ZWO ASI Mount 3 User manual

ZWO ASI Mount 3
User Manual

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Table of Contents
Preface
Tips
Packing List
1. Product Introduction
2. Performance Parameters
3. How to Use
3.1 Introduction to the AM3
3.2 Introduction to the hand controller
3.3 Mounting the AM3
3.3.1 Mount installation
3.3.2 Hand controller connection
3.3.3 ASI Mount App connection
3.3.4 Optional accessory installation
3.3.4.1 Pier extension installation (optional)
3.3.4.2 Counterweight installation (optional)
3.3.4.3 The ASIAIR installation (optional)
3.4 Use of AM3
3.4.1 How to adjust the latitude angle from gear 1 to gear 2
3.4.2 How to adjust the azimuth scale
3.4.3 How to switch from the equatorial mode to the alt-azimuth mode
3.4.4 How to control the mount via PC
3.4.5 How to control the mount via ASI Mount App
3.4.6 How to control the mount via ASIAIR
4 Structural Dimensions
5 After Sales
6 Warranty

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Preface
Thank you for purchasing the ZWO ASI Mount 3 Strain Wave Gear Mount (AM3
hereafter).
After years of research, ZWO developed strain wave gears to meet the
astrophotography needs of the mount for low periodic error, stable transmission,
and high torque output. Each mount has a specific Periodic Error Test Report that
can guarantee the mount's performance. In addition, the belt drives are adopted in
both axes to achieve 300:1 reduction, which benefits high-precision control. To make
the AM3, ZWO uses updated technology, computer integrated manufacturing
system, and modern industrial design concepts. The AM3 does not unthinkingly
pursue a lightweight design. Still, it focuses more importantly on stability and
durability during use, which brings the AM3 a balance between lightweight design
and stability in use.
Therefore, the AM3, as a strain wave gear German equatorial mount with a
lightweight design and a descent load capacity, can meet the requirements of most
carry-on astrophotography setups.
The purpose of this manual is to introduce the use of the AM3 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 AM3 and follow the instructions in this manual carefully. Otherwise,
the user takes responsibility for any equipment damage and personal injury caused
by improper operation. Both software and hardware of the ZWO AM3 strain wave
gear mount are developed and designed with independent intellectual property
rights perfectly compatible with the ASIAIR, ASCOM, and INDI protocols.

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Tips
This manual can guide the user to use the AM3 safely and efficiently. Please read the
following tips carefully before using and follow the instructions in this manual during
actual use.
1. When using the AM3, please do not directly image or observe the sun with the
naked eye through telescopes or finder scopes without proper filtering. Doing so
may cause permanent and irreversible damage to the observer's eyes or the
equipment. For solar observing and imaging, always use proper solar filters.
2. Please choose proper tripods and counterweights (or not) according to the size
and weight of your telescope. The center of gravity of your telescope may wobble
out of the tripod legs and cause the whole device to tip over in specific scenarios
without a counterweight bar and Counterweight installed. Please test the center of
gravity of the telescope in all directions in advance to avoid equipment damage or
personal injuries.
3. If the mount is not booted from the Home Position, please set it at the Home
Position before you do other operations. After you complete the current shooting
section, please also return it to the Home Position and then power down the mount.
Failure to do so will probably lead to the inaccuracy of the Home Position and the
GOTO function for your next use, which might bring equipment damage or personal
injuries going further.
4. Please stop unsupervised children from using or touching the mount, which will
help avoid accidental rollovers or personal injuries. In addition, small parts are
included with this mount which may also cause suffocation or other damage to
children.
5. Do not put the mount in places with high humidity or alkali salt. Doing so may
cause corrosion of the components, malfunction of the mount, reduction of the
accuracy of the mount slewing and tracking, short circuits, or permanent damages.
6. Do not use corrosive solutions to wipe or clean the mount, which may corrode the
surface oxide layer and damage the mount. Also, exposing the mount to the sun for
extended periods may cause the appearance of the oxide layer to discolor.
7. Do not attempt to disassemble the mount without ZWO certificates. Inappropriate
disassembling may damage the mount, reduce the accuracy of the mount slewing
and tracking or even cause personal injuries to the user.
8. The AM3 is a sophisticated instrument. Please handle it carefully to avoid damage
to the mount or reduce the accuracy of the mount slewing and tracking.
9. We recommend the operational temperature of the AM3 between -15℃and
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.

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Packing List
1. Case x1
2. AM3 x1
3. 2-meter USB-B to USB-A 2.0 cable x1
4. AM3 Periodic Error Report x1
5. Quick Guide Brochure x1
6. Hand Controller x1
7. 2-meter Hand Controller Cable x1
8. M6 Allen key x1
9. M4 Allen key x1

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1. Product Introduction
As the second strain wave gear mount released by ZWO, the AM3 integrates
lightweight, high precision, modern intelligence, and high performance. It meets the
needs of astrophotography and the market trend of portability prior, making it a
revolutionary outbreak product compared to traditional worm gear mounts.
The mount's features are as follows:
1. High precision: The AM3 is equipped with a specifically designed strain wave gear
reducer for astrophotography which brings high-precision control and stable large
torque output. The periodic errors of each mount are measured and limited to ±15
arcseconds.
2. High load: With a self weight of just 3.9kg, AM3 bears a large load capacity of 8kg.
If a 5kg counterweight is added, it even can carry 13kg.
3. Control system with proprietary intellectual property: The software and hardware
control system with completely independent intellectual property rights are
maintained and upgraded by a professional team to ensure the stability of the whole
system.
4. Dual mode: The AM3 has two modes - equatorial mode and alt-azimuth mode,
suitable for visual use and astrophotography.
5. No restrictions on areas of use: The AM3 is designed with a latitude angle of 0-90
degrees and can also be used near the equator or the polar regions.
6. Smartphone App control: Through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connection, you
can access the basic and important functions, such as Tonight's Best, target GOTO,
and real-time star database on the mobile app ASI Mount - no need to connect to a
computer! And you can even upgrade the firmware of the mount and hand
controller on the APP.
Other key points:
1. Fully-sealed-structure design: Prevents the strain wave gears from rusting, dust,
and dew, keeping the gears working precisely and stably for a long time.
2. Convenient Home Position design: The mount can return to the mechanical Home
Position quickly and easily at any mount position.
3. Power-off brake: The power-off attached to the RA axis prevents the telescope
and equipment from falling during a power failure.
4. Multi-connection methods: The mount can be controlled by mobile Apps (ASI
Mount and ASIAIR), ASCOM software or INDI protocol on PCs.

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2. Performance Parameters
Items
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 (R.A.)
Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 14 type 100
reduction ratio strain wave gear + brake
Drive (DEC)
Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 14 type 100
reduction ratio strain wave gear
Payload
8kg (without counterweight) / 13kg (with
counterweight) @20cm
Mount weight
3.9 kg
Latitude adjustment range
0°-90°
Azimuth adjustment range
±6°
Dovetail saddle
Losmandy & Vixen
Interface thread for
counterweight bar
M12x1.75 coarse teeth
Resolution
0.17"
Max slew speed
6°/S
Slew speed
0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x
Power port
DC D5.5x2.1mm (12V, no less than 3A)
Power consumption
12V/0.4A (Standby)
12V/0.6A (Tracking)
12V/1.7A (GOTO)
Auto Guide port
ST4
Communication port
USB/Wi-Fi/BT
Zero position
Mechanical
Operating temperature
-15℃-40℃
Power-off brake
R.A. axis

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3. How to Use
3.1 Introduction to the AM3
① Finder shoe mounting holes: Can be used to install the ZWO finder bracket,
which can mount the ASIAIR.
② Power button: Turn the power on and off.
③ Counterweight shaft mounting house: Unscrew the cover to connect the ZWO
counterweight shaft (optional). The thread is M12×1.75, coarse.
④ Hex screws for shifting latitude gear: A pair of screws are on both sides of the
mount. Loosen them with the M6 Allen key, then adjust your desired latitude angle.
Don't forget to tighten them after adjustment.
⑤ Latitude lock knobs: Loosen the knob to adjust the latitude. Don't forget to
tighten it after adjustment.
⑥ Latitude fine adjustment knob: Rotate it clockwise to get the mount up in
latitude and counterclockwise to get it down in latitude.
⑦ Azimuth fine adjustment knobs: Rotate the knobs in opposite directions to each
other to adjust the azimuth base. It is best to keep the knobs slightly done up to
prevent wobble.

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⑧ Dovetail saddle locking knobs: Compatible with Vixen/Losmandy style dovetail
bars.
⑨ Auto guide: ST-4 compatible autoguiding port.
⑩ USB: USB-B 2.0 port: can be used to control the AM3 and upgrade the firmware.
You can also connect USB devices such as the ASIAIR and PCs.
⑪ BT: You can connect the AM3 via Bluetooth on your smartphone "ASI Mount"
App. The Bluetooth button will be useful for you to confirm whether the mount is
connected. The Bluetooth indicator will keep the blue light on until you succeed in
connecting the AM3 via Bluetooth.
⑫ HC: Can be used to connect the hand controller. The hand controller has a Wi-Fi
adapter. Keep the hand controller connected if you want to connect the AM3 via
Wi-Fi.

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⑬ DC 12V5A: 12V DC power jack for D5.5×2.1mm, center positive. The power
voltage should not be less than 10.8V. Otherwise, the buzzer inside the AM3 will
beep to alert the user of low voltage.
⑭ Status: It is an operation mode indicator light. Red light for the equatorial mode,
green light for the alt-azimuth mode. It will flash red and green when the time and
location information is not synchronized to the AM3. Once synchronized, it will keep
the light on in the mode's color accordingly.
⑮ Latitude scale: Indicates the current latitude of the AM3 from 0° to 90°.
⑯ Dovetail saddle plate: Compatible with Vixen/Losmandy style dovetail bars.

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3.2 Introduction to the hand controller
① Light Indicator: Indicates the High or Low Slew Rate of the AM3. High Rate: when
the red light is on.
② Stick: Can be used to control both axes to move accordingly. Press down the stick
to switch between high and low slew speeds. There are 1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X of the
Sidereal at low speed and 20X to 1440X of the Sidereal at high speed.
③ T button: Click to turn tracking on or off. When the tracking is on, the T button
will turn the red light on, and the status indicator of the AM3 will flash red (green) in
the equatorial (alt-azimuth) mode.
④ Cancel button: Can be used for canceling slew, going to the Home Position, and
mode switching.
Canceling slew: Press the Cancel button when the AM3 is slewing or going to the
Home Position to stop the current motion.
Going to the Home Position: Press and hold for 3 seconds. The AM3 will start going
to the Home Position.
Mode switching: When the AM3 is powered off, press and hold the Cancel button
and then turn on the AM3. Hold the Cancel button until the status indicator changes
from one color to another. Then the mount is successfully switched to another
mode.
Tips:
The hand controller has a Wi-Fi adapter. Keep the hand controller connected if you
want to connect the AM3 via Wi-Fi. The default SSID and passcode are attached to
the backside of the hand controller.

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3.3 Mounting the AM3
3.3.1 Mount installation
*Tripod model: ZWO carbon fiber TC40 (optional)
Unfold the tripod
Install the silver mounting plate:
Fix the silver mounting plate onto the base of the AM3 with three M6 screws.
Install the AM3 onto the tripod:
Place the AM3 on the tripod, install the 3/8" rod in the correct direction (as shown in
the first figure below). Then place the spreader plate to push up the tripod legs.
Then rotate the locking knob clockwise to fix it.

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3.3.2 Hand controller connection
Connect the hand controller cable to the HC interface on the mount's front panel.
There is a Wi-Fi adapter integrated in the hand controller, so you can wirelessly
connect to the hand controller and then control the mount.

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3.3.3 "ASI Mount" App installation
Scan the QR code below to download and install the ASI Mount App：
3.3.4 Optional accessory installation
3.3.4.1 Pier extension installation (optional)
First, place the pier extension onto the tripod and tighten the locking knob.

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Second, place the AM3 (with the silver mounting plate installed) onto the pier
extension and tighten the locking knobs on the pier extension.
Installation completes.
3.3.4.2 Counterweight installation (optional)
In which case should I use the Counterweight?
If the total weight of the telescope is less than 8 KG (17.6 lb), the AM3 does not need
any counterweights. While if the total weight of the telescope reaches 8 KG (17.6 lb)
or more, we recommend a 5 KG (11 lb) counterweight installed. But please keep in
mind that the total weight of the telescope should not exceed 13 KG (28.6 lb).
The coarse thread of the counterweight shaft's mounting house is M12×1.75.
Four steps to install counterweights:
1. Unscrew the counterweight shaft safety lock from the back panel of the mount.
2. Screw in the ZWO counterweight shaft (optional).
3. Attach the counterweight.
4. Screw the little safety lock onto the ZWO counterweight shaft.

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3.3.4.3 The ASIAIR installation (optional)
Fix the ZWO finder shoe to the mounting holes on the side of the dovetail saddle
plate. The ASIAIR can be installed here. Or if your telescope has a similar finder shoe,
you can also install the ASIAIR there.

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3.4 Use of the AM3
3.4.1 How to adjust the latitude angle?
There are two gears of the latitude angle,
Gear 1: 0° to 60°;
Gear 2: 30° to 90°.
To adjust the latitude angle from 0° to 90°, the steps are as follows:
*We recommend you do this when the AM3 is not carrying anything.
Loosen the tension grips on both sides and rotate the latitude fine adjustment knob
clockwise till you can see the hex screws on AM3's two sides with no obstruction
(approximately 45° latitude at gear 1).

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Use the M6 Allen key to loosen the two hex screws anti-clockwise. Make sure they
are loosened before you move into the next step.
Pull up the AM3 dovetail saddle plate, you will notice the two hex screws sliding to
the other end of the slideway. While the latitude angle is about at 75°, re-tighten the
hex screws on both sides.
Gear 2 gives an adjusting range of the latitude angle from 45° to 90°. Keep rotating
the latitude fine adjustment knob clockwise will get the AM3 at a 90° latitude angle.

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To adjust the latitude angle from 90° to 0°, take the above steps in reverse.
3.4.2 How to adjust the azimuth scale?
Rotate the Azimuth fine adjust knobs in opposite directions to each other to adjust
the azimuth scale of the AM3. It is best to keep the knobs slightly done up to prevent
wobble.
3.4.3 How to switch the equatorial /alt-azimuth mode?
The light indicator shows red for equatorial mode and green for alt-azimuth mode.
After the mount boots, the light indicator will remain the color of the current mode
for 5 seconds, then flash red and green in turn. At this time, you'll need to connect
the mount to ASIAIR or any other astrophotography software in your laptop to sync
the local time and coordinate information. Otherwise, the mount will not be able to
GOTO nor track targets. After synchronization, the indicator light will return to the
corresponding light.
Before switching the mode, turn off the AM3. We recommend you do this when the
AM3 is not carrying anything.
Switch from the equatorial mode to alt-azimuth mode:

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Connect the hand controller.
Press and hold the cancel button and then turn on the AM3.
You can release the cancel button when the status indicator light turns green from
red.
Adjust the latitude angle of the AM3 to 90°(refer to 3.4.1).
The AM3 is now in the alt-azimuth mode.
Switch from the alt-azimuth mode to the equatorial mode
Connect the hand controller.
Press and hold the cancel button and then turn on the AM3.
You can release the cancel button when the status indicator light turns red from
green.
Adjust the latitude angle of the AM3 to your latitude (refer to 3.4.1).
The AM3 is now in equatorial mode.
Note:
When installing the telescope in the alt-azimuth mode, please make sure the
telescope is facing the correct direction, as shown in the figure below (when the
AM3 is in the Home Position, the dovetail saddle locking knobs are facing upwards).
If the telescope is installed in the opposite direction, it will cause GOTO and tracking
errors.
Correct installation way:
Wrong installation way: