8 replies to this topic

[Goldypoker]

As above, what’s the deal with the AM5/N when it comes to setting it up for Alt Az operation?

 

I have spent many hours reading countless threads, both here and on the ZWO forums, complaining about the mounts Alt Az performance. Specifically, the accuracy of its GO-TOs as a result of the Alt Az alignment routine it uses. While many posters have offered up their workflow for setting up the Alt Az alignment, not a single thread has ever listed a procedure which works with accuracy and was repeatable and confirmed to do so by others. These threads all die out without resolution.

 

While the mount was initially released with only a one star alignment option for Alt Az, eventually they released firmware which upgraded this to a multi star alignment with potential for unlimited syncs. This “upgrade” does not seem to have helped in the GoTo department. It appears that tracking has always been acceptable in Alt Az….but still, you can forget about GoTo precision regardless of how many stars you align to and how many subsequent syncs you make. How can this be? If so, how can it be advertised as a “dual mode” mount? I know the vast majority of users of this mount use it for imaging in EQ mode…but, if it can’t perform competently in Alt Az mode….why claim that it can?

 

I have used many Alt Az mounts over the years, and all have had GoTo accuracy ranging from fairly good to excellent. Instructions to properly align these mounts are clearly illustrated and easily repeatable by the astro masses. Why is ZWO incapable of doing a similar job?

 

I have sent ZWO customer support/service emails asking for definitive instructions or advice with the above…they never respond. Seems like they know the mount can’t reliably perform in an Alt Az capacity…so, at least drop the pretence, false claims and advertising. From all accounts, it’s an excellent and highly accurate EQ mount…why should it be additionally promoted as something it is not?

 

 

[Tapio]

So are the other SWG mounts equally bad in Alt Az mode (which use One Step)?

[jasonmryca]

As above, what’s the deal with the AM5/N when it comes to setting it up for Alt Az operation?

 

I have spent many hours reading countless threads, both here and on the ZWO forums, complaining about the mounts Alt Az performance. Specifically, the accuracy of its GO-TOs as a result of the Alt Az alignment routine it uses. While many posters have offered up their workflow for setting up the Alt Az alignment, not a single thread has ever listed a procedure which works with accuracy and was repeatable and confirmed to do so by others. These threads all die out without resolution.

 

While the mount was initially released with only a one star alignment option for Alt Az, eventually they released firmware which upgraded this to a multi star alignment with potential for unlimited syncs. This “upgrade” does not seem to have helped in the GoTo department. It appears that tracking has always been acceptable in Alt Az….but still, you can forget about GoTo precision regardless of how many stars you align to and how many subsequent syncs you make. How can this be? If so, how can it be advertised as a “dual mode” mount? I know the vast majority of users of this mount use it for imaging in EQ mode…but, if it can’t perform competently in Alt Az mode….why claim that it can?

 

I have used many Alt Az mounts over the years, and all have had GoTo accuracy ranging from fairly good to excellent. Instructions to properly align these mounts are clearly illustrated and easily repeatable by the astro masses. Why is ZWO incapable of doing a similar job?

 

I have sent ZWO customer support/service emails asking for definitive instructions or advice with the above…they never respond. Seems like they know the mount can’t reliably perform in an Alt Az capacity…so, at least drop the pretence, false claims and advertising. From all accounts, it’s an excellent and highly accurate EQ mount…why should it be additionally promoted as something it is not?

Indeed!  I don't understand why ZWO is so reticent / evasive over the true capability of this feature.  

[Goldypoker]

So are the other SWG mounts equally bad in Alt Az mode (which use One Step)?

Perhaps that is so, although my research focused exclusively on the AM5. I wonder why that is the case? The specs are so attractive on this mount and I am extremely disappointed that I cannot even consider it because of the deficiency in Alt Az operation.

 

Not sure why or how the strain wave gearing would affect the creation and implementation of effective software which would make GOTOs acceptably accurate. ZWO must have the programming chops to do so, as many other companies have successfully accomplished with their own Alt Az mounts and operating software. This is old news, as far as I am concerned. How can a company which created the brilliant AsiAir be incapable of programming the software for a reliable Alt Az alignment system?

 

Is it laziness, indifference or some other reason for this failure that I cannot fathom? Regardless, it seems like blatant false advertising to me as it currently stands.

[t.mihai147]

I had an iOptron AZ Mount Pro that needed very careful leveling for better GoTo accuracy. But it was improving after each SYNC to different targets.

Then I upgraded it to Proxysky Ragdoll 20 which was very bad initially. The target was outside finder FoV after SYNC-ing which was very frustrating. I am using a digital leveling meter so I took care about this important aspect.

Then the firmware was updated and I could see some improvement but still not close to iOptron experience. I really would like to have an improvement after each SYNC to the target or 3 stars alignment procedure but not at this time.

Meanwhile I am used to slew to a bright target in the nearby and go from there but it is very frustrating to spend so much money for something that is not performing well.

Also,as this is OnstepX based mount, in AZ mode it is not crossing the South meridian and I cannot disable this feature from controller software.

As I am using the mount also for EAA but I do not bother to change it to EQ mode, I have installed a small camera and C-mount lens and I am using SharpCap platesolve with great success for target alignment. It is working very well and I am also tempted to use it for visual work also.

[Goldypoker]

I had an iOptron AZ Mount Pro that needed very careful leveling for better GoTo accuracy. But it was improving after each SYNC to different targets.

Then I upgraded it to Proxysky Ragdoll 20 which was very bad initially. The target was outside finder FoV after SYNC-ing which was very frustrating. I am using a digital leveling meter so I took care about this important aspect.

Then the firmware was updated and I could see some improvement but still not close to iOptron experience. I really would like to have an improvement after each SYNC to the target or 3 stars alignment procedure but not at this time.

Meanwhile I am used to slew to a bright target in the nearby and go from there but it is very frustrating to spend so much money for something that is not performing well.

Also,as this is OnstepX based mount, in AZ mode it is not crossing the South meridian and I cannot disable this feature from controller software.

As I am using the mount also for EAA but I do not bother to change it to EQ mode, I have installed a small camera and C-mount lens and I am using SharpCap platesolve with great success for target alignment. It is working very well and I am also tempted to use it for visual work also.

Yes, the Ioptron AZ pro works/aligns well, but it has a built in GPS to assist…no such luck with the AM5.

 

I have heard that it is possible to hook up an AsiAir, guide camera and scope and have the AM5 plate solve in Alt Az mode, and this method appears to work extremely well. Still, I have absolutely no experience in guiding or AsiAir plate solving…not to mention, the additional cost. Seems to me the thing should work without the extra bells and whistles, even if the accuracy isn’t “plate solving” good.

[t.mihai147]

The internal GPS is not improving the GoTo accuracy compared to manual input if you have a precise location coordinate.

But iOptron has many years of experience in building AZ GoTo mounts so this is the differentiator, as far as I understand,

The AsiAir platesolve is very similar with any other PC based solution (you can use an old laptop or PC) plus any free or paid platesolve program. I use SharpCap as I am also doing EAA and SharpCap Pro is very good at EAA for DSOs.

[raylinds]

I am disappointed to read this since I purchased a used AM5 original version, mainly for visual in Alt Az mode. While researching before purchasing, I have read accounts of good goto success, but always with setups using ASIAir and guide camera to plate solve. This is how I intend to use it, but I agree you should be able to use it without the plate solving with reasonably accurate goto. When I get mine, I am ging to try to see if I can get it working without plate solving and will report back.

[edwyun]

When I got my AM5, I don't recall any ad that said it could do GOTO on its own in alt az mode.  I do remember being told I needed an ASIAir+AM5 to do so.  Hence I got both.

 

Has that changed more recently?