The ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount delivers precise strain‑wave performance in a travel‑ready form factor. With dual EQ and Alt‑Az modes, refined cable management, and a robust payload for its size, AM3N is a brilliant match for compact refractors and wide‑field imaging rigs.
What’s new in AM3N vs AM3
- Integrated USB‑C and 12 V ports on the saddle to tidy cable runs.
- Magnetic hex‑key storage and improved control ergonomics.
- Subtle mechanical refinements while keeping the same ultra‑portable footprint.
Key benefits
- Portable power — around 4.1 kg mount head with serious torque from harmonic gearing.
- Versatile — swap between Equatorial for long‑exposure imaging and Alt‑Az for casual observing or EAA.
- Clean setup — on‑saddle power/data reduce cable drag and snag risk.
- Dual‑standard saddle — accepts Vixen and Losmandy plates.
- Field‑friendly — quick polar/level adjustments with generous altitude and azimuth range.
Technical specifications
| Drive system | Strain‑wave (harmonic) + synchronous belt, 300:1 reduction |
|---|---|
| Operating modes | Equatorial (EQ) and Alt‑Azimuth (AZ) |
| Periodic error (typ.) | ≤ ±15″ (period ≈ 288 s) |
| Payload capacity | Up to 8 kg without counterweight; up to 13 kg with counterweight |
| Mount weight (head) | ≈ 4.1 kg |
| Saddle | Dual Vixen & Losmandy |
| Altitude adjustment | 0°–90° |
| Azimuth adjustment | ±6° |
| On‑saddle I/O | USB‑C data + 12 V DC power out |
| Counterweight bar thread | M12 × 1.75 (coarse) |
| Supported counterweight | ≤ 5 kg; use bar ≤ 25 cm length |
Recommended accessories
- TC40 carbon‑fiber tripod or similar travel tripod.
- M12 counterweight bar and 5 kg counterweight (for heavier imaging trains).
- Stable 12 V DC power source and tidy cabling to utilise the saddle I/O.
FAQs
Do I need a counterweight?
Many setups up to ~8 kg run counterweight‑free. For heavier payloads or to sharpen guiding in wind, fit the M12 bar and a ≤5 kg counterweight (bar ≤25 cm).
Can I switch between EQ and Alt‑Az?
Yes. Use EQ for long‑exposure imaging and Alt‑Az for visual/EAA. Switching modes is quick and preserves the compact form factor.
What periodic error should I expect?
ZWO specifies ≤ ±15 arcseconds with a ~288‑second cycle. Accurate polar alignment and good balance further improve results.
Will my dovetail fit?
The saddle supports both Vixen and Losmandy‑style plates.
What’s improved in AM3N?
Cleaner cable routing via on‑saddle power/data, magnetic hex storage, and small ergonomic refinements over the original AM3 while preserving size and capacity.