German Equatorial Mount

[Grierson]

Are the days of the GEM numbered in the light of recent ZWO announcement?

Edited April 14, 2023 by Grierson

[iapa]

As I understand it:

The AM5 and AM3 mounts are effectively German Equatorial mounts in that they follow the “t” shape design. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_mount

These newer ASI mounts, and others, implement a different drive mechanism which is said to be backlash free and allows for higher torque in a smaller body. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strain_wave_gearing

 

[Elp]

Not necessarily. I've read they're not so good for long focal lengths. And for very heavy setups a traditional gem is usually the only option. It won't be long however until a heavy duty, relatively affordable HD mount is released.

 

[malc-c]

2 hours ago, Elp said:

Not necessarily. I've read they're not so good for long focal lengths. And for very heavy setups a traditional gem is usually the only option. It won't be long however until a heavy duty, relatively affordable HD mount is released.

 

It has two axis's that are at 90 degrees to each other and it tilts to the latitude so as to counteract the earths rotation.... so technically they are a GEM class of mount.  The payload capacity or suitability for various OTA's doesn't designate the type / class of mount.  If a GEM can be angled to 90 degrees, then it could operate like and ALT/AZ mount, and an ALT / AZ can be angled to the users latitude it effectively becomes a GEM.... confusing really