The ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount is part of the ASI Mount series offering a new, ultra-portable and lightweight telescope mount utilizing harmonic drive technology. It is available with or without a matching carbon fiber tripod. It offers very low periodic error and high torque, and each mount is tested and equipped with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory so that the quality can be guaranteed.
The internal structure of the body is optimized with a strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing accurate control and a reduction ratio of 300:1. The mount can carry 8 kg (17.6 lbs) without counterweights with a guiding accuracy of 0.5 – 0.8″ arcseconds and low periodic error. The mount head weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs) and its payload can be increased to carry up to 13 kg (28.6 lbs) with counterweights.
The ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount is a hybrid mount and can operate in both equatorial and alt-azimuth modes. You can switch the mode through the included hand controller or through the available app. The body of the mount comes with a status light indicator that will indicate whether the mount is in an equatorial or alt-azimuth mode.
The ZWO AM3 mount can be controlled through the included rocker style hand controller or by using a WiFi connection from a smartphone or tablet. For wireless control, users can utilize the integrated WiFi network emitted by the hand controller and use Tonight’s Target, GoTo, Live Preview, and others to pair with the ZWO AM3 mount. The mount is also optimized to integrate with the ZWO ASIAIR.
The ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount is equipped with a power brake system. If there is a sudden power failure during use, the AM3 mount power failure protection design will prevent the telescope from falling and being damaged.
The available carbon fiber mount is short and portable making it easy to transport inside hand luggage. The Carbon fiber material offers high strength and high impact resistance with an adjustable height of 470-800mm. The dual-section legs provide a stable and rigid platform for telescopes and cameras and the spreader plate increases the stability of the tripod.
The ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount specifications include:
– Mount Type: Dual Alt-Az/Equatorial
– Computerized: GoTo
– Weight Capacity: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) with no counterweight, 13 kg (28.6 lbs) with counterweights
– Power Requirements: 12V – 3A
– Max Slew Speed: 6°/S
– Drive Reduction Ratio: 300:1
– Stepper Motor Resolution: 0.17″
– Latitude Range: 0° – 90°
– Azimuth Angle Adjustment Range: ±10°
– Drivers Available: ASCOM
– Guide Port: ST4
– Communication Interface: USB/Wifi
– Operating Temperature: -15C to 40C
– Dovetail: Dual – Vixen or Losmandy
– Interface Thread of Counterweight Shaft: M12
– Mount Weight: 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs)
You can learn more about the ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount here.
And to make it easier for you to get the most extensive news, articles and reviews that are only available in the magazine pages of Astronomy Technology Today, we are offering a 1-year magazine subscription for only $6! Or, for an even better deal, we are offering 2 years for only $9. Click here to get these deals which only will be available for a very limited time. You can also check out a free sample issue here.
The Sun is more active than it’s been in years and if that’s not enough, we have the Annular Solar Eclipse on October 14, 2023 and the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024! If you’d like to learn more about the technology behind solar observing, solar imaging and more, you can check out our free publication, “The Definitive Guide to Viewing and Imaging the Sun”. You don’t have to sign up or provide any information, simply click here and enjoy reading!