The ZWO AM7 - A Bigger & Beefier AM5!
I tested the new ZWO AM7 strain-wave gear mount in different conditions, with two large payloads: the Askar APO185 and the Artec 250. I focus on tracking and usability near the sta...
The Space Koala Astrophotography by Luca Bartek
Nice solid mount but unless they’re locked onto the ZWO ecosystem, the more I research the more I wonder why people wouldn’t spend a few hundred more to get a WarpAstron WD-20(maybe P version) for a superior direct drive mechanism, servo motors, better polar alignment, and much lower PE. Is it just less common? Noticed that you also have the WD20. Don’t see a review of it, but how was your experience with it?
Thanks Luca! 👍👍
Is a C 14 to heavy for this mount? Do you use the Camera Angle Adjuster (rotator) from ZWO or other brand?
I'll publish my tests on putting the C14 on this mount very soon (likely today or tomorow!) Spoiler: don't do it. I do use the ZWO CAA sometimes, but there's no space for it in a lot of my rigs
Interesting review. Which tripod and extension are you using for you big scope? (Want to use it for my C11) CS
Great video and great information. I have a newly acquired RASA 11” scope, coming in at 43 lbs. Planning on using the asi2600mc. This mount should work well with this scope. I’m fully invested in the ZWO environment all ready with the AM5.
Can I ask about which sidereal speed (x0.25, x0.50, etc) were you using on the AM7+185APO for guiding?
the default value (0.5x)
I picked up mine today, of course the forecast is clouds for the next two weeks… The tripod is a critical component!
What brand of tripod is used in the video?
it's the SuperMount CYG-48. It is not easy to find - I have put a good tri-pier in the description and I plan to review another much more affordable tripod soon that promises to be good, but time will tell :D
@the_space_koala ok,thank u for sharing and I have another question about AM7 guide stability. Some AM5 users have reported random spikes on the AB community, seemingly unrelated to wind or cables. The official solution hasn't been implemented through firmware updates. Therefore, I'd like to ask if you've encountered the same issue with your AM7. While you mentioned in the video that your guide RMS can remain below 0.6' in near-windless conditions using the ARTEC250, I'm unsure if this can be maintained for a long time. My OTA is very similar to yours, so I'm particularly concerned about this issue. I hope you can share more information.
Thanks for the detailed review! 🙌Really appreciate how you tested the AM7 near its upper payload limits and shared insights on tracking and usability. We always welcome more suggestions and ideas from the community😃
Me telling myself I do NOT need another expensive hobby. hahahaha
Did you use the same cable that powers the AM5? I received my AM7 today and it won't power up. Have tried 12 different leads, they all work on the AM5 but not on the 7. I tried connecting it then pulling one end out of the power supply and reconnecting, it then powered up but as soon as I tried to use the switch, it wouldn't work again.
yes I just used a very simple 120W (10A 12V) adapter, the same one I use for the AM5.
@the_space_koala Many thanks for the reply. It turned out the issue was that my power suply was set at 13.6 volts which the AM7 didn't like. I was advised to reduce it to 13 volts (internal adjustment) and it now works :) Regards Richard
Very disappointing from ZWO, should have been more upgrades on this, they missed the mark altogether ☹
Hola, could you kindly make a video of the Celestron EdgeHD 11” on the AM7?
hey, I'm not sure what would be the content? The AM7 will carry the EdgeHD11 like a breeze
Do you think the AM7 pairs well with the C14 with HyperStar according to your analyses? If so, with or without counterweights?
Definitely with the CW but it should work. I plan on trying this out in a few weeks on a new tripod I'd like to test and I'll post the outcome!
I’d be interested to know for an observatory setup, does it have a Park setting, so the scope can be put to bed in a specified position other than Home? Great review.
yes there is a park position. the default park position is RA all the way to East and DEC pointing due north (so it's horizontal and flat). I have not tried to change this park position yet
@the_space_koalaThank you
how is power consumption compare to the smaller mounts???
Luca question, the video of the AM7 moving the scope all around with the stars moving time lapse how are you doing this? i would like to do the same with my Rig.. Thanks for all your great vids...
I use an Insta360 action camera in star lapse mode and just leave it out on a small tripod during the imaging session
Great video, I always enjoy your reviews! I have a specific request regarding the ASCOM driver behavior in NINA. Could you please test the parking functions? On the AM5, the standard Park command is unreliable and only ever goes to the ZWO default position. More importantly, the Custom Park feature does not work at all. I am 99% sure the AM7 shares this firmware limitation, which is a dealbreaker for remote setups that need a specific angle to close the roof. It is hard to justify this closed system when OnStepX mounts offer way better control. It would be amazing if you could confirm if "Set Park Position" is still broken on this new mount.
they did a change recently (at least within the ASIAIR) to support the park position, which by default is RA rotated by 90 degrees to east (in the northern hemisphere) and DEC pointed at the horizon in the north. I will try it with NINA and get back to you
I did a session with NINA last night and in the morning I found the mount in the set park position so it worked just fine!
@the_space_koalait's zwo predefined park spot right? Thanks for checking!
Great review. I am surprised that there are only a couple of videos out on the AM7 at this point. Often, a whole bunch of folks post once the PR embargo is lifted. Anyhoo, great video. Amazing HDR. All US distributors are charging $2,999 for the AM7 while the AM5 is $2,499. I'm sure there will be sales when ZWO advertises around Black Friday. Thanks!
I think it has to do with the fact that smaller things like the Seestar were sent out "for free" (as part of the collaboration) while the mount had to be bought (albeit discounted). So people will not want to review it unless they would want to buy the mount either way. In my case I was already super happy with the AM5 and the AM3 so I knew it was likely I would love this too.
@the_space_koala That makes total sense! Thanks for your quick reply.
I'd love to see a PHD2logviewer analysis over a longer period of time! I believe ZWO uses triangular strain wave generator (rather than elliptical) which gives better PE but less smooth curve (e.g. more difficult to guide out) with main harmonic at 280s period, so it would be very interesting to look at the details!
hey Cuiv - here you go! :) https colon //www dot swisstransfer dot com/d/0a61f657-03a2-4200-808a-1ea9a7c5ef09 It says 980mm of FL but it was actually 1036mm, I forgot to change