ZWO PE160 160mm Pier Extension for AM3/AM5 Mounts

A 1kg pier extension that lifts a travel-size ZWO mount 160mm

The ZWO PE160 Pier Extension is a 160mm-tall riser that goes between a ZWO harmonic mount and its tripod. It fits the AM3, AM3N, AM5 and AM5N on the ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod, and it's the extension that comes in our FF70 APO + AM3N bundle. It's made from matte black aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs 1.0kg (2.2lb), so it's the one we suggest for travel kits and small refractors.

Key specs: 160mm (6.3") tall × 124mm diameter · three-pillar aircraft-grade aluminum · 1.0kg (2.2lb) · 13kg (28.7lb) max load, 10kg (22lb) recommended · fits AM3, AM3N, AM5 and AM5N · 3/8"-16 tripod thread

When you need a pier extension

• Imaging trains behind a small refractor: a cooled camera, filter wheel and off-axis guider add length behind the focuser, which is where leg strikes usually happen.
• Unattended imaging and meridian flips: more clearance means fewer pointing limits to set in the ASIAIR or N.I.N.A., and less to worry about overnight.
• Visual comfort: on a refractor it lifts the eyepiece to a more comfortable height.
• Travel setups: at 1.0kg it adds little to a kit you're carrying to a dark site or packing for a flight.

How it installs

The PE160 ships as five parts (top plate, bottom plate and three pillars) that you assemble once with the six included M6 screws and hex wrench. Fix the three pillars to the bottom plate with three screws (the round end of each pillar goes to the bottom plate), then set the upper plate on the hex ends and fix it with the other three. After that it stays together.

On the ZWO TC40 tripod: set the PE160 on the tripod head and tighten the tripod's center knob into the 3/8"-16 thread in the bottom plate. Then set the AM3 or AM5 on top and tighten the three locking knobs. That's it.

Using it in Colorado

Wind picks up fast on the plains and at mountain dark sites. Any extension raises the center of gravity, so on a breezy night keep the TC40's legs short and fully spread, and hang a power tank in the weight bag.

What to add for the best results

• ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod: the matching tripod, if your mount came without one.
• TC40 tripod case: carries the TC40 with the PE160 or PE200 still attached.
• Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro: powers the mount and camera, and adds weight to the tripod's bag.
• A mount: the ZWO AM3N with TC40 tripod, or the FF70 APO + AM3N bundle, which already includes a PE160.

PE160 vs. PE200

See all mount accessories.

What's in the box

• Upper plate with three locking knobs
• Bottom plate
• Three pillars
• Six M6 socket head cap screws
• Hex wrench
• Quick guide

The mount and tripod are sold separately.

ZWO PE160 Pier Extension FAQ

Do I need a pier extension for my AM3 or AM5?

With a short refractor and a small camera, usually not. If you have a filter wheel, off-axis guider or a longer tube, an extension keeps the camera from hitting the tripod legs when the scope points high.

PE160 or PE200?

Choose the PE160 for an AM3 or AM3N, or an AM5 carrying a small refractor, when light weight matters. Choose the PE200 for heavier AM5 payloads, a little more clearance, or a non-ZWO tripod.

Does it fit the AM3N and AM5N?

Yes. The AM3, AM3N, AM5 and AM5N share the same base, and the PE160 locks to all of them.

Does it make the setup less stable?

Any added height makes a tripod a little more sensitive to wind and bumps. Stay within the recommended 10kg, spread the legs fully and keep them short.

Is a PE160 already in the FF70 + AM3N bundle?

Yes. The ZWO FF70 APO + AM3N bundle includes a TC40 tripod and a PE160, so you don't need to buy one separately.

Specifications