Product Description
The traditional equatorial mount requires heavy counterweights. It can be very difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions, and also inconvenient for transit and storage, which brings amateur astrophotographers a lot of pain when they are out for imaging.
Some of the strain wave geared drive mounts are relatively simple in functions, insufficient in load capacity, and also not very stable in use.
To solve the above issues, ZWO developed the ASI Mount series. No need for a counterweight. With a self-weight of 3.9kg, AM3 has a large load capacity from 8kg to 13kg. While portability is very important, stability is also essential in use. Instead of blindly pursuing the lightweight of the mount body, ZWO is more so along the lines of stability for an entire use. 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.
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.
3.9kg Net Weight
Instead of blindly pursuing the lightweight of the mount body, ZWO is more so along the lines of stability for an entire use.
8kg-13kg payload
The load capacity of AM3 without the counterweight is 8kg, and 13kg with the counterweight.
According to the engineering calculations, we can calculate the maximum load capacity of the 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 / Altazimuth 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 phones.
Rocker-style Hand Controller
Comfortable touch and easy to use. Integrated with Wi-Fi network allowing for wireless control. You can easily upgrade the firmware of the hand controller and mount it on the webpage.
Seamless Linkage with ASIAIR
ASIAIR can control AM5 via a wired or wireless connection. The ASI package gives customers the best astrophotography experience.
*Note: The recommended operating voltage for the ZWO Harmonic Equatorial Mount is 12V. When the actual input voltage is below 10.8V, the mount will emit a beeping alarm to indicate under-voltage condition. To ensure proper functioning of the equipment, we recommend using the official ZWO power adapter and an appropriately sized power cable.
What’s in the box
Accessibility tools
① Pier Extension
With the pier extension, the telescope with a long focal length will be greatly avoided from hitting the tripod legs.
② Carbon Fiber Tripod
- Short and portable. Easy to transport inside your hand luggage.
- Carbon fiber material: High strength and high impact resistance.
- Adjustable height: 470-800mm. Dual-section legs provide a stable and rigid platform for telescopes and cameras.
- Spreader plate: Increase the stability of the tripod.
- Weight bag: Provides additional stability by filling it with suitable weights such as stones or your telescope battery pack.
- Fixed spread angle: Easy to use.
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Leo Libbey – :
For an order placed now (July 2nd), what is the estimated ship date?
Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for reaching out to us regarding the AM3 inquiry. I would like to inform you that the product you inquired about is part of our pre-sale collection.
We are currently accepting orders, and the estimated delivery time for this product is around August. Please note that the orders will be fulfilled in the order they were received.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the pre-sale product, please feel free to let us know. We are here to assist you throughout the purchasing journey.
Thank you for your understanding and for choosing our products.
Tiago Ramos – :
Is it possible to use my iOptron LiteRoc 1.75″ tripod with the AM3?
Thanks
Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your inquiry. The AM3 tripod mount utilizes a 3/8″ screw hole. Kindly confirm whether your tripod is compatible with this size.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with any other aspect of our product, please feel free to let us know. We are here to help.
Sam Medina – :
I’m interested in ordering the AM3 mount. Will I be charged at the time I submit my order or will you wait to charge my credit card until the mount ships?
Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your comment. We operate on a “payment before shipment” policy. This means that we kindly request payment in full before we proceed with the delivery of your order.
If you have any further questions or need any additional information, please feel free to let us know. We are here to assist you.
Marson – :
Bonjour est il possible avec la monture am3 de mettre un celestron C8 avec une caméra 482mc sans contrepoids ?
Une optique 120mm est elle possible également ?
Merci pour votre aide:)
Support@ZWO – :
AM3 provides a dual-mode finder shoe compatible with most telescopes, including Vixen and Losmandy standards. To adapt the 8SE, after removing the OTA from the equatorial mount, you will need to install a Dovetail Base kit provided by Celestron specifically for the C8 tube. Once the C8 is mounted on the AM3, it is advisable to add some counterweights to prevent the equipment from tipping over on the tripod.
Mark – :
When is this product actually coming out
Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for reaching out to us regarding the AM3 inquiry. I would like to inform you that the product you inquired about is part of our pre-sale collection.
We are currently accepting orders, and the estimated delivery time for this product is around August. Please note that the orders will be fulfilled in the order they were received.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the pre-sale product, please feel free to let us know. We are here to assist you throughout the purchasing journey.
Thank you for your understanding and for choosing our products.
Stefan – :
Hello,
Can the Asiair plus feed power to the AM3?
Or do I need a Zwo power adapter?
The AM5 can feed power the asiair plus.
Support@ZWO – :
Yes, for sure!
Sxahme – :
Can the mount be attached to your existing photography tripod? Or do we need the tripod provided by zwo?
Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your inquiry. The AM3 tripod mount utilizes a 3/8″ screw hole. Kindly confirm whether your tripod is compatible with this size.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with any other aspect of our product, please feel free to let us know. We are here to help.
Philippe – :
Hi,
What are the main differences between AM3 and AM 5 ?
Support@ZWO – :
Both AM3 and AM5 are harmonic equatorial mounts with similar structural designs. The core component of both mounts is the harmonic reducer. However, they differ in size and load capacity. AM3 utilizes a size 14 harmonic reducer, which is smaller in dimensions and load capacity, without significant differences in precision. The base still features a 3/8″ screw hole to accommodate most camera tripods. The base size remains the same as AM5 and is compatible with the TC40. AM3 has made some minor adjustments based on AM5, including:
①.Removal of the upper and lower locking handles. The tightness of the upper and lower structural components of the mount is achieved through four locking screws. This allows for lateral movement and provides a certain level of strength, eliminating the need for locking handles.
②.The latitude indicator has been relocated to the back for easier visibility during use.
③.The mount no longer comes with a pre-attached bubble level, but users can still choose to attach it according to their preferences.
④.The pitch of the altitude adjustment screws has been reduced, resulting in higher precision during altitude adjustments.
⑤.Bluetooth functionality has been added, allowing users to control the equatorial mount via a mobile phone without the need for a hand controller.
Jhun – :
How estimate shipping cost to Philippines?
Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your question. Yes, we offer free worldwide shipping on orders totaling $199 or more from our official website. This applies to customers globally, ensuring a convenient and cost-effective shopping experience.
If you have any further inquiries or need assistance with any other aspect of our product or ordering process, please feel free to let us know. We are here to help.
JEAN-MARC – :
Can the application for control the AM3 allow me to make time lapses like what it is possible to do with certain mounts like the Skywatcher StarAdventurer?
Thanks !
Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your suggestion. We appreciate your input. We do have plans to explore the implementation of this feature using ASIAIR; however, it is still in the early stages of research and development.
We value your feedback and will take it into consideration as we continue to improve and expand our product offerings. If you have any further suggestions or ideas, please feel free to share them with us.
Thank you for your support.
谷川孝幸 – :
日本からの注文は可能ですか?
日本の代理店では6月の出荷ですが、このサイトで購入するといつ出荷されますか?
Support@ZWO – :
そうです! 日本への発送も可能ですのでご安心ください。 すべての販売チャネルは順次出荷されますが、どのチャネルがより早く出荷されるかは保証されません。
Olivier – :
What is the weight of the TC40 tripod ?
Support@ZWO – :
Thanks for your comment. TC40 is 2.3 KG.
Alexander K. – :
Is the attachment of the AM3 to the tripod the same as the AM5? Thanks Alex
Support@ZWO – :
Thanks for comment. Yes, it’s the same one.:-)