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A Stellar Lightweight Mount Package!
If you’re looking for a lightweight all in one kit that is rich in features,ZWO’s AM3N Harmonic Drive EQ Mount delivers! Leveraging the New Wave of mounttechnology, this mount allows you to cut out the counterweights andheavy-weight components without making big sacrifices to your grab-and-gotelescope build. Read on to discover how this 2:1 payload to weight harmonichero can give your compact system a boost!
ZWO’s AM3 line brings you the power of harmonic gear reduction and richfeatures in their most portable mount package. The AM3N Harmonic Drive EQMount drives this line forward, keeping the same excellent payload:weightspecs and general design while giving you more convenient cable management,wider operating temperature range, and quality of life improvements! Its sleekred anodized aluminum construction houses mechanical muscle capable of driving17.6 lb. without a counterweight, in footprint weighing just about 9 lb. Thiscan be further expanded to common traditionally geared mount territory with acounterweight, giving you a mount that is at home on-the-go or in the backyarddepending on its configuration. The dual V and D-Style compatible saddle hasbeen updated to feature USB-C and 12V DC power output, allowing you to connectand power an ASIAIR or AIR Camera without needing to worry about cablescrossing the axis and getting tangled. All this mechanical design is supportedby ZWO’s tried-and-true electronics, with integrated Bluetooth, WiFi, manualcontrol via the included hand controller, and USB connectivity.If a portable mount with cutting edge technology and a surprising amount of payload for its size is what you’re after, this is the option for you! This package additionally packs in ZWO’s lightweight TC40 tripod, givingyour AM3N a stable platform that is equally portable as the mount itself!
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Learn More About the AM3N Mount
ZWO has designed the AM3N mount head to be incredibly portable while alsopacking in a healthy feature set! Check out some of these features below tolearn how the superb synchronous belt harmonic gearing, wide range ofadjustment and compatibility, connectivity, and more, will help you craft apowerful portable system!
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Harmonic Drive Gear Reducers
Harmonic drive gearing on both the RA and DEC axis give this mount a surprising amount of payload for its size and a simpler setup when compared to traditionally geared mounts! While more traditional EQ mounts require counterweights and careful balancing, harmonic/strain wave gear systems can drive their axes without the need for counter-balancing and only ballpark balance of your equipment front-to-back. ZWO has designed this system to provide an incredible 300:1 gear reduction, providing this counterweight-less strength. These systems can still be counter-balanced however, which unlocks even greater payload potential; pushing this AM3N’s 17.6 lb. capacity to 28.6 lb. with an M12 threaded shaft* and counterweight**.
*The foam case provides space for a counterweight shaft to simplify transport should you wish to add one, however a counterweight shaft is not included.
**A counterweight is not included. ZWO recommends a counterweight weighing about 11 lb. placed about 20-30″ away, as measured from the center of the mount head. For more information regarding counterweight placement, please see the Proper Counterweight Placement notice in the image carousel at the top of the page.
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Quality of Life Improvements
ZWO has improved upon the excellent AM3 platform to bring you an even more convenient experience! The dual V-Style/ D-Style DEC saddle now features a USB Type C port and 12V DC Power Port to make powering systems like the ASIAIR/ AIR Camera and connecting them or a mini PC an easier and cable-snag worry free experience! Bluetooth has additionally been built into the mount head itself, allowing you to establish a wireless connection to compatible control hardware without the hand controller attached. ZWO has additionally improved this mount’s cold weather resistance, rating the mount to 9°F lower than the previous generation with a new minimum operating temperature of -4°F. For more convenient tool storage ZWO has additionally built-in a magnetic storage slot for the hex wrench used to convert between EQ and ALtAz modes, and slotted the adjustment knobs so that this tool can double as a lever for easier adjustments! All this additional functionality has been added with only about 0.4 lb. of extra weight and almost imperceptible increase to power consumption.
Please Note: The USB port on the AM3N’s DEC saddle is not apassthrough, and isonly an alternate way to connect to and control the mount.
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Dual Mount Style
ZWO gives you two mounts in one, with the AM3N able to be converted between EQ and AltAZ modes! Where dual-mode traditionally geared mounts introduce notable additional mass and bulk over a single-mode counterpart, this mount keeps things compact. Conversion is simple, allowing you to switch from the intuitive control and simple alignment of AltAz operation to the astrophotography oriented EQ mode quickly and easily!
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Three Mount Control Options
Regardless of whether you’re looking for manual control, PC connectivity, or wireless simplicity, the AM3N is your mount! For those looking for a quick hands-on approach, ZWO has packed in a hand controller with eight-way directional adjustment and dual speed. This mount has a built-in WiFi hotspot radio, allowing you to connect your mobile device with ZWO’s dedicated app for GoTo functionality on top of manual adjustments. Using this or the built-in Bluetooth you can also control your mount wirelessly with ZWO’s ASIAIR* and AIR Cameras for a streamlined setup. Finally, for PC users the AM3N additionally features USB connectivity on both the main housing and the saddle to allow you to use you telescope mounted miniPC/ ASIAIR or stationary control center to guide the AM3N across the night sky!
* Please Note: ASIAIR Plus (2024) models and all Air Camera modelsfeature Bluetooth compatibilty. Some older ASIAIR Plus 256GB and 32GBmodels can be used, if ‘ASIAIRPLUS’ is present in IC number on bottom ofdevice (late production models). ASIAIR Mini, Pro, and original models donot support Bluetooth.
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PE Curve Performance Guaranteed
The design of ZWO’s strain wave gearing system is the result of ZWO working with well-known manufacturers, and it was developed with the needs of astrophotographers in mind. Just some of the amazing features of the ZWO AM3N mount that makes it a must-have addition to astrophotography setups are the very low periodic errors, smooth gearing, and high torque. ZWO measures each mount and equips it with the exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory to ensure performance is guaranteed!
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0-90° Latitude Adjustment Range
This ZWO AM3N mount comes with a latitude adjustment range of 0-90°. For the first gear, adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve between 0° to 60°. For the second gear, loosen the hex-head screws through the slots in the side of the housing with the hex wrench stored in the mount body and adjust the pitch angle grip to get between 45° and 90°. Not only does this allow you to use the AM3N in alt-azimuth mode, but it also allows astrophotographers in altitudes at the extremes use this mount in EQ mode!
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Power Failure Protection
To keep you delicate equipment safe even when the unexpected strikes ZWO has built the AM3N with fail-safe protections in mind. The RA axis features an electronic brake safety, which engages in the event of a power failure. This safeguard will keep the RA from free-swinging in the event the motors become suddenly un-energized, keeping your setup safe from damage!
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ASIAIR Compatible (Sold Separately)
This mount slots into ZWO’s ever growing and evolving ecosystem perfectly, bringing you a seamless experience with their powerful ASIAIR and AIR Camera lines! These incredible wireless control systems synergize with the AM3N’s new saddle to create cable-snag concern free and streamlined setups. Equipping your AM3N with these stellar systems opens the door to enhanced object selection experience, object centering, automation, and auto-guiding. For more information on how ASIAIR can bring these fantastic features to your AM3N, be sure to check out our ASIAIR Ultimate Guide!
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TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod Included
Weighing in at 5 lb., this tripod is portable and still maintains a high load capacity of 110 lb. ZWO has machined the TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod from a carbon fiber material, increasing durability, strength, and impact resistance. The upper part of the tripod legs measures 1.5″ in diameter and the lower section measures 1.4″. The dual-section design provides better stability and rigidity when telescopes and cameras are mounted on the AM3N mount head.
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Perfect for On the Go Imaging or At-Home Observing
If you’re in need of a mount that is at home in your backyard and on-the-go, ZWO’s AM3N offers an ideal solution! Its lightweight 9.04 lb body stows in the included foam carry case for travel, with the harmonic gearing saving you additional space and weight! With wireless connectivity, you can operate a streamlined system with the app or ZWOs ASIAIR/ AIR Camera. When you’re at home you can enjoy this simplified set up, or add a counterweight for even more equipment capacity. With ASCOM and INDI compatibility, this can effortlessly interface with your home command center of choice. With features like these, the ZWO AM3N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount earns our High Point Scientific Mount Classification Badge of New Wave Harmonic!
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and “how-to” guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Astrophotography Mount Buying Guide |
| No Fuss Astrophotography Telescopes for Beginners |
