ZWO AM3 User manual

ZWO-AM3
User Manual

Table of Contents
Preface
Tips
Included Items
1. Product Introduction
2. Performance Parameters
3. How to Use
3.1 Introduction to the equatorial mount
3.2 Introduction to the hand controller
3.3 Mounting the equatorial mount
3.3.1 mount installation
3.3.2 Handle Controller Connection
3.3.3 Bluetooth connection
3.3.4 Pier extension (optional) installation
3.3.5 Counterweight (optional) installation
3.3.6 ASIAIR (optional) installation
3.4 Use of equatorial mount
3.4.1 How to adjust the pitch angle from the first gear to the second gear?
3.4.2 How to adjust the azimuth scale?
3.4.3 How to switch the equatorial mode to alt-azimuth mode?
3.5 How to connect the computer to control the equatorial mount?
3.6 How to use ASIAIR to control the equatorial mount?
4 Structural Dimensions
5 After sales
6 Warranty
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Preface
Thank you for purchasing the ZWO AM3 Strain Wave Gear Mount. After years of research, ZWO
developed strain wave gears to meet the astrophotography needs of low periodic error, stable
transmission, and high torque output. Each mount has a PE curve for performance measurement.
In addition, the belt drive is adopted to achieve 300:1 reduction to achieve high-precision control.
The AM3 uses updated technology, an integrated manufacturing process, and modern industrial
design concepts. It is lightweight and stable while in use. It does not blindly pursue a lightweight
design, but focuses, more importantly, on stability and durability during use. A Strain Wave
GearGerman equatorial mount with a lightweight design, a load capacity that can meet the
capacity requirements of most astrophotography setups. The AM3 equatorial mount has the
capabilities of fast response, accurate tracking, convenient operation, and wide compatibility,
which can meet the needs of astronomical observation and astronomical photography, and
provide better assistance for astronomy enthusiasts on their star exploration journey.
The purpose of this manual is to introduce the use of the equatorial mount to users in the form of
text descriptions and illustrations, and to remind users of possible improper operations or
dangerous situations. Please make sure to read this manual carefully before using the equatorial
mount, and strictly follow the instructions in the manual carefully. Any equipment damage and
personal injury caused by improper operation are the responsibility of the user. ZWO AM3 Strain
Wave Gear Mount software and hardware are developed and designed with independent
intellectual property rights, which are perfectly compatible with ASIAIR, and support ASCOM, INDI
and other platforms.

Tips
This manual can guide the user to use the AM3 Strain Wave Gear Mount safely and efficiently.
Before using the equatorial mount, please make sure to read the following tips carefully, and
follow the instructions in this manual during actual use.
1.When using AM3, please do not directly observe or image the sun with naked eyes through telescopes or finder
glasses, without using specially designed solar filters. This will cause permanent and irreversible damage to the
observer's eyes, and damage to property and equipment. With solar observing and imaging, always use specially
designed solar filters.
2.Please carefully select a suitable tripod according to the size and weight of the telescope and then determine if
your setup needs a counterweight. Without a counterweight bar and counterweight installed on the AM3 Strain
Wave Gear Mount, the center of gravity of the telescope may deviate from the tripod and cause the tripod &
telescope to tip over. Please test the center of gravity of the telescope in all directions in advance to avoid this
situation, causing equipment damage or personal injury.
3.After the use of the AM3, please reset the mount’s position to zero (home position), and then power down the
mount. Failing to do this step will cause the home position and GOTO function to be inaccurate at the next start up,
which might further cause equipment damage or personal injury. If the mount is not at home position at power
down, then by the next time it is powered on, please try to return it to home position first before you do any other
operation.
4. Please do stop unsupervised children from using the mount or touching the mount. This will help avoid an
accidental rollover or personal injury. In addition, small parts are included with this mount which may also cause
suffocation or other injuries to children.
5. Do not place the equatorial mount in a high-humidity and high-salt environment. This will cause corrosion of
the mount’s components, which may cause the equatorial mount to run poorly or reduce the accuracy of the
mount, and may cause short circuits and permanent damage.
6.Do not use corrosive solutions to clean the mount, so as not to corrode the surface oxide layer and damage the
mount. Also exposing the mount to the sun for long periods of time may cause the appearance of the oxide layer
to discolor.
7.Do not attempt to disassemble the mount. This may damage the mount, reduce the accuracy of the mount, or
even cause personal injury to the user.
8.The ZWO AM3 Strain Wave Drive Mount is a precision instrument. Please handle it with care to avoid damage to
the mount and reduce the accuracy.
9.The operational temperature of the ZWO AM3 Strain Wave Drive Mount is -15℃-40℃, please do not use the
mount outside this temperature range. Doing so may cause the equipment to fail to operate normally and may
cause equipment damage.

Included Items
1. Case x1
2. AM3 mount x1
3. 2m USB2.0 cable (Type-B to Type-A) x1
4. AM3 Periodic error report x1
5. Quick Guide Brochure x1
6. Hand Controller x1
7. 2m Hand Controller Cable x1
8. M6 Allen key x1
9. M4 Allen key x1

1. Product introduction
As the second strain wave drive mount released by ZWO, the AM3 integrates lightness, precision,
intelligence, and high performance into one. It meets the needs of astrophotographers and also
the market trend of portability prior, which makes it a revolutionary outbreak product compared
to traditional mounts.
The mount’s features are as follows:
1. High precision: AM3 is equipped with a special harmonic reducer for astronomy to achieve
high-precision control, and the periodic error is stable within ±15 arcseconds. It can stably
transmit large torque output, and at the same time measure the PE error curve of each machine to
ensure performance.
2. High load: the body weight is 3.9kg, and the load capacity is up to 8kg. If the counterweight is
added, it can reach 13kg.
3. Independent intellectual property control system: The software and hardware control system
with completely independent intellectual property rights is maintained and upgraded by a
professional team to ensure the stability of the system.
4. Dual mode: AM3 has two modes: equatorial mount and alt-azimuth, suitable for visual use and
photography.
5. No restrictions on areas of use: AM3 is designed with a pitch angle of 0-90 degrees, and can
also be used in equator and polar regions.
6. Hand Controller + APP control: Through the mobile phone, you can get access to the
functions of Tonight’s Best, target GOTO, real-time star database and so on. There is no need to

connect to a computer. What’s more, the mount and hand controller can also be upgraded online
through your mobile phone.
Other advantages:
1. Fully sealed structure design: Prevents the strain wave gear from rusting, dust and dew.
2. Convenient home position design: The mount can return to the home position quickly and
easily at any position.
3. Power-off brake: Prevents the telescope and equipment from falling and resulting in damage
or injury during a power failure.
4. ASIAIR, PC use seamless connection: ASIAIR can connect and control AM3 through wireless
or wired way, and the PC supports ASCOM and INDI to control.

2. Performance Parameters
AM3 Description
Mount type German Equatorial Mount
Mount mode Equatorial/Alt-Azimuth
Drive Strain Wave Gear + synchronous belt (300:1 reduction ratio)
Periodic error <±15''
PE duration 288s
Drive (RA) Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 14 type 100 reduction ratio
harmonic + brake
Drive (DEC) Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 14 type 100 reduction ratio
harmonic + brake
Load 8kg (w/o counterweight) / 13kg (with counterweight) @20cm
Mount weight 3.9 kg
Latitude adjustment range 0°-90°
Azimuth adjustment range ±6°
Dovetail Losmandy & Vixen
Interface thread for
counterweight bar M12 *1.75 coarse teeth
Stepper motor resolution 0.17''
Max slew speed 6°/S
Slew speed 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1400x
Power port DC5.5-2.1mm (12V, not less than 3A)
Power consumption
12V/0.4A (Standby)
12V/0.6A (Tracking)
12V/1.7A (GOTO)
Guide interface ST4
Communication Interface USB/BT
Zero position Mechanical
Operating temperature -15℃-40℃
Power-off brake Yes

3. How to Use
3.1 Introduction to the equatorial mount
①Finder shoe slot mounting holes: Can be used to install finder shoe or ASIAIR.
②Power switch: Turn the power on or off.
③Counterweight screw hole: Unscrew the cover to connect the optional counterweight bar and
counterweight.
④Pitch angle gear adjustment screw: A screw is located on either side of the mount. Loosen
them with a hexagonal wrench and then adjust the pitch angle to a certain degree from 0 to 90.
⑤Pitch angle tension grip: Loosen the knob to adjust the pitch angle. Don’t forget to tighten it
after use.
⑥Pitch angle fine-tuning knob: Rotate it clockwise to get the mount pitch up, counterclockwise
to get the mount pitch down.
⑦Azimuth fine-tuning knob: Rotate the knobs on both sides to adjust the azimuth base.

⑧Dovetail saddle plate tension knob: Can be used to adjust the width to fit Vixen and Losmandy
style dovetails.
⑨Auto guide: Can be used to connect a ST4 guide cable.
⑩USB 2.0 interface: Can be used to control the mount and upgrade the firmware. You can also
connect USB devices, including your computer to it.
⑪Bluetooth indicator: You can choose to connect the mount via Bluetooth on your phone. This
Bluetooth indicator will be useful for you to confirm whether the mount is connected.
⑫HC interface: Can be used to connect the hand controller.

⑬Power in: 12V/3A-6A, DC D5.5x2.1mm (Positive inside and negative outside). The power
voltage should not be less than 10.8v. Otherwise the buzzer inside the mount will beep to alert the
user. 12V power output port: After the main body is connected to the power supply, it can be
connected here to supply power to devices such as AISAIR.
⑭Mount mode indicator: Red light for equatorial mode, green light for alt-azimuth mode. It will
flash red and green in turn when the time and location information are not synchronized. Once
synchronized, it will show the right light color of the current mount mode.
⑮Pitch angle scale: Indicates the current pitch angle from 0° to 90°.
⑯Dovetail saddle plate: Compatible with both Losmandy and Vixen style dovetails.
Pitch angle scale: 0~90 degrees.

3.2 Introduction to hand controller
Light Indicator: Indicates high or low sidereal tracking rate of the mount. High rate when the light
is on.
Directional Control Joystick: The joystick can be used to slew the two axes. Press down the
joystick knob to switch between high and low slew speed. There are 1, 2, 4 and 8 x sidereal rate at
low speed, 20 to 1440 x sidereal rate at high speed.
Tracking button: Click to enable or disable tracking. When the tracking is on, the indicator will
flash red or green.
Cancel button: Long press for 3 seconds to cancel the current function.
Mode switching: When AM3 is powered off, long press the cancel button until you get the AM3
mount powered and the light indicator switches the color. The mount will be successfully
switched to another mode then.
How to identify the Altazimuth/ Equatorial mode and switch to a different mode?
The default setting of AM3 is Equatorial mode. During the first 5 seconds after the mount boots
up:

Light indicator turns red - the mount is in Equatorial mode.
Light indicator turns green - the mount is in Altazimuth mode.
If you forget the hand controller’s WiFi password, you can press and hold the Tracking and Cancel
buttons together until the mount boots up and keep pressing for 5 seconds after it. Loosen them
when the high-speed indicator light flashes. The WiFi password will then be restored to the
default setting: 12345678
3.3 Mounting the equatorial mount
3.3.1 Mount installation
*Tripod model: ZWO carbon fiber TC40
Unfold the tripod
Secure the Installation Disk:
Use a hexagonal wrench to attach 3 x M6 screws to fix the mounting plate on the main body of
the AM3.

Install the body on the tripod:
Place the main body of the equatorial mount on the tripod, install the multi-function support rod
in the positive direction (as shown in Figure 1 below), and turn the knob clockwise to lock it.
3.3.2 Handle Controller Connection
Use the coiled cable to connect the hand controller to the AM3 mount body. The hand controller
has a WiFi hotspot, which can be connected to use wireless control of the equatorial mount.

3.3.3 Bluetooth connection
The AM3 has the new feature of Bluetooth. If you forget to bring the hand controller, you can
control the mount via Bluetooth on your phone. Here are the steps:
Launch ASI Mount App, go Mount setting and then choose Bluetooth to connect. Follow the
prompts. The Bluetooth indicator will be off after Bluetooth connection succeeds.

3.3.4 Pier extension (optional) installation
First, install the pier extension onto the tripod.
Then install the mount onto the pier extension and tighten the knobs.
Installation completes.

3.3.5 Counterweight (optional) installation
How to choose whether to install a Counterweight?
If the combined weight of the telescope is less than 8KG, the equatorial mount is not required to
have a counterweight installed. If the combined weight of the telescope reaches 8KG or more, it
needs to be installed with a counterweight. The total weight of the telescope should not exceed
13KG. In order to ensure the stability of the equipment, it is recommended to use a counterweight
when the total weight of the telescope reaches 8KG, and the interface thread of the counterweight
Counterweight installation steps
1. Find the mounting screw hole for the counterweight at the bottom of the AM3 mount body.
The screw hole will have a silver color plug in.
2. Turn the plug counterclockwise until fully unscrewed.
3. Install the counterweight bar and tighten clockwise, then install the weight.

3.3.6 ASIAIR (optional) installation
Remove or buy a finder mirror slot and put it on the side of the dovetail slot, ASIAIR can be
installed on the side of the dovetail slot or on the main mirror.

3.4 Use of equatorial mount
3.4.1 How to adjust the pitch angle from the first gear to the second gear?
Equatorial mount gear introduction:
The pitch angle adjustment of the equatorial mount AM3 is divided into two gears, the first gear
pitch angle range: 0~60°; the second gear pitch angle range: 45°~90°. When the equatorial mount
is in the first gear, the maximum adjustment angle can only reach 60°. You need to use a hex
wrench to loosen the [pitch angle gear adjustment screws] on both sides of the main body, and
then turn the equatorial mount to the second gear (45° position). After completion, tighten the
screws on both sides, and continue to adjust the Pitch Angle Fine-Tuning Knob to 90°. We
recommend you to do this when the mount is not carrying something.

To adjust the pitch angle from 0° to 90°, the steps are as follows:
Loosen the tension grips on both sides, rotate the altitude adjustment grip clockwise till you can
clearly see the hex screws appearing out of the screw holes (approximately 45° latitude scale in
Gear 1).
Use the hex wrench to anticlockwise rotate the two hex screws. Make sure they are totally loose
before you go to next step.