ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head
Quick Overview
- Strain wave drive operation means heavy counterweights aren't required, and no backlash
- Mount head weighs just 8.5 lbs (3.9kg) meaning you can take it truly anywhere, even in your carry-on bag for air travel
- Can carry double its own weight (17.5 lbs / 8kg) without counterweights, and over triple its own weight with counterweights (28.5 lbs, 13kg)
- Works seamlessly with the ASIAIR and other ZWO products
A Portable, Precise, and Stable Mount Perfect for Astrophotographers!
ZWO has provided the perfect solution for those astrophotographers looking for a convenient and portable equatorial mount that can operate at peak performance without the need for counterweights! With a traditional EQ mount, it can be difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions while being difficult to carry and store. The AM3 Harmonic Drive EQ mount has a large load capacity of 17.6 lb. (8kg) without a counterweight and 28.6 lb. (13kg) with a counterweight (not included) while only weighing in at 8.6 lb. (3.9kg). Stability is essential for operation, and ZWO found a way to balance portability with functionality with the AM3 mount.
The internal structure of the AM3 Harmonic Drive EQ Mount is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt. This optimization brings more accurate control and a fantastic reduction ratio of 300:1. In addition to having a large load capacity without needing counterweights, the AM3 mount is considered multi-functional and can be used as both an equatorial and alt-azimuth mount. To add to its versatility, the AM3 can be controlled using either the included hand controller or WiFi/Bluetooth.
ZWO has designed the AM3 mount head to be an astrophotographer’s dream mount! While incredibly portable, it also has many features, like the two control options, the harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt, and more that make this mount a must-have tool for your imaging sessions. Check out some of these features below!
ZWO AM3 Mount
ZWO AM3 Specifications List
- Mount type: Equatorial mount
- Mount mode: Equatorial mode/Altazimuth mode
- Drive type: Strain wave gear + synchronous belt (300:1 reduction ratio)
- Payload Capacity without Counterweight: 17.5lbs (8kg)
- Payload Capacity with Counterweight: 28.5lbs (13kg)
- Mount Head weight: 8.5lbs (3.9kg)
- Latitude adjustment range: (0º - 90º)
- Azimuth angle adjustment range: ±6º
- Periodic error: ±20 arcseconds
- Periodic error duration: 288 seconds
- Saddle type: Losmandy & Vixen (500g)
- Drive (RA): NEMA35 stepper motor (model number 14, reduction ratio 100:1) with brake
- Drive (Dec): NEMA35 stepper motor (model number 14)
- Interface thread of counterweight shaft: M12
- Stepper motor resolution: 0.17"
- Max slew speed: 6º per second
- Slew rates: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x
- Power port: DC 5.5x2.1mm (12v, 3a)
- Power consumption (standby): 12v / 0.386a
- Power consumption (tracking): 12v / 0.58a
- Power consumption (slewing/GoTo): 12v / 1.7a
- Guide port: ST-4
- Communication interfaces: USB/WiFi/Bluetooth
- Zero position: Mechanical
- Operating temperature: -15ºC (5ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF)
- Power failure protection: Yes