Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount with Carbon Fiber Tripod & Extension Tube

A complete GoTo mount kit that weighs about 17lb, tripod included

The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount with Carbon Fiber Tripod & Extension Tube is a complete computerized GoTo mount for astrophotography and visual observing that you can carry in one trip from the car. A strain wave (harmonic) gear drive gives the head high torque in a small body, so you can leave the counterweight bar at home, and it works in equatorial mode for imaging or alt-az mode for visual sessions. 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 · about 17.2lb (7.8kg) for head, tripod and extension · carbon fiber tripod, 500mm to 747mm (19.7" to 29") · 180mm (7") extension pier · dual Vixen/Losmandy saddles · slews up to 10°/sec · 12V DC

What you can image and observe

• Wide nebulae from a dark site: the North America Nebula, the Heart Nebula and the Cygnus Wall 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.

Why it's easy to set up

Spread the carbon fiber legs, attach the extension pier, set the head on top 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 telescope and camera (required): the optical tube isn't included. Keep the total under 22lb on each saddle.
• Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro (or another 12V supply, required): the mount runs on 12V DC, and a power supply isn't included.
• ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and focusing from your phone through the mount's USB-B port.
• ZWO 30F5 guide scope and ASI220MM Mini guide camera: a small, light guiding setup that adds little to your travel weight.
• Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha: an H-alpha solar telescope for one side of the dual saddle.
• Wave counterweight kit (optional): raises the payload to 33lb (15kg).
• SynScan V5 hand controller (optional): for control without a phone.

Wave 100i carbon kit vs. other Wave mounts

The Wave 150i also comes as a head only and a steel tripod kit, and the Wave carbon fiber tripod is sold on its own. See all Sky-Watcher Wave mounts.

What's in the box

• Sky-Watcher Wave 100i strain wave mount head with carry case
• Secondary saddle
• Wave carbon fiber tripod (S30910)
• Wave tripod extension pier, 7" (180mm) (S30912)
• USB-B cable for ASIAIR or computer control

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

Sky-Watcher Wave 100i carbon fiber kit FAQ

How much does the whole kit weigh?

About 17.2lb (7.8kg): 9.5lb for the head, 5.3lb for the carbon fiber tripod and 2.4lb for the extension pier, before you add a telescope or power.

Carbon fiber or steel tripod?

Choose carbon if you fly, hike or carry your gear to star parties. Choose the steel tripod kit if you image from home or a site you drive to, or plan to use the counterweight kit with a heavier telescope.

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. The Wave counterweight kit raises the rating 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.

Does it work with the ASIAIR?

Yes. Connect it to the mount's USB-B port and select the mount in the ASIAIR app. It also works with StellarMate and ASCOM software on a laptop.

Wave 100i or Wave 150i carbon kit?

Choose the 100i for telescopes under 22lb, for the dual saddle, or to keep the kit as light as possible. The Wave 150i carbon kit carries 33lb without a counterweight and adds a saddle hub with internal cabling, for 3.3lb more.

What power does it need?

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

Specifications