The ZWO AM3 landed!

[Dark Raven]

Why the AM3?
 

I already own AM5 and I am pleased with its performance, weight and overall quality, so for my second backpacking setup I wanted the same features with less weight. Hence ZWO AM3. I will not go into technical details here, they are readily available on ZWO AM3 site. I will rather focus on the photos and my observations.
 

Packaging appears standard, box within a box. well contained and arrived without signs of damage.

Box appears to be made of expanded foam. Quite sturdy, but does not inspire confidence in longevity without outer nylon fabric cover and does not come with Shoulder Strap.

Given the smaller size of AM3 the box is also smaller and does not offer space for counterweight bar or ASIAIR Plus. AM3 with tripod plate fits quite snug and requires both hands to take out of the box.

Together with TC40 carbon fibber tripod, TC40 has different spreader compared to previous version. Everything else is the same.

I was not impressed with the box, so tried to see if AM3 fits in B&W type 2000 outdoor case that offers much more sturdiness and weather / dust protection.

B&W type 2000 outdoor case is somewhat smaller but AM3 fits just fine.

 

AM3 vs AM5

Compared to AM5 there are few differences. Aside from lower weight and carrying capacity, absence of DC passthrough is the most notable and missed one. Quite disappointing as I would much rather have passthrough instead of BT control. AM5 DC Passthrough is one of its better features, although it could benefit from higher current load capacity. Perhaps Pegasus Astro Saddle Powerbox could be a solution, but certainly not at current prices.

I will not name every single difference as there are already few YT videos (here and here) making detailed comparisons.

AM5 Carrying Case compared to AM3 Styrofoam like box.

Front side by side.

Left side comparison.

Right side comparison.

Top view side by side.

Only difference in the TC40 tripod that came with AM3 compared to one that came with AM5 is the spreader seen on the right-hand of the photo below.

In the jungle corner mounted on tripods

For the end fully loaded with their respective OTAs.

As I post this I notice that the photos are grainy. Imagine the surprise of clouds rolling in as new gear comes in and me not noticing light dimming. Dough... Will replace shortly...

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 26, 2023 by Dark Raven

[JeremyS]

Looks great 👍🏻

Where’s the obligatory baked beans can for scale?

[Elp]

Looks nice. I got too impatient waiting and bought a hem15 instead.

[Filter_Reviewer]

Love it! Great work.

Clear skies!