From here:
https://www.cloudynights.com/forums/topic/991973-visual-astronomy-using-zwo-am3-and-skysafari-8-pro/
Summary: Visual Astronomy using ZWO AM3 and SkySafari 8 Pro
Posted: Feb 2, 2026 by DrDave56 on Cloudy Nights
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### The Problem
DrDave56 wants to do sky alignment with SkySafari 8 Pro and a ZWO AM3 mount for visual astronomy
(similar to how it works with his Celestron AVX). He doesn't want to deal with guide scopes, cameras,
and computers.
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### Key Finding from ZWO Support
Direct SkySafari → AM3 connection does NOT work well for alignment:
│ The AM3 (and AM5) do not have an internal alignment model. They rely entirely on whatever app is
│ controlling them.
Result when connecting SkySafari directly to AM3:
- ✅ Can send GoTo commands
- ✅ Can slew the mount
- ❌ No alignment routine
- ❌ GoTos are off by degrees
- ⚠️ You must manually sync on a star every time — eventually helps, but cumbersome
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### ZWO's Recommendation
│ "Your best option is to buy an ASIAIR + at least a guide camera for plate-solving and
│ auto-centering."
This defeats the goal of simple visual astronomy.
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### Workaround that Works (from ris242)
A user with an AM5N in Alt-Az mode reports success:
1. Set up in Alt-Az mode (not equatorial)
2. Have a marked north line on concrete (found using Sun transit shadow)
3. Mount horizontal, facing north
4. Power up, WiFi connect (or cable to ASIAIR for faster response)
5. GoTo a nearby star, center in eyepiece, click Align in SkySafari
6. Repeat as needed — gets progressively more accurate
│ "If it's a little out, just re-center and hit align again."
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### Another User's Experience (kannassee)
Uses SkyAtlas to control the AM3 and reports it works well when the mount is level — "spot on" GoTos.
But criticizes the AM3's Alt-Az mode as an "afterthought" with issues like:
- Telescope can only mount to the left
- Unnecessary 360° slews for nearby targets
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### Bottom Line
┌───────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Setup │ Alignment Works? │
├───────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ SkySafari → AM3 direct │ ❌ Poor (degrees off) │
├───────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ SkySafari + manual syncs │ ⚠️ Works but tedious │
├───────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ASIAIR + guide camera │ ✅ Full alignment via plate-solving │
├───────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Alt-Az mode + careful level setup │ ✅ Works with syncs │
└───────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────┘
For simple visual astronomy without extra gear, the AM3 is not as seamless as mounts like iOptron
HAE18, Wave 150, or AzGTi which have built-in alignment models.