AM3N vs AM3 Field Test: Did The Popular Mount Get Even Better?
The brand-new ZWO AM3N promises to improve what was already one of the best portable harmonic mounts ever made. But how different is it really from the original AM3? In this video,...
The Space Koala Astrophotography by Luca Bartek
*and as always, I wish you clear skies :)
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I was going to get an AM3 but decided to go with the AM5N. Recently, I鈥檝e been avoiding ZWO ASIAIR updates. One of the recent ones ran my scope into my pier even after image solving. I haven鈥檛 checked again if they鈥檝e fixed it, but luckily it seems fine with no visible damage.
Hahahahaha!
Nice video. Do you have a video on how to set up a harmonic mount and the difference between a regular(?) tracker? I currently use an EQ-AL55i. What power supply do you use? Thanx for the info.
I mostly use a random cheap 120W PSU from Amazon - just search for "10A 12V" and ensure it has the 5.5x2.1 DC plug :) I used to like higher voltages but the later generation of ASI mounts do not like anything much above 13.5V
Hi. Awesome video. Thank you. I have Askar FRA500 and ASI 533 MM. Do you think AM3N is good enough for it?
yes you should be good with that combo
Super 馃憤 je pense que je vais l'acheter 馃槈
I am rarerly jealous, but wow the spot you have !!
Luca you absolutely do the best reviews. Thank you !
Does it come with a toblerone dark choco;ate to help preserve night sight :-)
Nagyon j贸贸贸贸贸贸!
Thanks for the review! I don't think it's a big enough upgrade to justify paying an extra $200.
Has the price changed? It should be the same price as the old one was
鈥婡the_space_koalaYes, the N version is more expensive.
it's more likely they have discounted the "old" version. But yup if it's cheaper I'd definitely go for that too
@the_space_koala Yep 馃檪
Bonjour quelqu鈥檜n aurait l脿 solution pour moi je n鈥檃rrive pas 脿 connecter l am3 en Bluetooth 脿 mon asiair
Hi Luca. Thanks for an excellent comparison. Just wanted to know what kind of Guiding equipment have you used in both these setups. Did not see any Guide scope or an OAG in your setup. Await to hear from you
hey, both were "duo" cameras meaning there is a second guide sensor next to the main one and I used that
I have the AM5N but I would love to have one of these for travel. Thanks for sharing, Luca!
Latam (Chile) USB-C is the unique standard
We just have to wait like 30 years for all companies to get the memo
Can this have a custom park position so that those with roll on roll off shed observatories can be happy.
no it cannot. park = home position at the celestial pole on this mount and the driver doesn't support a custom one sadly
@the_space_koala ohh, no! that鈥檚 bad.. i hope it is possible for zwo to release a firmware / driver update to make it happen.
someone recently posted on one of the ZWO forums that they were in contact with ZWO about this and requested custom park positions but it was not done. This person ended up changing the whole drive of the mount in order to accommodate this
@the_space_koala馃槀 I get his frustration! I鈥檝e seen some ZWO support threads where ZWO acknowledged this feature but kept saying they will release an update. Seems it never happened.
Great video! I have old versions of both the AM3 and AM5. I use wireless connectivity for both, although I didn't even know the AM5 was capable until I tried it. Both work flawlessly. It saves me one cable, but if I power the mount and ASIAir separately, no cables cross between the Dec and RA directions of motion. Pretty safe, snag-free set ups.
awesome!
Thank you for comparing these devices. I want to start astrophotography and am considering a beginner"s kit. Currently, my choice is the Sky Watcher 150/750 pds + AM3N. I will start with the existing camera Canon 450d. Ideally, I would like to have an astro camera. You and nature are beautiful馃槈
Wonderful review as always !
I have been using my AM3 for the last several nights doing imaging while on vacation. The beauty of the AM3 is the ease of travel and setup. It's obvious that the AM3N has a few upgrade features but overall both are excellent. Nice review.
yeah it's unthinkable to go back to traditional EQ mounts for travel!
Thanks, great comparison. I have the earlier version of the AM3 and pair it with the Askar FRA 400, ASI2600MC, WO Uniguider 32, ASI120mm guide camera and ASIAIR Mini (12 pounds total) all sitting on the TC40 tripod with the pier extension. Cabling has not been a problem since I installed the SVBony power adopter and the night to night guiding is outstanding! Love my AM3!!!!!
That sounds like a very convenient setup! Have you considered adding an OAG in place of the guide scope?
@the_space_koala Ha! No not really, as they say, f it ain't broke, don't fix it...... 馃槂
Yes, I liked this comparison. Fewer cables are so important for safety and avoiding cable stiffness. Especially here in the cold north. -20掳C is an important factor here.
ouch that's cold