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Full Rig Profile-Askar120 (22lbs)
Full Rig Profile-SCT8 (21lbs)
Full Rig Profile-Dual (25lbs)-
Full Rig Profile-TPO (5lbs)
The Portable Revolution
The ZWO AM3 is a strain wave gear mount that has redefined my field workflow. Utilizing harmonic drive technology, it provides high torque in an incredibly lightweight chassis. For an astrophotographer in the high desert, this means carrying an entire EQ mount out to a dark site with one hand.
Unlike traditional equatorial mounts that rely on worm gears and heavy counterweights to balance the telescope, the AM3 uses a strain wave (harmonic) gear system. This system has virtually zero backlash and can handle payloads up to 17.5 lbs without a single counterweight, making it the ultimate tool for mobile deep-sky imaging.
Advantages
- Incredible Weight-to-Payload ratio
- Zero Backlash (Ideal for precision guiding)
- Internal Power-Off Brake for safety
- Seamless NINA Integration, Run a Mini PC
- Guiding Stays around 0.6
Limitations
- Requires Guiding (cannot run unguided)
- Large periodic error (corrected by software)
- Guiding Spikes every now and then
- Tripod Capacity: 20lbs max for Carbon Tripod
- SCT performance is better on a Pier vs. Tripod
"The AM3 has effectively eliminated the 'friction' of setting up. By removing the need for counterweights and balancing, it has transformed my sessions into a streamlined, high-speed process."