Equatorial & Altazimuth Modes

The ZWO AM3N’s hybrid equatorial and altazimuth operation gives you the flexibility to track the sky your way! In altazimuth mode, the mount moves up/down and left/right—just like a camera tripod—making it perfect for visual observing, and super easy to set up. 

To capture stunning long-exposure deep-sky photos and avoid field rotation, you can adjust the position of the mount to switch to equatorial mode. Field rotation is the trailing effect caused by Earth's natural movement, but in equatorial mode, the AM3 tilts to match Earth’s axis, smoothly tracking along a single path. This ensures your stars stay sharp and your shots remain crisp.

Switching between modes is quick and hassle-free, so you can go from viewing planets to deep-sky astrophotography in no time!

Customized Strain Wave Gear

The ZWO AM3N’s customized strain wave gear gives you the perfect balance of strength and precision for smooth, accurate tracking. Designed specifically for astrophotography, this advanced strain wave gear system uses a flexible spline that deforms slightly as it rotates inside a rigid outer ring.

This innovative design eliminates backlash and minimizes mechanical play, ensuring ultra-precise movement, even with heavier payloads. This results in exceptional stability, so your telescope moves exactly as it should. With its lightweight, compact build, the AM3N delivers all this power without the bulk, making setup and transport easier! 

Fully Wireless Operation

The ZWO AM3N’s wireless control makes operating your mount easier, cleaner, and more convenient. Fewer cables mean a tidier setup with less chance of snags or tangles, leaving you free to focus on capturing incredible images. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can control the mount remotely using the ZWO SkyAtlas app (available for iOS and Android). You can also use your computer by connecting a compatible ASCOM or INDI driven app such as NINA.

It’s also fully compatible with the ZWO ASIAIR, allowing you to automate imaging sessions for a seamless astrophotography experience. If you prefer a physical hand controller, the AM3N includes a rocker-style hand controller. It’s integrated with the Wi-Fi network for wireless control, and you can easily upgrade its firmware, along with the mounts, directly from the ZWO website.

Unlike traditional German Equatorial Mounts, the ZWO AM3N uses a strain wave drive system, meaning it can handle your telescope rig without the need for a counterweight. It supports 17.5 lbs (8kg) right out of the box, which is perfect for wide-field setups and smaller scopes. If you have a heavier telescope, adding a counterweight expands the mount's capacity to 28.5 lbs (13kg)!

The ZWO AM3N mount weighs just 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg), making it incredibly lightweight and portable. This compact design allows for easy handling and transport, perfect for astrophotographers and visual observers on the go. 

While some mounts tip the scales at more than 50 lbs (23kg) when fully assembled, the AM3 keeps things light. Even with the tripod, counterweight, and bar, it weighs just 17.5 lbs (9kg) all together. That means less hauling and faster setup!

New for the AM3N are two additional ports on the mount saddle itself: a USB-C and 12V DC port. This lets you connect and power accessories such as a cooled camera without having to worry about snagging a cable on the mount.

The ZWO AM3 is designed for seamless integration with the ZWO ASIAIR, providing a streamlined and intuitive astrophotography experience.

For users without an ASIAIR, ZWO offers the ASI Mount app for iOS and Android. This app enables wireless control of the AM3, along with easy access to firmware updates directly from your smartphone or tablet.

Additionally, the AM3 is compatible with ASCOM, INDI, and SkySafari, offering flexibility across various control platforms.

The ZWO AM3N features a handful of ports on the mount head itself for connecting various accessories. Included ports and indicators are:

• DC 12v power supply port
• Auto-guiding port for connecting a guide camera
• A port for connecting the hand controller
• A USB 2.0 port for connecting to a smart controller like the ASIAIR
• A status indicator light (Red = EQ mode, Green = Alt-Az mode)

The ZWO AM3N includes a rocker-style hand controller that allows you to point the mount in any direction. The hand controller lets you switch between equatorial and altazimuth modes, which can also be done via the ASI Mount app.

One of the best things about the AM3N’s strain wave drive design is how easy it makes setup. No need to balance your telescope, just mount it, polar align the ZWO AM3, and you’re all set! Plus, there are no clutches to worry about, so you won’t have to remember to lock or unlock anything. This means less time setting up and tearing down, so you can spend more time enjoying your viewing sessions.

And here’s the best part, the AM3N doesn’t suffer from backlash! Backlash is a common issue with traditional worm drive mounts. While strain wave drive mounts do experience some periodic error, ZWO keeps it under ±20 arc-seconds, which is negligible for most imaging. Each mount is tested and shipped with an individual periodic error (PE) curve report, so you can be sure that the mount has been carefully tested at ZWO’s factory before it even reaches you. 

The ZWO AM3N combines a robust yet lightweight design, offering both durability and precision. Its high-quality aluminum alloy construction ensures strength while keeping the mount portable for easy transport. The latitude scale is marked, allowing you to quickly and accurately adjust the mount to your exact location for perfect polar alignment. The latitude adjustment knobs are smooth and responsive, providing fine adjustments so you can easily fine-tune your setup, ensuring accurate tracking every time.

For added stability and versatility, the dovetail saddle supports a wide range of telescope rigs, securely holding your setup in place while providing easy attachment and detachment. The mount also features well-placed buttons and controls, including a power button and USB ports for quick startup and a user-friendly interface.

The ZWO AM3N requires a 12v/5a DC power supply, which is sold separately. 

The mount is designed for use with the TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod, which can be added to the bundle above.

For added stability, pair the mount with the BC230 counterweight bar. The bar is compatible with both the AM3 and AM5 mounts. Counterweights for the AM3 are sold separately.

If you're using longer telescope tubes, like large refractors, ZWO offers two pier extensions for the AM3:

• ZWO 200mm (8") Pier Extension
• ZWO 160mm (6.3") Pier Extension.