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

A strain wave mount that carries 33lb with no counterweights

The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i 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 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 · 12.8lb (5.8kg) head · EQ and alt-az modes · Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-B · slews up to 10°/sec · single Vixen/Losmandy saddle · 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

• Nebulae with a refractor: the Orion Nebula, the North America Nebula and the Veil Nebula with an 80mm to 120mm apochromat and a cooled camera.
• Galaxies with an SCT or longer refractor: the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), M81 and M82, and the Leo Triplet at longer focal lengths.
• The Moon and planets: carry a heavier SCT for Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, then switch to alt-az mode for a quick look through the eyepiece.
• Satellites: fast slewing up to 10° per second, plus Sky-Watcher's satellite tracking software for Windows, lets you follow the International Space Station.

Why it's easy to set up

Thread the extension tube onto the 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 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, or 55lb with the counterweight kit.
• Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro (or another 12V supply, required): the mount needs 12V DC at 2A, which isn't included.
• ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and focusing from your phone. The USB-B cable for it is in the box.
• Wave counterweight kit: raises the payload to 55lb (25kg) for large SCTs and heavy triplets.
• 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.

Wave 150i steel kit vs. other Wave mounts

The Wave 150i head is also sold on its own. See all Sky-Watcher Wave mounts.

What's in the box

• Sky-Watcher Wave 150i strain wave mount head
• Heavy-duty EQ6 tripod with 2" steel legs
• Extension tube for the EQ6 tripod
• 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 FAQ

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. Add the Wave counterweight kit if your telescope, camera and accessories weigh more, up to 55lb (25kg).

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 33lb, it's within the rating without a counterweight. Most 80mm to 130mm refractors and 8" or 9.25" SCTs with a camera fit. Send us your list and we'll check it for you.

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?

Choose the 150i for loads over 22lb or if you want the saddle hub and internal cabling. The Wave 100i is 3.3lb lighter and fine for small refractors.

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 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