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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount
ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount

ZWO AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-AM7
$2,499.00 - $2,499.00
$2,499.00
$2,499.00 - $2,499.00
$2,499.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 44 lb. payload capacity without a counterweight
  • 14.9 lb. mount head weight
  • Dual Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth modes
  • Stepper motor with 0.17" resolution
  • Latitude range of 0° to 90°
1 in stock
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • ZWO AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head

    The ZWO AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head carries a 44 lb. payload without counterweights, despite its own head weighing just 14.9 lb. Its strain wave gear system and stepper motors deliver a 0.17" resolution for precise tracking, while the full 0° to 90° latitude range makes it operational from the equator to the poles. With a maximum capacity of 66 lb. using an optional counterweight, the AM7 supports large optical tubes for serious astrophotography.

    44 lb. Capacity from a 14.9 lb. Mount

    The core of the AM7's design is its strain wave gear and synchronous belt drive system, which achieves a high payload-to-weight ratio that conventional worm gear mounts cannot match. This allows you to carry up to 44 lb. of imaging equipment without the need for a counterweight, drastically reducing the total weight and complexity of your field setup. For heavier optical tubes, adding a counterweight to the included M16 bar increases the total capacity to 66 lb., putting large refractors and SCTs well within its capability.

    ZWO AM7 vs. AM5: A 33% Payload Increase

    For imagers deciding between ZWO's harmonic mounts, the choice comes down to payload. The AM5 is an exceptional performer, but its lighter 12 lb. body is optimized for a 33 lb. payload.

    • ZWO AM5 Advantage: At just 12 lb., the AM5 head is lighter and more portable, making it the superior choice for grab-and-go setups or airline travel where every pound counts.
    • ZWO AM7 Advantage: The AM7 supports a 44 lb. payload—a 33% increase over the AM5—and includes a beefier M16 counterweight bar as standard. This extra capacity provides critical stability for heavier OTAs or dual-scope setups, ensuring your system has room to grow without compromising tracking accuracy.

    Dual-Mode Operation from 0° to 90° Latitude

    The AM7 operates seamlessly as both an equatorial mount for imaging and an alt-azimuth mount for visual observing. The conversion is purely mechanical, requiring no firmware changes. With an exceptionally wide latitude adjustment range of 0° to 90°, you can polar align the mount anywhere on Earth. The +/- 7.5° azimuth adjustment range provides ample room for fine-tuning your alignment without having to move the tripod.

    Integrated Saddle Ports and Vixen/Losmandy Compatibility

    Cable management is simplified by the power and data ports located directly on the saddle plate. A 12V DC output and a USB-C port provide power and mount control connections right next to your camera and guide scope, minimizing the risk of cable snags during a meridian flip. The dual saddle accepts both Vixen-style and Losmandy D-style dovetail bars, offering out-of-the-box compatibility with virtually any telescope OTA.

  • What power supply does the ZWO AM7 require?

    The ZWO AM7 requires a DC power source of 11V-15V with a minimum current rating of 5A. The mount will beep to indicate insufficient power if the voltage drops below 10.8V. A stable 12V 5A power supply is recommended for reliable operation of tracking and GoTo slews.

    How does the ZWO AM7 handle a Celestron EdgeHD 11" OTA for deep-sky imaging?

    A Celestron EdgeHD 11" OTA, which weighs approximately 28 lbs, is an excellent match for the ZWO AM7. The mount can carry this payload without any counterweights, simplifying setup and transport. The 44 lb. native capacity leaves over 15 lb. of headroom for a camera, filter wheel, off-axis guider, and other accessories, ensuring stable, precise tracking for long-exposure astrophotography.

    Can I use the ZWO AM7 in Alt-Az mode for visual observing with a large 150mm refractor?

    Yes, the Alt-Az mode is ideal for this scenario. Switching the ZWO AM7 to Alt-Azimuth mode provides a simple, intuitive up-down and left-right motion perfect for visual observing. A large 150mm refractor and its accessories are well within the mount's 44 lb. capacity, offering a very stable platform for high-power planetary viewing or sweeping star fields without the need for polar alignment.

    How do I polar align the ZWO AM7 without a polar scope?

    The ZWO AM7 is designed for software-assisted polar alignment. You can use any of the following methods:

    • ZWO ASIAIR: The ASIAIR (sold separately) has a built-in, plate-solving-based polar alignment routine that is fast and highly accurate.
    • SharpCap Pro: The polar alignment feature in SharpCap is one of the most popular and precise methods available for PC users.
    • N.I.N.A.: This free astrophotography software includes a three-point polar alignment plugin that is very effective.

    What is the best tripod for the ZWO AM7?

    To maximize the stability and capacity of the ZWO AM7, a heavy-duty tripod is essential. While many tripods are compatible, a carbon fiber tripod with a high load rating, such as the Apertura Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod, provides a solid foundation without adding excessive weight, preserving the portability of the harmonic drive system.

    Does the ZWO AM7 come with a counterweight?

    No, a counterweight is not included. The ZWO AM7 includes a 250 mm long, M16-threaded counterweight bar. If your payload exceeds 44 lb. or is significantly off-balance, you will need to purchase a compatible counterweight separately.

  • SKU ZWO-AM7
    Mount Type Dual Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial
    Mount Electronics Computerized GoTo
    Payload Capacity 44 lb. (without counterweight), 66 lb. (with counterweight)
    Mount Head Weight 14.9 lb.
    Motor Type Stepper Motor with Synchronous Belt & Strain Wave Gear
    Motor Resolution 0.17"
    Periodic Error Correctable (PEC), 288s period
    Saddle Type Dual Vixen & Losmandy
    Latitude Range 0° to 90°
    Azimuth Adjustment Range ± 7.5°
    Slew Speeds 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x
    Power Requirements 12V, 5A
    Power Failure Protection Yes
    Operating Temperature -4°F to 104°F
    Hand Controller Included
    Accessory Ports (Mount Head) USB B, Hand Controller, ST4, 5.5x2.1 mm 12V DC
    Accessory Ports (Saddle) USB C, 5.5x2.1 mm 12V DC
    Tripod/Pier Included No
    Drivers ASCOM

    • AM7 Equatorial Mount

      × 1

    • Foam Carry Case

      × 1

    • USB 2.0 Cable, 2m (Type B to A)

      × 1

    • Counterweight Bar (BC250-M16)

      × 1

    • Quick Start Guide

      × 1

    • Hand Controller

      × 1

    • Hand Controller Cable (2m)

      × 1

    • USB 2.0 Cable, 1m (USB C to A)

      × 1

    • AM7 Periodic Error Test Report

      × 1

    • M6 Hex Wrench

      × 1

  • ZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty