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June 24th: Store is closed for Quebec National Holiday. Orders placed that day will ship on June 25th.
ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount

ZWO AM3N Harmonic Equatorial Mount

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-AM3N
$1,499.00 - $1,499.00
$1,499.00
$1,499.00 - $1,499.00
$1,499.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 17.63 lb. payload capacity without counterweights
  • Weighs only 9.04 lb. for extreme portability
  • Dual Alt-Azimuth and Equatorial modes
  • 0-90° latitude range for operation anywhere
  • Integrated WiFi and included hand controller
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • ZWO AM3N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head (2025)

    The ZWO AM3N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head carries a 17.63 lb. payload without counterweights and supports up to 28.66 lb. when balanced. This entire system weighs just 9.04 lb. and includes a dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle for broad telescope compatibility. Operating on a standard 12V @ 3A power supply, the mount slews at up to 6º/S and features an operational latitude range of 0-90º for use anywhere on Earth.

    17.63 lb. Capacity in a 9.04 lb. Mount Head

    The core of the AM3N is its strain wave gearing, which delivers high torque from a compact, lightweight mechanism. This allows the mount to handle a 17.63 lb. imaging rig—a wide-field refractor or a small SCT—without the need for a counterweight or shaft, creating an ideal grab-and-go setup. For heavier loads, adding a counterweight boosts the capacity to 28.66 lb., putting it in competition with much heavier, traditionally geared mounts.

    This high payload-to-weight ratio fundamentally changes portability. The entire 9.04 lb. mount head fits into the included custom case, making it a viable option for air travel or hiking to a remote dark-sky site. The trade-off for the higher capacity is the need to source a counterweight and shaft, but the base capacity is sufficient for the vast majority of portable imaging systems.

    0-90° Latitude Range for Global Operation

    ZWO engineered the AM3N with a latitude adjustment range of 0-90°, making it one of the few mounts fully functional in both equatorial and alt-azimuth modes at any location worldwide. You can switch from a simple, intuitive alt-azimuth setup for visual observing to a precise, tracking equatorial configuration for astrophotography with a few minor adjustments. This flexibility eliminates the need for a separate wedge or mount for different applications or travel destinations, from the equator to the poles.

    ZWO AM3N vs. AM3: Key Upgrades for 2025

    The AM3N builds on the successful AM3 platform with several key hardware improvements based on user feedback. These changes focus on cold-weather reliability and streamlined cable management for a better field experience.

    • Wider Operating Temperature: The AM3N is rated for operation down to -20ºC, a significant improvement for imagers in cold climates.
    • Integrated Bluetooth: You can now connect directly to the mount via Bluetooth without using the hand controller as a bridge, simplifying wireless control with an ASIAIR or other device.
    • On-Saddle Power & USB: The dual saddle now features 12V DC power output and a USB-C port, allowing you to power a ZWO camera or ASIAIR directly from the saddle. This minimizes cable drag and the risk of snags during a long imaging sequence.

    Control via Wi-Fi, Hand Controller, or USB

    The AM3N integrates seamlessly into any workflow with three distinct control methods. The included hand controller allows for immediate manual slewing and can create its own Wi-Fi hotspot for GoTo control via ZWO's mobile app. For a more integrated setup, you can connect to the mount's integrated WiFi or Bluetooth with an ASIAIR or a PC running ASCOM or INDI drivers. A standard USB 2.0 port provides a reliable wired connection for remote observatory control, ensuring robust communication regardless of your setup.

  • What kind of telescope is the ZWO AM3N best suited for?

    The ZWO AM3N is ideal for portable imaging systems weighing under its counterweight-free capacity of 17.63 lb. This includes wide-field apochromatic refractors up to 100mm, camera lenses, and smaller Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes.

    Do I need to precisely balance my telescope on the ZWO AM3N?

    No. Unlike traditional equatorial mounts that require precise balancing, the strain wave gears in the AM3N have enough torque to function without it. While a rough front-to-back balance can improve tracking performance, it does not need the meticulous adjustments of a worm-gear mount, which greatly speeds up setup time.

    How does the AM3N perform for imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a 70mm refractor?

    This is an excellent pairing. A typical 70mm refractor and camera system is well under the 17.63 lb. capacity, requiring no counterweights. The mount's GoTo will accurately center M31, and its periodic error performance is low enough to produce sharp, unguided exposures of several minutes, easily capturing the galaxy's dust lanes and sprawling arms.

    Can I use the ZWO AM3N in Alt-Az mode for visual observing?

    Yes. The mount's 0-90° latitude range allows it to be configured as a simple, intuitive Alt-Azimuth mount. This is perfect for quick visual sessions where you don't want to spend time polar aligning. The included hand controller or a smartphone app can be used for GoTo slewing in this mode.

    Is the ZWO AM3N a good choice for a portable setup to image the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex?

    Absolutely. For a target like Rho Ophiuchi, which requires a dark sky site, the AM3N's portability is a major advantage. Its 9.04 lb. weight and compact size make it easy to transport. Paired with a wide-field lens or small refractor and controlled via Wi-Fi with an ASIAIR, it creates a powerful and minimalist setup for capturing large nebulae.

    What power supply do I need for the ZWO AM3N?

    The ZWO AM3N requires a 12V @ 3A DC power supply with a center-positive 5.5x2.1mm plug. It also includes power failure protection, which engages an electronic brake on the RA axis to prevent your equipment from swinging freely if power is accidentally disconnected.

  • SKU ZWO-AM3N
    Mount Type Dual Alt-Az/Equatorial
    Mount Electronics Computerized GoTo
    Mount Series ZWO AM3
    Payload Capacity 17.63 lb. (no counterweight), 28.66 lb. (with counterweight)
    Mount Head Weight 9.04 lb.
    Saddle Type Dual Vixen & Losmandy
    Latitude Range 0° – 90°
    Azimuth Adjustment Range +/- 6°
    Slew Speeds Up to 6°/second
    Power Requirements 12V @ 3A
    Power Failure Protection Yes
    Integrated WiFi Yes
    Hand Controller Included
    Polar Scope Not Included
    Tripod or Pier Not Included
    Operating Temperature -20°C to 40°C
    Mount Category New Wave Harmonic
    Warranty ZWO 2-Year

    • AM3N Mount Body

      × 1

    • Carrying Case

      × 1

    • 2m USB 2.0 Cable (Type B to A)

      × 1

    • 1m USB 2.0 Cable (Type C to A)

      × 1

    • Hand Controller

      × 1

    • 2m Hand Controller Cable

      × 1

    • M6 Allen Key

      × 1

    • Performance Sheet

      × 1

    • Quick Guide Brochure

      × 1

  • ZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty