The new ZWO AM7 mount is an innovative mount, as unlike the equatorial mounts commonly used in amateur astronomy, it allows the use of larger telescopes without the need for the usual, but often heavy, counterweights.
The load capacity of the new model has increased! Thanks to the so-called harmonic drive system, adopted from robotics, its axes are capable of moving loads of up to 20 kg without the use of counterweights. With a counterweight, the load capacity can be increased up to 30 kg. (The manufacturer recommends using a maximum of 1 piece 10 kg counterweight.) As the mount's own weight is only 6.5 kg, it is an excellent travel mount even for larger instruments. It can be used in both alt-azimuth and equatorial modes.
The ZWO AM7 mount is suitable for accepting tubes equipped with Vixen and Losmandy standard dovetail bars. It can be fully controlled via WiFi or Bluetooth connection from a tablet, mobile phone, or even a computer. When slewing to an object, its maximum speed is up to 6°/second. Power can be supplied by a 12 V mains adapter or gel battery with a minimum output of 2 A.
The manufacturer individually tests every AM7 mount and provides a test report. Unlike the previous version, it now guarantees only half as much, a maximum of ± 10" periodic error, which can be well corrected to values between 0.5" and 0.8" when using guiding. Thanks to the design of the drive, it operates almost completely backlash-free.
The ZWO AM7 mount is, of course, compatible with the manufacturer's ASI AIR control system and also features ASCOM support. A standard 3/8" thread is located at the bottom of the mount, allowing it to be mounted on suitable tripods.
