HARMONIC DRIVE Mounts Showdown! HEM27 vs. AM5

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In this video I review two new harmonic drive mounts: the iOptron HEM27 and ZWO AM5. I also compare them to my tried-and-true Sky-watcher EQ6-R.

Product Links (affiliated)
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ZWO AM5 Mount - https://tinyurl.com/ZWO-AM5
iOptron HEM27A Mount (with iPolar) - https://tinyurl.com/HEM27A
Sky-watcher EQ6-R Pro Mount - https://tinyurl.com/HPS-EQ6R
Apertura EQ6-R Case Set - https://tinyurl.com/EQ6R-Case-Set
ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod for AM5 - https://tinyurl.com/ZWO-TC40
iOptron Carbon Fiber Tripod for HEM27 - https://tinyurl.com/ioptron-HEM27-tripod
ZWO Counterweight Bar for AM5 - https://tinyurl.com/AM5-CW-Bar
HEM27 Counterweight Shaft - https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/845...
iOptron 10 lb. Counterweight for AM5 or HEM27 - https://tinyurl.com/ioptron-CW
ZWO 200mm pier for AM5 - https://tinyurl.com/AM5-200-Pier
iOptron MiniPier for HEM27 - https://www.ioptron.com/product-p/804...

Table of Contents
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0:00 Intro
2:54 Disclosures
3:39 AM5's alt-az mode
4:55 Polar alignment options
6:25 Equatorial wedge design
10:36 PPA (Sponsor)
11:54 Power ports
14:14 Hand controllers
15:34 Connectivity
17:59 Saddles
19:08 Clutches
19:52 Sound tests
20:55 Weight and Payload
22:38 Costs, Tripods, and Cases
26:34 Imaging Test 1: 15 lbs, No CW
34:14 Imaging Test 2: 34 lbs, w/ CW
40:02 Patreon end credits

Patreon
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Channel Disclosures
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I am a member of the High Point Scientific, Astrobin, OPT, Agena Astroproducts, eBay, and Amazon affiliate programs. Product links in my video descriptions are typically affiliate links, which means, at no extra cost to you, I will make a commission if you click them and purchase something. I also have working relationships with the following companies/brands to receive products to test: Askar, Svbony, High Point Scientific, Agena Astroproducts QHYCCD, WOBoyz, SmallRig, Venus Optics, Astrogear.net, Night Sky Camera, Hunt's Photo & Video. I do not review products for money and any brand deals will be fully disclosed. If you have any questions about any of this, please get in touch.

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