Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount Head

A 9.5lb strain wave head with two saddles, ready for the tripod you choose

The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount Head is a computerized GoTo mount for astrophotography and visual observing. A strain wave (harmonic) gear drive gives it high torque in a small, light body, so you can leave the counterweight bar at home, and it switches between equatorial mode for imaging and alt-az mode for visual sessions and outreach. It connects over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB, and works with the ASIAIR, the SynScan app and ASCOM software.

Key specs: strain wave drive, 300:1 total ratio · 22lb (10kg) payload, 33lb (15kg) with counterweight kit · 9.5lb (4.3kg) head · EQ and alt-az modes · dual Vixen/Losmandy saddles · Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-B · slews up to 10°/sec · 12V DC

What you can image and observe

• Nebulae with a small refractor: the Orion Nebula, the Heart Nebula and the Pelican Nebula with a 60mm to 100mm apochromat and a cooled camera.
• Galaxies: the Andromeda Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy (M33) and Bode's Galaxy (M81) with a 100mm refractor or a small SCT.
• The Sun, two ways at once: with the second saddle in alt-az mode, run an H-alpha solar telescope next to a white-light scope for prominences and sunspots side by side.
• The Moon, planets and satellites: switch to alt-az mode for a quick look, and slewing at up to 10° per second lets you follow the International Space Station.

Choose your support

The head needs something to stand on. Wave tripods and extensions are matched in pairs, so pick one of these:

• Travel setup: the Wave carbon fiber tripod (5.3lb, 2.4kg) with the Wave tripod extension pier. Or get both with the head in the Wave 100i carbon fiber kit.
• Home or dark-site setup: the EQ6 to Wave steel tripod with 2" steel legs, plus the Wave-to-EQ6 adapter and pier extension, which the steel tripod needs to fit a Wave head. Or get both in the Wave 100i steel tripod kit.
• Already have a Wave tripod or a pier: the head alone is all you need.

The two extensions aren't interchangeable: the carbon tripod uses the Wave tripod extension pier, and the steel tripod uses the Wave-to-EQ6 adapter.

Why it's easy to set up

Set the head on its tripod or pier and level it with the backlit bubble level. The latitude scale has a red LED backlight too, so polar alignment is easier in the dark. Homing sensors on both axes let the mount find its home position on its own, and the RA axis brakes when the power goes off, so the telescope won't swing if you lose power.

Control it with the free SynScan app on your phone or tablet, an optional SynScan hand controller, or third-party software such as the ASIAIR, StellarMate and ASCOM programs on a laptop. The head has USB-B, hand controller, autoguider and 12V power ports.

What to add for the best results

• A tripod or pier (required): see the options above.
• A telescope and camera (required): the optical tube isn't included. Keep the total under 22lb, or 33lb with the counterweight kit.
• Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro (or another 12V supply, required): the mount runs on 12V DC, and a power supply isn't included.
• Wave counterweight kit: raises the payload to 33lb (15kg).
• ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and focusing from your phone through the mount's USB-B port.
• Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha: an H-alpha solar telescope for one side of the dual saddle.
• SynScan V5 hand controller (optional): for control without a phone.

Wave 100i head vs. the kits

The Wave 150i also comes as a carbon fiber kit and a steel tripod kit. See all Sky-Watcher Wave mounts.

What's in the box

• Sky-Watcher Wave 100i strain wave mount head with carry case
• Secondary saddle
• USB-B cable for ASIAIR or computer control

The tripod, extension, telescope, counterweight kit, 12V power supply and SynScan hand controller are sold separately.

Sky-Watcher Wave 100i FAQ

Does the Wave 100i head come with a tripod?

No. This is the head only. Add the Wave carbon fiber tripod and extension pier, or the steel tripod and Wave-to-EQ6 adapter. The carbon kit and steel kit include them.

Do I need a counterweight?

Not for loads up to 22lb (10kg). A strain wave drive has enough torque to hold the telescope without one. Add the Wave counterweight kit if your telescope, camera and accessories weigh more, up to 33lb (15kg).

How does the dual saddle work?

The second saddle mounts on the counterweight port. In alt-az mode you can put a telescope on each side, up to 22lb on each saddle, which is popular for solar observing and outreach.

Is it good for beginners?

Yes, if you're starting with a small refractor or a 5" to 6" telescope. There's no counterweight to set up, the SynScan app walks you through alignment, and the same head handles visual observing now and imaging later.

Wave 100i or Wave 150i?

Choose the 100i for telescopes under 22lb or if you want the dual saddle. The Wave 150i head carries 33lb without a counterweight and adds a saddle hub with internal cabling, for 3.3lb more head weight.

What power does it need?

12V DC. A PowerTank Lithium Pro works in the field. The power supply isn't included.

Specifications