Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strain Wave Drive Mount
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Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strain Wave Mount: Precision Tracking for Astrophotography
The Sky-Watcher 100i Wave is a computerized GoTo mount built with advanced strain wave (harmonic) gearing, giving you smooth, backlash-free performance and precise, jitter-free slewing. You’ll enjoy stable control whether you’re using it in equatorial or Alt-Az mode, making it perfect for serious astrophotography or visual observing.
With the 100i’s impressive native payload, you can mount lighter setups without counterweights. Weighing only 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg), it can hold 22 lbs (10 kg) without counterweights and jumps to an impressive 33 lbs (15 kg) with the optional counterweight system. Its high transmission ratios translate motor movements into fine, precise adjustments, enabling accurate tracking and stability that’s critical for long-exposure imaging.
The intuitive SynScan GoTo system gives you quick access to over 42,000 celestial objects, making finding and observing targets straightforward. Engineered for today’s astronomers, this telescope mount delivers consistent performance and intuitive navigation. Built with durability in mind yet compact and easy to carry, the 100i is a dependable choice for use at home or in the field.
Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Tracking Mount Review
Astrophotographer and Agena Astro affiliate Trevor Jones (AstroBackyard) shows how the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i delivers smooth, counterweight-free tracking, intuitive Wi-Fi control, and precise performance.
Precision, Power, and Easy Navigation in One Mount
Advanced Strain Wave Gearing
At the heart of the Wave 100i is its strain wave gearing system, also known as harmonic drive. Unlike traditional worm gear mounts that can suffer from backlash and periodic error, strain wave gearing uses a flexing wave mechanism to deliver exceptionally smooth, precise motion. This design eliminates the play found in conventional gears, providing rock-solid stability and highly accurate tracking, critical for sharp long-exposure astrophotography.
Impressive Payload Capacity
Despite its lightweight design, the Wave 100i supports a native payload of 22 lbs (10 kg) without counterweights. With the optional counterweight kit, capacity increases to 33 lbs (15 kg), giving you the flexibility to use anything from medium refractors to larger Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes while maintaining stability. For the best imaging performance, many astrophotographers prefer to keep payloads slightly below the maximum rating, ensuring smoother operation. This balance of portability and strength makes the 100i a highly versatile choice.
SynScan GoTo System
Equipped with the intuitive SynScan hand controller, the 100i grants access to a database of over 42,900 celestial objects, including stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies. Multiple alignment options and nine slew speeds make locating and tracking targets easy, even for beginners.
Wireless and Smart Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow cable-free control via Sky-Watcher’s SynScan hand controller or app, as well as third-party platforms like ASIAir, Eagle, or StellarMate. This wireless setup simplifies remote operation, reduces clutter, and gives access to advanced features like plate solving and automated imaging runs.
Dual Mounting Modes
The 100i operates in both equatorial (EQ) and alt-azimuth (AZ) modes, giving you flexibility for visual observing or imaging setups. RA and Dec home positions, combined with a 0–90° latitude range and D/V hybrid saddle, make alignment straightforward.
Precision and Smooth Operation
The Wave 100i’s high transmission ratios (RA – 303:1, Dec – 275.4:1) divide motor rotations into fine increments, providing smooth slewing and accurate pointing. Strain wave gearing and belt-driven motors keep noise and vibration to a minimum, creating a stable platform for long-exposure imaging. Locking knobs on both RA and Dec axes secure your telescope once aligned, and OTA balancing on both axes (unique to the Wave 100i) adds extra stability and control.
Convenient Setup Features
Red backlit latitude scales and a bubble level make polar alignment simple, even at night. Built-in cable management keeps your setup tidy, and the mount runs on 12V DC, making it easy to power in the field using portable batteries or power packs.
Autoguider Ready
For long-exposure astrophotography, the 100i supports autoguiders through a standard ST-4 port. This enables real-time corrections to motor movements, reducing tracking errors and keeping celestial objects centered for sharper images.
Fast Slewing
The mount can slew at up to 7.5° per second, letting you quickly move between targets, track satellites, or follow the ISS using Sky-Watcher’s downloadable Satellite Tracker application or other 3rd party software.
Travel Ready Design
Weighing just 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg), the Wave 100i is compact and portable, stowing easily in a durable carry case with dense, machine-cut foam, perfect for transporting to dark-sky sites.
Specifications
General Mount Info
- Mount type: AZ/EQ
- Mount capacity without weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Mount capacity with weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
- Mount head size: 252mm x 158mm x 184mm
- Mount head weight: 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
- Mounting thread size: 3/8"-16
- Mounting saddle type: D/V-style
- Counterweight bar: Optional
- Type of motor: Stepper
- Drive type: Belt
- RA gear ratio: 101 x 3
- Dec gear ratio: 84 x 3.4
- Clutch type: Strain-Wave
- Tracking modes: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Maximum slew speed: 10°/second
- Latitude range: 0° to 90°
- Operational temperature: 14°F ~ 131°F (-10°C ~ 50°C)
Computer/Drive System Info
- GoTo: Yes
- Freedom Find: No
- Hand controller port: Yes
- Guide port: Yes
- SNAP port: No
- PC connect USB port: Yes
- Cable management: Yes
- USB ports: USB 2.0 (1x)
- USB hub powered: No
- Power ports: Two (2.5mm/5A DC Max)
- AUX ports: None
- Built-in GPS: No
- Built-in WiFi: Yes
- Hand controller included: No
- GoTo database: 42,000+
- Power requirements: DC 12~16V, 2A
- Internal battery pack: No
- Mount power port: 2.1mm Center-Positive
Mount Accessories
- Hand controller: No (Optional)
- Tripod: No (Optional)
- Accessory tray: No (Optional)
- Tripod extension: No (Optional)
- Power cable: Included
- Additional accessories: USB-B 2.0 update cable
- Secondary saddle: No
- Motor controller box: No
- Motor cables: No
- Hand controller holder: No
- Manual: Yes
- Case: Yes
Weights and Dimensions
- Shipping weight: 20.7 pounds
- Shipping dimensions: 17" x 14.2" x 11.2"
| Product Banner Type | sale |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strain Wave Mount: Precision Tracking for Astrophotography
The Sky-Watcher 100i Wave is a computerized GoTo mount built with advanced strain wave (harmonic) gearing, giving you smooth, backlash-free performance and precise, jitter-free slewing. You’ll enjoy stable control whether you’re using it in equatorial or Alt-Az mode, making it perfect for serious astrophotography or visual observing.
With the 100i’s impressive native payload, you can mount lighter setups without counterweights. Weighing only 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg), it can hold 22 lbs (10 kg) without counterweights and jumps to an impressive 33 lbs (15 kg) with the optional counterweight system. Its high transmission ratios translate motor movements into fine, precise adjustments, enabling accurate tracking and stability that’s critical for long-exposure imaging.
The intuitive SynScan GoTo system gives you quick access to over 42,000 celestial objects, making finding and observing targets straightforward. Engineered for today’s astronomers, this telescope mount delivers consistent performance and intuitive navigation. Built with durability in mind yet compact and easy to carry, the 100i is a dependable choice for use at home or in the field.
Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Tracking Mount Review
Astrophotographer and Agena Astro affiliate Trevor Jones (AstroBackyard) shows how the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i delivers smooth, counterweight-free tracking, intuitive Wi-Fi control, and precise performance.
Precision, Power, and Easy Navigation in One Mount
Advanced Strain Wave Gearing
At the heart of the Wave 100i is its strain wave gearing system, also known as harmonic drive. Unlike traditional worm gear mounts that can suffer from backlash and periodic error, strain wave gearing uses a flexing wave mechanism to deliver exceptionally smooth, precise motion. This design eliminates the play found in conventional gears, providing rock-solid stability and highly accurate tracking, critical for sharp long-exposure astrophotography.
Impressive Payload Capacity
Despite its lightweight design, the Wave 100i supports a native payload of 22 lbs (10 kg) without counterweights. With the optional counterweight kit, capacity increases to 33 lbs (15 kg), giving you the flexibility to use anything from medium refractors to larger Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes while maintaining stability. For the best imaging performance, many astrophotographers prefer to keep payloads slightly below the maximum rating, ensuring smoother operation. This balance of portability and strength makes the 100i a highly versatile choice.
SynScan GoTo System
Equipped with the intuitive SynScan hand controller, the 100i grants access to a database of over 42,900 celestial objects, including stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies. Multiple alignment options and nine slew speeds make locating and tracking targets easy, even for beginners.
Wireless and Smart Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow cable-free control via Sky-Watcher’s SynScan hand controller or app, as well as third-party platforms like ASIAir, Eagle, or StellarMate. This wireless setup simplifies remote operation, reduces clutter, and gives access to advanced features like plate solving and automated imaging runs.
Dual Mounting Modes
The 100i operates in both equatorial (EQ) and alt-azimuth (AZ) modes, giving you flexibility for visual observing or imaging setups. RA and Dec home positions, combined with a 0–90° latitude range and D/V hybrid saddle, make alignment straightforward.
Precision and Smooth Operation
The Wave 100i’s high transmission ratios (RA – 303:1, Dec – 275.4:1) divide motor rotations into fine increments, providing smooth slewing and accurate pointing. Strain wave gearing and belt-driven motors keep noise and vibration to a minimum, creating a stable platform for long-exposure imaging. Locking knobs on both RA and Dec axes secure your telescope once aligned, and OTA balancing on both axes (unique to the Wave 100i) adds extra stability and control.
Convenient Setup Features
Red backlit latitude scales and a bubble level make polar alignment simple, even at night. Built-in cable management keeps your setup tidy, and the mount runs on 12V DC, making it easy to power in the field using portable batteries or power packs.
Autoguider Ready
For long-exposure astrophotography, the 100i supports autoguiders through a standard ST-4 port. This enables real-time corrections to motor movements, reducing tracking errors and keeping celestial objects centered for sharper images.
Fast Slewing
The mount can slew at up to 7.5° per second, letting you quickly move between targets, track satellites, or follow the ISS using Sky-Watcher’s downloadable Satellite Tracker application or other 3rd party software.
Travel Ready Design
Weighing just 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg), the Wave 100i is compact and portable, stowing easily in a durable carry case with dense, machine-cut foam, perfect for transporting to dark-sky sites.
Specifications
General Mount Info
- Mount type: AZ/EQ
- Mount capacity without weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Mount capacity with weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
- Mount head size: 252mm x 158mm x 184mm
- Mount head weight: 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
- Mounting thread size: 3/8"-16
- Mounting saddle type: D/V-style
- Counterweight bar: Optional
- Type of motor: Stepper
- Drive type: Belt
- RA gear ratio: 101 x 3
- Dec gear ratio: 84 x 3.4
- Clutch type: Strain-Wave
- Tracking modes: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Maximum slew speed: 10°/second
- Latitude range: 0° to 90°
- Operational temperature: 14°F ~ 131°F (-10°C ~ 50°C)
Computer/Drive System Info
- GoTo: Yes
- Freedom Find: No
- Hand controller port: Yes
- Guide port: Yes
- SNAP port: No
- PC connect USB port: Yes
- Cable management: Yes
- USB ports: USB 2.0 (1x)
- USB hub powered: No
- Power ports: Two (2.5mm/5A DC Max)
- AUX ports: None
- Built-in GPS: No
- Built-in WiFi: Yes
- Hand controller included: No
- GoTo database: 42,000+
- Power requirements: DC 12~16V, 2A
- Internal battery pack: No
- Mount power port: 2.1mm Center-Positive
Mount Accessories
- Hand controller: No (Optional)
- Tripod: No (Optional)
- Accessory tray: No (Optional)
- Tripod extension: No (Optional)
- Power cable: Included
- Additional accessories: USB-B 2.0 update cable
- Secondary saddle: No
- Motor controller box: No
- Motor cables: No
- Hand controller holder: No
- Manual: Yes
- Case: Yes
Weights and Dimensions
- Shipping weight: 20.7 pounds
- Shipping dimensions: 17" x 14.2" x 11.2"
| Product Banner Type | sale |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strain Wave Drive Mount # S30900