The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i strain wave mount is the latest equatorial tracking telescope mount from a brand known for its reliable astrophotography mounts. For the first time in Sky-Watcher’s history, this mount doesn’t require a counterweight.
Strain wave gear telescope mounts are designed to be compact, portable, and lightweight. In fact, the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i isn’t that much heavier than a portable star tracker like the Star Adventurer GTi, yet it can complete projects normally reserved for a much more robust equatorial mount.
While these mounts officially hit the consumer market next month, I was loaned an early production sample to test in the backyard. The video on YouTube gives a complete overview of my experiences with the Wave 150i.
My first ‘real’ astrophotography mount was a Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro SynScan, so it’s exciting to see how far Sky-Watcher has come in 10 years. The strain wave mount revolution is underway, and it’s a great time to be a deep-sky astrophotographer.
While this article focuses on the larger Wave model, the Sky-Watcher Wave strain wave drive mounts come in two variations: the Wave 100i and the larger Wave 150i. Like the other strain wave mounts on the market, the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i prioritizes portability and function over all else.
If you are wondering how this mount compares to the wildly successful ZWO AM5 mount, look at the comparison chart below. I should note that the new AM5N model is even closer in spec to the Wave 150i, with an increased payload of 33 pounds.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s answer some of the most common questions people have about the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Strain Wave Mount.
What is the maximum payload of the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i?
The Wave 150i’s maximum payload capacity is 33 pounds without a counterweight. When a counterweight is added, the capacity increases to a whopping 55 pounds.
How much does the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i weigh?
The Wave 150i mount weighs 13 pounds (slightly heavier than the ZWO AM5). It is lightweight enough to easily travel with, and even fit in your personal item bag on an airplane.
What is the longest practical focal length for the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i?
I have successfully used the Wave 150i with a refractor telescope in the 500mm range, but I would expect reliable performance up to 1200mm or more.
How do you polar align the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i?
Because the mount head does not integrate a polar scope, you must use an electronic polar alignment tool such as the one built into the ZWO ASIAIR software.
Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Review
Using strain wave drive technology, the Wave 150i allows you to capture astronomical images without the need for bulky counterweights, heavy-duty tripods, or enormous mount heads. This is a welcome feature for those who travel to dark sky sites and star parties for astrophotography.
The Sky-Watcher Wave150i can handle 33 pounds (15 kg) of weight without a counterweight and 55 (25 kg) pounds with a counterweight. If you plan on using the counterweight, use a robust tripod (not a lightweight carbon fiber model).
You can control the Wave 150i mount in various ways, including integrating with Sky-Watcher’s SynScan hand controller/SynScan App or your favorite third-party control platform (ASIAIR, Eagle, StellarMate, etc.).
The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i ($2,195 at Agena Astro).
The Wave mounts have a D/V dual saddle design to mount your favorite telescope, and the locking bolts feel smooth and secure. Nearly all of my astrophotography telescopes use the larger D-series style dovetail plate for maximum stability.
This mount has a handy feature of unlocking the RA and DEC clutches. I’m not sure how often you’ll need to do this, but I’m happy to have the option. However, you need to make sure these are locked when you’re done because there is a lot of unbalanced weight on them.
Some features that are unique to this mount include:
- Cable Management: the 150i features through-mount cabling and a powered hub built into the saddle with ports for autoguiding. The RA hub sits stationary at the back of the mount, keeping all your cabling neat, organized, and safe from snags.
- OTA Balancing: This mount allows you to balance the OTA on the RA and Dec axes, adding to the system’s overall stability, security, and performance.
Other features include:
- EQ and AZ tracking modes
- D/V hybrid saddles
- Slew rate of 7.5 degrees per second
- Red LED for latitude scale and bubble level
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- RA power off braking function
- RA and DEC home position functions
What’s in the Box
The Wave 150i mount comes in a compact, Sky-Watcher branded metal carry-case with custom cut foam for the mount head and slots for the counterweight bars, should you decide to purchase the counterweight kit.
There are several optional add-ons to the Wave 150i, including:
- Lightweight Carbon Fiber Tripod
- Stainless Steel Counterweight Kit
- Pier Extension Kit
An adapter will also be available for EQ6-R mount owners to utilize their existing Sky-Watcher EQ6-R mount for the Wave 150i. I will update the article with a link to this handy add-on when it becomes available.
The Wave mounts come in a nice padded case with a lock.
Specifications
- Mount type: AZ/EQ
- Payload Capacity without counterweight: 33 pounds (15 kg)
- Payload Capacity with counterweight: 55 pounds (25 kg)
- Size: 252mm x158mm x 184mm
- Power Requirements: DC12V
- Weight: 12.8 pounds (5.8 kg)
- Thread Size: 3/8″-16
- Saddle type: Single Hybrid Vixen/Losmandy
- Type of motor: Stepper
- Drive type: Belt
- Clutch type: Strain-Wave
- Tracking Modes: Sideral, Solar, Lunar
- Maximum Slew Speed: 7.5 degrees/second
- Latitude range (in degrees): 0° to 90°
- Operational Temperature: 14° F ~ 131° F (-10°C ~ 50°C)
Astrophotography Test
I used the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i as part of my deep-sky imaging setup to capture the Bubble Nebula, a dynamic emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia.
I paired it with the stocky Sky-Watcher Esprit 100 refractor, as I am told this mount/scope combination will be available as a kit with the Wave 150i.
At a focal length of 550mm, I was able to capture a nice wide field of view around the bubble nebula, including the nearby open cluster Messier 52, and NGC 7538 (Northern Lagoon Nebula).
The Bubble Nebula in Cassiopeia. 9 Hours Total Exposure (HOO + RGB Stars).
During my limited clear sky time for testing, I had to deal with a bright, nearly full moon, so I decided to capture my target using narrowband filters.
The camera I used for this project was the ASI2600MM Pro, a monochrome dedicated astronomy camera with an APS-C-sized CMOS sensor.
and 3nm SHO filters in front of it to capture the dynamic wavelengths of light emitted by this target.
I also used the optional carbon fiber tripod for the Wave mounts and the pier extension for some additional clearance and height. With this setup, the tripod felt secure while slewing the telescope around and imaging throughout the night.
Equipment Used:
Running the Wave 150i
The mount can be connected to whichever imaging software you prefer, such as NINA, ASIAIR, SGP, etc. While I prefer to run a night of astrophotography using the ASIAIR, I know that many amateur astrophotographers prefer the flexibility and control of N.I.N.A.
Related Post: Astrophotography Resources (Software, Weather, and Planning Tools)
To power the mount, you’ll need a 12V 5A power cable, which isn’t included. I’ve been using a Celestron-branded version I picked up on Amazon, and I use the same one for the ASIAIR. Remember, the mount and the ASIAIR need their own power.
The Wave mounts have a powered USB hub for better cable management, but you’ll need an adapter with a 2.5mm DC cable to power it. The standard 2.1mm I use on the ASIAIR would have been nice, but I’m told this one was chosen for better power throughput. So keep that in mind if you want to take advantage of that feature.
When adjusting for your latitude, the mount has a slick, red backlit latitude gauge and bubble level, which is a nice touch. However, I found that the latitude scale to be a little off.
I’m at 43 degrees north here in Ontario, but the scale is closer to 50. It might just be because the scale is so tight, but it’s something to keep in mind when setting up.
Using the ASIAIR
As mentioned, the Wave 150i can be controlled using the ZWO ASIAIR Plus (or any other version of the ASIAIR) and the dedicated mobile app.
As with other strain wave mounts, you will need to use electronically assisted polar alignment, as there is no polar scope to look through on the mount itself.
The ASIAIR’s polar alignment feature will help you dial in your PA. The alt-az adjustment bolts on the mount feel great, and the slight final adjustments to polar alignments are responsive.
Be sure to use only one method of mount control (i.e., the ASIAIR OR Syn Scan app – not both). If you open the Syn Scan app and try to use the ASIAIR, the mount will be confused about which method to listen to.
If the Syn Scan app is open, you must close the app and power down the mount before using the ASIAIR for mount control.
SynScan Pro App and Hand Controller
If you want to use the mount without the ASIAIR, you’re covered. Simply use the Sky-Watcher SynScan mobile app, which will talk to the mount using Wi-Fi, then select and centre your target. The app works well for this, and it’s free.
The other nice thing about this mount is that you can use your existing Sky-Watcher hand controller to control its basic functions. If you’re not familiar with the SynScan hand controller, the left and right keys on the keypad control the Right Ascension (RA) axis, while the up and down arrows control the Declination (DEC) axis.
Using the Syn Scan hand controller from my EQ6, I can move the mount around, choose an object to examine and forget about imaging for a brief moment to enjoy the view.
My favorite way to use an astrophotography mount is with a Wi-Fi controller. The Wave 150i uses the same EQmod cable I’ve used with all of my Sky-Watcher mounts, and I can control the mount and plate solve with the ASIAIR.
I added the OTA from my Celestron Nextar 8SE to test the hand controller. This would make an excellent option for visual astronomy for the moon and planets with a nice eyepiece.
Guiding Performance
Although this technology is relatively new to the astronomy market, it doesn’t mean that tracking accuracy is improved over a traditional equatorial telescope mount.
In fact, they NEED autoguiding to track at their best, and you’ll want to use dithering as well. If you’re looking to brag about how long your mount can shoot unguided in the cloudy nights forum, this is NOT the mount for you.
My guide graph (ASIAIR guiding tool) from my session on the Bubble Nebula.
Wave 150i VS Wave 100i
The Wave 150i is the big brother to the Wave 100i, but there are a few differences.
- Payload Capacity: The 100i weighs 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) and can hold 22 lbs (9.9 kg) without a counterweight and 33 lbs (14.9 kg) with a counterweight. This is a perfect size for some of the smaller refractors, like the William Optics RedCat 51 or the Pleiades 68.
- Dual Saddle: The 100i comes with a secondary saddle that mounts over the counterweight port. In Alt-Az mode, you can mount up to 22 lbs (9.9 kg) on each saddle. This can be handy for solar imagers, eclipse chasers, and outreach enthusiasts.
If you currently have a smaller setup, the Wave 100i might be all you need. But, if you plan to upgrade your OTA in the near future, the Wave 150i will be able to handle those larger telescopes.
Wave 150i Versus ZWO AM5
While the AM5 and even more compact AM3 have been nothing short of exceptional, it’s always nice to have options. There are some key differences between these mounts and the ZWO models.
The AM5 has been upgraded to the AM5N, with the original AM5 no longer available, so the specs below are compared to the AM5N, even though I haven’t used this model.
| Sky-Watcher Wave 150i | ZWO AM5N | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload without counterweight | 33 lbs (15 kg) | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Payload with counterweight | 55 lbs (25 kg) | 44 lbs (20 kg) |
| Mount head weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) | 12 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Mount Mode | Equatorial & Alt-Az | Equatorial & Alt-Az |
| Dovetail | Losmandy & Vixen | Losmandy & Vixen |
| Tripod Connection | 3/8″-16 | 3/8″ |
| Max slew speed | 7.5° per second | 6° per second |
| Latitude adjustment range | 0° to 90° | 0° to 90° |
| Operating temperature | -10°C – 50°C | -20°C to 40°C |
| Unique fearures | Built-in cable management
Ability to balance the OTA on the RA and Dec axes. Integrates with Sky-Watcher’s SynScan hand controller or SynScan app |
|
| Retail Price | $2,195 USD | $1,999 USD |
Wave 150i Versus EQ6-R Pro
The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro has proven to be a reliable equatorial mount and is a worthy investment for those looking for a stable, long-term solution for long-exposure imaging.
However, at 76.6 lbs (34.7 kg) for the EQ head, tripod, and two counterweights, maybe you are looking for something a little more portable and easy to set up.
If you are an EQ6-R owner that has been patiently waiting for a good time to make the leap to strain wave gear, this might be a great option for you.
As an added bonus, there is an adaptor in the works so current EQ6-R mount owners can use their existing tripod for the Wave 150i mount.
Things to Keep in Mind
While strain wave mounts are incredibly compact and capable, there are some things to keep in mind with their design:
- Balance: without the ability to balance the telescope payload, you need to be aware of tipping the entire setup over. You can avoid this nightmare scenario by beefing up your tripod and adding additional weight to the base. Keep in mind, the carbon fibre tripod is also short, which should help with balance.
- Stability: as mentioned above, if you plan on maxing the payload capacity on the Wave 150i, you are going to want to use a heftier tripod. The carbon fibre tripod (included as an add-on) was meant to keep the setup portable and lightweight and is not sturdy enough to support 50 lbs of gear.
In addition to these design features, be sure to select the right mount from the drop-down list if using the ASIAIR. There are several Sky-Watcher options, but the Sky-Watcher AZ/Gti/SynScan WiFi is the one that works best.
William Optics FLT 132 refractor on the Wave 150i using the optional counterweight (carbon fiber tripod not recommended).
Final Thoughts
Strain wave mounts are for those looking to streamline their astrophotography experience, including less overall weight and faster setup time. Don’t underestimate the incredible advantage this trait provides; it means more imaging time and a smoother overall experience.
When strain wave and harmonic drive mounts were first introduced, I thought they were a ‘gimmick,’ and I wasn’t interested in trading in my faithful equatorial telescope mount and counterweights for this new design.
However, after one night using the ZWO AM5 (the first strain wave mount I’d ever used), I was able to experience the ‘strain wave advantage’ firsthand and finally got it. My enjoyment of the deep-sky astrophotography experience grew by about 25%.
I guess what I am trying to say is don’t knock it until you try it. If you do decide to invest in a strain wave mount, the Sky-Watcher Wave 150i should be at the top of your list.
Trevor Jones is a deep-sky astrophotographer and valued member of the RASC. His passion is inspiring others to start their astrophotography journey on his YouTube Channel so they can appreciate the night sky as much as he does. His images have been featured in astronomy books & online publications, including the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD).
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