The ZWO AM3N mount is an innovative mount, as it can operate without the traditional, yet heavy counterweights even for larger telescopes, unlike the equatorial mounts commonly used in amateur astronomy. What has changed in the renewed AM3N compared to the previous AM3 model?
The most important modification involved improving the device's energy efficiency and integrating USB-C and DC connectors into the mount saddle. A few minor changes include expanding the operating temperature range, which is actually a result of the energy efficiency modification. Additionally, a new feature is the magnetically attachable Allen key to the mount head, ensuring it is always at hand when switching between azimuthal and equatorial modes. The weight of the mount head has slightly increased from 3.9 kg to 4.1 kg. In all other aspects, it inherits the advantageous properties of its predecessor.
Thanks to its so-called harmonic drive system axes, borrowed from robotics, it can carry up to 8 kg of load without using counterweights. With counterweights, its load capacity can be increased to 13 kg. (The manufacturer recommends using a maximum of one 5 kg counterweight.) Since the mount's own weight is only 4.1 kg, it is an excellent travel mount even for larger instruments. It can be used in both azimuthal and equatorial modes.
The ZWO AM3N mount is capable of accommodating Vixen and Losmandy standard tubes. In the basic package, a simple hand controller is included for control, but it can achieve complete goto control via a mobile phone application over WiFi. When slewing to an object, its maximum speed can reach 6°/second.
The manufacturer recommends its own extremely lightweight yet strong TC40 tripod for the mount. Since there is a standard 3/8" thread at the bottom of the mount, it can be attached to other tripods as well. Its power supply can be ensured with a 12V power adapter or a gel battery, with a minimum performance of 2A.
The manufacturer individually tests each ZWO AM3N mount and issues a test report, guaranteeing a maximum ± 20" periodic error, which can be well corrected to values between 0.5"-0.8" with guiding. The mount is naturally compatible with the manufacturer's ASI AIR control and supports ASCOM (LX200 protocol).
To move the mount, you can use the included joystick-style hand controller, or an application via WiFi or Bluetooth wireless network.
