ZWO AM3N Harmonic Drive Mount with TC40 Tripod - 17/28lb Payload

Special promo: includes the TC40 carbon fiber tripod FREE.

A 9 lb harmonic mount that carries 17 lb of telescope without a counterweight

The ZWO AM3N Harmonic Drive Mount with TC40 Tripod is a computerized GoTo mount for astrophotography and visual observing that works in equatorial or alt-azimuth mode. It's built for small refractors and astrographs like the RedCat 51, FF70 and FF90, and ZWO even shows it carrying an 8" SCT with a light camera. It's the mount we suggest for a first imaging rig that has to travel, whether that's a dark-sky drive or a flight.

Key specs: 8kg (17.6lb) payload without counterweight · 13kg (28.7lb) with counterweight · ±15″ periodic error · 300:1 strain wave + belt drive · 0–90° latitude · equatorial or alt-az · Wi-Fi and Bluetooth · 4.1kg (9lb) head

What you can image

• Big nebulae with a small refractor: the North America and Pelican, Heart and Soul, Veil, Rosette and California Nebulae with a 50–90mm refractor such as the RedCat 51 or FF70.
• Bright galaxies: the Andromeda and Triangulum Galaxies, and M81 and M82, with a 70–90mm refractor like the FF90.
• The Moon and planets: in alt-azimuth mode with a small Maksutov or SCT, no polar alignment needed.
• Wide Milky Way fields: with a camera and lens on a ball head.

Why it's easy to set up

There's no counterweight to add and nothing to balance. Level the tripod, set your latitude with the knob (0–60° in one position, 30–90° in the other), and polar align with the ASIAIR or the ZWO app. The mount switches between equatorial and alt-az mode in the app or on the included hand controller, and a status light shows which mode it's in.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let you run it from your phone without the hand controller. It also works with the ASIAIR, ASCOM and INDI, so it fits whatever software you already use.

Using the AM3N in Colorado

• Wind: a light mount on a carbon tripod can shake in a breeze. Hang the TC40's weight bag with rocks or a power tank, and keep the legs spread on firm ground.
• Cold nights: ZWO rates the AM3N to -20°C (-4°F). Batteries fade faster in the cold, so bring extra 12V power.
• Dark-sky trips: mount, tripod and a small refractor weigh well under 30lb together, which makes it easy to get out of the Front Range light dome.

What to add for the best results

• 12V power (required): the mount needs 12V DC at 3A or more, which isn't included. Use the ZWO 12V 5A adapter at home or a 12V power tank in the field.
• ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and polar alignment from your phone, and connects to the AM3N over Bluetooth.
• ZWO 160mm or 200mm pier extension: raises the scope so cameras clear the tripod legs near the zenith.
• TC40 tripod case: carries the tripod with a pier extension still attached.
• A matching telescope: see the FF70 APO + AM3N and FF90 APO + AM3N bundles and the UltraCat 76 AM3N Traveler kit.

ZWO AM3N vs. AM5N vs. AM7

Choose the AM3N if your telescope, camera and accessories weigh less than 8kg and portability matters most. See all ZWO mounts.

What's in the box

• ZWO AM3N mount head
• Hand controller and connection cable
• USB Type-B and USB Type-C cables
• Hex wrench
• Periodic error test report for your mount
• Quick start guide
• ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod

12V power supply, counterweight bar and pier extension are sold separately.

ZWO AM3N FAQ

Is the AM3N good for beginners?

Yes. With no counterweight or balancing, and the ASIAIR handling polar alignment and guiding, it's one of the easiest equatorial mounts to learn on.

What telescopes can the AM3N carry?

Anything up to 8kg (17.6lb) including camera, guide scope and accessories. That covers refractors up to about 90mm, the RedCat and Cat astrographs, and small Maksutovs. With a counterweight it carries up to 13kg (28.7lb).

Do I need a counterweight?

Not under 8kg (17.6lb). Above that, ZWO allows up to 5kg of counterweight on a bar no longer than 25cm (9.8in), threaded into the mount's M12 port.

AM3N or AM5N?

The AM3N is lighter and less expensive. The AM5N carries nearly twice the payload with lower periodic error, so it's the better choice if you plan to move up to a 100mm+ refractor or a heavier camera and filter wheel.

Can I use it for visual observing?

Yes. Switch to alt-azimuth mode and use GoTo from the app or hand controller, with no polar alignment.

Does it need a power supply?

Yes. It runs on 12V DC (at least 3A), which isn't included. It draws about 0.65A standing by and 1.3A while slewing, so a small 12V power tank lasts a full night. Use the ZWO 12V 5A adapter at home.

Does it have a polar scope?

No. Polar alignment is done electronically with the ASIAIR or a camera and software like N.I.N.A. It usually takes a couple of minutes.

Specifications