The ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is the latest release from ZWO.
Traditional equatorial mounts can require counterweights for use to keep balance in RA and DEC directions. Harmonic drive mounts eliminate this need. Instead of worm gears, harmonic drive mounts use a type of reducer called a strain wave gear (harmonic drive), which has the benefits of offering virtually no backlash and low maintenance. The technology is widely used in industrial robots, so it is tested and durable.
The internal structure of the body of the ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is optimized with a harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and a reduction ratio of 300:1.
ZWO worked with the astronomy manufacturing community to develop its harmonic drive speed reducer according to the needs of astrophotography. It offers very low periodic error, smooth gearing and high torque.
ZWO measures each mount and equips it with a exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory. The periodic error is stably controlled within ±20 arc-seconds.
The ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount specifications include:
– Mount type: Equatorial mount
– Mount mode: Equatorial mode/Altazimuth mode
– Drive: Harmonic drive+ synchronous belt (Reduction ratio: 300:1)
– Periodic error: <±20 II
– PE duration: 432 S
– Drive (RA): Harmonic NEMA42 stepper motor+ Model No. 17 (Reduction ratio: 100:1) + Brake
– Drive (DEC): Harmonic NEMA35 stepper motor (Reduction ratio: 100:1) + Model No.17
– Load capacity: 13kg without counterweight, 20kg with counterweight
– Weight: 5kg
– Latitude adjustment range: 0°-90°
– Azimuth angle adjustment range: ±10°
– Dovetail: Losmandy & Vixen 500g
– Interface thread of counterweight shaft: Ml2
– Stepper motor resolution: 0.17″
– Max slew speed: 6°/S
– Slew rate: O.5x, lx,2x,4x,8x,20x,60x, 720x, 1440x
– Power port: DCS.5-2.1{12V-3A)
– Power consumption: 12V / 0.386A {Stand by), 12V / 0.58A (Tracking), 12V / 1.SA {GOTO)
– Guide port: ST4
– Communication interface: USB/WiFi
– Zero position: Mechanical
– Operating temperature: -20°C
– Power failure protection: Yes
You can learn more about the ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount here.
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