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

A 9.5lb strain wave mount with two saddles and a steel tripod

The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount with Steel Tripod & Extension Tube is a computerized GoTo mount for astrophotography and visual observing. A strain wave (harmonic) gear drive gives it high torque in a compact head, so you can leave the counterweight bar at home, and it works as an equatorial mount for imaging or an alt-az mount for quick 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 · 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 North America Nebula and the Heart Nebula with a 60mm to 100mm apochromat and a cooled camera.
• Galaxies: the Andromeda Galaxy, the Triangulum Galaxy (M33) and the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) 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 fast slewing up to 10° per second lets you follow the International Space Station.

Why it's easy to set up

Attach the extension tube to the steel tripod, set the head on top, and level it with the backlit bubble level. The latitude scale is backlit with a red LED 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, 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.
• ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and focusing from your phone through the mount's USB-B port.
• Wave counterweight kit: raises the payload to 33lb (15kg).
• ZWO 30F5 guide scope and ASI220MM Mini guide camera: guiding helps any mount hold round stars in long exposures.
• ZWO EAFN auto focuser: keeps your images sharp as the temperature drops.
• 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 steel kit vs. other Wave mounts

The Wave 100i head is also 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
• Heavy-duty EQ6 tripod with 2" steel legs
• Wave-to-EQ6 adapter and 7" (180mm) extension tube
• 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 FAQ

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).

Will it carry my telescope?

Weigh everything that goes on the saddle: telescope, rings, dovetail, camera, guide scope, focuser and dew heaters. If the total is under 22lb, it's within the rating without a counterweight. Most refractors up to about 100mm with a camera fit. Send us your list and we'll check it for you.

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?

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

Can I use it for visual observing?

Yes. Switch it to alt-az mode and it works like a computerized alt-az mount for the Moon, planets and deep-sky objects.

What power does it need?

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

Specifications