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.
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.
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.
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.
Can be switched via ASI Mount App or hand controller
Equatorial Mode: Suitable for tracking and photographing objects
Altazimuth Mode: Suitable for visual astronomy
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.
Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview and so many great functions can all be achieved with your phone or tablet.
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 | <+/- 20″ |
| PE duration | 288 sec |
| 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) |
| Guide Port | ST4 |
| Communications interface | USB / WiFI / Bluetooth |
| Zero position | Mechanical |
| Operating temperature | -15°C -40°C |
| Power failure protection | Yes |
ZWO carbon fiber tripod features great portability, high strength, and high impact resistance. This tripod has a 50kg load capacity and weighs 2.3kg.
The TC40 tripod can collapse down to allow easy transport inside your hand luggage.
This tripod has an adjustable height range of 470-800mm. With dual section legs that provide a stable and rigid platform for both telescopes and cameras.
Upper section: 40mm
Lower section: 36mm
The head plate of this tripod has an adapter plate that offers three mounting points to match the AM5 mount head. This makes the connection stable and sturdy.
The center 3/8" locking knob has a wide range of compatibility. If you are looking to use the mount with the ZWO AM5 mount head, keep the centre locking knob standard. If you are looking to quickly secure other mounts with 3.8" tapped hole to the tripod, keep the locking knob upside down. If you simply wish to effectively reinforce the connection of the mount head and the tripod, secure the lock of the locking knob.
Increases the stability of the tripod. When you tighten the knob, the spreader plate pushes up against the legs of the tripod, spreading them and locking them in place.
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