10 replies to this topic

[erpagris]

I have a RedCat51 along with ZWO ASI183MM and ASIAir Pro. Thanks.

[BKMaynard]

Your choice. You have an easy focal length. I’d go with the AMD5 just because I haven’t used one yet.

[matt_astro_tx]

I'd go with the AM5 because it's smaller and lighter weight and integrates well with the ASIAir.  But that's just me.  I haven't used either mount.

 

Oh and guiding is a must with the AM5. So factor in a guidescope (the SV165 costs $50, I use it) and a guidecam (the ASI120MM-Mini works just fine).

Edited by matt_astro_tx, 08 December 2022 - 12:48 PM.

[Nemo51]

I use an am5 with my Redcat 51 and love it. Unguided up to three minutes, but guided thereafter. I had a script from my orthopedic surgeon….

[JayRuhMe]

Ditto on Matt's recommendation with the AM5 integration/weight as well as the 120MM. Been using the 120 for a couple of weeks now and it's been better than my 178 for guiding. 

 

The weight difference alone would be a huge selling point for me. Looks like you save almost 10lbs alone with the head on the AM5, and it also comes with a CF tripod for the same price. Also, the AM5 has a higher payload capacity (44lbs) with the additional counterweight. As/If you progress with the hobby this will allow you more room for heavier scopes. A C11 for example comes in at 27lbs, this would be unacceptable for the GM8 going off the specs on their product page. 

[Nemo51]

With the am5, as I understand it, the counterweight primarily provides rough balance so the cf tripod doesn’t fall over. 

[JayRuhMe]

With the am5, as I understand it, the counterweight primarily provides rough balance so the cf tripod doesn’t fall over. 

This is my understanding as well. Not a ton of weight down low. 

 

UPS is out with my AM5 as I type this, I'll be able to tell you how it feels shortly

[heydave]

I thought I read that the ASI Air Plus won't read the 120mm, forcing an upgrade. hopefully, I heard wrong

[Nemo51]

I thought I read that the ASI Air Plus won't read the 120mm, forcing an upgrade. hopefully, I heard wrong

First version.  

[matt_astro_tx]

I thought I read that the ASI Air Plus won't read the 120mm, forcing an upgrade. hopefully, I heard wrong

It won't read the original ASI120MM.  The ASI120MM-Mini works just fine with it.

[Robert7980]

This is my understanding as well. Not a ton of weight down low. 

 

UPS is out with my AM5 as I type this, I'll be able to tell you how it feels shortly

It’s UPS bringing rain and clouds with yours too? 

Edited by Robert7980, 08 December 2022 - 03:38 PM.