ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount

Description

High capacity, precision tracking, and portable design

The ZWO AM7 is the brand’s highest-capacity harmonic drive mount, designed for astrophotographers and observers who need serious payload capability without sacrificing portability. Built around a custom strain wave gear system and ZWO’s in-house control electronics, the AM7 delivers stable tracking performance for demanding imaging setups, including long focal length telescopes and fully equipped camera trains.

Despite its compact size and low weight, the AM7 is capable of handling heavy payloads with confidence, making it a mount you can grow into as your equipment evolves.

Designed for Heavy Imaging Rigs

Thanks to its harmonic drive system, the AM7 can carry up to 20 kg without counterweights, and up to 30 kg when counterweights are used. This makes it suitable for refractors, SCTs, and astrographs with large cameras, filter wheels, off-axis guiders, and accessories — all without the complexity of a traditional counterweight-heavy setup.

For users working at longer focal lengths, the controlled periodic error and high gear reduction ratio help maintain accurate tracking, even under real-world payloads.

Precision Tracking You Can Verify

Each AM7 mount is individually tested at the factory, and includes its own measured periodic error report. With periodic error kept within ±10 arcseconds, the mount delivers dependable tracking performance for imaging and guiding, especially when paired with modern autoguiding systems.

The custom strain wave gear, combined with stepper motors and synchronous belts on both axes, provides smooth motion, strong torque, and consistent repeatability.

Dual-Mode Operation: Imaging or Visual

The AM7 supports both Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth modes, allowing the same mount to be used for:

• Astrophotography and long tracking sessions in Equatorial mode
• Visual observing and quick setups in Alt-Az mode

Mode switching is done via a simple mechanical adjustment, with clear visual indicators on the mount to avoid confusion in the field.

With a 0–90° latitude adjustment range, the AM7 can be used virtually anywhere on Earth — from equatorial regions to high-latitude observing sites.

Clean Setup with Integrated Cable Management

Astrophotography setups often suffer from cable clutter. The AM7 addresses this with built-in USB-C and DC power ports on the saddle, allowing power and data to be routed through the mount itself.

This results in:

• Fewer dangling cables
• Reduced risk of cable snags during slews
• Faster, cleaner setup in the field or observatory

A magnetic hex wrench stored directly on the mount body is included for quick adjustments without hunting for tools in the dark.

Flexible Control and Connectivity

The AM7 can be controlled in several ways:

• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth directly from a smartphone or tablet
• Included smart hand controller with joystick-style control
• Seamless integration with ASIAIR for users already in the ZWO ecosystem

Bluetooth can be enabled or disabled as needed, which is especially useful for permanent installations or remote observatories where tighter wireless control is preferred.

Who is this mount for?

The ZWO AM7 is ideal for:

• Astrophotographers running medium to heavy imaging rigs
• Users working at long focal lengths where tracking accuracy matters
• Observers who want one mount for both imaging and visual use
• Traveling astronomers who need high capacity in a portable form
• ASIAIR users looking for tight hardware–software integration

What’s in the box

• ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount
• Smart hand controller
• Counterweight bar
• Magnetic hex wrench
• Power and connection cables
• Factory periodic error test report