ZWO-AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount User Manual
- September 29, 2024
- ZWO
Table of Contents
ZWO-AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount
Product Information
Specifications
-
Mount Type: German Equatorial Mount
-
Mount Mode: Equatorial/Alt-Azimuth
-
Drive: Strain Wave Gear + synchronous belt
(300:1 reduction ratio) -
Periodic Error PE Duration: Not specified
-
Payload: Not specified
-
Mount Weight: Not specified
-
Latitude Adjustment Range: Not specified
-
Azimuth Adjustment Range: Not specified
-
Dovetail Saddle: Not specified
-
Resolution: Not specified
-
Max Slew Speed: Not specified
-
Slew Speed: Not specified
-
Power Port: Not specified
-
Power Consumption: Not specified
-
Auto Guide Port: Not specified
-
Communication Port: Not specified
-
PZerot Position: Not specified
-
Operating Temperature: Not specified
-
Cable Management: Not specified
Product Usage Instructions
Introduction to the AM5
The AM5 is the first equatorial mount in ZWO’s ASI Mount series.
It offers a larger load capacity, higher precision, better
low-temperature tolerance, and improved cable management.
Introduction to the Hand Controller
The hand controller included with the AM5 provides intuitive
control over the mount’s movements and settings.
Mounting the AM5
-
Set up the equatorial mount unit on a stable and level
surface. -
Connect the hand controller to the mount using the provided
cables. -
Adjust the latitude and azimuth settings for your
location. -
Secure your telescope or other payload to the mount’s dovetail
saddle. -
Power on the mount and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
for alignment and calibration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the maximum payload capacity of the AM5?
A: The maximum payload capacity of the AM5 is not specified in
the user manual. Please refer to the manufacturer’s specifications
for detailed information.
Q: How do I connect the hand controller to the mount?
A: Use the provided cables to connect the hand controller to the
designated port on the equatorial mount unit. Follow the user
manual for detailed instructions on proper connection.
ZWO-AM5
User Manual
Table of Contents
Preface Tips Package Lists
1. Product Introduction 2. Performance Parameters 3. How to Use 3.1
Introduction to the AM5 3.2 Introduction to the Hand Controller 3.3 Mounting
the AM5
3.3.1 Mount installation 3.3.2 Mount hand controller 3.3.3 Bluetooth
Connection 3.3.4 Optional accessory installation 3.4 How to use AM5 3.4.1 How
to adjust the latitude from the first gear to the second gear 3.4.2 How to
adjust the azimuth scale 3.4.3 How to switch the equatorial /alt-azimuth mode
3.4.4 How to control the AM5 on PC 3.4.5 How to control the AM5 via ASIAIR
3.4.6 How to control the AM5 via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi 3.4.7 How to Upgrade the
Firmware of AM5 4. Structural Dimensions 5. After sales 6. Warranty
1
Preface
Thank you for purchasing the ZWO Harmonic Equatorial Mount, the ASI Mount 5
(hereafter referred to as the AM5 Equatorial Mount). ZWO, through years of
research and tailored specifically to the demands of astrophotography, has
engineered a harmonic drive with ultra-low periodic error and a stable
transmission of high torque output. Each AM5 Equatorial Mount includes in the
box a comprehensive 360° Periodic Error (PE) test report to ensure
performance. Utilizing belt-driven technology, it achieves an overall
reduction ratio of 300:1 for precise control. The AM5 Equatorial Mount
embodies an integration of single-piece manufacturing processes and modern
industrial design principles. While focusing on portability, it also
prioritizes stability during use rather than solely pursuing lightness. Its
well-balanced lightweight design does not come at the expense of stability. As
a harmonic German equatorial mount, it boasts sufficient load capacity to
support a range of portable professional astrophotography equipment. The AM5
Equatorial Mount has been developed with full intellectual property rights in
both hardware and software and is perfectly compatible with ASIAIR.
Furthermore, it supports platforms such as ASCOM and INDI. The mount features
quick response, precise tracking, convenient operation, and wide
compatibility, meeting the demands of both visual astronomy enthusiasts and
astrophotographers. It will enrich the celestial exploration journey for all
astronomy lovers. The purpose of this manual is to introduce the methods of
using the equatorial mount through textual explanations and illustrations and
to alert users of potential improper operations or hazardous situations.
Please ensure that you thoroughly read and understand this manual before
operating the equatorial mount and that you operate the mount strictly
according to the instructions provided. Any damage to the equipment or
personal injury resulting from improper operation shall be the responsibility
of the user.
2
Tips
This manual can guide users to use the equatorial mount safely and
efficiently. Before using the equatorial mount, please make sure to carefully
read the following warm tips and strictly adhere to the guidance of this
manual during actual use. 1) When using this equatorial mount, do not observe
the sun directly with the naked eye through the telescope or finder scope, as
this can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the observer’s eyes. When
observing the sun, please be sure to equip a special solar filter; 2) Please
choose the appropriate tripod and balance weight carefully according to the
size and weight of the primary mirror. The harmonic equatorial mount without
added weights will cause the telescope’s center of gravity to deviate from the
tripod. Please test the center of gravity changes of the telescope when
turning to various directions in advance to avoid the equatorial mount tipping
over, which can cause equipment damage or personal injury; 3) If the
equatorial mount is powered on not at the zero position, please return to the
zero position first, then proceed with other operations. After using the
equatorial mount, please return it to the zero position first, then disconnect
the power, otherwise, it may cause the next start-up to be inaccurate or use
the GOTO function to cause equipment damage or personal injury; 4) Please
avoid children touching the equatorial mount alone to prevent the equatorial
mount from tipping over or causing personal injury. In addition, the small
parts included in this equatorial mount may also cause choking or other
injuries to children; 5) Do not place the equatorial mount in environments
with high humidity or high salinity, which will cause corrosion to the parts
of the equatorial mount, which may lead to the equatorial mount running poorly
or reduce the accuracy of the equatorial mount, and even cause short circuits
and permanent damage; 6) Do not use corrosive solutions to clean the
equatorial mount to avoid corroding the surface oxide layer, damaging the
equatorial mount; and avoid exposing the equatorial mount to the sun for a
long time to prevent discoloration of the exterior oxide layer; 7) Do not
attempt to disassemble the equatorial mount alone, this may cause damage to
the equatorial mount, reduce the accuracy of the equatorial mount, and even
cause personal injury to the user; 8) The equatorial mount is a precision
instrument, please handle it with care to avoid knocking and damaging the
equatorial mount, reducing accuracy; 9) The operating temperature range for
the equatorial mount is -20°C to 40°C. Do not use it outside this temperature
range to prevent the equipment from not functioning properly, resulting in
equipment damage. If not used for a long time, please store it properly in the
packaging box.
3
Package Lists
Foam packaging box x1 Equatorial mount unit x1 2-meter USB 2.0 cable (Type-B
to Type-A) x1 AM5 periodic error test report x1 Quick guide x1 Control hand
pad x1 2-meter hand pad connection cable x1 1-meter USB 2.0 cable (Type-C to
Type-A) x1 M6 hex key x1 (included within the unit)
4
1. Product Introduction
AM5 is the first equatorial mount in ZWO’s ASI Mount series. It has been
greatly improved compared to its original edition, offering larger load
capacity, higher precision, better low-temperature tolerance, and better cable
management, greatly enhancing the user experience. This mount combines
portability, accuracy, intelligence, and high performance, catering to the
diverse needs of astronomy enthusiasts in the field.
Key features include: 1) High precision: Equipped with a specialized
astronomical harmonic reducer, it achieves high-precision control with a
periodic error consistently within ±10 arcseconds. This ensures stable
transmission of large torque output, and each machine’s PE error curve is
tested to guarantee performance. 2) High load capacity: The main body weighs
5.5kg and can carry up to 15kg, which can be increased to 20kg with added
counterweights. 3) Proprietary control system: A completely proprietary
software and hardware control system maintained and upgraded by a professional
team to ensure stability. 4) Dual-mode: Offers both equatorial and alt-azimuth
modes to cater to both imaging and visual observation needs. 5) No regional
limitations: Designed with a 0-90-degree pitch angle, it can be used at the
equator and polar regions. 6) Hand controller/APP control: Features like best
targets of the night recommendations, target GOTO, and star chart display on
the APP. OTA (Over-the-Air) online firmware upgrades for the equatorial mount
and hand controller can be completed on a smartphone without the need for a
computer connection. 7) Cable management: Supports cable management with an
integrated DC output and Type-C port on the dovetail board, effectively
preventing cable entanglement. 8) Bluetooth functionality: The APP has added
Bluetooth connectivity for controlling the equatorial mount, significantly
improving the control experience. 9) Low-temperature high-load mode: To combat
the impact of a low-temperature operating environment on the performance of
the equatorial mount, this mode can be activated in the APP to effectively
enhance the device’s load capacity.
Additional Advantages: 1) Fully sealed transmission components: The harmonic
drive is designed with a fully sealed structure, ensuring that the harmonic
reducer does not rust over time and that its performance remains consistent.
2) One-click mechanical zeroing: The design features mechanical zeroing,
supporting a one-click return to zero position from any position. 3) Power-off
brake device: In the event of a power failure, the RA axis has brake
protection to prevent the primary mirror from falling and causing damage to
the equipment or personal injury. 4) APP/PC software to meet different needs:
Mobile devices can install the “SkyAtlas” or “ASIAIR” APP to control the AM5,
while computers support control by ASIStudio, ASCOM, and INDI.
5
2. Performance Parameters
Items Mount type Mount mode
Drive
Periodic error PE duration
Drive (R.A.)
Drive (DEC)
Payload
Mount weight Latitude adjustment range Azimuth adjustment range Dovetail
saddle Interface thread for counterweight bar Resolution Max slew speed
Slew speed
Power port Power consumption Auto Guide port Communication pZeorrot position
Operating tPeomwpeer-roaftfubrerake Cable Management
Description German Equatorial Mount Equatorial/Alt-Azimuth
Strain Wave Gear + synchronous belt (300:1 reduction ratio)
<±10″ 288 s Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 17 type 100 reduction ratio
strain wave gear + brake Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 17 type 100
reduction ratio strain wave gear 15kgwithout counterweight/20kgwith
counterweight
@25cm
5.5kg
0°-90°
±6°
Losmandy & Vixen
M12×1.75 coarse teeth
0.17″ 6°/S 0.5×1×2×4×8×20×60×720×(max speed in heavy duty mode)1440× DC
D5.5×2.1mmcenter positive12V, no less than 3A Standby: 12V/0.5A, Tracking:
12V/0.7A, GOTO: 12V/1.2A ST4 USB/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Mechanical -20-40 RA axis
Support
6
3. How to Use
3.1 Introduction to the AM5
Finder Scope Slot Mounting Hole: Can be used to mount the finder scope slot,
then install the ASIAIR, laser pointer. Power Switch: Connects or disconnects
power to the AM5. Latitude Gear Adjustment Screw: A pair of screws are on both
sides of the mount. Loosen them with the M6 Allen key, then adjust your
desired latitude gear. Don’t forget to tighten them after adjustment. Latitude
Lock Knobs: Loosen the knob to adjust the latitude. Don’t forget to tighten it
after adjustment. Latitude Fine Adjustment Knob: Rotate it clockwise to get
the mount up in latitude and counterclockwise to get it down in latitude.
Azimuth Fine Adjustment Knobs: Rotate the knobs in opposite directions to each
other to adjust the azimuth base. It is best to keep the knobs slightly done
up to prevent wobble.
Counterweight Bar Screw Hole: By loosening the nut, you can mount the
counterweight bar and counterweights, M12×1.75 coarse thread. Auto Guide: ST-4
compatible autoguiding port. USB 2.0 Interface: Equipped with a USB-B 2.0
port, which can be used to connect devices that support a USB connection. This
interface allows for control of the AM5 and firmware upgrades.
7
BT Button/Bluetooth Indicator Light: The BT button is used during the
Bluetooth pairing process to confirm and lock the connection to the correct
AM5, preventing accidental connection to other devices. The indicator light
displays a steady blue when the AM5 is powered on and operational. Once the
APP successfully connects to the AM5 via Bluetooth, the indicator light turns
off. (Note: Bluetooth connections can only be made through the AM5 APP
interface). HC: Hand Controller Interface used to connect the hand
controller device. DC 12V5A: Power Input Interface. It requires a 12V power
supply with a current rating between 3A to 5A and a DC connector size of
D5.5×2.1mm with a center-positive, outer-negative polarity (meaning the inner
connector is positive (+) and the outer shield is negative (-)). A low voltage
alarm is activated, and the AM5’s buzzer will sound if the voltage falls below
10.8V, indicating that the power is insufficient. Status: It is an operation
mode indicator light. Red light for the equatorial mode, green light for the
alt-azimuth mode. It will flash red and green when the time and location
information is not synchronized to the AM5. Once synchronized, it will keep
the light on in the mode’s color accordingly.
Dovetail Saddle Locking Knobs: Compatible with Vixen/Losmandy style dovetail
bars. Latitude Scale: Indicates the current latitude of the AM5 from 0° to
90°. Dovetail Saddle Plate: Designed for mounting and securing the telescope’s
dovetail plate, Compatible with Vixen/Losmandy style dovetail bars. DC Power
Port: DC12V 3A, can power AM5 as well as provide power to external devices
like the ASIAIR.
Type-C Port: Can be used to control AM5, update firmware, etc., and connect to
devices with a Type-C interface (such as ASIAIR) or a computer (with the same
functionality as the previous USB2.0).
8
3.2 Introduction to the Hand Controller
Indicator Light: Indicates the current speed mode of AM5. When the red light
is on, the mount is in high-speed mode (20-1440 times sidereal rate), while a
red light that is off indicates low-speed mode (1, 2, 4, 8 times sidereal
rate). Joystick: Can be used to control both axes to move accordingly and
vertically press down on the joystick to switch between high and low speed
modes. T Button: Click to turn tracking on or off. When the tracking is on,
the T button will turn the red light on, and the status indicator of the AM5
will flash red (green) in the equatorial (alt-azimuth) mode.
Function Cancellation: Press briefly to cancel functions, such as stopping the
GOTO process on the AM5 by pressing the cancel button.
AM5 Zeroing: Press and hold for 3 seconds to reset the AM5 to its home
position. Mode Switching: While the AM5 is turned off, press and hold the
cancel button without releasing it, until the indicator light changes color
after the AM5 turns on, then you can release the button. Mode switch on the
AM5 succeeds now. How to determine the current mode of the equatorial mount?
After turning on the equatorial mount, if the indicator light is red within
the first 5 seconds, it indicates equatorial mount mode; if it is green, it
indicates alt-azimuth mount mode.
Note: How to get the Wi-Fi information for the hand controller: Each hand
controller has a silver nameplate on the back with the Wi-Fi information for
that controller, including the SSID and password for the hand controller’s Wi-
Fi. If you forget the hand controller’s Wi-Fi password: (The hand controller
has a built-in Wi-Fi module for wireless control and firmware upgrades.) If
you forget the hand controller’s Wi-Fi password, you can reset it by pressing
and holding both the tracking and cancel buttons on the AM5 while it is turned
off. Continue holding these buttons until 5 seconds after the AM5 powers up
and turns on, at which point the hand controller’s indicator light will flash,
indicating that you can release the buttons. This resets the Wi-Fi password to
the default password: 12345678.
9
3.3 Mounting the AM5 3.3.1 Mount Installation
*Tripod model: ZWO carbon fiber TC40 (optional) Unfold the tripod
Install the silver mounting plate: Fix the silver mounting plate onto the base
of the AM5 with three M6 screws.
Install the AM5 onto the tripod: Place the AM5 with the silver mounting plate
installed onto the tripod, insert the multi-function support rod as shown in
figure below (see figure 1), rotate the knob on the multi-function support rod
clockwise and tighten it, then fit the tripod spreader and rotate its knob
clockwise to lock it in place.
10
3.3.2 Mount Hand Controller
Hand Controller Installation: Connect the hand controller to the AM5 using the
supplied hand controller cable, and plug it into the [HC] hand control port on
the AM5. The hand controller has a built-in Wi-Fi module, allowing wireless
devices with WLAN capability to connect to the hand controller’s W i-Fi for
wireless control of the AM5.
3.3.3 Bluetooth Connection
The AM5 has added Bluetooth functionality. If you forget to bring the hand
controller when you go out, the APP can control the AM5 via Bluetooth
connection. Here’s how: Open the “SkyAtlas” app, select [Mount Settings], and
in [Select Device Control Method], choose [Bluetooth] for a Bluetooth
connection. Follow the prompts to proceed. After a successful connection, the
blue BT indicator light on the AM5 unit will turn off.
11
3.3.4 Optional Accessory Installation
A. Pier extension connection to Equatorial Mount (Optional) a. Assemble the
mounting plate onto the equatorial mount Remove the three M6 screws used to
fix the mounting plate on the tripod, and then lock the mounting plate tight
onto the equatorial mount.
b. Assembly of the pier extension onto the Tripod: Mount the pier extension
body onto the tripod and tighten the knobs on the tripod to secure it in
place.
Insert the multi-function support rod as shown in figure below (see figure 1),
rotate the knob on the multi-function support rod clockwise and tighten it,
then fit the tripod spreader and rotate its knob clockwise to lock it in
place.
12
c. Mount the AM5 body onto the pier extension and tighten the knobs on the
pier extension. d. Pier extension installation Completed.
B. Counterweight Rod/Counterweights Installation (Optional) How to Determine
Whether to Install Counterweights If the total weight of the telescope and
associated equipment is less than 15KG, the equatorial mount can be used
without installing counterweights; however, when the total weight exceeds
15KG, the equatorial mount will need to use counterweights, and the total
weight should not exceed 20KG (the center of gravity for the load including
the counterweights should be within a 25cm lever arm). To ensure the stability
of the entire system, when the total weight of the telescope and associated
equipment reaches 15KG, it is advisable to use counterweights. The
counterweight rod has a threaded interface with a coarse thread size of
M12×1.75. Counterweight Rod/Counterweights Installation Steps: a. Locate the
counterweight mounting screw hole at the bottom of the AM5 unit. b. Unscrew
the counterweight rod thread hole protective nut counterclockwise until it’s
13
completely unscrewed and removed, exposing the screw hole. c. Align the counterweight rod with the screw hole and rotate it clockwise to tighten it, then install the counterweights. d. Install the nut removed in step 2 onto the end of the counterweight rod.
3.4 How to use AM5
3.4.1 How to adjust the latitude from the first gear to the
second gear
Introduction to the latitude gear: The AM5 equatorial mount’s latitude
adjustment is divided into two gear positions, with a range of 0 to 60 degrees
for the first gear and 30 to 90 degrees for the second gear. When the
equatorial mount is in the first gear, the maximum adjustment angle can only
reach 60 degrees; to achieve a larger angle, you need to use a hex wrench to
loosen the “latitude gear position adjustment screws” on both sides of the
main 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 to achieve an adjustment
range of 30 to 90 degrees (make sure the latitude tensioner is in a relaxed
state when adjusting the altitude). It is recommended to adjust the equatorial
mount’s gear position when it is not carrying any load.
Latitude scale 0°
Latitude scale 90° 14
Adjust the latitude from the first gear to the second gear (Adjust the
latitude angle from 0° to 90°), as follow: 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).
Using an Allen wrench, turn the hex screws on both sides counterclockwise to
fully loosen them.
Manipulate the equatorial mount to slide and adjust the “altitude fine-tuning
knob,” allowing the hex screw to slide to the bottom end of the hole’s slide
rail, with the scale screw indicating at the 90° position. At the same time,
expose the hex screw and retighten the hex screws on both sides (Note: After
adjusting the gear position, be sure to tighten the gear screws firmly,
otherwise the equipment may become loose and the gear adjustment function can
be easily damaged).
15
At this point, the equatorial mount is in the second gear position. In this
state, the equatorial mount can adjust the tilt angle within a range of 30° to
90°. After the adjustment is completed, tighten the altitude tensioner.
To adjust from the second gear to the first gear, simply reverse the steps
outlined above.
3.4.2 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 AM5. It is best to keep the knobs slightly
done up to prevent wobble.
3.4.3 How to switch the equatorial /alt-azimuth 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 equatorial 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: [Reminder: Before switching
modes, turn off the equatorial mount and remove any load.] To switch from
equatorial mount mode to altitude-azimuth mode:
16
Connect the hand controller. Long-press and hold the [CANCEL] button, then
turn on the AM5. Wait until the indicator light turns green before releasing
the [CANCEL] button. Next, adjust the AM5’s altitude angle to 90° (for
specific operations, refer to section 4.1). The AM5 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 AM5. Wait until the indicator light turns
red before releasing the [CANCEL] button. Next, adjust the AM5’s altitude
angle to match the latitude value of your location (for specific operations,
refer to section 4.1). The AM5 has now successfully switched to equatorial
mount mode. Note 1: After the AM5 is powered on, if the indicator light
flashes alternately red and green following a 5-second constant illumination,
you need to connect the AM5 to the relevant app or computer to synchronize
location and time information. Once the synchronization is successful, the
indicator light will revert to displaying the working mode status. Note 2:
After switching modes on the equatorial mount, be sure to tighten the gear
position adjustment screw. Otherwise, the device may loosen. Note 3: When
installing the telescope in the altitude-azimuth mode, please position the
telescope tube to point to the left side, as shown in the diagram below (when
the altitude-azimuth is in the zero position, the dovetail slot tension knob
should be facing upwards). If the telescope is installed in the opposite
direction, tracking errors may occur during the GOTO procedure. Correct
Installation Method
Incorrect Installation Method
17
3.4.4 How to control the AM5 on PC
Preparation: Power on the equatorial mount, and connect the AM5 to the
computer’s USB port using the ZWO USB-B to USB-A 2.0 cable. 1Go to the ZWO
official website: https://www.zwoastro.com/downloads and select [Download].
2Click the area marked ‘1’ in the image to download the ASCOM Platform, and
then click the area marked ‘2’ to download the ASCOM driver (choose the
appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system).
3After the download is complete, install the ASCOM Platform and the ASCOM
driver in that order, following the installation prompts to complete the
process step by step. 4 Download and install software applications that
support the ASCOM driver, such as ASI Studio, MaxIm DL, NINA, SGP, and other
computer software. In the equatorial mount section of the corresponding
software, select ASIMount, click on [Properties], and a new dialog box will
pop up.
18
A. 1 Click on the dropdown menu button in the new window, select a port *, then click on [Connect] to connect the equatorial mount to the computer.
- Note: The port number to select can be found in Computer Management, as shown below; alternatively, you can try each of the serial ports provided in the ASI Mount ASCOM interface one by one.
19
B. Success! Click or long press the directional buttons marked in the image
below to control the movement of the AM5.
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3.4.5 How to control the AM5 via ASIAIR
1It is recommended to secure the ASIAIR in a suitable location.
2After powering on the entire system, select the corresponding ASIAIR wireless
signal in the mobile phone’s wireless local area network (Wi-Fi settings).
3Open the ASIAIR APP, go to the equatorial mount selection page, choose ZWO
AM5, and then press the button to start the application (the port will display
as connected, and the various parameters of the corresponding equatorial mount
will be shown on the page).
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4 Return to the main page of the APP to set up or activate various devices,
and you can control the mount through ASIAIR.
3.4.6 How to control the AM5 via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
1Install the SkyAtlas APP Scan the QR code with your smartphone as shown below
to download and install the “Sky Atlas” APP:
22
2How to control the AM5 via Bluetooth The AM5 unit is equipped with a built-in
Bluetooth module, so if you forget to bring the hand controller when you go
out, you can control the AM5 through the APP via a Bluetooth connection. As
follow: A. AM5 status confirmation: Check if the [BT] indicator light on the
AM5 unit is constantly lit in blue. A constant blue light indicates that the
AM5 is ready to connect. If the light is not constantly blue, it means that
the AM5 is currently not connectable. You may check the status of the AM5 and
restart it, or press and hold the [BT] button for 5 seconds and then check the
status of the indicator light.
B. Bluetooth connection: Start the [SkyAtlas] APP; the homepage is shown as in
the following figure. Click the “1” equatorial mount icon to pop up the
[Select Connection Method] prompt box, then select “2” [Bluetooth].
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C. Connection confirmation: Connect to the required AM5 from the equatorial
mount list provided by the APP. During the connection process, when the [BT]
indicator light is flashing, you need to click the [BT] button on the AM5 to
confirm the device. After the connection is successful, the [BT] indicator
light on the AM5 unit will turn off.
3How to control the AM5 via Wi-Fi Power on the AM5 and turn it on, connect the
hand controller, go to the network connection settings page of the mobile
device, and select and connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot name of the hand
controller such as [AMH_XXXXXX]. After the connection is successful, return to
the APP and upon successful connection, you can control the equatorial mount.
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3.4.7 How to upgrade the Firmware of AM5
1Update firmware with APP Step1: Open the SkyAtlas APP, and connect to the
WiFi of AM5’s hand controller. Step2: Hit the mount icon to enter the setting
page.
25
Step3: Hit “AMH Management System” to enter the firmware update page.
Step4: Enter the “NETWORK” and enable WLAN, to bridge the current AM5 WiFi to
your home router network (ZWO_DEV in our case).
Then hit “FIRMWARE” to update to the latest firmware of the hand controller or
the mount.
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2Update firmware with ASCOM Open ASCOM platform (please refer to 4.4) and
follow the steps below. Step1:Connect the AM5 to your computer with a USB 2.0
cable. Step2:Click “Serial Port” and then “Connect” to start communication
with your AM5. Step3:Click “Firmware Update” “Open File”, select the local
firmware update file. Note that this file needs to be downloaded in advance.
Or click “Online Update” to download the latest firmware file online.
Step4:Waiting for the firmware update to complete.
27
3Update firmware with ASIStudio Open ASIStudio from your computer and follow
the steps below. Step1: Connect the AM5 to your computer with a USB 2.0 cable.
Be sure it is “Serial Port” that you choose. Step2: Click the little arrow
icon to enter the firmware update page. Step3: Click “Install Manually”, and
select the local firmware update file. Note that this file needs to be
downloaded in advance. Or click “Online Update” to download the latest
firmware file online. Step4: Waiting for the firmware update to complete.
28
29
4. Structural Dimensions
30
5. After Sales
For software upgrades, please download the update directly from the official
website, ” Official Website Homepage – Technical Support – Software. ”
https://www.zwoastro.com For repairs and other services, please get in touch
with us: Email address: info@zwoptical.com 1. For products usually repaired or
replaced within the warranty period, the user will bear the cost of returning
them. When sending back the product, the user should note the real cause of
the product damage and provide corresponding valid proof, such as pictures or
videos. For products that need to be replaced after being confirmed by ZWO in
writing, the user should return the fully packaged product with all
accessories, manuals, etc., to the address designated by ZWO. By sending back
the product, the user agrees to pay the maintenance fee that may be incurred
during the product maintenance process, which is not covered by the warranty
service. ZWO will return the product after payment. 2. For products that need
to be sent back for after-sales service, ZWO will provide the corresponding
RMA code for reference. ZWO will only accept returned products with an RMA
number and ZWO’s written confirmation. 3. If the user purchased the ZWO
product from a ZWO agent, he can directly contact the ZWO agent to obtain
relevant after-sales service.
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6. Warranty
1. ZWO provides a 2-year free warranty service for the products purchased by
users from the company, and the warranty period starts from the day after the
user receives the product; for AM5 equatorial mount products, the warranty
period starts from the activation date of the user’s equipment. 2. If the user
encounters the following damage-on-arrival (DOA) situations and contacts ZWO
within the corresponding period, and issues product purchase invoices and
relevant certificates, ZWO will provide free postage service and offer the
following products after-sales replacement (or partial replacement), repair or
return (or partial return) service: 1) Product quality problem: If you find a
quality problem with the product within 180 days from receipt, you can contact
ZWO to confirm it has quality problems or defects after testing by the ZWO
customer service center. You can get a free replacement service. 2) Product
transportation problem: After receiving the product, the user finds that the
outer packaging of the product has obvious signs of water soaking or serious
backlog and deformation, and shall provide ZWO with pictures of the outer
packaging of the product and receipt of the goods within three days from the
date of receipt of the product After verification by the ZWO customer service
center, it is confirmed that the product is directly shipped to the user or
agent by ZWO, then ZWO will provide relevant return and exchange services; if
the product is directly sold or shipped to the user by the ZWO agent, the ZWO
agent will be responsible for providing relevant return and exchange services.
3. If the product occurs in the following situations, it is not within the
scope of warranty service, and ZWO can provide maintenance services for users:
- The product exceeds the warranty period; 2) The product is exposed to liquid and corroded by moisture; 3) The product is damaged by external force (such as scratches on the surface, deformation of the product shell, broken USB port, etc.); 4) Dismantling, third-party maintenance, modification and refurbishment, flashing (downloading wrong firmware) without express written authorization from ZWO; 5) The product system is changed, or the warranty label is lost or changed; 6) Product quality problems caused by failure to install according to product usage requirements or instructions; 7) Physical damage and failure of the product caused by irresistible external forces (such as floods, fires, earthquakes, lightning strikes, and other strong vibrations or extrusions); 8) Damage caused by improper user operation during shooting or use; 9) There is no valid product purchase invoice or warranty certificate;
- The product purchased by the customer is a second-hand product. Quality
problems with accessories or other product parts are not a condition for
returning the host, and users can request a replacement of new accessories
separately.
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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>