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 |