Thinking of buying an AM3

[JW]

Good afternoon all,

What does the community think of the AM3?

Any bad experiences out there?

[Saturn488]

Following.

[gts055]

I have also been interested in a harmonic drive, but learned they can only be operated when connected to a power supply. Mark

[Jackstar]

Hey John,


I am just starting using a travel setup with the AM3.
So far i have found it very easy to set up and use , no faults with anything really.
It guides very well without a guide scope on 180s exposures and exceptional with a guide scope.

I guess it depends what you are after in deciding which mount, for me i wanted to use ZWO set up. i have it running a redcat 51
ASI 533 mm pro
filter wheel,
EAF and the ASIAIR pro
I considered the AM5 but just did not need that extra weight.
I bought mine with the free carbon tripod and would say that it was a good deal.
There is an extension piece which i will add to the mount as it allows easier levelling by sitting a small spirit level through it.


Is there anything specific you are wanting to know?


Jack

[murphyme]

I've had one for about 9 months and it has worked flawlessly.
I use it with the ZWO tripod and without the pier extender.
I've used in both Equatorial and Alt-Az mode (for Solar).


I mostly use it with an Askar FRA300 and ASi1600MM with a filter wheel and guide scope, controlled with an ASIAir.


Not having to balance the scope is a great plus.


As mentioned you need power to move the mount as there are no clutches.
You do need to be careful to avoid collisions between your equipment and the mount or tripod as the mount will keep going. When I first set everything up I didn't pay attention to this and now have a small dent in my filter wheel - not a mistake I'm going to make again.


Regards,


Michael.