The new ZWO AM7 mount is an innovative mount that, unlike conventional equatorial mounts used in amateur astronomy, eliminates the need for the familiar yet often heavy counterweights, even when used with larger telescopes.
The new model has an increased payload capacity! Thanks to its harmonic drive axes, adapted from robotics, it can carry loads of up to 20 kg without the use of counterweights. With a counterweight, its payload capacity can be increased to 30 kg. (The manufacturer recommends using a maximum of one 10 kg counterweight.) Since the mount weighs 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 accepts optical tubes equipped with both Vixen- and Losmandy-standard dovetail bars. It can be fully controlled via WiFi or Bluetooth connection from a tablet, mobile phone, or computer. Its maximum slewing speed is up to 6°/second. It can be powered 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 guarantees only half as much periodic error, a maximum of ± 10", which can be effectively corrected to values between 0.5" and 0.8" with guiding. Thanks to its drive design, it operates with virtually no backlash .
The ZWO AM7 mount is, of course, compatible with the manufacturer's ASIAIR controller and supports ASCOM. A standard 3/8" thread is located on the bottom of the mount, allowing it to be attached to compatible tripods.
