The traditional equatorial mount requires heavy counterweights. It can be very difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions, and also inconvenient for transit and storage, which brings amateur astrophotographers a lot of pain when they are out for imaging.
Some of the strain wave geared drive mounts are relatively simple in functions, insufficient in load capacity, and also not very stable in use.
To solve the above issues, ZWO developed the ASI Mount series. No need for a counterweight. With a self-weight of 3.9kg, AM3 has a large load capacity from 8kg to 13kg. While portability is very important, stability is also essential in use. Instead of blindly pursuing the lightweight of the mount body, ZWO is more so along the lines of stability for an entire use. The internal structure of the body is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1. It is also multi-functional that can be used as both an equatorial mount or an altazimuth mount. You can either control the mount via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or a hand controller.
Portable and stable
The internal structure of the body is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt, bringing more accurate control and an amazing reduction ratio of 300:1.
Customized Strain Wave Gear
ZWO developed the special strain wave gear based on the actual needs for astrophotography. It comes with very low periodic error and high torque. Each mount is tested and equipped with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory so that the quality can be guaranteed.
3.9kg Net Weight
Instead of blindly pursuing the lightweight of the mount body, ZWO is more so along the lines of stability for an entire use.
8kg-13kg payload
The load capacity of AM3 without the counterweight is 8kg, and 13kg with the counterweight.
The load capacity of the AM3 mount, as depicted in the above figure,
Results from simulated calculation:
1. Maximum load without the counterweight: 8kg (maximum output torque: 16N · m);
2.Supported counterweight:≤5kg. Maximum load capacity with the counterweight: 13kg.
The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 20cm in length.
Equatorial Mode / Altazimuth Mode
Can be switched via ASI Mount App or hand controller
Equatorial Mode: Suitable for tracking and photographing objects
Altazimuth Mode: Suitable for visual astronomy
All-round 0°-90° Latitude Scale
Gear 1: Allow you to adjust the latitude adjustment knob to achieve a degree between 0 and 60.
Gear 2: You can loosen the hex-head screw and then adjust the latitude adjustment knob to achieve a degree between 30 and 90.
Wireless Control
Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview and so many great functions can all be achieved with your phones.
Rocker-style Hand Controller
Comfortable touch and easy to use. Integrated with Wi-Fi network allowing for wireless control. You can easily upgrade the firmware of the hand controller and mount it on the webpage.
Seamless Linkage with ASIAIR
ASIAIR can control AM5 via a wired or wireless connection. The ASI package gives customers the best astrophotography experience.
In the Box
Accessibility tools
① Pier Extension
With the pier extension, the telescope with a long focal length will be greatly avoided from hitting the tripod legs.
② Carbon Fiber Tripod
- Short and portable. Easy to transport inside your hand luggage.
- Carbon fiber material: High strength and high impact resistance.
- Adjustable height: 470-800mm. Dual-section legs provide a stable and rigid platform for telescopes and cameras.
- Spreader plate: Increase the stability of the tripod.
- Weight bag: Provides additional stability by filling it with suitable weights such as stones or your telescope battery pack.
- Fixed spread angle: Easy to use.
