Avalon m-zero: Introduction and Unboxing Video

Hi Sascha,

Interesting video, I don't want to be negative in any way, but I have a couple issues. First, for the price I would expect a higher payload, for this model, the m-zero LHQ only has a payload of 13kg (28lb) and typically you only use about 60% of that for imaging. Second, I looked at all the m-zero models and I maybe wrong, but it looks like you need to do the polar alignment before you can put your scope on. Even there most expensive mount, the M-Uno-D with the built-in polar scope needs to be polar aligned before you can attach your equipment, that's can be an issue having to wait until it's dark.  It is a very interesting new concept and I'm sure the company will do well.

Thanks for sharing your review.

Bob Lockwood:
Hi Sascha,

Interesting video, I don't want to be negative in any way, but I have a couple issues. First, for the price I would expect a higher payload, for this model, the m-zero LHQ only has a payload of 13kg (28lb) and typically you only use about 60% of that for imaging. Second, I looked at all the m-zero models and I maybe wrong, but it looks like you need to do the polar alignment before you can put your scope on. Even there most expensive mount, the M-Uno-D with the built-in polar scope needs to be polar aligned before you can attach your equipment, that's can be an issue having to wait until it's dark.  It is a very interesting new concept and I'm sure the company will do well.

Thanks for sharing your review.

Hello. I have the M-UNO and I love the mount. I have the 8" Newton OTA on a small 130 mm extender, so it is risen from the original clamp. It is designed so it does not fully obstruct the view and you can actualy see polaris with the polar scope in. If not using an extender you can have the polar scope mounted on the side of the mount, they have a KIT for that also. I personaly just do polar alignemt via Sharpcap with the guide scope, so I don't worry about an extra polarscope.

The M-UNO and i believe also the M-ZERO can be used without problems at full capacity for imaging. I have seen tests of the M-UNO running without problems at +25kg beeing only declared for 20kg.

All what Sascha says about the build quality is true. It is like a tank when holding in the hands. The finish is simply without flaws. No sharp edges, excellent paintig. The M-UNO has big bolts, you can put the mount head on the T-POD and its sits there steady without even beeing screewed. The M-ZERO, M-UNO and its bigger brothers (DUE, TRE, ...) has even an option for motorised polar alignment. Have not seen this on any other commercial mount so far.

So far i have encountered only one flaw of this mount desing. With all the mounts I have used I would say the belt drive system is a little more wind sensitive then a geared transmission. But the M-UNO allows also ajusting the tightness of the belts with some special screws on mounte exterior so I need to check this settings. Maybe the wind stabilitiy could be improved this way.

CS
Peter

Peter Komatović:

Bob Lockwood:
Hi Sascha,

Interesting video, I don't want to be negative in any way, but I have a couple issues. First, for the price I would expect a higher payload, for this model, the m-zero LHQ only has a payload of 13kg (28lb) and typically you only use about 60% of that for imaging. Second, I looked at all the m-zero models and I maybe wrong, but it looks like you need to do the polar alignment before you can put your scope on. Even there most expensive mount, the M-Uno-D with the built-in polar scope needs to be polar aligned before you can attach your equipment, that's can be an issue having to wait until it's dark.  It is a very interesting new concept and I'm sure the company will do well.

Thanks for sharing your review.

Hello. I have the M-UNO and I love the mount. I have the 8" Newton OTA on a small 130 mm extender, so it is risen from the original clamp. It is designed so it does not fully obstruct the view and you can actualy see polaris with the polar scope in. If not using an extender you can have the polar scope mounted on the side of the mount, they have a KIT for that also. I personaly just do polar alignemt via Sharpcap with the guide scope, so I don't worry about an extra polarscope.

The M-UNO and i believe also the M-ZERO can be used without problems at full capacity for imaging. I have seen tests of the M-UNO running without problems at +25kg beeing only declared for 20kg.

All what Sascha says about the build quality is true. It is like a tank when holding in the hands. The finish is simply without flaws. No sharp edges, excellent paintig. The M-UNO has big bolts, you can put the mount head on the T-POD and its sits there steady without even beeing screewed. The M-ZERO, M-UNO and its bigger brothers (DUE, TRE, ...) has even an option for motorised polar alignment. Have not seen this on any other commercial mount so far.

So far i have encountered only one flaw of this mount desing. With all the mounts I have used I would say the belt drive system is a little more wind sensitive then a geared transmission. But the M-UNO allows also ajusting the tightness of the belts with some special screws on mounte exterior so I need to check this settings. Maybe the wind stabilitiy could be improved this way.

CS
Peter

I had the old version of the M-Zero (not the "HQ") and I found it had problems with medium-weight OTAs.  Specifically, the bolt holding the DEC axis in place would immediately become loose when the scope was placed in the saddle.  I brought this up with Avalon and they suggested tightening the bolt, but this seemed to make the DEC too tight - so tight, in fact, that I could not achieve balance.  Don't know if they fixed this with the later editions of the mount but it essentially restrained me to light OTAs.