#AM5N or Wave150i

16 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

gloomy wyvern
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I'm looking to upgrade from my heavy EQ6-R Pro to a strain wave mount and have narrowed it down to the AM5N or Wave150i after thorough research. Since price isn't a factor, what would make one a better choice over the other?

steady crow
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I wanted ease of use and portability. With the am5n, it's only 1x 12v in. From that power is distributed to the saddle. Super easy and convenient. As I understand it, the Wave 150i requires 2x 12v in. One for the mount and one for distribution at the saddle. Performance wise, they are comparable. I feel like the Wave 150i has the edge with heavier payload. I went with the am5n.

opal hazel
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UMi 17 or 20.

proud falcon
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I have a Wave 150i. It has a few quirks (the declination pins are the big one) but overall I enjoy it. I'm primarily a visual observer though.

gloomy wyvern
gloomy wyvern
steady crow
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But I have a 2nd that sits on the ZWO TC40 tripod

gloomy wyvern
opal hazel
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AM5N: $2300 usd, 20kg payload.
Ragdoll 20: $1900 usd, 30kg payload

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Umi 17 lite: $1280 usd, 18kg payload.

steady crow
# gloomy wyvern Do you recommend it for 6" newtonian ?

Yup. And clearly more than just raw payload as a bullet point. I liked having all my connections above Dec. Really simplifies cabling. I can slew 360 degrees without fear of cable snags. Probably my favorite feature. Sure price plays into it, but I could have purchased something that cost less (or more) but having already owned 1 am5n (and 2 am5 previous) I chose to stay with the am5n. It's a proven platform. I think whatever you choose, you really can't go wrong. It's all the same tech more or less, doing the same job. Find the package that has the feature set that aligns best with your plans.

proud falcon
# gloomy wyvern did you use phd2 ? i want to know the best RMS you can get

I'm still waiting on my guide cam so I can't say personally.

If you're considering features, the Wave 150i supports a SynScan hand controller which makes it a good choice for visual observing, and it has a really high slew rate (7.5°/s) which can be useful for satellite/ISS imaging (for the AM5N it's 6°/s)

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I probably would have been fine with a UMi 17 lite though.

gloomy wyvern
steady elk