ZWO AM5 The ZWO AM5 is a strain-wave telescope mount with equatorial and alt-azimuth operating modes. The manufacturer-linked manual specifies a 5.5 kg mount body and payload up to 15 kg without a counterweight, or 20 kg with a counterweight, at the stated 25 cm reference lever arm.
Manufacturer model: ZWO AM5 · Specifications checked against manufacturer data on 2026-11-03
The ZWO AM5 is a strain-wave telescope mount with equatorial and alt-azimuth operating modes. The manufacturer-linked manual specifies a 5.5 kg mount body and payload up to 15 kg without a counterweight, or 20 kg with a counterweight, at the stated 25 cm reference lever arm.
The linked manufacturer manual lists strain-wave reduction with a synchronous belt, 300:1 total reduction, periodic error within ±10 arcseconds and a 288-second error period. Its RA-axis power-off brake provides protection if power is interrupted.
The saddle accepts Vixen and Losmandy profiles. Latitude adjustment covers 0–90° and azimuth adjustment ±6°. The counterweight-bar thread is M12 × 1.75; counterweight configuration and telescope centre of gravity must follow the manual.
Use 12 V DC at a minimum of 3 A through a 5.5 × 2.1 mm centre-positive connector. The manual lists USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an ST4 guide port, with −20 to 40 °C operating temperature.
ZWO manufacturer documentation
Use the exact named-model manufacturer connection and operating instructions linked with this product. Optional parts and adapters require their specified spacing and power limits.
| Reduction ratio | 300:1 (linked manufacturer manual) |
|---|---|
| Periodic error | Within ±10 arcseconds (linked manual) |
| Periodic error duration (s) | 288 |
| Payload reference lever arm (cm) | 25 |
| Azimuth range | ±6° |
| Counterweight bar thread | M12 × 1.75 |
| Resolution (arcsec) | 0.17 |
| Maximum slew rate | 6°/s |
| Power consumption | Standby 0.5 A; tracking 0.7 A; GoTo 1.2 A at 12 V |
| Communication | USB; Wi-Fi; Bluetooth as listed by linked manual |
| Zero position | Mechanical |
| Power off brake | RA axis |
Data sheet