A true rarity in the manufacturer's range, the SkyWatcher Wave 150i mount head is sure to appeal particularly to astrophotographers, as the exceptional advantages of the harmonic drive are fully utilised in the SkyWatcher Wave 150i astronomical mount. What are these advantages?
- capable of delivering high torque
- provides high-precision operation for astrophotography
- operates with virtually zero backlash
- lightweight and compact design
- capable of moving substantial loads without a counterweight
- internal cabling
- extremely versatile
Weighing just 5.8 kg, the mount head can handle up to 15 kg without a counterweight, while its payload capacity increases to 25 kg when using a counterweight. The counterweight shaft and counterweight are not included as standard, but a 5 kg counterweight is available separately as a set.
The base of the SkyWatcher Wave 150i mount head features a standard 3/8" tripod thread for mounting. A carbon-fibre tripod designed specifically for it is also available as an option. The dovetail clamp on the mount head accepts both Vixen and Losmandy dovetail bars. The mount head comes with one dovetail clamp as standard, but it is also prepared to accept a second dovetail clamp. The second dovetail clamp is included with the product and is installed in the same position as the counterweight shaft thread, allowing the use of either a counterweight or a second optical tube. It can be used in both EQ and AZ modes and operates without restriction at latitudes between 0–90°. It can be controlled wirelessly via WiFi and Bluetooth, while an optional hand controller can also be used, or it can be operated from a PC.
The special harmonic drive is powered by a stepper motor, similarly to the models in the ZWO AM series.
The mount head requires a minimum power supply of 12V 2A and features the following connections:
- USB-B port for PC control and firmware updates
- USB-A port routed through the dovetail clamp
- DC input for power supply
- DC input routed through the dovetail clamp
- Hand controller port
- ST-4 port for autoguiding (on the side of the dovetail clamp)
- USB-A port (on the side of the dovetail clamp)
- 2 DC outputs (on the side of the dovetail clamp)
Good news for those who do not want to miss out on observing satellites and the ISS: the SkyWatcher Wave 150i's maximum speed of 10 degrees per second (2400x), along with the Satellite Tracker application available for Windows PCs, makes this possible as well.
The mount head is protected and made easy to transport by a foam-lined carrying case.
