ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head
Harmonically Geared Greatness Honed — The New ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount
Check out this video on this revolutionized strainwave ZWO mount, now more advanced than ever before! Diving into what's new, performance, and plenty more, this full review goes in depth into everything you need to know about your ZWO AM5N equatorial mount.
ZWO AM5N At a Glance
|
|
|
|
|
|
The incredibly popular harmonic mount from ZWO just got better, with the new AM5N! With more connectivity, a new cable management system, increased precision, and all the same excellent performance and features of the previous strainwave category leading model, there's never been a better time than 2026 to add harmonically-geared excellence to your astrophotography imaging system!
ZWO has designed the AM5N specifically for amateur astrophotographers who are looking for a lightweight, high-quality foundation for their imaging gear that doesn't get in the way. To that end they've updated the incredibly popular original AM5N with Bluetooth connectivity that enables wireless control without disconnecting yourself from the outside world, reduced the periodic error by half, and a cable management solution that helps make cable snags a thing of the past! The same great small footprint, large lifting capacity features are here — with the mount head weighing in at just 12.1 lbs. for 33 lbs. of payload capacity without a counterweight, or 44 lbs. with a counterweight installed. With performance and a physical form-factor like this, the AM5N is an excellent companion both in the backyard, on a short trip, or a far away dark site expedition. Put the AM5N at the heart of your system and see what the New Wave of mount technology has to offer today!
Check Out These AM5N Features
Don't let its small size fool you, ZWO has packed the AM5N full of performance and quality-of-life features that make taking high-quality astroimages easy!
More Powerful and Precise
ZWO's original AM5N already sported an impressive payload capacity to mount weight and low periodic error, and with the AM5N they've pushed the limits even further! Halving the periodic error from the previous generation, ZWO has improved the already great tracking performance of this platform with a guaranteed periodic error of +/- 10 arcseconds, for easier guiding and better results. They've managed to achieve this while also increasing the payload capacity from about 28.5 lbs. to 33 lbs., for a bit of extra headroom! Finally, ZWO has introduced Heavy Duty Mode, in which the slew speed is reduced to increase the payload capacity. This reduction in slew speed may help preserve the power of your portable battery and mount's equipment carrying capability in cold climates.
Quality-of-Life Upgrades
With cable management and connectivity improvements, the AM5N is better than ever! Now with Bluetooth functionality, you can connect wirelessly to the mount without needing to disconnect your smart phone/tablet from WiFi, allowing you to jump back-and-forth between controlling the AM5N and using your device. While previously this functionality was available through Station mode, this updated connectivity promises to be much easier to setup and use! To save your cables (and device ports!) from image session ending snags, ZWO has integrated cable routing to seamlessly run mount control and power to the DEC saddle internally. This allows you to share the AM5N's 12V power, and control the mount via the USB-C port, with your telescope mounted devices like the ZWO ASIAIR — all without crossing the DEC axis! This keeps your imaging setup tidy and safe, so you can focus on imaging and not wrangling cables. Please Note: The USB port on the AM5N's DEC saddle is not a passthrough, and is only an alternate way to connect to and control the mount.
Harmonic Gear and Synchronous Belt Core
The heart of ZWO's AM5N mount is the innovative harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt system. This gives the AM5N precise control without backlash concerns, as well as high payload capacity without the need for counterweights! For those looking for even more lifting strength a user supplied counterweight shaft* and counterweight** can be added via the M12 threaded connection on the bottom of the mount, which will increase the payload capacity by 11 lbs. for a total of 44 lbs.!
*The foam case provides space for a counterweight shaft to simplify transport should you wish to add one, however a counterweight shaft is not included.
**A counterweight is not included. ZWO recommends a counterweight weighing about 11 lb. placed about 20-30" away, as measured from the center of the mount head. For more information regarding counterweight placement, please see the Proper Counterweight Placement notice in the image carousel at the top of the page.
Two Mounts in One
Whether you're interested in precisely setting up your mount for tracking deep sky targets without rotation, or a simple set-up-and-go process for visual observation or field rotation forgiving astrophotography, the AM5N is the mount for you! Able to be converted from equatorial to alt-azimuth mode with a simple latitude adjustment and the included hand controller or mobile app, you can switch from imaging to observing in a snap — and with a red/green status LED, you can easily keep track of what mode your mount is in. Make you backyard imaging mount your grab-and-go dark site observing mount, with the ZWO AM5N!
Multiple Means of Control
When it comes to controlling the AM5N, you have the versatility to be as hands-on — or hands-off — as you want! The included hand controller provides some simple controls for those looking to take a more manual, self-guided, tour across the night sky, as well as a means to change the from EQ to Alt-Az or vice-versa. If you're looking for a more information rich, guided, or remote control experience, the AM5N can connect with the ZWO StarGazing app via WiFi or Bluetooth for access to a list of curated celestial targets, GoTo functionality, or the impressive and immersive digital planetarium selection tool — SkyAtlas — as well easy access to mount settings. For more advanced users, this mount also features a USB port for PC and ASIAIR connectivity! Known iPad Compatibility - The mount is compatible with iPads running iOS 12 and up, including iPad/iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. To use the Sky Atlas app feature, you will need a device with at least 6 GB of RAM
Lockless Azimuth, 0-90° Latitude, Adjustments
New to the AM5N is a lockless azimuth adjustment system, allowing you to easily make fine adjustments when you need to — all without needing to fiddle with any levers or bolts! Four powerful springs work together with the adjustment knobs to keep your alignment locked in place once you're done adjusting, making polar alignment a cinch. This ZWO AM5N mount also comes with a wide range of latitude adjustability, spanning 0-90°! For the first gear, adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve between 0° to 60°. For the second gear, loosen the hex-head screw and adjust the pitch angle grip to get between 45° and 90°. Not only does this allow astroimagers to use the AM5N in alt-azimuth mode, it also allows those in both low and high latitude locations to use this ZWO mount when in equatorial mode.
Power Failure Protection
ZWO has equipped the AM5N EQ/Alt-Az mount head with an RA power brake design. This is incredibly important for the safety of your imaging equipment. If there is a sudden power failure during use, the AM5N mount power failure protection system will prevent your telescope from falling and being damaged by triggering an RA axis brake to stop the mount's movements.
ASIAIR Plus Compatible (Sold Separately)
There is another wireless control solution available for this AM5N mount, and it's called the ZWO ASIAIR Plus! This user supplied small wireless module allows you to control the mount with your smartphone or tablet, in addition to a whole host of other ZWO ecosystem cameras and accessories (sold separately). Thanks to this mount's saddle mounted power and data ports the ASIAIR system shines even brighter on the AM5N when it's combined with a power supply capable of driving everything the mount and control system need, like the Apertura 12V 10A DC Power Supply - 5.5x2.1mm (sold separately). Simply plug your user supplied high amperage power supply into the AM5N and connect the ASIAIR to the saddle for a tidy, DEC axis crossing free, wireless control solution!
Please note that this is mount is compatible with all versions of the ASIAIR!
Ideal for On the Go Imaging or Backyard Observing
Thanks to its compact body and impressive performance, this ZWO AM5N is the perfect mount for trips to dark skies or for imaging from the backyard. The mount head itself weighs only 12 lbs., making it easy to travel with. Fitted with built-in Bluetooth, an intuitive joystick hand controller that adds WiFi connectivity, and fully ASIAIR compatible, operation is simple and straightforward! For backyard observing, take advantage of the high payload for larger telescopes that are more difficult to travel with. Wanting to use your favorite third party software to control your AM5N? Not a problem! Easily connect this mount to your PC via the onboard USB-B 2.0 port. With features like these, the ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount earns our High Point Scientific Classification Badge of New Wave Harmonic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for the AM5N power supply?
The ZWO AM5N requires 11V-15V with a minimum supply of 3A, though we recommend a 5A supply for the best results. The mount consumes 12V/0.5A in standby, 12V/0.7A during tracking, and 12V/1.2A during GoTo slews. If the input voltage drops below 10.8V, the AM5N will beep, indicating insufficient power. We suggest utilizing the Apertura 12V 5A power supply (sold separately) for stable and reliable power all night long.
What’s the thread size of the AM5 counterweight bar end? Are there any requirements for the bar’s length?
The ZWO AM5N accepts counterweight bars with a thread size of M12*1.75. We offer the official ZWO counterweight bar for the AM5N, with a length of 230 mm. If using a third-party counterweight shaft, ZWO recommends a bar that does not exceed 250 mm.
How do you polar align the AM5N?
The ZWO AM5N Equatorial mount does not come with a built-in polar scope meaning software is required for polar alignment. The ZWO ASIAIR (sold separately) includes polar alignment software, while other platforms such as N.I.N.A. or SharpCap offers polar alignment as well.
How far away do I place the counterweight from the mount head?
With the recommended counterweight of 11 lbs. (5 kg), you must place this weight between 20 to 30 cm away from the mount head. For counterweights of other masses, use the following formula: counterweight mass (kg) × 9.8 × distance along the bar from the mount head (m). The result must be between 10 N·m and 15 N·m.
What's the difference between the AM5 and AM5N?
The ZWO AM5N boasts numerous advancements over its predecessor. For one, the AM5N hauls about 5 lbs. more, bringing the payload capacity up to 33 lbs. Even with the bumped up payload, this new AM5N boasts half the periodic error for improved performance. The base has also been redesigned with a spring tensioning system replacing the azimuth locking knobs for improved polar alignment routines. Bluetooth control is now available enabling operation without disconnection from the internet. Most excitingly, the ZWO AM5N features internal cable management with its powered DEC saddle! Say goodbye to cable snags and enjoy a sleek, streamlined setup. Be sure to check out our full review of the ZWO AM5N for more information.
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Astrophotography Mount Buying Guide |
| No Fuss Astrophotography Telescopes for Beginners |
| Apertura All Night Imaging Power Supply Guide |
