AM3 mount

vidzagreb

Does anyone use a AM3/5 mount with a regular photo tripod, like manfrotto ? Trying to build a air travel setup, the TC40 is a little too long for my carry on luggage suitcase...
Any pics of the setup maybe ?

Thanks,
Vid

Astrop

Basically because you're not using counterweights you need to have a decent length tripod which allows the legs to spread enough to keep the setup planted without your unbalanced load going over the tripods tipping point. You can also weigh the tripod down. I used to use a very short nice travel friendly tripod with my azgti, it worked because of the counterweights, with a harmonic mount it has no chance because it's too short, unless if you use counterweights which defeats the purpose for using that type of mount in the first place.

Sonixx

Astrop is right.
I used the TC40 + AM3 + Fully equipped Askar FRA300 on my Astro Holiday in Namibia.
Only the telescope and Camera were in the carry on luggage. Tripod and mount traveled in the normal luggage. Tohether with Asiair, Laptop, guidescope and travel essentials I was already over the allowed 8kg. But nobody cared for the weight of my compact, but very heavy, backpack.

The tripod needs to be sturdy, normal photo tripods will not be up to the task.

If the TC40 is a bit to long, it cannot be much. Will disassemble the tripod do the trick? The spikes need to be removed anyway, or security might take away you tripod anyway.

Cheers,

Stephan

Vid

Thanks for all the answers. I bought the TC40 tripod, its really stabile and sturdy. I have a AM5+ASiAir mini+Redcat51WIFD+ZEO2600MC Duo, as a air travel setup. I guess I will put the mount and tripod as a check in and the rest goes in my backpack as a carry on. I was thinking to buy a AM3 as a travel mount, but 1.5 kg difference cannot justify the price hehe...

MIXON

Has anyone with the AM3 encountered this problem....
I posted this message in the ZWO forum with no response. I need assistance please.
I purchased the AM3 last year August 23, 2024 from Highpoint Scientific. my order number 1000571395
I have an issue with my AM3 mount - The mount is not overloaded, my rig is well below the weight limit, Rig 10.7 lbs. total. While imaging in NINA, meridian sequence starts, the mount starts to move, but stops and makes a grinding noise and beeps twice. I have never had this issue till lately. I have upgraded the firmware since. However, I have not tried to recreate another meridian flip. However, last night, when I was taking my calibration frames Darks,Flats,Biases in NINA, when finished, I gave the mount the command in NINA to go to it's HOME position. Same thing happened as described above when meridian flip sequence failed, it stopped and made a grinding noise, and beeped twice. Eventually I was able to send the mount/scope back to it's home position.
Can anyone help or had this similar problem?
ZWO support team, please help.
Thanks
Roy