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This is an AM3 mount and TC40 carbon fiber tripod with PE160 pier in excellent condition. The mount is pristine, and is in like new condition; the tripod and pier are in great shape.
We do not have the packing boxes for this, so this is available for in-store pickup only.
ZWO has provided the perfect solution for those astrophotographers looking for a convenient and portable equatorial mount that can operate at peak performance without the need for counterweights! With a traditional EQ mount, it can be difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions while being difficult to carry and store. The AM3 Harmonic Drive EQ mount has a large load capacity of 17.6 lb. (8kg) without a counterweight and 28.6 lb. (13kg) with a counterweight (not included) while only weighing in at 8.6 lb. (3.9kg). Stability is essential for operation, and ZWO found a way to balance portability with functionality with the AM3 mount.
The internal structure of the AM3 Harmonic Drive EQ Mount is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt. This optimization brings more accurate control and a fantastic reduction ratio of 300:1. In addition to having a large load capacity without needing counterweights, the AM3 mount is considered multi-functional and can be used as both an equatorial and alt-azimuth mount. To add to its versatility, the AM3 can be controlled using either the included hand controller or WiFi/Bluetooth.
ZWO has designed the AM3 mount head to be an astrophotographer’s dream mount! While incredibly portable, it also has many features, like the two control options, the harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt, and more that make this mount a must-have tool for your imaging sessions. Check out some of these features below!
Dual Mount Style
ZWO has designed the AM3 mount with the capability of switching between equatorial or alt-azimuth mount modes. You can switch the mode through the included hand controller or through the app on a smartphone/tablet. The body of the mount comes with a status light indicator that will indicate whether the mount is in an equatorial or alt-azimuth mode. The red light signals the AM3 is in EQ mode and the green light signals the mount is in Alt-azimuth mode. The equatorial mode is great for tracking and imaging celestial objects while the alt-azimuth mode works well for observations.
Two Mount Control Options
When it comes to controlling the AM3 mount, astrophotographers can use the included hand controller or use the WiFi connection and wirelessly control the mount from a smartphone or tablet. Included is a rocker-style hand controller. The size of the controller makes it easy to hold and use while the rocker-style design allows the mount to be pushed in multiple directions. For the wireless control function, users can utilize the integrated WiFi network emitted by the hand controller and use Tonight's Target, GoTo, Live Preview, and others to pair with the ZWO AM3 mount. Please note that in order to utilize the WiFi, you must plug in the controller to emit the signal. Known iPad Compatibility - The mount is compatible with iPads running iOS 12 and up, including iPad/iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. To use the Sky Atlas app feature, you will need a device with at least 6 GB of RAM
Harmonic Drive Speed Reducer and Synchronous Belt
The incorporated Harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt allow this mount head to have precision control. While a traditional equatorial mount requires counterweights for use, this ZWO mount's harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt eliminate the need for counterweights, though they can be added if desired (an M12 thread interface is available for compatible, user-supplied counterweight shafts). Having this design allows for more accurate control and a reduction ratio of 300:1. If counterweights are added, then it should be secured on a counterweight shaft that is no more than 20cm in length.
PE Curve Performance Guaranteed
The design of ZWO's strain wave gearing system is the result of ZWO working with well-known manufacturers, and it was developed with the needs of astrophotographers in mind. Just some of the amazing features of the ZWO AM3 mount that makes it a must-have addition to astrophotography setups are the very low periodic errors, smooth gearing, and high torque. ZWO measures each mount and equips it with the exclusive PE curve before it leaves the factory to ensure performance is guaranteed.
0-90° Latitude Adjustment Range
This ZWO AM3 mount comes with a latitude adjustment range of 0-90°. For the first gear, adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve between 0° to 60°. For the second gear, loosen the hex-head screw and adjust the pitch angle grip to get between 45° and 90°. Not only does this allow astrophotographers to use the AM3 in alt-azimuth mode, but it also allows those in both low and high-latitude locations to use this ZWO mount when in equatorial mode.
ASIAIR Plus Compatible
The ZWO ASIair Plus (not included) offers another wireless control solution for this AM3 mount. This small wireless module allows you to control the mount with your smartphone or tablet. If you'd like to add an ASIair Plus to your camera order, you can find it in the suggested accessories section or click the hyperlink above. Please note that this mount is compatible with all versions of the ASIAIR.
Other Key Specifications
When it comes to compatibility, the ZWO AM5 mount works with the Meade LX200 and has a M12 thread on the counterweight shaft. The RA Drive is a Harmonic NEM42 Stepper Motor, Model No. 17 (Reduction ratio: 100:1), and brake. The Dec Drive is Harmonic NEM35 Stepper Motor (Reduction ratio: 100:1), Model No. 17.
Important Note
There is an ASIAIR finder shoe attached to the AM5 mount's side panel. If you plan on attaching the ASIAIR anywhere else, such as on the side of the Losmandy/Vixen-style dovetail saddle plate, make sure you do not completely screw in the rest of the two hex screws. The length of the inner part must be kept between 3 ~ 5 mm. Do to the mount's compact size, if you screw them in completely, the cables inside the mount can get pressed and damaged, which may cause the mount to no longer work.
In The Box
ZWO TC40 Tripod
ZWO has designed this lightweight, yet sturdy, carbon fiber tripod to be the perfect compliment for the ZWO AM5 or AM3 Equatorial/Alt-Azimuth mount. Weighing in at 5 lb., this tripod is portable and still maintains a high load capacity of each mount. The carbon fiber material means this tripod is incredibly durable, high strength, and impact resistant. The upper part of the tripod legs measure 1.5" in diameter and the lower section measures 1.4". The dual section design provides better stability and rigidity when telescopes and cameras are mounted.
The tripod plate head comes with an adapter plate that has three mounting points that match the ZWO AM5 or AM3 mount head (not included). This ensures that the connection will be very stable and sturdy. Additionally, there is a center 3/8" locking knob that has a range of compatibility. For the ZWO AM5 or AM3 mount head, you can keep it standard. For other mounts, you can flip the plate upside down and secure it with a 3/8" tapped hole. The secure lock reinforces the connection between the mount and the tripod.
ZWO has included a spreader plate with this tripod for increased stability. By tightening the knob, the spreader plate will push up against the legs, spreads them, and lock them in place. The included weight bag can also be filled with weights, stones, or a telescope battery pack for additional stability.
In addition to the ZWO AM5 mount, this tripod can also be used with mounts from the following brands: Celestron, iOptron, Rainbow Astro, and Sky-Watcher.
ZWO TC40 Tripod Technical Features
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 5.07 lb. (2.3 kg)
- Load Capacity: 110.23 lb. (50 kg)
- Folded Length: 19.68" (500 mm)
- Adjustable Height: 18.5" (470 mm) - 31.49" (800 mm)
- Upper Leg Diameter: (40 mm)
- Lower Leg Diameter: (36 mm)
ZWO PE160 Pier Extension
With rigid aircraft-grade aluminum construction and a maximum load capacity of just over 28 lbs. (13 kg), this ZWO PE160 Pier Extension offers a stable platform for the AM3 or AM5 mount with lighter payloads for easy travel. Built from rugged materials, this 160 mm extension is resistant to both water and high temperatures and will remain by your side well into the future as the ideal complement to the AM5.
The hollow design of the ZWO PE160 helps reduce its weight to a modest 2.2 lbs. (1.0 kg), increasing portability over the previous 200mm model for hassle-free transport to and from your favorite astro-imaging location. Aesthetically, the bark black exterior of the PE160 provides a nice contrast to the AM5 mount’s classic red. Lastly, for a comfortable feel, the PE160 contains a matte tactile surface.
By using a grip locking mechanism in lieu of screws, the PE160 is also easy to attach to the AM5.
ZWO PE160 Pier Extension Specifications
- Designed for the ZWO AM3 and AM5 mounts
- Pier Height: 6.29" (160 mm)
- Weight: 2.2 lbs. (1.0 kg)
- Maximum Load Capacity: 22 lbs. (10 kg)