ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount with TC40 Tripod

ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount with TC40 CF Tripod.

Traditional equatorial mounts require counterweights, and maintaining balance in RA and DEC directions can be difficult. Their size/shape can also make them inconvenient for transit and storage. 

Some strain wave geared mounts are relatively simple in function, insufficient in load capacity, and not very stable in use.

To solve the above issues, ZWO developed their ASI Mount series. With a body weight of only 3.9kg, the AM3 has a large load capacity from 8kg (without counterweight) to 13kg (with counterweight).

Portability is important, but so too, is stability. Instead of pursuing only the lightest mount body weight, ZWO has paid careful attention to stability and ease of use. The body's internal structure is optimised for the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1.

It can be used as an equatorial or altazimuth mount and controlled via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a hand controller. 

Portable and stable

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

Customised Strain Wave Gear

ZWO developed the special strain wave gear based on the actual needs for astrophotography, so it has a very low periodic error and high torque. Each mount is tested at the factory and includes a PE curve chart to maintain quality and performance.

3.9kg Net Weight

ZWO has achieved this low body while maintaining stability and ease of use. 

8kg-13kg payload

The load capacity of 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 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

The 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 angle between 30 and 90.

Wireless Control

Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview and other functions can be set using your smartphone.

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.

What’s in the box

Optional accessories include:

① Pier Extension

With the pier extension, telescopes with a long focal length are less likely to hit the tripod legs.

② Carbon Fiber Tripod

Compact and portable for easy transport inside your hand luggage.

Carbon fibre 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.