R.

[@gothicm3rcy426]

I read another review that, even without the reducer, someone got 0.8 to 0.9 arc sec periodic error.... with the focal length of an f10 sct being pretty huge for dso, thats amazing

[@OscarShu]

thanks for the review, finally a AM5 review with long focal length telescope, that is really the concern for me, since their website only recommend 900mm for this mount, but it seems to be able to handle up to 40 lb. and that recommendation for separate tripod is very helpful, do you have model name for the tripod too?

[@AstroBlender]

I'm glad to hear the content was what you were looking for! It's a Celestron Advanced VX. Unfortunately, Celestron doesn't sell this tripod individually, so I had to find it used. The tripod spreader is the key though.

[@vinikrish]

Very nice video... I'm loving this mount so far.. May I know where did you buy the counter weight system for this one? Thanks!

[@winfriedarwers1748]

The counter-weight 5 kgs is combined with the AVX-Tripod in a set regular. From dealer you'll purchased with counterweight separetely while the AVX-Tripo i havn't seen offered as single so far.

[@ShevillMathers]

Thank you for sharing your experience with this mount. How well did it handle your SN-10. F/4? I have two, one on an EQ6R-pro, also one on an older basic EQ6. I have a variety of scopes, including a SN 10 that I have modified without its diagonal, helical focuser and camera mounted on corrector plate. I have spare EQ6 big tripod that I can use. How much counterweight have you got on your Dec shaft and what length shaft have you fitted? I have my own hobby machine shop. Clear skies, Greetings from the Southern Cross Observatory-Tasmania 42 South.

[@shreyaskanetkar4697]

Hey Cody, would you consider doing a follow up video after a year or so in use with am5 and 9.25” together. Any issues with images and tracking and guiding. Have been getting mixed responses from CN. Also would be interesting if you could highlight the performance of AM5 when the 9.25 scope is used at its native 2350mm focal length. Thanks

[@autobot3b5]

Have you thought about getting a pier for the mount and AM5?

[@jwastroimaging2711]

Great review. I've already added an AM5 to my Christmas list. Looks a great alternative to lugging the massive weight of an EQ6-R head. There are no clutch locks to allow balancing the mount? I assume the harmonic nature of the mount removes the need to balance load?

[@willissutherland8516]

I feel your pain also - I am small in stature and 77 Y.O. and I have a rough time lifting my EQ6-R Head on to the Tripod...Maybe I need a Pulley system...Ha...Love the zwo amd5

[@romero5066]

Hello good Thanks for the video. It can be done VISUAL with the mount or is it more for astrophoto Thank you

[@AlejandroMontiel]

Hi Cody! Thank you very much for this review. This is exactly the kind of video I was hoping someone would do. I recently bought a Celestron EdgeHD 9.25" and the AM5 to go with it, but then started having concerns about using the AM5 with such a telescope. Your video has reassured me that this combination is going to be ok and that the AM5 will handle the scope and accessories with ease. My AM5 should be here on Thursday or Friday so really looking forward to that now. I have 2 questions, if you could please answer them 1) I have been looking for weeks for a place to get the AVX tripod because I know I should not be using the TC40 tripod with the Celestron 9.25" but have been unable to find it by itself anywhere. Do you know of any place where to buy one? 2) How heavy is the counterweight you are using and where did you get it? I hope all goes well with your house and all the repairs

[@AstroBlender]

Hi there, I’m glad you enjoyed the review! Celestron doesn’t sell the tripod individually, unfortunately, so I had to find one on the used market. The counterweight is a 12-lb Celestron Advanced VX counterweight. I had an extra one lying around. These are sold individually, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one.

[@BobTheHypnoHammer]

Hello, Cody… I love your posts and watch them from the sidelines often. I do have a related question with the AM5… How do you decide where to place the weight on the rod since you cannot in clutch the mount? By sound? Power draw? Or does it not make a difference with these tough straineave drives? Thank you much!

[@gregerianne3880]

So sorry to hear about the water damage you had. That's terrible, but I'm glad you are recovering. Good luck with it. This is a great review, and some terrific photos at the end! Thanks so much. I'm hoping Agena ships my AM5 this month! (I missed the last shipping cutoff date by ONE DAY! Ouch...) I really can't wait. Thanks again and best of luck with the repairs.

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks, I appreciate it! That's exciting you got your AM5 order in. Bummer about missing the deadline though!

[@hael8680]

After watching your video and reading the comments, you really need to make a video on how you attached the mount to your tripod.

[@SpaceCityAstro]

Would you be willing to share your AsiAir settings for the OAG guide cam when used with the AM5? I have a similar setup and am struggling to dial in my settings. I'm using an Edge HD8, 174MM mini camera as the OAG guide. cam, and AM5. I do have it on a stiffer tripod as well, Looking for your values for: Calibration step time, max DEC duration, max RA duration, Bin2 or not, stability, settle time, timeout, guide cam exposure length, RA aggressiveness, DEC aggressiveness. Thanks!

[@AshayHumane]

How does it work with NINA? Can you review that aspect in detail?

[@uanesdeiro]

Thank you very much for your review. You took away some doubts I had. I'll ask you a question: in your opinion with a short focal length telescope, can you do NOT guided poses? I ask you because everyone says that having the periodic error accentuated (typical of these mounths) is not possible, while the ZWO declare that it is possible. I am very attracted to this mounth and would like to buy it, however now i must first face a big problem that I can't solve: with the WO RedCat51 and the ASI2600, at the edges of the image the field is not correct even if the WO declare that the RedCat51 is correct up to fullframe. For me it is not so and when I take back the wide fields, I am forced to crop the image and I don't like that !!! I saw in your videos that you own it too: have you ever had these problems of stars not revived at the edges? Thank you.

[@AstroBlender]

Many ZWO cameras have sensor tilt. Your RedCat is probably just fine. The 2600 has a tilt plate at the front, you’ll want to adjust the tilt of the camera until you get it right. That said, I wouldn’t do unguided with the AM5 because of the periodic error, but that’s me.

[@uanesdeiro]

@@AstroBlender Ok, for the guide I just needed a confirmation. For the problem of the incorrect image, I tried to adjust the Tilt of the RedCat, but the result was disappointing. Honestly, with the 2600 I don't know how to do it.

[@KJRitch]

What has been your experience guiding your Celestron Edge HD / Celestron OAG combo with the AM5 . I'm reading that because o the PE of strain wave mounts that longer focal lengths , primarily over 1000mm are not recommended. I;m looking for total RMS error to be under 1" for a session over an hour. The AM5 seems to work fine on short focal lengths but doesn't it really work on 1400mm to 2032mm? Thanks

[@johndaley9188]

I'm a newbie to this hobby. Doing a lot of reading and video watching. Your backfocus helped big time. This scope and ZWO accessories are close to where I'm heading. The edgehd has mirror locks. When you add the EAF, what do you do with the locks? If during a session and you need to tweak the focus, do you have to unlock first? If you don't (or forget), will it break the scope? I haven't found anybody talking about this. Thanks.

[@AstroBlender]

Hi John, glad the videos have been helpful. If you use an auto focuser, always leave the mirrors locks loose! You can (and probably will) damage and/or destroy the focusing mechanism, or the auto focuser by keeping them locked. I only use the mirror locks when I’m using the stock manual focusing knob.

[@BrandonJEvansPhotography]

What are you using in the OAG there to get proper back focal distance on the guide camera?

[@malanstecker]

How do you connect the ZWO AM5 harmonic mount to the Celestron AVX tripod? If you are using a single central bolt, wont you possibly get a rotation of the mount on the tripod when used with a heavy telescope like the 9.25" SCT, offsetting the polar alignment? Most systems (including the ZWO carbon fiber tripod) use the central bolt or pivot point and at least one other bolt so the mount wont rotate on the tripod. Agena AstroProducts wrote me that the AM5 is not compatible with the AVX tripod.

[@AstroBlender]

The tripod spreader keeps it in place as shown in the video. The central bolt secures the AM5, the tripod spreader prevents it from spinning. I’d recommend swapping the center bolt from 10mm to 3/8-16 though to match the AM5 threads.

[@whitefluffydogs3129]

Hi Cody. Thank you for the informative video and sorry about your house troubles. Can you tell me how the affiliate link to Agena Astro works? I make most of my purchases at Agena. I clicked on the link and it just took me to what looks like their regular website. Do I just purchase thru this ? Thanks.

[@AstroBlender]

For the Affiliate link, all you do is click on the link. Browse/buy like you normally do, and then it helps me out a bit too. :D I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@winfriedarwers1748]

Hi Cody! Many thanks for all these informations and comments. Since 2 days i'm an happy owner of an AM5 mount. I've tried to fit this AM5 to my 4 years old AVX-Tripod unsuccessfully because the 3/8"-screw/bolt is showing a kind of resistance in the early beginning of the AM5-screw threat. I treat this kind of handling very careful always because i don't intend to damage the basic of AM5. Is this "resistance" "normal" or is a different 3/8"-screw/bolt with other slope required? Kind regards from Germany (Hamburg area) Winfried

[@AstroBlender]

I think the AVX uses a 10mm center bolt, so you’ll probably want to switch it out with a 3/8-16 to be compatible with the AM5 threads.

[@RK-ed7cc]

What are your thought on the AM5 with an 8" or 10" newtonian?

[@gilles987654321]

Great Video! Tks! Although the AM5, with carbon tripod, comes with its own threaded tension bolt and triangular spreader plate, did you use the AVX's bolt and plate and realized the bolt fits perfectly into the AM5's base?

[@medicineman4040]

Giles did you get a definitive answer on will the AVX's center bolt fit properly into the AM5 ??????????????

[@gilles987654321]

@@medicineman4040 Nope, no answers. However, AM5 user manual p 25 shows center hole is 3/8-16. So, any tripod that has a center hole to allow a 3/8 inch bolt to go through should work. Note that the am5 does not have (or want to have) an alignment peg: e.g. probably have to remove it.

[@AstroBlender]

Hi all, I think the AVX center bolt is 10mm, so I advise swapping it out for a 3/8-16 bolt.

[@AstroBlender]

Hi all, I think the AVX center bolt is 10mm, so I advise swapping it out for a 3/8-16 bolt.

[@tempusfugit6820]

Can you do a video with guiding tips?

[@brianmorrison9937]

So, it does not have a handheld digital goto controller? I'm so use to my ioptron which is easy to dial in where I want to go without using a computer. Does this use a phone app? I have an apple phone and computer.

[@HuguesTalbot]

Hello, very nice video. What did you use to screw the AM5 on top of the AVX mount ? from what I read the screws are not compatible.

[@Crozb07]

Is it possible that you have an M 10 bolt on the AVX? And it appears like it threads into the 3/8 female, But it actually doesn’t thread fully? It turns two or three rotations. Which if this is the case would be fine by me.

[@AstroBlender]

The AVX has a 10mm central bolt (I think), so probably best to swap that out for a 3/8-16 to keep the threads on the AM5 from becoming damaged.

[@sreeshab4093]

can u please share the link of tripod used?

[@fpanadero2626]

is aperture the most important for getting a quick image for EAA?

[@AstroBlender]

Aperture is great for pulling in the photons, but concentrating those photons for a quick image is probably best for EAA, so a sufficiently fast f/ratio.

[@michaelokeefe3062]

Have you tried to use this via ASCOM PC operation

[@ShevillMathers]

How well does your ASIAIR pro work without any antenna mods?-I have two units unused-it would be nice to hear from someone who uses it without mods. Thank you & Clear skies from 42 South.

[@NG-VQ37VHR]

You can really see the benefit of that bortle 1 sky in those asi air sceen shots. Being stuck in a bortle 5, im very jealous.

[@scottbennett222]

Questions: how do you balance since it looks as if there is no clutch release, and how do you decide where to place the counterweight? I have a CGX I’m selling and moving to ZWO due to the integrated environment you mentioned. Thanks for any info you might provide. Clear skies!

[@AstroBlender]

Just eyeball the balance. The strain wave gears will take care of the rest. Counterweight should go at the bottom of the shaft to be effective but is only necessary with heavy loads.

[@paskoh]

With a guiding error of 0.8 to 0.9. Is that still less than your pixel scale with such long focal length to get sharp stars? What camera did you test this with please?

[@figzastro-photography]

Do you need to balance the AM5 with the counter weight when using the C-11?

[@NG-VQ37VHR]

Without the ability to release a clutch, im not even sure how you'd properly balance it. Although, since its more for stability and not guiding accuracy, getting it close enough should be fine.

[@davidbenefiel9289]

Since the mount does not have clutches, how do you determine the position of the counterweight and where to put your saddle on the vixen/losmandy?

[@AstroBlender]

Just eyeball and it’s close enough with a strain wave mount.

[@LynchGaming1999]

Is this mount good for EXO planet research possible? I heard hooking this up with NINA its pretty good

[@AstroBlender]

I would think so. For research Software Bisque is a good choice, but I think this would be a good option too.

[@conradsanders8475]

You had mentioned that you added a Celestron beefed up Tripod. I did not get the model number and type of this tripod?

[@AstroBlender]

It’s an Advanced VX tripod I got used. Unfortunately Celestron doesn’t sell this model of tripod as a standalone.

[@badmatt4227]

2:44 the subject of Polar Alignment is not covered. Hey why not inform the watch how to do a polar alignment with just the hand controller. For example, I thought I polar aligned my AM5 with a compass. Click goto on the cell phone app and the mount went 180 degrees in the opposite direction. 7:20 Please explain what the numbers mean, my AM5 is 8.7/4.1

[@gothicm3rcy426]

So, unlike most eq mounts where people say to stay around half of the payload max.... mostly due to accuracy, gears and the worm strain... is an harmonic mount with counterweight, much closer to the max number stated by the manufacturer? I wont get to 44lb, but maybe 3/4 or so

[@SteveHookEm]

What is considered an excellent periodic error? My mount is 12.8/3.3.

[@FuRyZee]

Did you put any scopes heavier than the C9.25HD on it? If so, what sort of guiding numbers did you get? I have a C11 and have been on the fence if it might be too heavy for the AM5, even though ZWO does literally advertise the AM5 with a C11 mounted on it.

[@AstroBlender]

I don’t have a C11, and I don’t really image with the Meade SN10, so the C9.25 EdgeHD is the heaviest I’ve images with. With the heavy metal dew shield I haven’t had any guiding troubles thus far though.

[@FuRyZee]

@@AstroBlender That's fair, if it's roughly 13kg, that is about the same weight as a C11 with a relatively light imaging train. Sounds like it's probably doable with my C11, at the very least it should be fine for planetary imaging. I do still have a Redcat71 for more wide field stuff. Anyway, great video, thanks very much for sharing your insights.

[@autobot3b5]

@@FuRyZee Have you had a chance to test the AM5 with the C11? From the specs, it appears to work on paper.

[@TheJoshuaCarter]

I think out of all the points you made, the comment about the cover plate being childish was the one that hit home the most. I regret not pre-ordering the AM5 to get the blank plate. I guess I'll either have to deal with it or bust out the sander and spray paint.

[@mikelockwood2104]

Cody, I've watched your video multiple times and decided to purchase an AM5. I've been using an iOptron GEM45 for years. I have a question : I noticed you were using a metal tripod in parts of the video. Can you provide details on that application. I have a very nice lite-roc metal tripod for the GEM45 and was wondering if I can adapt it for the AM5 thank you in advance.

[@AstroBlender]

Hi Mike, The AM5 is great, I’m sure you’ll love it. This is how I attached the AM5: How to Mount the ZWO AM5 to a Celestron AVX Tripod kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH_ZqmSCnJZgZ9U

[@mikelockwood2104]

@@AstroBlender awesome ! I thoroughly enjoy your vids.....keep 'em coming

[@AstroBlender]

I’ll try!

[@xpanderxsert2613]

So I have AM5 used this seasson for the first time. I can't count exactly how long it was used but 5 months, 70% nights, 6h/night = 630h. I can say that this is another animal. I can say good bye to the Heq-5 and buy second AM5. It's one of the best machines I've ever had. Very reliable, precise, lightweight, but very powerful. I had issues with Heq-5 Pro in higher temperatures and some other problems but with AM5 nothing.

[@johndaley9188]

OK, if the locks should not be tightened, are the remaining edgehd 9.25 features, in your opinion, worth the extra $1,100?

[@AstroBlender]

Definitely. The locks are a minor feature compared to the two-element field flattener in the baffle tube. That’s what you’re paying for.

[@gothicm3rcy426]

The counterweight seems mighty close to the tripod.....I think a pier is a must for a big scope, or when using the counterweight.... i see you push it forward... its great you can do that and not worry about balancing... Another reason to get a steel tripod with wider legs :)

[@davidziegler6620]

How do you balance when you add counter weight?

[@AstroBlender]

You don’t balance. I just eyeball the center of gravity the telescope and that’s it. There are no clutches. The strain-wave system can handle the imbalance.

[@miguelmorales9667]

What tripod are you using in the first half of the video? I looks like a SW tripod, and how are you securing the AM5 head to it? Thanks in advance. 👍

[@AstroBlender]

It’s a Celestron Advanced VX tripod. I made a video demonstration here: How to Mount the ZWO AM5 to a Celestron AVX Tripod kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH_ZqmSCnJZgZ9U

[@miguelmorales9667]

@@AstroBlender Thanks again. I'll be watching the video in a minute or so. 8-)

[@gspinin]

What’s the size of the counterweight and where to buy?

[@willissutherland8516]

amazon carries them but I would prefer either of the well known Astro Dealers...HighPS or Agenda

[@michaellovell4390]

Good match for a d850? 😀

[@alfredterrence6112]

What's the weight of the counterweight you have there ?

[@AstroBlender]

Hi there, it's a 12-lb Celestron Advanced VX counterweight.