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.
Shipping & Delivery
Fast Shipping: we will choose DHL, UPS, FedEx etc to deliver it. Usually you will get your package within 15-20 days.
- Fast Shipping(amount ≧ 199USD) for free
- Fast Shipping(amount < 199USD) : $30.00 (We do not provide free shipping from now on.)
Introduction
- It will take around 60-90 days for shipment via ePacket/China Post Registered Air Mail/EMS, which can’t be guaranteed due to force majeure. If you can’t get the air mail package after 2months, please let us know ASAP: info@zwoptical.com
- Customers from Brazil and Chile should leave a message to provide your CPF or CNPJ as your custom needs it.
- Customers from Russia need to provide the complete English name with three words as well as the English shipping address.
Tracking site
DGM: http://webtrack.dhlglobalmail.com/?locale=en-US
China air mail: http://www.17track.net/en
Tax
- The price list on our website is USD without tax.
- Please note that buyers are liable to pay tax involved, such as Import tax, VAT , customs handling fee, etc. The additional fees may be collected at time of delivery by courier.
- For best local service we advise customers buy our cameras from local dealers.
Warranty & Return
1. ZWO hereby declares that it will provide customers with a warranty period of 2 years for ZWO branded products (excluding APO), as per this policy. APO products will be covered by a 1-year free warranty service, starting from the day following the receipt of the product by the customer. For ASIAIR Plus users, the warranty period will commence from the day of device activation.
2. If a User encounters the following Dead on Arrival (DOA) and contacts ZWO within the corresponding time limit to issue the Product purchase invoice and relevant evidence, ZWO will provide door-to-door pick-up service and, as appropriate, after-sale replacement (or partial replacement), repair or return (or partial return) service for the following Products:
1) Product quality problem
Provided that a User detects a quality problem and contacts ZWO within 30 days after receipt of the Products, and ZWO support team confirms that the Products indeed have a quality problem or defect after their inspection, ZWO will provide free replacement service towards such Products;
2) Product transportation problem
Provided that a User finds obvious signs of bubbling, serious overstocking, or deformation on the outer package of the Products upon receipt of the Products, and provides ZWO with pictures of the outer package and proof of receipt within 3 days after receipt of such Products, ZWO support team will verify the actual shipper and determine the responsible party for such transportation problem. In the event that ZWO is the actual shipper, ZWO will be responsible for providing the relevant return or replacement service, however, if the Products are directly sold or transported to the User by an agent of ZWO, the agent will be responsible for providing the relevant return or replacement service.
3. If the Products are under the following circumstances, they are not within the scope of warranty service, ZWO may provide maintenance services to the Users:
1) The Warranty Period of the Products has expired; or
2) The Products are injected into liquid or affected by moisture or corrosion; or
3) The Products are damaged by an external force (such as the broken of the camera protection window glass, the deformation of the product shell, the broken of the USB port, etc.); or
4) Disassembling, repairing by a third party, refurbishment of the Products (such as downloading erroneous firmware) without the written authorization of ZWO; or
5) The product system is modified, or the maintenance notice is lost or changed; or
6) Product quality problem caused by installation not following the requirements or instructions for the Products; or
7) Physical damage or failure of the Products caused by the force majeure (such as strong vibration or extrusion such as flood, fire, earthquake, or thunder stroke); or
8)Damage caused by the improper User operation during the period of shooting or use, such as using without the equipment protection or direct shooting of the sun; or
9) No valid purchase invoice or warranty certificate; or
10) The Products are second-hand products.
Any quality problem with the accessories or other parts of the Products is not a condition for the return or change of the Products, and the User may solely request to replace the accessories with new ones, which shall be handled after verification by ZWO support team.
If the issue with your ZWO product was caused by certain damage (such as severe damage not covered by the 2-year warranty), you might have to pay the replacement value.
4. For the normal repair or replacement of the Products during the Warranty Period, the User will bear the return cost. When returning the Products, Users shall specify the actual reasons for the damage to the Products, and shall provide the corresponding valid certificates, such as pictures or videos, etc.
For the Products that need to be replaced after being confirmed by ZWO in writing, the User shall return the Products with the complete package, together with all accessories, manuals, etc., to the address designated by ZWO.
By sending back the product to ZWO, the User agrees to pay out-of-warranty fees that may arise during the repair process of the product. ZWO will send back the product after charging.
5. If a User encounters any problem during the use of ZWO Products, you may at any time contact ZWO for technical support via ZWO Support.
For the Products that need to be returned for after-sales service, ZWO will provide the corresponding RMA code for reference.
ZWO will not accept any products having no RMA code that have been returned privately without ZWO written confirmation.
6. If a User purchases the ZWO Products from a ZWO agent, the User may contact the ZWO agent directly for the relevant after-sales service.
Our website is continuously updated with the most recent camera drivers as well as software for DSO and planetary imaging. Please make sure the most recent Driver and software have been installed before you start shooting:
It is also recommended to read the Manuals first before shooting.
Roo – :
On the am3 how often if at all will the synchronous belt need to be replace and if so who by. Thank you
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Support@ZWO – :
Hi! The situation of belt aging needs to be determined based on the user’s specific usage. Replacement is only necessary when the belt malfunctions. If you’re unsure about the assessment, feel free to get in touch with our customer support. They’ll be happy to assist you. 🙂
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zoritoler imol – :
I am happy that I found this web blog, exactly the right information that I was looking for! .
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Support@ZWO – :
Thanks for your liking!
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Tom – :
Is the AM3 mount base smaller than the AM5 to work on other tripods?
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Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your comment! Both the AM3 and AM5 are equipped with a 3/8″ screw hole, making them compatible with most camera tripods. The base size of the AM3 remains the same as the AM5 and is also compatible with the TC40. If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask. We are here to assist you!
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Douglas Palmer – :
Does the AM3 have a DC power out port like the AM5?
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Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your inquiry. However, the AM3 does not have a DC power out port like the AM5.
If you have any more questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to assist you in any way we can.
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Mick Jones – :
Can the AM5 and AM3 mounts be effectively used to their full rated load capacities or must payloads be limited to a lesser percentage like more traditionally designed equatorial mounts?
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Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your inquiry. I’m pleased to confirm that both our AM5 and AM3 harmonic equatorial mounts are designed to effectively handle their full rated load capacities without compromising accuracy. Rest assured that you can rely on the precision performance of these mounts even when operating at their maximum load capacities.
If you have any further questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to assist you and ensure you have a seamless experience with our products.
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diadji.ndao (verified owner) – :
Hello,
In your answer of July 14, you say : “③.The mount no longer comes with a pre-attached bubble level, but users can still choose to attach it according to their preferences.”
Could you be more precise? Does this mean that the bubble level is delivered unassembled or that it is not delivered and has to be purchased in the zwo accessories shop? If we have to buy it, what is the reference of the model?
Regards
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Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your suggestion regarding the bubble level. While the AM3 doesn’t come with a built-in bubble level, we understand the convenience it can provide for leveling during astrophotography. As an alternative, you can easily find bubble levels available for purchase on platforms like Amazon or other online retailers. Simply attach it to the AM3 body on any suitable flat surface, and you’ll have a handy leveling tool for your stargazing adventures. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy stargazing!
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Glen Butler – :
Is it possible to polar align without the ASIAIR? Is there any documentation on the methods?
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Support@ZWO – :
Thank you for your interest! Here are some clarifications regarding polar alignment:
You can perform polar alignment by using third-party software such as NINA. We recommend referring to this helpful video guide (Polar Alignment in N.I.N.A.) for a step-by-step tutorial on how to perform polar alignment with N.I.N.A.
Additionally, you have the option to use various electronic polar finders to assist with polar alignment.
We hope this information helps! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. Clear skies and happy observing!
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Leo Libbey – :
For an order placed now (July 2nd), what is the estimated ship date?
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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.
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Tiago Ramos – :
Is it possible to use my iOptron LiteRoc 1.75″ tripod with the AM3?
Thanks
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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:)
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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.
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Mark – :
When is this product actually coming out
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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.
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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.
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Support@ZWO – :
Yes, for sure! 🙂
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Sxahme – :
Can the mount be attached to your existing photography tripod? Or do we need the tripod provided by zwo?
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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.
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Philippe – :
Hi,
What are the main differences between AM3 and AM 5 ?
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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.
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Jhun – :
How estimate shipping cost to Philippines?
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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.
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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 !
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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.
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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？
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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。
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Olivier – :
What is the weight of the TC40 tripod ?
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Support@ZWO – :
Thanks for your comment. TC40 is 2.3 KG.
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Alexander K. – :
Is the attachment of the AM3 to the tripod the same as the AM5? Thanks Alex
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Support@ZWO – :
Thanks for comment. Yes, it’s the same one.:-)
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