ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount with TC40 Tripod

Strain-Wave Drive: 300:1 Reduction for High-Torque Tracking

At the heart of the AM7 is a strain wave gear system paired with a synchronous belt drive, achieving a 300:1 reduction ratio. This design delivers the torque (maximum output torque of 40 N·m) to carry up to 20 kg without counterweights. Still, test how the center of gravity changes as the telescope turns, to avoid tipping.

The drive system is fully sealed, so the harmonic reducer does not rust over time and its performance remains consistent. The RA axis also features a power-off brake, which automatically engages if power is lost, preventing a heavy telescope from swinging downward and protecting your equipment from damage.

44 lb. and 66 lb. Capacities: With and Without Counterweights

The AM7's payload-to-weight ratio stands out. The mount head weighs just 14.9 lb. but can securely carry up to 44 lb. of imaging equipment without requiring a counterweight. This simplifies your field setup, reduces total transport weight, and gets you imaging faster.

For optical tubes and camera rigs that exceed this limit, you can add a counterweight (sold separately) to the included Ø25 x 250 mm M16 counterweight bar. This increases the total payload capacity to 66 lb. (30 kg); a counterweight must be installed once the telescope load reaches 20 kg.

<±10" Periodic Error: Verified Tracking Accuracy

Tracking accuracy matters most at long focal lengths. The stepper motor and harmonic drive deliver a resolution of 0.17 arcseconds, enabling precise corrections from your autoguider. The native periodic error is held to less than ±10 arcseconds over its 288-second cycle.

To ensure this level of performance, every AM7 mount is individually tested before shipping. Included in the box is a unique periodic error test report for your specific unit, giving you verified data on its out-of-the-box tracking performance.

Dual-Mode Operation: Equatorial and Alt-Az from 0° to 90°

The AM7 functions as both a German Equatorial mount for precise, long-exposure tracking and as a simple Alt-Azimuth mount for visual observing. Switching between modes involves a quick physical adjustment of the mount's altitude angle and a selection on the included hand controller. An indicator light on the mount body shows red for EQ mode and green for Alt-Az mode.

With a latitude adjustment range of 0° to 90°, the AM7 can be polar aligned and used anywhere on Earth. A two-stage mechanical adjustment allows you to set the coarse altitude from 0-60° or 30-90°, while the fine-tuning knob and ±7.5° azimuth adjusters provide the precision needed for accurate alignment.

Flexible Control: ASIAIR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ASCOM

You can control the ZWO AM7 through multiple wired and wireless methods. The included hand controller acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to connect and control the mount with the SkyAtlas mobile app for GoTo slewing and target selection. If you forget the hand controller, the SkyAtlas app can also control the AM7 over Bluetooth.

For imaging, the AM7 works with ZWO and third-party control software.

• ASIAIR Integration: Connect wirelessly or with a USB cable to an ASIAIR for a fully integrated imaging, guiding, and mount control solution.
• PC Control: The mount supports standard ASCOM and INDI drivers, and ASIStudio, MaxIm DL, NINA and SGP work with the ASCOM driver.
• Wired Connections: The mount head features a USB-B port and an ST-4 autoguider port for direct connection to your PC or guide camera.

12V Power System and Integrated Cable Management

The AM7 requires a 12V DC power source capable of supplying at least 5A. An audible alarm will sound if the input voltage drops below 10.8V, indicating that the power is insufficient. To reduce cable clutter and the risk of snags, ZWO integrated power and data ports directly onto the dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle plate.

These saddle ports include a USB-C port and a 5.5x2.1 mm 12V DC port. This allows you to run power and data to your camera, focuser, or an ASIAIR directly through the mount, for a tidier setup with fewer cables to snag.

ZWO TC40 Tripod: A Stable, Portable Foundation

This kit includes the ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod, so the AM7 arrives with a tripod to stand on. Choose the tripod and counterweight to suit the size and weight of the telescope, and check stability before imaging.

ZWO AM7 vs. AM5N: A Heavier Payload for Larger Telescopes

While both mounts share the same core harmonic drive technology, the choice between the AM7 and its sibling, the AM5N, comes down to payload requirements.

• ZWO AM5N Advantage: With a 12.1 lb. (5.5 kg) mount head, the AM5N is the more portable option for travel and lighter imaging rigs up to its 33 lb. (15 kg) capacity without counterweights.
• ZWO AM7 Advantage: The AM7 carries 44 lb. (20 kg) without a counterweight and 66 lb. (30 kg) with one, for heavier optical tubes.