The SkyWatcher Wave 100i mechanical head is a real curiosity in the factory's range, and will be most welcome by astrophotographers, as the wave drive has the very advantageous properties of the SkyWatcher Wave 100i astronomical mechanical head. What are they?
- high torque capability
- High precision operation for astrophotography
- operates almost completely without any body play
- lightweight and compact design
- can move significant mass without a counterweight
- internal wiring
- extremely versatile in use
Weighing just 4.3 kg, the head can handle 10 kg without a counterweight, and with a counterweight the load capacity increases to 15 kg. Two kg higher than the ZWO AM3 (8 and 13 kg) in the same category. The counterweight shaft and counterweight are not standard equipment, but a 5 kg counterweight is available as a separate kit.
The bottom of the SkyWatcher Wave 100i mechanics head features a standard 3/8"-inch tripod thread for mounting. Also available as an option is a carbon fiber tripod designed for it. The clutch on the head is designed to accept both Vixen and Losmandy prismatic mounts. There is a clutch on the mechanics head at the factory, but it has been prepared to accept one more clutch. The second clutch is part of the product, and the counterweight shaft thread is also located in the same place, so either a counterweight or a second tube can be used. It can be used in both EQ and AZ modes, and can be operated unobstructed over 0-90° latitudes. It can be controlled via WiFi and Bluetooth wireless network, but of course it can also be used with an optional handheld controller or operated from a PC.
The special shaft drive is powered by a stepper motor, similar to the ZWO AM series.
The mechanics head requires a minimum 12V 2A power supply and has the following connectors:
- USB-B connector for control and update from PC
- DC input for power supply
- Connector port
- ST-4 for autoguider driving (on clutch side)
Good news for those who don't want to give up satellite and ISS observation, the SkyWatcher Wave 100i has a maximum speed of 10 degrees per second (2400x)and Windows PC downloadable Satellite Tracker app make it suitable for this.
The mechanical head is protected by a sponge case for easy transport.
