Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Strainwave Mount with Carbon Fiber Tripod & Extension Tube

A 33lb-payload imaging mount that packs into a 20.5lb travel kit

The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Strainwave Mount with Carbon Fiber Tripod & Extension Tube is a complete computerized GoTo mount for astrophotography and visual observing that's light enough to take on a plane or carry to a remote site. A strain wave (harmonic) gear drive gives the head high torque in a compact body, so you can leave the counterweight bar at home, and it works in equatorial mode for imaging or alt-az mode for quick visual sessions. It connects over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB, and plugs straight into an ASIAIR with the included USB-B cable.

Key specs: strain wave drive, 300:1 total ratio · 33lb (15kg) payload, 55lb (25kg) with counterweight kit · about 20.5lb (9.3kg) for head, tripod and extension · carbon fiber tripod, 500mm to 747mm (19.7" to 29") · 180mm (7") extension pier · saddle hub with internal cabling · slews up to 10°/sec · 12V DC

The Wave 150i is on display in our Denver store, so you can see it in person before you buy.

What you can image on the road

• Dark-sky nebulae: the North America Nebula, the Veil Nebula and the Rosette Nebula with an 80mm to 120mm apochromat and a cooled camera, far from city lights.
• Southern targets on a trip: the latitude range runs from 0° to 90°, so the same mount works if you travel south for the Carina Nebula or the Magellanic Clouds.
• Galaxies: the Andromeda Galaxy, the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and the Leo Triplet with a refractor or an 8" SCT.
• Eclipses, the Moon and planets: switch to alt-az mode for a quick look, or carry it to an eclipse site with a small refractor and a solar filter.

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 a heavy 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. Balancing is optional on a strain wave mount, but the Wave 150i lets you balance on both axes, which helps with long or heavy telescopes.

What to add for the best results

• A telescope and camera (required): the optical tube isn't included. Keep the total under 33lb, and lighter still if you want the steadiest results on the carbon tripod.
• Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro (or another 12V supply, required): the mount needs 12V DC at 2A, which isn't included, and a battery keeps the kit independent of wall power.
• ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and focusing from your phone. The USB-B cable for it is in the box.
• ZWO 30F5 guide scope and ASI220MM Mini guide camera: a small, light guiding setup that adds little to your travel weight.
• ZWO EAFN auto focuser: keeps your images sharp as the temperature drops.
• Wave counterweight kit (optional): raises the mount's rating to 55lb (25kg). For loads that heavy, we'd move to the steel tripod.

Wave 150i carbon kit vs. other Wave mounts

The Wave 100i 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 150i strain wave mount head with carry case
• 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 150i carbon fiber kit FAQ

How much does the whole kit weigh?

About 20.5lb (9.3kg): 12.8lb 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 any distance. Choose the steel tripod kit if you image from home or a site you drive to, or if your telescope and camera weigh close to 33lb.

Do I need a counterweight?

Not for loads up to 33lb (15kg). A strain wave drive has enough torque to hold the telescope without one. The Wave counterweight kit raises the mount's rating to 55lb (25kg), but the carbon tripod is rated for 44lb, so for heavy loads we recommend the steel tripod.

Does it work with the ASIAIR?

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

Wave 150i or Wave 100i carbon kit?

Choose the 150i for loads over 22lb or if you want the saddle hub and internal cabling. The Wave 100i carbon kit is 3.3lb lighter and has a second saddle for two telescopes.

What power does it need?

12V DC at 2A. A PowerTank Lithium Pro works in the field. The power supply isn't included.

Can I see one before I buy?

Yes. The Wave 150i is on display in our Denver store.

Specifications