ZWO AM5N Harmonic Equatorial Mount User Guide
- September 30, 2024
- ZWO
Table of Contents
ZWO AM5N Harmonic Equatorial Mount
Mount Installation
Unfold the tripod
Install the silver mounting plate
Remove the three M6 screws from the sliver mounting plate on the tripod, and
then lock the mounting plate tight onto the mount.
Install the AMS onto the tripod
Place the AMS (with the silver mounting plate attached) onto the tripod,
insert the multi-function support rod as shown in figure below ( figure 1),
rotate the knob on the rod clockwise to tighten it, then fit the tripod
spreader and rotate its knob clockwise to lock it in place.
How to adjust the mount latitude
Two latitude gears
The AMS mount’s altitude scales can be divided into two gears, with a range of
Oto 60 degrees for the first gear and 30 to 90 degrees for the second gear.
When the mount is in its first gear, the maximum adjustment angle can only
reach 60 degrees; To get a larger altitude angle, you need to use a hex wrench
to loosen the “altitude gear position adjustment screws” on both sides of the
mount body. Then, you can pivot the mount and adjust the “altitude fine-tuning
knob” to the second gear (at the 90-degree mark on the altitude scale). After
the adjustment, tighten the screws on both sides. The adjustment range of 30
to 90 degrees are available now. Just make sure the altitude tensioner is in a
loosen state when you are adjusting the altitude angle. It is recommended to
switch the mount’s gear when it is not carrying any weight.
Adjust the latitude from the first gear to the second gear
(Adjust the latitude angle from 0° to 90°)
- Loosen the “altitude tensioner” on both sides. Rotate the “altitude fine-tuning knob” clockwise until the hexagonal screw (the “altitude gear position adjustment screw”) is fully visible from the hole (approximately at the first gear, 45• position).
- Loosen both hex screws on the sides completely by turning counterclockwise with a hex wrench.
- Move the mount head to slide and adjust the “altitude fine-tuning knob”. Slide the hex screw to the bottom end of the sliding rail in the hole, with the scale screw indicating go. At the same time, retighten the hex screws on both sides.
- At this point, the mount is in the second gear position. In this state, you can adjust the altitude angle within a range from 30° to 90°. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the altitude tensioners.
Note : After adjusting the altitude gear, be sure to tighten the gear
screws firmly, otherwise the equipment may become loosen and the gear
adjustment function can be easily damaged.
To adjust from the second gear to the first gear, simply reverse the steps
outlined above.
How to adjust the azimuth scale
Rotate the Azimuth fine adjustment knobs in opposite directions to each other to adjust the azimuth scale of the AMS. It is best to keep the knobs slightly done up to prevent wobble.
How to control mount via hand controller
Connect mount with hand controller
Connect the handle to AMS body via the spring wire with the RJ4S connector at
the [HC] port. The handle has a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which, when connected,
allows for APP control of AMS.
How to switch the equatorial /alt-azimuth mode
After the mount is powered on, the signal indicator light displays the color of the current mode. The indicator light being constantly red signifies the equatorial mount mode, while a constant green indicates the altitude-azimuth (alt-az) mode. Before the mount acquires GPS and time information, the indicator light will remain on for only 5 seconds and then proceed to a flashing state, alternating between red and green.
Mode switching: [Before switching modes, turn off the mount and remove any load.]
To switch from equatorial mode to altitude-azimuth mode:
Connect the hand controller. Long-press and hold the [CANCEL] button, then
turn on the AMS. Wai t until the indicator light turns green before release
the [CANCEL] button. Next, adjust the AMS’s altitude angle to go (for specific
operations, refer to section 2.2). The AMS has now successfully switched to
altitude-azimuth mode.
To switch from altitude-azimuth mode to equatorial mount mode:
Connect the hand controller. Long-press and hold the [CANCEL] button, then
turn on the AMS. Wait until the indicator light turns red before release the
[CANCEL] button. Next, adjust the AMS’s altitude angle to match the latitude
value of your location (for specific operations, refer to section 2.2). The
AMS has now successfully switched to equatorial mount mode.
Note : UseASIMount, ASIAIR, or a PC to connect to mount for
synchronization; otherwise, the mount will not be able to track orGolo objects
correctly. Since mount has a braking structure, a faint friction noise may
occur during Go To, which is normal.
How to control the AMS via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
The AMS has added Bluetooth functionality, allowing for wireless control even without a hand controller. Specific method: Connect and control the mount through the ‘ASI Mount APP’. Open the ‘ASI Mount APP’, select ‘Mount Settings’, in the ‘Choose Connection Method’, choose ‘Bluetooth’ for the Bluetooth connection, and follow the prompts to proceed. After a successful connection, the BT blue indicator light on the AMS body will turn off.
Precautions
- Cautiously choose whether to use a counter weight based on the size and weight of your OTA. The barycenter of your OTA may deviate from the tripod if no counter weight attached, so please do test the barycenter in all directions to prevent rolls over in certain directions. It is recommended to use a counter weight when OTA and other accessories weigh more than 15kg. When counter weight is attached, the total payload capacity shall not exceed 20kg (maximum output torque: 30N · m).
- Remember to return to zero position when you complete the image session for the night. Make sure the mount is parked at zero position before use next time.
- The operating temperature of AM3 Mount is -20°C-40°C. If the ambient temperature is beyond this range, do not use it to prevent the mount from being damaged. Also please store it in the original packing box if you intend to leave it unused for an extended period of time.
- Do not use any corrosive solutions to clean the mount to prevent corrosion of oxide layer on the surface; Meanwhile, do not expose the mount to the sun for prolonged periods, as this may cause the appearance to discolor;
- Do not attempt to disassemble the mount without ZWO’s authorization. It may damage the mount, or reduce its accuracy, or even cause possible personal injury.
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