8 replies to this topic

[bigbangbaby]

I’m trying to determine the load and FL limits of the AM5 for AP.  Load rating for conventional EQ mounts, with the exception of high-end brands, generally is de-rated by about half. Is the rated load capacity of the AM5 a real value in your experience, or are you using it below capacity?

[rainycityastro]

I've loaded up the AM5 with a Tak FSQ with a heavy camera, computer, electronics etc. I conservatively estimate the weight at > 20 lbs.

I had to load the tripod bag with a lot of heavy things to keep the whole thing from tipping over. The mount itself performed like a champ.

Strain wave mounts are not like conventional EQ mounts. 

My mount tore off a piggy back plate made out of Delrin on a meridian flip.  It was a wonder that more damage did not occur

 

They are so powerful that they can hurt you.

[jimhoward999]

I use a 8"Edge HD set up that weighs about 20 lbs including everything on the mount..

 

No problem moving the load of course, it guides to about 1 arc second or a bit less.

 

The main limitation is tripod stability since the load in unbalanced.   You can address that with counter weights if desired.

 

My setup has a focal length of about 1350mm, and a pixel scale of about 0.55 arc seconds.

 

I don't think weight is a factor at all provider you can keep your tripod from tipping over.    But very long focal lengths would run into the limitation that I don't think you can ever track better than 0.5-1 arc seconds because residual periodic error, after correction by guiding, would be that big.

[Robservatory]

I’m running an Edge HD 8 with all the fixings on a William Optics Mortar tri-pier. Last night I was getting 0.35 rms, the lowest I’ve ever seen on my Bortle 9 rooftop. I am about to add another V series bar on top and piggyback my Daystar Solar Scout. I do run a 5kg counterweight for tipping prevention.

[reifheck]

I’m trying to determine the load and FL limits of the AM5 for AP.  Load rating for conventional EQ mounts, with the exception of high-end brands, generally is de-rated by about half. Is the rated load capacity of the AM5 a real value in your experience, or are you using it below capacity?

I'm using my EVO 9.25" SCT on it. I mounted it on the PE200 Pier and that is mounted on the Heavy Duty CPC 1100 Tripod that came with it.

 

No balance issues with it at all and it works like a champ .

 

Reif
 

[j21blackjack]

About 40lb total with everything loaded on my skywatcher 190mn Mak newt. Guiding was excellent and ran 5 minute subs all night. I used the full 5kg of counterweight and another 20lb weight in the basket. It felt plenty stable.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Edited by j21blackjack, 29 May 2023 - 10:26 PM.

[bigbangbaby]

OK, I'm sold.

[nmolina]

Edgehd 9.25 without reducer, that's 2350 mm focal lenght. Plus celestron aluminium dew shield, asi2600mm, 7 position filter wheel, OAG, mini PC. I dont know how much weight it is, but guiding is very good. 

[Ybkim1]

Also Edge HD here. Excellent guiding (usually 0.5-0.8 arc seconds, always <1). I do use a counterweight, mostly out of concern that the rig might tip over in the wind.

I plan to build a simple wooden pier and try running the rig without a counterweight.