ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount

Description

ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount

The ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount is a lightweight and highly portable GoTo mount designed for astrophotographers and amateur astronomers who want serious tracking performance without the size and weight of a traditional equatorial mount. Using a strain-wave harmonic drive system, the AM3N combines high torque, low periodic error, and a compact design in a mount head weighing only 4.1 kg.

One of the biggest advantages of the AM3N is its impressive payload capacity relative to its own weight. The mount can support telescopes and imaging equipment weighing up to 8 kg without a counterweight. When a counterweight is added, its maximum payload increases to 13 kg. This makes the AM3N particularly attractive for portable astrophotography setups, where reducing the amount of equipment that needs to be transported can make a significant difference.

Harmonic Drive for Astrophotography

At the heart of the AM3N is its strain-wave harmonic drive system. Unlike a conventional German equatorial mount that normally requires a counterweight to balance the telescope, a harmonic-drive mount can operate effectively with a substantial payload without a traditional counterweight.

The AM3N uses a 300:1 reduction ratio and a synchronous belt drive to provide precise movement and high torque. ZWO specifies a periodic error of approximately ±15 arcseconds, and each mount is individually tested. A periodic error curve report is supplied with the mount, allowing users to see the measured tracking characteristics of their individual unit.

For astrophotography, the mount also supports autoguiding, allowing a guide camera and compatible software to correct the mount's small tracking errors during long exposures. This makes the AM3N suitable for imaging the Moon and planets as well as deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.

Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth Modes

The AM3N can operate in both equatorial (EQ) and alt-azimuth (AZ) configurations. In EQ mode, the mount is designed for astronomical tracking and long-exposure astrophotography. After appropriate polar alignment, the mount follows the apparent motion of the night sky by rotating around the right ascension axis.

In alt-azimuth mode, the mount provides a simpler configuration for visual astronomy. This makes the AM3N a versatile choice for users who want to use the same mount for both visual observation and astrophotography.

The mount's altitude adjustment can be set from 0° to 90°, providing a wide range of adjustment for different observing locations.

GoTo and Wireless Control

The AM3N features an integrated GoTo system that can automatically locate and track astronomical objects. It can be controlled wirelessly through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing users to operate the mount from a compatible smartphone or tablet.

The ZWO control ecosystem provides convenient access to celestial targets and mount functions without requiring a conventional computer. The mount is also compatible with popular astronomy-control platforms and supports ASCOM and INDI, providing additional flexibility for advanced astrophotography setups.

For users already working within the ZWO ecosystem, the AM3N can be integrated with ZWO ASIAIR, allowing the mount, camera, guiding system, and other compatible equipment to be controlled as part of a single astrophotography workflow.

Compact and Travel-Friendly Design

With a mount head weighing only 4.1 kg, the AM3N is designed with portability in mind. Its compact form makes it easier to transport to dark-sky locations, remote observing sites, and astrophotography trips.

The absence of a required counterweight for loads up to 8 kg further reduces the amount of equipment needed in the field. Instead of carrying a heavy equatorial mount together with a large counterweight and shaft, users can build a much more compact imaging system around the AM3N.

The mount can be installed on a compatible tripod through its 3/8"-16 mounting thread. This gives users flexibility to select a suitable tripod according to the weight and configuration of their telescope and imaging equipment.

Convenient Cable Management

The AM3N also features an improved connection layout designed to make astrophotography setups cleaner and easier to manage. USB-C and 12V power connections are integrated into the mount's saddle area, helping reduce cable clutter around the moving axes.

The mount also includes a dedicated storage area for the supplied hex key, making the tool easy to keep with the mount when making adjustments in the field.

A built-in status indicator provides information about the mount's operating mode, with different colors used to distinguish between EQ and AZ configurations.

Compatible with Vixen and Losmandy Dovetails

The AM3N uses a dual-purpose saddle that accepts both Vixen-style and Losmandy-style dovetail plates. This allows the mount to work with a wide range of telescope optical tubes and accessories without requiring a specialized mounting plate for every setup.

For heavier configurations, a counterweight can also be added. The mount supports a counterweight of up to 5 kg, providing additional balancing capability when required.

A Portable Mount for Serious Astronomy

The ZWO AM3N is particularly well suited to astronomers who want a capable GoTo equatorial mount without carrying the bulk of a conventional German equatorial system. Its combination of strain-wave drive technology, 8 kg counterweight-free capacity, 13 kg maximum payload, low periodic error, GoTo functionality, wireless control, ASIAIR compatibility, and 4.1 kg weight makes it a versatile platform for modern astrophotography.

Whether used with a compact refractor, astrograph, telescope and camera combination, or a portable deep-sky imaging system, the AM3N provides a practical balance between portability and performance.

The mount can also serve as a visual-astronomy mount in alt-azimuth mode, making it useful beyond astrophotography. For users who already own ZWO cameras and ASIAIR equipment, its integration with the ZWO ecosystem can make the entire imaging setup simpler to operate.

Please note: The AM3N is supplied as a mount head package. Tripod, counterweight, and counterweight shaft are not included and are available separately. The exact included accessories should be checked against the package supplied with the product.

ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount – Key Features

• Strain-Wave / Harmonic Drive System – Uses a precision strain-wave gear reducer combined with a synchronous belt drive for smooth motion, high torque, and accurate tracking.
• 300:1 Gear Reduction Ratio – Provides precise control of the mount's motion for both slewing and tracking.
• Low Periodic Error – ZWO specifies periodic error within ±15 arcseconds and individually tests each mount. A Periodic Error (PE) curve report is supplied with every unit.
• High Payload Capacity in a Compact Body – Supports telescopes and imaging setups up to 8 kg (17.6 lb) without a counterweight.
• 13 kg Maximum Payload with Counterweight – With a suitable counterweight system, the mount supports up to 13 kg (28.7 lb).
• Counterweight-Free Operation – A major advantage of the harmonic-drive design is that setups up to 8 kg can be used without a traditional counterweight.
• Lightweight Mount Head – The AM3N weighs only 4.1 kg (9.04 lb), making it well suited for portable astrophotography and field observing.
• Excellent Payload-to-Weight Ratio – Provides an 8 kg payload without counterweights from a mount head weighing only 4.1 kg.
• Dual Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth Modes – Can operate as a German equatorial mount for astrophotography or as an alt-azimuth mount for visual observing and other applications.
• 0°–90° Altitude Adjustment – The wide altitude adjustment range allows the mount to be configured for locations from very low to very high latitudes.
• Suitable for Use Worldwide – The adjustable altitude system allows operation from near the equator to polar regions.
• Designed for Astrophotography – Equatorial mode provides the tracking configuration required for long-exposure deep-sky imaging.
• Suitable for Visual Astronomy – Alt-azimuth mode provides a simple setup for visual observation without requiring precise polar alignment.
• GoTo Functionality – Automatically slews the telescope to selected celestial targets.
• Built-In Wi-Fi – Provides wireless communication between the mount and compatible control devices.
• Built-In Bluetooth – Provides an additional wireless connection option for convenient mount control.
• Smartphone and Tablet Control – The mount can be controlled directly from a mobile device without requiring a computer.
• SkyAtlas App Support – The mobile application provides an on-screen joystick, GoTo functions, target selection, star-map functions, and other control features.
• Tonight's Target Function – Helps users select suitable celestial objects for observation or imaging from the current session.
• Live Preview Function – Provides access to ZWO's mobile control and imaging-oriented functions.
• ASIAIR Compatible – Integrates directly into the ZWO ASIAIR ecosystem for simplified astrophotography control.
• ASCOM Compatible – Supports control through ASCOM-compatible astronomy software.
• INDI Compatible – Supports INDI-based astronomy control systems.
• Wireless Hand Controller – Includes a rocker-style hand controller for convenient manual operation.
• No Computer Required for Basic Operation – The mount can be controlled through its hand controller or mobile device without connecting it to a computer.
• Dual-Axis Motor Drive – Both mount axes are motorized for automated GoTo and tracking operation.
• Integrated Cable Management – The AM3N's redesigned saddle incorporates power and USB-C connections to help reduce cable clutter around the mount.
• Integrated USB-C Port – Provides a modern connection for compatible equipment and ZWO ecosystem devices.
• Integrated 12V DC Ports – Power connections are integrated into the saddle area, helping keep cables organized.
• Reduced Cable Tangling – The redesigned connection layout minimizes loose cables around the moving mount.
• Magnetic Hex-Key Storage – A dedicated magnetic recess keeps the supplied hex wrench attached to the mount and readily accessible.
• Power-Off Brake System – The mount incorporates a braking system designed to prevent the telescope and equipment from suddenly falling if power is interrupted.
• Status Light Indicator – A built-in indicator shows the current operating mode.
• Red/Green Mode Indication – Red indicates equatorial mode, while green indicates alt-azimuth mode. Alternating red and green indicates that synchronization has not yet been completed.
• Dual-Type Dovetail Saddle – Compatible with both Losmandy-style and Vixen-style dovetail plates, providing broad compatibility with telescope optical tubes and accessories.
• 3/8"-16 Mounting Thread – The flat bottom of the mount features a 3/8" female thread, allowing it to be mounted on compatible photographic and astronomical tripods.
• Travel-Friendly Design – The compact 4.1 kg mount head is designed for transportation to dark-sky locations and remote observing sites.
• Compact Alternative to Traditional German Equatorial Mounts – The harmonic-drive design eliminates the need for large counterweights for many setups, reducing the size and weight of the complete system.
• Stable Internal Mechanical Design – ZWO optimized the internal structure around the strain-wave reducer and synchronous belt drive rather than simply minimizing the mount's weight.
• High Torque Output – The strain-wave drive provides high torque for handling substantial telescope and imaging loads in a compact mount body.
• Maximum Output Torque of 16 N·m – ZWO specifies a maximum output torque of 16 N·m for operation without a counterweight.
• Supports Counterweights up to 5 kg – When additional balancing is required, ZWO recommends a counterweight of 5 kg or less.
• Counterweight Bar Guidance – For a 5 kg counterweight, ZWO recommends positioning it with a lever arm of approximately 20–30 cm; the counterweight bar should not exceed 25 cm according to ZWO's published guidance.
• Accurate Polar Alignment Adjustment – Fine altitude and azimuth adjustment mechanisms allow precise positioning of the mount during equatorial setup.
• Fine Latitude Adjustment – The altitude mechanism provides controlled adjustment for accurate polar alignment.
• Field-Oriented Design – The combination of wireless control, integrated connections, compact dimensions, and low weight makes the AM3N particularly suitable for mobile astrophotography.
• Long-Exposure Imaging Support – The strain-wave drive, low periodic error, autoguiding capability, and equatorial mode make the mount suitable for deep-sky astrophotography.
• ST-4 Autoguiding Support – Provides an ST-4 interface for compatible autoguiding systems.
• Periodic Error Testing for Every Mount – Each unit is individually tested, with its measured PE curve supplied to the user.
• Autoguiding-Friendly Tracking – The periodic error is slow enough to be corrected by an autoguiding system, making autoguiding practical for astrophotography.
• Wide Software Compatibility – Works with the ZWO ecosystem as well as ASCOM, INDI, and other compatible astronomy-control platforms.
• Modernized AM3 Design – The AM3N is an updated version of the AM3, introducing improved cable management, integrated USB-C and 12V connections, and an optimized design.
• Operating Temperature Range: −20°C to +40°C – Suitable for a wide range of observing and imaging environments.
• Mount Head Only – The AM3N package includes the equatorial mount head and its standard accessories. Tripod and counterweight are not included and must be purchased separately.
• Optional Counterweight Support – The mount can operate without a counterweight for payloads up to 8 kg. A counterweight can be added when required for heavier or better-balanced setups.
• Compatible with Optional Tripods – The AM3N can be mounted on a compatible tripod using its 3/8"-16 mounting thread.
• Aluminum Construction – The mount body uses aluminum construction for a combination of strength and low weight.
• Ideal for Small and Medium-Sized Imaging Systems – Particularly well suited to compact refractors, astrographs, camera lenses, guide scopes, and other portable astrophotography configurations.
• Ideal Travel Mount for Astrophotographers – Its low weight and counterweight-free operation make transportation and setup significantly easier than with many conventional equatorial mounts.
• Useful for Both Observation and Imaging – The dual EQ/AZ configuration allows one mount to serve both visual astronomy and astrophotography applications.

ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount Specifications:

Package Contents

• ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount Head
• Wireless Hand Controller
• Power Cable / Connection Cables
• Allen/Hex Keys
• Carrying Case
• Periodic Error (PE) Test Report

Not Included

• Tripod
• Counterweight
• Counterweight Shaft