ZWO AM3 Harmonic Dual Equatorial Mount - AM3
Pickup available at Khan Scope Centre
Usually ready in 24 hours
Want a telescope mount that is flexible and portable? Weighing in at under 10 pounds, this lightweight yet strong harmonic AM3 equatorial mount from ZWO can handle a weight capacity of 17 +/- pounds, even without counterweights! If you add the optional counterweights, the load capacity goes up to 13 kg, or about 28 pounds, which is really amazing for a mount with such a small form factor!!
The ZWO AM3 multi-function mount can be used in both alt-azimuth and equatorial mode, and just in case you forget which set up you are in, the status light indicator on the back of the mount shines green for Alt-Az and red for Equatorial! The status indicator is next to the USB, Auto Guide, Hand Controller and DC power ports.
Control the ZWO AM3 via your smartphone or tablet via the WiFi connection or use the included hand controller if you wish. For wireless control, download the app for features like Tonight's Target, GOTO, Live Preview, and more! Alternately, the included rocker-style hand controller is comfortable and easy to use. The rocker can be pushed in multiple directions, and can be integrated with the Wi-Fi network for wireless control.
The strain wave gear has high torque and low periodic error that is controlled to within +/- 20 arc seconds. Each mount is tested and equipped with a PE curve before it leaves the factory! The Strain Wave gear and synchronous belt used on the AM3 offers a reduction ratio of 300:1.
The gears allow you to change the pitch angle of the mount from 0 to 90 degrees. Gear 1 can adjust the pitch angle from 0 to 60 degrees, and Gear 2 can be adjusted (by loosening the hex-head screw) to achieve an angle between 30 and 90 degrees.
The system has a max slew speed of 6 degrees per second, with a multitude of slew rates to choose from, starting at 0.5X and going all the way up to 1440X!
Recommended Add-Ons
🔲 ASIAIR Plus or ASIAIR Mini –
If you're planning to image planets deep-sky , this is almost a must-have for polar alignment, GoTo control, and automated tracking. You can technically use a PC instead, but the ASIAIR simplifies everything and works wirelessly with your phone/tablet.
🔲 Power Supply (Reliable 12V, 5A Source) –
The AM3 draws more power when slewing fast, so a solid 12V power bank or a mains adapter is needed. If you plan to run in the field, a lithium battery is useful.
🔲 Counterweight Kit (Optional but Useful for SCTs & Heavier Loads) –
If your payload (telescope + accessories) approaches 6kg or more, a counterweight bar with a 3–5kg weight helps stability and improves tracking, particularly at long focal lengths.
🔲 Cable Management (Velcro ties, strain relief, or cable wrap) –
If using an ASIAIR or laptop, you’ll have power and USB cables hanging off the mount. A simple cable management system keeps things tidy and prevents snags as the mount moves.
Optional Accessories (Based on Your Setup)
➖ Electronic Focuser (ZWO EAF) – If you're imaging planets at high magnification, the ZWO EAF allows for precise focus adjustments without shaking the mount. Highly useful for planetary imaging but not necessary for visual use.
➖ Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC) – If imaging Jupiter/Saturn when they're lower in the sky, an ADCimproves image sharpness by correcting atmospheric distortion.
➖ Dew Control (Dew Heaters + Controller) – If you’re using a refractor or an SCT, dew heaters will prevent lens fogging during long sessions. Not needed for shorter planetary imaging runs but useful for longer nights.
