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.
Why AM3N?
AM3N vs AM3
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.
Tired of Complicated Mount Wiring?
Messy cables can easily get tangled and even damage your gear.
Frustrated with Heavy Gear During Field Trips?
Transporting bulky setups can drain your energy before you even start imaging.
Still Struggling with Star Trails and Poor Tracking?
Losing pinpoint stars due to inaccurate tracking ruins the perfect shot.
Engineered for simplicity: two cables deliver a clean, efficient setup that gets you imaging faster than ever.
Strain Wave Gears for Precision Control
Astrophotography demands both stability and accuracy, and the adoption of a custom-engineered strain wave gear system addresses these needs directly. The gear train is designed to minimize periodic error, provide exceptionally smooth motion, and deliver high torque capacity—factors critical for long-exposure imaging.
Within the mount, a strain wave gear reducer works in concert with a synchronous belt drive, yielding precise control and a notable 300:1 reduction ratio. Each unit undergoes individual testing, and a periodic error (PE) curve report is supplied with every mount, offering users verified performance data for confidence in the field.
ZWO measures each mount and equips it with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves our factory.
The X-axis represents the drive angle, and the Y-axis shows the periodic error, which is consistently maintained within ±15 arcseconds.
Integrated Type-C and DC Power Ports
The upgraded AM3N weighs just 4.1 kg (9.04 lbs), with a newly optimized design for improved portability and cable management. The dovetail saddle now integrates Type-C and 12V DC ports to minimize clutter, while a magnetic hex key attaches directly to the mount for convenient storage.
Powerful Payload Capacity: 8 –13 kg
The mount supports up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) without counterweights—double its own weight—and up to 13 kg (28.7 lbs) with counterweights, more than triple its weight.
This payload capacity easily accommodates a wide range of telescopes, providing a stable and reliable foundation for your viewing and imaging needs.
Based on internal testing:
1. Maximum load without the counterweight: 8 kg (17.64 lbs) (maximum output torque: 16N · m);
2. Supported counterweight: ≤ 5 kg (11.02 lbs). Maximum load capacity with the counterweight: 13 kg (28.66 lbs).
3. The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 25 cm (9.84 in) in length.
Equatorial Mode / Alt-azimuth Mode
Can be switched via SkyAtlas App or Hand Controller.
Status Light Indicator
All-round 0°-90° Altitude Scale
The AM3N features a versatile altitude adjustment design ranging from 0° to 90°, allowing for unrestricted use across both low-and high-latitude regions.
Gear 1: Rotate the altitude tension knob for adjustment between 0 and 60.
Gear 2: Loosen the M6 hex screw, and allows adjustment from 30 and 90.
Evolved Portable Control Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
The AM3N supports Bluetooth control, enabling direct smartphone control — no Hand Controller required. Wi-Fi functionality is provided through the hand controller, which houses the WiFi transmitter. Ideal for travel and field use, just bring your phone and you’re ready to observe or image.
Wireless Control via Mobile Apps
Operate the mount directly from your phone with an intuitive app featuring an on-screen joystick, Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview, and more.
The mount is compatible with ASCOM, INDI, ASIAIR, and other platforms.
Seamless ASIAIR Integration
Experience astrophotography at its best with the ZWO Ecosystem—where every component works together in perfect harmony.
Key benefits
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Portable power — around 4.1 kg mount head with serious torque from harmonic gearing.
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Versatile — swap between Equatorial for long‑exposure imaging and Alt‑Az for casual observing or EAA.
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Clean setup — on‑saddle power/data reduce cable drag and snag risk.
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Dual‑standard saddle — accepts Vixen and Losmandy plates.
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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.
