ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Mount with TC40 Tripod - 33/44lb Payload

Special promo: includes the TC40 carbon fiber tripod FREE.

A 12 lb harmonic mount that carries 33 lb of telescope without a counterweight

The ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Mount with TC40 Tripod is a computerized GoTo mount for astrophotography that works in equatorial or alt-azimuth mode. Its strain wave (harmonic) gearing has no backlash and doesn't need balancing, so you can bolt on a refractor up to about 130mm, a RedCat or a small RASA and start imaging. It's the mount we recommend most often for a first serious imaging rig, and it's also a favorite for travel because the head fits in carry-on luggage.

Key specs: 15kg (33lb) payload without counterweight · 20kg (44lb) with counterweight · ±10″ periodic error · 300:1 strain wave + belt drive · 0–90° latitude · equatorial or alt-az · Wi-Fi and Bluetooth · 5.5kg (12.1lb) head

What you can image

• Nebulae with a small refractor: the North America and Pelican, Heart and Soul, Veil and Rosette Nebulae with a 50–90mm refractor and a camera like the ASI2600MC.
• Galaxies with more focal length: the Andromeda, Triangulum and Whirlpool Galaxies, and the Leo Triplet, with a 110–130mm refractor such as the FF110 or FF131.
• Planets and the Moon: in alt-azimuth mode with a small SCT or Maksutov, no polar alignment needed.
• Wide Milky Way fields: with a camera and lens on a ball head.

Why it's easy to set up

There's no counterweight to add and nothing to balance. Level the tripod, set your latitude with the knob (0–60° in one position, 45–90° in the other), and polar align with the ASIAIR or the ZWO app. Reviewers report being ready to image in about 10 minutes.

The dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle takes almost any telescope, and the mount switches between equatorial and alt-az mode in the app or on the hand controller. A status light shows which mode it's in. For heavier loads, screw a counterweight bar into the M12 port on the declination axis.

Using the AM5N in Colorado

• Wind on the plains and in the mountains: fill the TC40's weight bag with rocks or a power tank, and keep the tripod legs spread on firm ground.
• Cold nights: ZWO rates the AM5N to -20°C (-4°F). In cold weather, turn on the app's high-load mode and bring extra 12V power.
• Dark-sky trips: mount, tripod and a small refractor fit in a car trunk with room to spare, which makes it easy to get away from the Front Range light dome.

What to add for the best results

• 12V power (required): the mount runs on 12V DC. Use the ZWO 12V 5A adapter at home or a 12V power tank in the field.
• ASIAIR Plus: controls the mount, camera, guiding and polar alignment from your phone. It's the easiest way to run an AM5N.
• ZWO 160mm or 200mm pier extension: raises the scope so long refractors and cameras clear the tripod legs near the zenith.
• AM5N counterweight bar: needed only above 15kg (33lb), up to 20kg (44lb).
• A matching telescope: see the FF110 APO + AM5N, FF131 APO + AM5N, UltraCat 76 and Cat 91 kits.

ZWO AM3N vs. AM5N vs. AM7

Choose the AM5N if your telescope, camera and accessories weigh less than 15kg and you want one mount for home and travel. See all ZWO mounts.

What's in the box

• ZWO AM5N mount head
• Hand controller and coiled controller cable
• USB 2.0 cable
• Allen key
• Periodic error test report for your mount
• ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod with spreader, spiked feet and weight bag

12V power supply, counterweight bar and pier extension are sold separately.

ZWO AM5N FAQ

Is the AM5N good for beginners?

Yes. With no counterweight or balancing, and with the ASIAIR handling polar alignment and guiding, it's one of the easiest equatorial mounts to learn on. It's also capable enough that most owners never outgrow it.

What telescopes can the AM5N carry?

Anything up to 15kg (33lb) including camera, guide scope and accessories, or 20kg (44lb) with a counterweight. That covers refractors up to about 130mm, RedCat and Cat astrographs, and 6–8" SCTs.

Do I need a counterweight?

Not under 15kg (33lb). Above that, add the AM5N counterweight bar and weights.

AM5N or AM3N?

The AM3N is lighter and less expensive and is ideal for refractors up to about 80mm. The AM5N carries nearly twice the payload and has lower periodic error, so it's the better choice if you plan to move up to a bigger scope.

AM5N or AM7?

Choose the AM7 if your setup weighs more than about 15kg or you plan to run a large refractor or SCT. For most single-scope imaging rigs, the AM5N is plenty.

Can I use it for visual observing?

Yes. Switch to alt-azimuth mode and use the GoTo from the app or hand controller, with no polar alignment.

Does it need a power supply?

Yes. It runs on 12V DC, which isn't included. Use the ZWO 12V 5A adapter or a 12V power tank.

Does it have a polar scope?

No. Polar alignment is done electronically with the ASIAIR or a camera and software like N.I.N.A. It usually takes a couple of minutes.

Specifications