Why the AM3N?

Precision Strain-Wave Drive

The ZWO AM3N is a strain-wave (harmonic) drive system that delivers extremely smooth tracking and nearly eliminates backlash. With periodic error reduced to around ±15", users benefit from accurate tracking for long exposures, even without guiding.

 

Compact & Lightweight Design

The ZWO AM3N is a lightweight but powerful hybrid altazimuth/equatorial strainwave mount designed for a portable and accurate computerised telescope mount. Weighing just 3.9 kg, it’s travel-friendly without compromising on payload—supporting up to 8 kg without counterweights and up to 13 kg with counterweights, making it perfect for wide-field and deep-sky imaging rigs. This mount is travel-ready—even carry-on friendly.

 

What is the difference between the AM3N and AM3 Strainwave Mount?

The ZWO AM3N is an enhanced version of the original AM3 mount, designed to provide a cleaner, more efficient astrophotography experience. It retains the same compact and portable design but introduces several usability improvements, including a new chassis with integrated Type-C and 12V DC ports on the dovetail saddle. These ports reduce cable clutter and simplify powering accessories like the ASIAIR, while a built-in magnetic hex wrench adds convenience in the field.

Another key upgrade is the individually calibrated strain wave gear system. Each AM3N is tested at the factory and shipped with a unique periodic error curve, maintaining a consistent tracking accuracy of ±15 arcseconds. This ensures the mount is ideal for long-exposure astrophotography and high-precision tracking, giving users confidence in performance right out of the box.

While both the AM3 and AM3N support dual equatorial and alt-azimuth modes, the AM3N is better optimised for integration with ZWO's ecosystem. When paired with accessories like the EAF PRO and ASIAIR, users can operate the entire setup with just two power cables. This refinement makes the AM3N especially appealing for astrophotographers looking for a streamlined, travel-friendly mount without compromising performance.

 

Simplified Setup, Greater Mount Efficiency

Eliminate the mess of tangled cables and bulky adapters. When paired with the ZWO ASIAIR series and the EAF Pro, the AM3N mount delivers a seamless and clutter-free setup that keeps everything organised and simple.

With just two power connections—one to the AM series mount and one to the ASIAIR—you can maintain a tidy configuration that’s quick to assemble and easy to manage. This efficient setup means less time troubleshooting and more time imaging, helping you get into deep-sky astrophotography faster and with greater ease.

 

Strain Wave Gear for Precision Control

ZWO designed its strain wave gear system specifically to meet the demands of astrophotography. The result is a drive mechanism that delivers very low periodic error, smooth and stable motion, and high torque output — all critical for achieving sharp, long-exposure images.

Inside the mount, a strain wave gear reducer works together with a synchronous belt system to provide accurate and consistent performance. With a 300:1 reduction ratio, the mount offers exceptionally fine control for both tracking and guiding, even when imaging faint deep-sky targets.

To ensure quality and reliability, every mount is individually tested and supplied with its own periodic error (PE) curve report, giving you full confidence in its precision before your first session under the stars.

 

 

 

Integrated Type-C and DC Power Ports

The upgraded AM3N is built for portability and convenience, weighing only 4.1 kg (9.04 lbs). Its newly refined body design makes it easier to transport while also improving cable management during setup.

The dovetail saddle now features both a Type-C and a 12V DC output port, allowing you to power accessories directly from the mount. This streamlined approach reduces cable clutter, lowers the risk of tangling, and keeps your imaging rig clean and organised throughout the night.

For added practicality, the AM3N also comes with a magnetic hex wrench that attaches securely to the mount body. This ensures you always have the right tool within reach, without worrying about misplacing it.

Powerful Payload Capacity: 8–13 kg

The AM3N delivers an impressive load capacity, carrying up to 8 kg (17.64 lbs) without counterweights
Nearly double its own weight. When paired with counterweights, the capacity increases to 13 kg (28.66 lbs), giving you over three times its weight in support.

This strength makes it versatile enough to handle a wide variety of telescopes, from compact refractors to larger imaging setups.
With such stability, you can trust the AM3N to provide a secure and reliable platform for both visual observing and deep-sky astrophotography.

 

The AM3N Mounting Guidelines

According to internal testing, the AM3N mount can support up to 8 kg (17.64 lbs) without a counterweight, delivering a maximum output torque of 16 N·m. When used with a counterweight, its load capacity increases to 13 kg (28.66 lbs), allowing for a wider range of telescope configurations.

To ensure safe and stable operation, the counterweight should be mounted on a bar no longer than 25 cm (9.84 in). This setup maintains balance and reduces strain on the mount during extended tracking or slewing sessions.

 

Equatorial Mode / Altazimuth Mode

Easily switch between Equatorial and Altazimuth modes using the SkyAtlas app or the hand controller, giving you flexibility for both visual observation and astrophotography. For convenience, a status light indicator illuminates brightly in red (equatorial) or green (altazimuth) to let you know of its current tracking mode. 

All-round 0°–90° Altitude Adjustment

The AM3N is designed with a wide altitude range of 0° to 90°, making it adaptable for use in both low- and high-latitude regions without restriction.

• Gear 1: Rotate the altitude gear tension knob to set the scale between 0° and 60°.

• Gear 2: Loosen the M6 hex wrench, then use the fine adjustment knob to set the altitude between 30° and 90°.

This dual-gear system provides flexibility for quick adjustments as well as fine-tuning, ensuring precise alignment wherever you set up.

 

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity

The AM3N gives you full wireless control through built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can operate the mount directly from your smartphone or tablet — no hand controller needed.

Perfect for travel and field sessions, this setup means you only need your phone to align, track, and capture the night sky, keeping your gear light and portable.

Easy Control with Mobile Apps

Operate the AM3N directly from your smartphone with an intuitive app interface. Use the on-screen joystick to control the mount, access features like Tonight’s Target, perform GOTO slews, and even view a live preview — all from the palm of your hand. There’s no need to connect a computer. The mount and hand controller link seamlessly via Wi-Fi, keeping your setup simple and portable. For even greater flexibility, the mount is fully compatible with ASCOM, INDI, ASIAIR, and other popular platforms.

Seamless ASIAIR Integration

The AM3N connects effortlessly with ASIAIR, either wirelessly or through a direct cable, giving you complete control right at your fingertips. As part of the ZWO ecosystem, every component works together in harmony, creating a streamlined setup that delivers a smooth and efficient astrophotography experience.

Mount Schematics

Full Specifications

Computerised Mount

Mount Type	Computerised Altazimuth/German Equatorial (AZ-EQ)
Drive	Strain Wave Gear + Synchronous Belt (300:1 Reduction Ratio)
Payload Capacity	8kg (without counterweight) 13kg (with counterweight)
Mount head weight	4.1kg
Altitude Adjustment Range	0° to 90°
Azimuth Adjustment Range	± 6°
Dovetail Saddle	Dual saddle - Losmandy & Vixen
Counterweight Bar Thread	M12 x 1.75
Resolution	0.17"
Slew Speeds	9 Slew Speds (Max Speed 6° / Second)
Power Port	DC 5.5 x 2.1mm, center positive (12V 3A)
Power Consumption	12V 0.65A (standby) 12V 0.8A (tracking) 12V 1.3A (GOTO) 12V 1.8A (Heavy Load)
Autoguide Port	Yes, ST4
Communication Port	USB / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Zero Position	Mechanical
Operating Temperature	-20°C - 40°C (with low temperature high-load mode in software when below 0°C for stable performance)
Power-Off Brake	RA

 

About ZWO Optical: Astrophotography has never been easier

Established in 2011, ZWO Optical is a fast-growing global astro imaging camera powerhouse based in Suzhou China. They focus on building and innovating groundbreaking CMOS cameras such as the iconic ZWO ASI120MM Monochrome CMOS camera (the first-ever planetary CMOS camera to beat a CCD in the early 2010s). ZWO continues to pioneer new astrophotography technology with revolutionary features to capture exceptional quality of images of space that will last you a lifetime.

Today, ZWO cameras are recognised by every passionate astrophotographer and are available in over 25 countries internationally.

Product Code: ZWO-AM3N