Hi !
Since I mounted a telescope of around 16 kg on the AM5N with counterweight , I’ve started to notice this noise when performing GoTo slews. Guiding is not affected, but I’m concerned about the noise and it seems to be getting worse. Do I need to send it in for service?check video mountnoise.mp4
andrea tasselli · Feb 11, 2026, 12:57 PM
I would check the tracking (not guiding!) performance over an extended period before doing anything else. Might be one slightly damaged tooth that is clicking (if that is the noise you are referring to).
Yes, i mean that noise seems gear damaged or similar….The mount is under warranty…so i will contact with the shop soon
Do you use a counter weight? You are very close to the specified weight where a counter weight is suggested. I have an AM5N, and the specification for when a counter weight should be used seems a bit to high.
Pirate
Pirate Mike · Feb 11, 2026, 02:10 PM
Do you use a counter weight? You are very close to the specified weight where a counter weight is suggested. I have an AM5N, and the specification for when a counter weight should be used seems a bit to high.
Pirate
Yes, i used a 5 kg counterweight
Jandro.rm · Feb 11, 2026, 12:42 PM
Hi !
Since I mounted a telescope of around 16 kg on the AM5N with counterweight , I’ve started to notice this noise when performing GoTo slews. Guiding is not affected, but I’m concerned about the noise and it seems to be getting worse. Do I need to send it in for service?check video mountnoise.mp4
I do not have a Harmonic mount but as soon as I heard the nose it reminded me of my belt driven mounts and it sounds same. I attribute this to the belts maybe a bit overtight? IMHO
Rainer Ehlert · Feb 11, 2026, 04:05 PM
Jandro.rm · Feb 11, 2026, 12:42 PM
Hi !
Since I mounted a telescope of around 16 kg on the AM5N with counterweight , I’ve started to notice this noise when performing GoTo slews. Guiding is not affected, but I’m concerned about the noise and it seems to be getting worse. Do I need to send it in for service?check video mountnoise.mp4
I do not have a Harmonic mount but as soon as I heard the nose it reminded me of my belt driven mounts and it sounds same. I attribute this to the belts maybe a bit overtight? IMHO
Sometimes my belt gets tight. But that’s from overeating something that tastes good… 😉
Otherwise, I’m not convinced rubber belts are a through answer. More a Band-Aid to a complaint. I’d suggest some good noise canceling headphones.
Overloading is overloading. And it often leads to noise complaints.
Jandro.rm · Feb 11, 2026, 03:57 PM
Pirate Mike · Feb 11, 2026, 02:10 PM
Do you use a counter weight? You are very close to the specified weight where a counter weight is suggested. I have an AM5N, and the specification for when a counter weight should be used seems a bit to high.
Pirate
Yes, i used a 5 kg counterweight
I think it would be better to be using an 11kg counter weight. Give it a try.
Also, in the driver there is a check box for heavy scopes, just click the “Advanced” button, and the check box will be there.. It slows down the slews.
Rainer Ehlert · Feb 11, 2026, 04:05 PM
Jandro.rm · Feb 11, 2026, 12:42 PM
Hi !
Since I mounted a telescope of around 16 kg on the AM5N with counterweight , I’ve started to notice this noise when performing GoTo slews. Guiding is not affected, but I’m concerned about the noise and it seems to be getting worse. Do I need to send it in for service?check video mountnoise.mp4
I do not have a Harmonic mount but as soon as I heard the nose it reminded me of my belt driven mounts and it sounds same. I attribute this to the belts maybe a bit overtight? IMHO
Yes. The belt on my AM5N was way too tight. I loosened it to (what I assume, and after many adjustments) is the best tension, and now the mount is super quiet and it guides excellently… with an 5kg counter weight.
Are you using it in the cold when the noise happens? Mine makes a noise at about 5 degrees centigrade. The trick is to warm it up with small moves first and/or slew at half speed.
CaptnCook · Feb 12, 2026, 10:05 AM
Are you using it in the cold when the noise happens? Mine makes a noise at about 5 degrees centigrade. The trick is to warm it up with small moves first and/or slew at half speed.
No, that video was filmed in my office, so about 20 degrees