ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount

 

The traditional equatorial telescope mount requires heavy counterweights. It can be very difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions, and it’s a hassle for transport and storage, which brings amateur astrophotographers a lot of pain when they are in the field under dark skies taking astro images.

Some of the strain wave geared drive mounts are relatively simple in functions, insufficient in load capacity, also not very stable in use.

To solve these issues, ZWO developed the ASI Mount series.

One of the main features of the AM mount series is that they no longer need counterweight. With a weight of 3.9kg,the ZWO AM3 mount has a large load capacity from 8kg to 13kg.

While portability is very important, stability is also essential in use. Instead of simply pursuing weight reduction of the mount body itself , ZWO has focused on stability for use under all conditions. The internal structure of the body is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1. It is also multi-functional that can be used as both an equatorial mount or an altazimuth mount. You can either control the mount via Wi-Fi and bluetooth, or a hand controller.

With a ZWO AM series mount, you won’t have to struggle with counterweights.

Portable and stable

 

The internal structure of the body is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1.

Customized Strain Wave Gear

ZWO developed the special strain wave gear based on the actual needs for astrophotography. It comes with very low periodic error and high torque. Each mount is tested and equipped with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory so that the quality can be guaranteed.

Tip the scales at just 3.9kg

 

8kg-13kg payload

The load capacity of ZWO AM3 without the counterweight is 8kg, and 13kg with the counterweight.

* The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 20cm in length.

According to the engineering calculations, we can calculate the maximum load capacity of the ZWO AM3 mount:

8kg without the counterweight

13kg with the counterweight.

Supported counterweight:≤5kg

The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 25cm in length.

Equatorial Mode / Alt azimuth Mode

Can be switched via ASI Mount App or hand controller

Equatorial Mode: Suitable for tracking and photographing objects

Altazimuth Mode: Suitable for visual astronomy

All-round 0°-90° Pitch Angle

Gear 1: Allow you to adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve a degree between 0 and 60.

Gear 2: You can loosen the hex-head screw and then adjust the pitch angel grip to achieve a degree between 30 and 90.

Wireless Control

Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview and so many great functions can all be achieved with your phone or tablet.

Seamless Linkage with ASIAIR

ASIAIR can control AM5 via a wired or wireless connection. The ASI package provides the best astrophotography experience.

 

ZWO AM3 Specifications

Mount type	Equatorial
Mount mode	Equatorial mode / Altazimuth mode
Drive	Strain wave gear + Synchronous belt (Reduction ratio: 300:1
Periodic error	<+/- 15″
PE duration	288 s
Drive RA	NEMA 35 stepper motor +Model No. 14 (Reduction ratio:  300:1)
Drive Dec	NEMA 35 stepper motor +No. 14
Load capacity	8kg without counterweights 13kg with counterweights
Latitude adjustment range	0° – 90°
Azimuth angle adjustment range	+/- 6°
Dovetail	Vixen & Losmandy
Weight	3.9kg
Interface thread on counterweight shaft	M12
Stepper motor resolution	0.17″
Max slew speed	6°/sec
Slew rate	0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x
Power port	DC 5.5 -2.1  (12v-3A)
Power consumption	12v / 0.386A (standby) 12v /0.58A (tracking) 12v /1.7A (Goto) (1.3A-Heavy Load Tracking)
Guide Port	ST4
Communications interface	USB / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Zero position	Mechanical
Operating temperature	-15°C -40°C
Power failure protection	Yes
Mount Base Diameter/strong>	122mm