ZWO AM3 Strain Wave Drive Equatorial Mount and Tripod - Redcat Edition
Availability: Item has been discontinued by the manufacturer
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- 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
- Comes with the ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod
Astrophotographers have been raving about the ZWO AM5's performance and portability, and it has quickly become one of the hobby's best-selling mounts. Now, ZWO has introduced its little brother, the even more portable AM3!
There are two available versions of this ZWO mount:
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head (no tripod)
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount and Tripod (this product, comes with tripod)
ZWO AM3 Mount Unboxing Video
Agena Astro Affiliate SarahMaths Astro created this unboxing video showing the ZWO AM3 and how it compares to the ZWO AM5:
ZWO AM3 Payload Capacity & Portability
Unlike traditional German Equatorial Mounts, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 can carry telescope rigs without the need for counterweights. The AM3 can carry 17.5 lbs (8kg) without a counterweight, which is more than enough for many wide field or small telescope rigs. When paired with an additional counterweight and counterweight bar, the payload capacity expands to 28.5 lbs (13kg).
Some popular German Equatorial Mounts can weigh over 50 lbs (23kg) when fully assembled. The AM3, fully assembled with its tripod plus an optional counterweight and counterweight bar, weighs a mere 17.5 lbs (9kg)!
ZWO AM3 Hybrid Equatorial & Altazimuth Operation
The ZWO AM3's full 0-90º latitude range allows for operation anywhere on Earth
Like its bigger brother, the ZWO AM3 can operate in both equatorial and altazimuth modes. Though the AM3 was designed with astrophotography in mind, its ability to also operate in altazimuth mode makes it an excellent portable GoTo mount for visual astronomy, too. As an added bonus, its latitude range spans from 0-90º, meaning you can truly use it anywhere on Earth.
ZWO AM3 Compatibility
Like the AM5, the ZWO AM3 is also designed to work seamlessly with the ZWO ASIAIR smart astrophotography controller. For those that don't own the ASIAIR, ZWO also makes an iOS and Android compatible ASI Mount app. The ASI Mount app lets you wirelessly control to the AM3 or AM5 and download firmware updates from your smartphone or tablet.
A fully loaded ZWO AM3 mount with telescope, camera, and more accessories
The AM3 mount also features a dual saddle, meaning it can carry both a Vixen (V-style) or Losmandy (D-style) dovetail — both of the industry standard mounting options for all sizes of telescopes.
ZWO AM3 Hand Controller and Wireless Operation
The included rocker-style hand controller for the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 includes a rocker-style hand controller that allows you to point the mount in any direction. The hand controller lets you switch between equatorial and altazimuth modes, which can also be done via the ASI Mount app.
Additional Perks of Strain Wave Drive Mounts
Another plus of the strain wave drive design is that balancing the telescope rig on top is no longer required. Just mount it, polar align, and you're good to go. There are no clutches to fiddle with or remember to lock or unlock either, saving you time setting up and tearing down.
Last but not least, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 do not suffer from backlash. Backlash is a common issue in traditional worm drive equatorial mounts and can affect tracking performance. Strain wave drive mounts do see some periodic error, but ZWO guarantees that this is kept to less than ±20 arcseconds, which is not enough to affect most imaging. Each AM3 and AM5 mount come with an inspection certificate showing the periodic error, which is carefully inspected at ZWO's factory.
Power & USB Ports on the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 features a handful of ports for connecting various accessories. Included ports and indicators are:
- DC 12v power supply port
- Autoguiding port for connecting a guide camera
- A port for connecting the hand controller
- A USB 2.0 port for connecting to a smart controller like the ASIAIR
- A status indicator light (Red = EQ mode, Green = Alt-Az mode)
ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod
The included ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod is a perfect match for the AM5. Sporting a light weight of just 5 lbs (2.3 kg), the tripod can carry loads up to 110 lbs (50 kg) so you can feel safe about your gear being secure while still having a portable setup. More specifications can be found on the ZWO TC40 product page.
ZWO AM3 Power Supply and Accessories
The ZWO AM3 requires a 12v/5a DC power supply that is sold separately.
Other accessories available include the BC230 counterweight bar, which is designed for use with both the AM3 and AM5. Compatible counterweights can be found in the Related Products & Accessories section on that page.
Lastly, there are two pier extensions available for the AM3 and AM5, both of which are ideal for astrophotographers using longer telescope tubes like large refractors:
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
| Manufacturer | ZWO |
|---|---|
| Product Banner Type | discontinued |
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- Soft Carry Case
- AM3 Mount Head
- 2-meter USB 2.0 cable
- Periodic Error Test Report
- Quick Guide Brochure / Quick Start Guide
- Hand controller
- 2-meter hand controller cable
- M6 Allen Key
- M4 Allen Key
- Carbon fiber tripod
- 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
- Comes with the ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod
Astrophotographers have been raving about the ZWO AM5's performance and portability, and it has quickly become one of the hobby's best-selling mounts. Now, ZWO has introduced its little brother, the even more portable AM3!
There are two available versions of this ZWO mount:
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head (no tripod)
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount and Tripod (this product, comes with tripod)
ZWO AM3 Mount Unboxing Video
Agena Astro Affiliate SarahMaths Astro created this unboxing video showing the ZWO AM3 and how it compares to the ZWO AM5:
ZWO AM3 Payload Capacity & Portability
Unlike traditional German Equatorial Mounts, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 can carry telescope rigs without the need for counterweights. The AM3 can carry 17.5 lbs (8kg) without a counterweight, which is more than enough for many wide field or small telescope rigs. When paired with an additional counterweight and counterweight bar, the payload capacity expands to 28.5 lbs (13kg).
Some popular German Equatorial Mounts can weigh over 50 lbs (23kg) when fully assembled. The AM3, fully assembled with its tripod plus an optional counterweight and counterweight bar, weighs a mere 17.5 lbs (9kg)!
ZWO AM3 Hybrid Equatorial & Altazimuth Operation
The ZWO AM3's full 0-90º latitude range allows for operation anywhere on Earth
Like its bigger brother, the ZWO AM3 can operate in both equatorial and altazimuth modes. Though the AM3 was designed with astrophotography in mind, its ability to also operate in altazimuth mode makes it an excellent portable GoTo mount for visual astronomy, too. As an added bonus, its latitude range spans from 0-90º, meaning you can truly use it anywhere on Earth.
ZWO AM3 Compatibility
Like the AM5, the ZWO AM3 is also designed to work seamlessly with the ZWO ASIAIR smart astrophotography controller. For those that don't own the ASIAIR, ZWO also makes an iOS and Android compatible ASI Mount app. The ASI Mount app lets you wirelessly control to the AM3 or AM5 and download firmware updates from your smartphone or tablet.
A fully loaded ZWO AM3 mount with telescope, camera, and more accessories
The AM3 mount also features a dual saddle, meaning it can carry both a Vixen (V-style) or Losmandy (D-style) dovetail — both of the industry standard mounting options for all sizes of telescopes.
ZWO AM3 Hand Controller and Wireless Operation
The included rocker-style hand controller for the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 includes a rocker-style hand controller that allows you to point the mount in any direction. The hand controller lets you switch between equatorial and altazimuth modes, which can also be done via the ASI Mount app.
Additional Perks of Strain Wave Drive Mounts
Another plus of the strain wave drive design is that balancing the telescope rig on top is no longer required. Just mount it, polar align, and you're good to go. There are no clutches to fiddle with or remember to lock or unlock either, saving you time setting up and tearing down.
Last but not least, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 do not suffer from backlash. Backlash is a common issue in traditional worm drive equatorial mounts and can affect tracking performance. Strain wave drive mounts do see some periodic error, but ZWO guarantees that this is kept to less than ±20 arcseconds, which is not enough to affect most imaging. Each AM3 and AM5 mount come with an inspection certificate showing the periodic error, which is carefully inspected at ZWO's factory.
Power & USB Ports on the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 features a handful of ports for connecting various accessories. Included ports and indicators are:
- DC 12v power supply port
- Autoguiding port for connecting a guide camera
- A port for connecting the hand controller
- A USB 2.0 port for connecting to a smart controller like the ASIAIR
- A status indicator light (Red = EQ mode, Green = Alt-Az mode)
ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod
The included ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod is a perfect match for the AM5. Sporting a light weight of just 5 lbs (2.3 kg), the tripod can carry loads up to 110 lbs (50 kg) so you can feel safe about your gear being secure while still having a portable setup. More specifications can be found on the ZWO TC40 product page.
ZWO AM3 Power Supply and Accessories
The ZWO AM3 requires a 12v/5a DC power supply that is sold separately.
Other accessories available include the BC230 counterweight bar, which is designed for use with both the AM3 and AM5. Compatible counterweights can be found in the Related Products & Accessories section on that page.
Lastly, there are two pier extensions available for the AM3 and AM5, both of which are ideal for astrophotographers using longer telescope tubes like large refractors:
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
| Manufacturer | ZWO |
|---|---|
| Product Banner Type | discontinued |
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- Soft Carry Case
- AM3 Mount Head
- 2-meter USB 2.0 cable
- Periodic Error Test Report
- Quick Guide Brochure / Quick Start Guide
- Hand controller
- 2-meter hand controller cable
- M6 Allen Key
- M4 Allen Key
- Carbon fiber tripod