ZWO AM7 Equatorial Harmonic Drive GoTo Mount - Mount Head
The new mount for astrophotography with telescopes up to 20 kg – weighing only 6.75 kg – available in altazimuth and equatorial modes
Supports telescopes up to 20 kg without a counterweight and up to 30 kg with a counterweight (counterweight and counterweight shaft are optional) – weighs only 6.75 kg
Can be used in equatorial mode for astrophotography and in altazimuth mode for visual observation
Hand controller and app for control are included – no more cables thanks to WiFi
The app supports Bluetooth
The dovetail clamp has a DC connector and a USB-C port. Cables are less prone to tangling.
Designed for astrophotography with very high tracking accuracy of +/- 10 arcseconds – each mount is precisely measured by ZWO before shipping.
ST-4 autoguiding interface for long exposures with a guider
The mount can be used anywhere on Earth, from the equator to the poles – an ideal travel mount.
The AM7 has a 3/8" female thread on its flat underside, so it can be mounted directly onto suitable photo tripods.
GoTo, Live Preview, and much more are easily controlled via smartphone – also ideal for ASIAIR.
ASCOM compatible (LX200 protocol)
Compact hand controller for wireless control included.
Stable polar alignment with fine adjustment in azimuth and altitude for precise polar alignment.
Suitable for stable photo tripods or astro tripods (tripod not included).
ZWO AM7 Harmonic Drive GoTo Equatorial Mount - Mount Head
With the "Harmonic Equatorial Mount AM7," ZWO offers a portable mount for astrophotography. The mount weighs less than 7 kg and supports telescopes up to 20 kg without a counterweight. With a counterweight and the optional counterweight bar, the mount can even support telescopes up to 30 kg.
Why choose the AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount?
1. High payload capacity, two options: Supports up to 20 kg without a counterweight. Up to 30 kg with a counterweight.
2. Precision you can verify: Periodic error is limited to plus/minus 10 arcseconds, and each mount comes with its own PF test report.
3. Cleaner setup, less cable clutter: Integrated USB-C and DC power ports on the dovetail clamp keep cables tidy.
4. Two modes, one mount: Equatorial mode for tracking and astrophotography. Alt-azimuth mode for visual observations.
5. Works anywhere in the world: The altitude range of zero to 90 degrees means it can be used at any latitude worldwide.
6. Control it exactly how you want: via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the included hand controller.
7. Ready for cold nights: Designed for temperatures down to -20°C.
8. A control system built for reliability: ZWO's proprietary control system is designed for stable, reliable operation.
9. Portable design: Despite its power, the mount weighs only about 6.5 kg.
10. Backed by support and a global community: ZWO mounts are used by astrophotographers worldwide and have a strong user community and support network.
AM7, more payload. More precision.
The AM7 is ZWO's most powerful telescope mount with a Harmonic Drive. It was specifically designed for heavier astrophotography equipment, such as long focal length telescopes, where tracking accuracy is paramount.
Payload capacity: The AM7 can support up to 20 kg without counterweights and up to 30 kg with counterweights. This gives you the flexibility to equip yourself with a wide range of equipment now and later. Upgrade further.
Tracking and GoTo: The goal is simple. Solid tracking and reliable GoTo under real payload, so you spend less time managing limitations and more time astrophotography and exploring the night sky.
A mount for the long haul: The AM7 is suitable for both small and heavy setups, allowing you to upgrade to larger telescopes without your mount becoming too small.
*Weights are measured manually and may vary slightly.
Professional Precision with a Harmonic Drive Mount Tailored to Customer Needs
The AM's special Harmonic Drive, the result of years of development by ZWO, is specifically designed for astrophotography and ensures smooth, stable tracking with high torque and consistent performance.
Each AM7 model is individually tested before shipping. You will receive a personalized periodic error curve report for your mount, allowing you to see the precise tracking performance of your instrument.
Key Mechanical Specifications and Tests
Special Harmonic Drive
300:1 Total Drive System Reduction Ratio
Individual Periodic Error Test Report Included
Periodic error within ±10 arcseconds for reliable, high-precision tracking. (This is equivalent to the thickness of a human hair at a distance of approximately 20 meters.)
Clean Cables. Less Clutter. Fast Setup.
Many telescope configurations end up as a tangle of cables and extra adapters. The AM7 was designed to bring more order and simplicity.
Thanks to integrated USB-C and power ports on the mount, you can access power and data wherever you need them, eliminating cable clutter. Even with a custom setup including a camera, focuser, tracking gear, and other accessories, the AM7 helps reduce cable clutter, allowing you to set up faster and spend more time capturing the night sky.
Easy Cable Management - Integrated USB-C and DC Power Ports
Weighing only 6.75 kg, the AM7 is easy to transport and quick to set up. The integrated prism clamp features a USB-C port and DC power outputs, allowing you to route power and data through the mount itself, rather than creating a mess of cables around it. The result is cleaner cable management and far less cable clutter than usual.
For necessary mount adjustments, the AM7 also includes a magnetic hex key stored directly on the mount housing, keeping it readily available and preventing it from getting lost in the dark.
Two Operating Modes – One Mount for Observation and Astrophotography
The AM7 supports two modes, allowing you to use the same mount for both casual observations and professional astrophotography. Switching between modes is accomplished by quickly adjusting the mount's position. Then, select the desired mode on the hand controller.
Equatorial Mode: Best suited for precise star tracking during astrophotography and extended observing sessions.
Altar-Azimuthal Mode: Best suited for visual observations with quick setup and easy alignment.
Mode Indicator Lights
Red indicates equatorial mode.
Green indicates altazimuth mode.
Full Altitude Range
The AM7 supports a full latitude adjustment range of 0 to 90 degrees, allowing it to be aligned and used almost anywhere on Earth, from the equator to the poles. This makes it a convenient choice for travel or permanent installation, no matter where you observe.
How the Two-Stage Altitude Adjustment Works:
First Stage Adjustment Range: Use the altitude adjustment knob for 0 to 60 degrees.
Second Stage Adjustment Range: Move the hex screw to the second position for 30 to 90 degrees.
User-Friendly Design: Portable Control, Sophisticated - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
The AM7 offers two easy connectivity options: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ensuring straightforward control at all times.
Bluetooth facilitates short-term use. Simply open your smartphone, connect directly, and control the mount without a hand controller. You don't need to switch your device to the mount's Wi-Fi network to get started.
Bluetooth Control: You can turn Bluetooth on or off by pressing and holding the BT button for 10 seconds. The setting is saved even after switching it off.
A more visible indicator light: A new light guide column softens the LEDs, making the status lights easier on your eyes at night and preventing them from interfering with your camera.
AM7 Smart Hand Controller - More Than Just a Controller
The AM7 features a joystick-style hand controller designed for comfortable and intuitive operation. It also serves as an integrated connection hub for the mount. With its built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, you can wirelessly control the mount, manage settings via a simple web interface, and perform firmware updates for both the hand controller and the mount. This is the most important way to keep the system up to date.
Bluetooth on when you want it, off when you need it
Bluetooth control is a convenient option for direct control via smartphone in the field. However, in some environments, more reliable radio control is required, such as in remote observatories or permanent installations where interference or legal regulations are a concern. For such cases, the AM7 lets you easily disable Bluetooth when needed and re-enable it later when appropriate.
Ergonomic design with a hollow knob
The prism clamp's tension knob and the azimuth fine-adjustment knob feature a hollow design. If manual rotation is limited, you can insert an Allen key to gain additional leverage, making adjustments easier and more reliable with less effort.
Smart control, easy operation - Sky Atlas Mobile App for iOS and Android
The AM7 can be controlled wirelessly via the Sky Atlas app on iOS and Android. You get a live star chart, easy object search, quick-to-use tools like "Tonight's Best", "Target GoTo" and precise alignment to the objects you want to observe or photograph.
Works seamlessly with ASIAIR in Station Mode
The AM7 also supports Station Mode, making it easy to integrate with a controller like ASIAIR. Since the hand controller has Wi-Fi, ASIAIR can connect to the mount over the network, allowing for a clean installation without a direct control cable between the AIR and the mount.
Seamless Interaction with ASIAIR
ASIAIR can connect to and control the AM7 wirelessly or via a wired connection, making it a seamless fit for a wide variety of setups.
Because the AM7 and ASIAIR are part of the same ecosystem, you don't have to worry about driver support and compatibility. There's no need to piece together software from different vendors and hope for the best. And because ASIAIR software is constantly being enhanced with new features, you can be confident that the AM7 will keep pace, with new mounting options integrated directly into the same system.
Additional Payload Information

The payload capacity of the AM7 equatorial mount is derived from simulation calculations, as shown in the figure on the left:
1. Maximum payload without counterweight: 20 kg (corresponding to a maximum output torque of 40 N·m).
2. It is recommended to use a counterweight of ≤ 10 kg. When using a 10 kg counterweight, please install it with a lever arm between 20 cm and 30 cm.
For other counterweight masses, the permissible installation position can be calculated as follows:
Assuming the counterweight mass is m kg, the permissible lever arm length L must meet the following condition:
20 N·m ≤ m * g * L ≤ 30 N·m
Where g = 9.8 m/s² (can be approximated with 10 m/s² for the calculation).
Example with a 5 kg counterweight:
L ranges from 20 N·m / (5 × 10 m/s²) = 0.4 m to 30 N·m / (5 × 10 m/s²) = 0.6 m.
Mount type: Equatorial harmonic drive mount
Operating mode: Altazimuth or equatorial
Drive: Harmonic drives with toothed belt
Periodic error: less than +/- 10" - Transit time 288 seconds
RA motor: Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 20 Type 100 tension wave gears with brake
DEK motor: Stepper motor + synchronous belt + 17 Type 100 tension wave gears
Angular resolution of the stepper motors: 0.17"
Maximum payload: 20 kg without counterweights, 30 kg with counterweights
Mount head weight: 6.75 kg
Maximum adjustment speed: 6° per second
Correction speeds: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, and 1440x
Power supply: 12 V, 3 A - 5.5/2.1 mm barrel jack
Current consumption at 12 V: Standby 0.75/0.68 A, Tracking 0.95 A, GoTo 2.1 A
Autoguiding: ST4 port
Control: USB/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Power failure protection: Power-off brake in right ascension
Zero position: Mechanical
Cable management: Supported
Operating range: 0° to 90° north/south latitude
Azimuth fine adjustment: +/- 7.5°
Telescope mounting: Losmandy and Vixen-style dovetail clamp
Counterweight shaft connection: M16 internal thread
Standard counterweight shaft: 25 mm diameter x 250 mm length, M16 external thread
Tripod-side thread: 3/8" photo tripod internal thread
Operating temperature: -20 °C to 40 °C
AM7 mount - axes cross
Hand controller and cable