This ZWO AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head is an Open Box item and, therefore, in Open Box Condition.
- Image shows new product.
- Comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty.
ZWO AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount
Set your ZWO AM7 Harmonic Drive Mount up for success with the right tripod!From essential to incredible,click hereto discover the perfect package for your needs!
Check out this video on the exciting addition to ZWO’s AM series line,with more payload capacity than ever before! Specs, key features, ourfavorite tripod/ pier pairing, and more are covered in this quick diveinto the ZWO AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head!
ZWO AM7 At a Glance
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Learn More About the ZWO AM7!
Effortlessly gliding your large optical system across the sky doesn’t have tomean a heavy duty mount. With large conventional mount capacity packed into a15 lb. package, this mount from ZWO slims your expansive telescope system downinto a more portable package. Construct your backyard observation stationwithout the strain, with the AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount!
It’s no secret that harmonic gearing is driving a wave of change in mounttechnology & design, and with the AM7 ZWO continues their AM series’revolution of the space withexcellent capacity, features, and accessibility. Withstrainwave reduction gears on both axes, the AM7 can lift an impressive 44 lb.of equipment with no counterweight, matching what popular conventionallygeared mounts and counterweights can achieve at1.7x to 4x the mount weight. Add a counterweight to theincluded 25 mm diameter bar and the AM7 accelerates past these offerings,reaching an incredible 66 lb.* of capacity that can carry some of the largeoptical systems in use today. This heavy lifting isn’t all the AM7 has tooffer however, with ZWO’s incredibly easy to use software, excellentcompatibility, and thoughtful features. Effortlessly guide the AM7 to yourtarget with your astrophotography suite of choice, ASIAIR (sold separately),or even just your smartphone, with WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Thedual saddle cradles telescopes with either of the most popular dovetails onthe market, and features cable management to eliminate snag concerns. Thispowerful combo sits in a mount that weighs about 15 lb., for a trulystreamlined heavy duty mount system!
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How Does The ZWO AM7 Compare?
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AM7 |
AM5N |
AM3N |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 44 lb. w/out Counterweight 66 lb.* w/ Counterweight |
33 lb. w/out Counterweight 44 lb. w/ Counterweight |
17 lb. w/out Counterweight 28 lb. w/ Counterweight |
| Mount Head Weight | 15 lb. | 12 lb. | 9 lb. |
| Tracking Modes | Equatorial / Alt-Azimuth | Equatorial / Alt-Azimuth | Equatorial / Alt-Azimuth |
| Drive System | Harmonic & Synchronous Belt Reduction Ratio: 300:1 |
Harmonic & Synchronous Belt Reduction Ratio: 300:1 |
Harmonic & Synchronous Belt Reduction Ratio: 300:1 |
| Periodic Error | <±10 | <±10 | <±15 |
| Azimuth Adjustment Range | ±7.5° | ±6° | ±6° |
| Connection Modes | Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth/USB | Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth/USB | Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth/USB |
| Saddle Type | Dual Vixen/Losmandy | Dual Vixen/Losmandy | Dual Vixen/Losmandy |
| Power Requirements | 12V @ 5A 5.5×2.1mm center positive terminal |
12V @ 3A 5.5×2.1mm center positive terminal |
12V @ 3A 5.5×2.1mm center positive terminal |
| Cable Management | Included | Included | Not Included |
| Counterweight Rod (mm) | Φ25 x 250 (M16) Included |
Φ20 x 230 (M12) Not Included |
Φ20 x 230 (M12) Not Included |
| Operating Temperature | -20°-40°C | -20°-40°C | -20°-40°C |
Please Note: The ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount does not come with a tripod. We highly recommend checking out the AM7 Mount and Tripod Packages above for a set of perfect mount and tripod pairings.
ZWO AM7 Features: A Deeper Dive
With a high payload capacity in a lightweight build and leading edge supportsystems backed by renowned compatibility, the ZWO AM7 Harmonic EquatorialMount is the perfect option for both today’s and tomorrow’s astronomy systems!
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Harmonic Driven High Payload Capacity
At the core of this lightweight powerhouse is a pair of harmonic gear and belt drive systems that have become the signature of ZWO’s AM series. This combo provides a 300:1 gear reduction ratio on the axes, allowing the AM7 to glide up to 44 lb. of gear across the sky at 6°/s with no counterweight and minimal bulk. This matches some heavier class conventional mounts with just a fraction of the footprint, an incredible feat in itself. However, adding a weight to the included counterweight bar* pushes the AM7 past these options by giving you an additional 22 lb. of headroom for an astounding 66 lb. max* in form factor that is still compact relative to the conventional competition. This not only makes the AM7 the perfect pick for those considering heavy duty conventional options, but also those looking to push this mount’s smaller sibling to the max; as this effortlessly matches the absolute max payload while giving you room to grow.
*Please Note: A counterweight is not included. ZWO has calculated the payload capacity with a telescope that has a center of mass approximately 4″ from the saddle. Telescopes that are under the stated weight rating may still exceed this mount’s capacity if the center of mass is further away. For more information,click here to open ZWO’s supplement in a new tab. For systems that require a counterweight, we recommend the Apertura 22 lb. Counterweight For AM7.
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Precision Guaranteed
It isn’t enough to merely lift your gear when it comes to creating dazzling astrophotos, you need precision motion as well to keep your frame locked in place. To ensure your frames can realize the sharpness and clarity of your optics, ZWO has rated the AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount for less than +/-10″ of periodic error which combined with today’s autoguiding assistance will freeze objects in place even at longer exposure times. This range comes guaranteed from the factory, with each AM7 mount including its factory PE test results.
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Dual Saddle with Cable Management
The AM7 doesn’t just have the mechanical muscle to lift the majority of observing and imaging systems on the market today, it has the supporting design too! With a V-Style and D-Style compatible saddle, this mount is ready for the vast amount of telescopes in use. Clamping your scope securely is easy, with the hex key stowed in the body able to be inserted through the knobs for additional leverage or fine tuning. Wrangling the cables from your telescope mounted gear has been made easier, with power and USB outputs right on the saddle. With 12V 5A power, this solution is perfect for today’s cooled cameras and ZWO’s ASIAIR camera solutions. No need to fear snags from cables crossing the mount axes, simply guide your cables to these conveniently located ports and go!
Please Note: The USB port on the AM7’s DEC saddle is not a passthrough,and isonly an alternate way to connect to and control the mount.
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Equatorial and Altitude-Azimuth Modes
Whether you prefer the simplicity of AltAz or benefits of an equatorial design, this is the mount for you! Simply use the adjustment bar at the back of the mount to adjust the the Latitude setting to its maximum, then use the hex key to undo the bolts in the side slots, adjust the head further back, reinstall the bolts, and your mount converts from EQ operation to AltAz mode. This gives you two mounts in one, without any of bulk associated with conventionally geared dual operation options or compromise of choosing a single operation mount.
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WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB Connectivity
Control AM7 the way you want, with the comprehensive connectivity suite! For straightforward mount control, the included hand controller allows you to make simple and intuitive movements with a joystick and two movement speeds. To access a more rich, yet still simple, control experience connect your mobile device to the Bluetooth (built-in) or WiFi (emitted via the hand controller) hotspots and access controls, GoTo, and digital planetarium and more through the SkyAtlas app. For an accessible yet powerful experience, this connectivity can be utilized for ZWO’s ASIAIR system as well*. With saddle and mount body USB port you can additionally integrate that excellent control center with a wired connection, or use this to connect your ASCOM capable laptop or miniPC and astrophotography software suite of choice! With auto-homing, effectively exerting this control from a distance has also been made simple.
* 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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Tripod Compatibility
The ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount Head is compatible with a number of incredible tripod and pier options, allowing you to tailor your mount to your needs! For lightweight builds, the ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod gives you the lightest platform for a portable pairing. If you’re looking to utilize the potential of ZWO’s AM7 platform, the Apertura Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod is for you, with enhanced stability that allows it to confidently carry everything the AM7 mount can throw at it and then some! Finally, those seeking exceptional clearance and a premium platform should look no further than the Apertura Anchor Pier. While the TC40 and Apertura Heavy-Duty tripod can use the ZWO PE200extension, the Anchor’s 19″ of space between plate and leg joints offers superior clearance for long refractors and imaging trains.
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Large Adjustment and Operating Range
The AM7 features a 0-90° latitude range and 15° azimuth adjustment range for aligning your mount. This wide range allows you to polar align at virtually any latitude, and provides a generous amount of room for honing in your azimuth to help prevent tripod readjustment when your rough pointing is further off than anticipated. With a -4°F to 104°F operating temperature range, ZWO has helped ensure you can not just align, but run the AM7 in the extreme temperatures you may encounter across its latitude range!
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Accessible Power Requirements and Failure Protection
Driving the AM7’s dual strain wave gears requires just 12V 5A, meshing nicely with most power supplies and portable power solutions in use today. We recommend using a 5A power supply like the Apertura 5A Universal Power Supply. When the unexpected strikes, you don’t want to lose more than just your time on target! With an emergency RA axis brake, the AM7 ensures that your gear is not taking a tumble towards the tripod when the power blinks or your power pack taps out earlier than expected. To recover, simply power cycle the mount off and then back on and the brake will release.
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ASIAIR Compatible (Sold Separately)
Easily unlock the powerful potential of your AM7 mount with the ZWO ASIAIR system (sold separately)! With finder shoe mountable standalone units and camera & control center combos, adding a digital planetarium, image scheduling, plate solving, mosaic planning, guiding, and more to your imaging system is a straightforward affair. Designed for the ZWO ecosystem, the AM7 effortlessly integrates with ASIAIR. Connect to the saddle mounted USB port or use the Bluetooth connection menu in the ASIAIR app, and you’re ready to send the AM7 to your object of choice!
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New Wave Mount
With its high payload capacity and lightweight design, the AM7 embodies the star power of the New Wave of mounts perfectly! At almost 3:1 payload:weight, this mount is perfect for users looking to construct large optical systems without the traditional mount bulk. With ZWO’s renowned technology behind it, the AM7 additionally makes its 44 lb. of mechanical might accessible to a wide array of control systems. Its 15 lb. footprint and relatively compact build is even more incredible when considering its dual EQ/AltAz modes, which can be utilized across a wide variety of latitudes and environments. For these reasons, the AM7 earns our New Wave badge! To read more about the New Wave category and how it compares to the other mount classes, check out our Astrophotography Mount Guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for the AM7 power supply?
The ZWO AM7 requires 11V-15V with a minimum supply of 5A supply. The mount consumes 12V/0.75A (max) in standby, 12V/0.95A during tracking, and 12V/2.1A during GoTo slews. If the input voltage drops below 10.8V, the AM7 will beep, indicating insufficient power. We suggest utilizing the Apertura 12V 5A power supply (sold separately) for stable and reliable power all night long.
Does the ZWO AM7 include a counterweight?
No, the ZWO AM7 does not include a counterweight. It does come with a counterweight bar, however. This M16 counterweight shaft is 250 mm in length and features a 25 mm diameter.
What counterweight do I use for the ZWO AM7 Equatorial Mount and where do I place the counterweight?
Designed specifically for the ZWO AM7, the Apertura AM7 Counterweight is the perfect choice for maximizing the lifting power of your ZWO equatorial mount! This 22 lb. counterweight features a bore diameter of 25 mm, sliding onto the included counterweight bar of the AM7. As far as counterweight placement goes, check out this detailed explanation on how to calculate the distance to place your counterweight from the mount head.
Does the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Counterweight work with the AM7?
Only the Sky-Watcher 11 lb. counterweight for the hybrid AZ-EQ6 Pro fits the AM7 counterweight shaft. Additionally, the AM7 counterweight shaft is not long enough to correctly utilize an 11 lb. weight, and would require a second weight. We recommend the Apertura 22 lb. Counterweight For AM7, which offers a sleeker and simpler solution compared to attempting to adapt options like this.
How do you polar align the ZWO AM7?
The ZWO AM7 Equatorial mount does not come with a built-in polar scope meaning software is required for polar alignment. The ZWO ASIAIR (sold separately) includes polar alignment software, while other platforms such as N.I.N.A. or SharpCap offers polar alignment as well.
What is the best tripod for the ZWO AM7?
For the perfect blend between outstanding stability and effortless portability, we highly recommend pairing your ZWO AM7 with the Apertura Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod for Strainwave Mounts. This incredibly strong base offers seamless adaptation to the ZWO AM7 out of the box. Even with the AM7 payload capacity maxed out, the Apertura carbon fiber tripod remains solid and steady, supporting 100+ lbs. with ease. In addition to high strength, the lightweight 5.5 lb. design makes travel a breeze!
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 |
| Alt-Azimuth vs Equatorial Mounts |
