Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount

Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount: Revolutionizing Astronomy with Precision and Versatility

The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount is a groundbreaking piece of equipment designed to meet the needs of both amateur and professional astronomers. This mount combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it an essential tool for anyone passionate about exploring the night sky. Below, we delve into the key features, benefits, and applications of this innovative mount, providing a comprehensive overview of why it stands out in the market.

Strainwave Drive Technology: Precision and Stability

At the heart of the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i is its advanced Strainwave Drive Technology. This technology offers high torque and precise tracking without the need for bulky counterweights. The strainwave drive ensures smooth and accurate movement, allowing astronomers to track celestial objects with exceptional precision. This is particularly beneficial for long-exposure astrophotography, where stability and accuracy are paramount.

Dual Tracking Modes: Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth

The Wave 100i supports both Equatorial (EQ) and Alt-Azimuth (AZ) tracking modes, providing flexibility for different observational needs. In EQ mode, the mount compensates for the Earth’s rotation, making it ideal for astrophotography and long-term observations. In AZ mode, the mount is perfect for casual stargazing and terrestrial viewing. This dual functionality makes the Wave 100i a versatile tool for a wide range of astronomical activities.

Dual D/V Hybrid Saddles: Mount Two Telescopes Simultaneously

One of the standout features of the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i is its dual D/V hybrid saddles. These saddles allow users to mount two telescopes simultaneously, each with a payload capacity of up to 22 lbs (10 kg) in AZ mode. This feature is particularly useful for solar imagers, eclipse chasers, and outreach enthusiasts who want to use multiple optical setups at the same time. The ability to mount two telescopes enhances observational capabilities and provides greater flexibility in capturing different celestial events.

Impressive Payload Capacity

The Wave 100i offers impressive payload capacities to accommodate a variety of optical tubes and accessories. Without counterweights, each saddle can support up to 22 lbs (10 kg). With the optional counterweight, the total payload capacity increases to 33 lbs (15 kg). This robust capacity ensures that the mount can handle a wide range of telescopes and equipment, making it suitable for both lightweight and heavier setups.

Lightweight and Portable Design

Weighing only 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg), the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i is designed for portability without compromising on performance. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to transport and set up, whether you’re heading to a remote dark-sky site or simply observing from your backyard. The compact design also makes it convenient to store when not in use.

Adjustable Latitude Range

The Wave 100i features an adjustable latitude range from 0° to 90°, allowing it to be used anywhere in the world. This wide range of adjustment ensures that the mount can be precisely aligned for optimal tracking, regardless of your location. The latitude adjustment is complemented by a red LED backlit display, which provides clear visibility for setting the latitude and using the bubble level.

Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Modern astronomers demand connectivity, and the Wave 100i delivers with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These features enable remote control of the mount via smartphones, tablets, or computers. The Sky-Watcher app provides intuitive control over the mount’s functions, including slewing, tracking, and alignment. This wireless connectivity enhances the user experience by allowing for convenient and flexible operation.

RA Power-Off Braking: Safety and Stability

Safety and stability are paramount when using a high-precision mount, and the Wave 100i incorporates RA Power-Off Braking to ensure both. This feature automatically engages the brakes when the power is turned off, preventing any unintended movement of the mount. This not only protects your equipment but also ensures that the mount remains stable and secure during setup and transportation.

Home Position Functions: Easy Setup

The Wave 100i is equipped with RA and DEC home position functions, making setup quick and straightforward. These functions allow the mount to return to a predefined home position, simplifying the alignment process. This is particularly useful for beginners who may find the initial setup of an equatorial mount challenging. The home position functions ensure that the mount is always ready for accurate tracking and observation.

Fast Slewing: Quick Target Acquisition

With a slew rate of up to 7.5 degrees per second, the Wave 100i allows for rapid target acquisition. This fast slewing capability is ideal for quickly moving between different celestial objects, whether you’re conducting a detailed survey of the night sky or simply enjoying a casual stargazing session. The quick response time ensures that you can make the most of your observing sessions without unnecessary delays.

Optional Accessories: Customizable Setup

The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i offers a range of optional accessories to enhance your observing experience. These include a sturdy tripod, a pier extension for added height, and a counterweight kit for balancing heavier payloads. These accessories allow you to customize your setup to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you have the right tools for any observing scenario.

Power Requirements: Reliable Operation

The Wave 100i requires a 12V 2A power supply (not included) for reliable operation. This power requirement is standard for many astronomical mounts, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of power sources. Whether you’re using a portable power pack or a mains adapter, the Wave 100i is designed to provide consistent and dependable performance.

Applications and Benefits

The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount is a versatile tool with a wide range of applications. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it suitable for various astronomical activities, including:

• Astrophotography: The precise tracking and stability of the strainwave drive make the Wave 100i ideal for capturing long-exposure images of deep-sky objects. The dual saddles allow for simultaneous imaging with different optical setups, enhancing your astrophotography capabilities.
• Solar Imaging: The ability to mount two telescopes simultaneously is particularly beneficial for solar imagers. You can use one telescope for white-light imaging and another for hydrogen-alpha observations, providing a comprehensive view of solar activity.
• Eclipse Chasing: For eclipse chasers, the lightweight and portable design of the Wave 100i makes it easy to transport to remote locations. The dual saddles allow for simultaneous observation and imaging of solar eclipses, ensuring that you capture every moment of these rare events.
• Outreach and Education: The dual saddles and user-friendly features make the Wave 100i an excellent choice for outreach and educational programs. You can set up multiple telescopes for public viewing sessions, providing a more engaging and interactive experience for participants.
• Casual Stargazing: For casual stargazers, the Wave 100i offers a convenient and versatile solution for exploring the night sky. The fast slewing and easy setup make it perfect for spontaneous observing sessions, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Conclusion

The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount is a revolutionary piece of equipment that combines advanced technology with practical features. Its strainwave drive technology, dual tracking modes, and dual saddles provide unparalleled precision and versatility. Whether you’re an astrophotographer, solar imager, eclipse chaser, or casual stargazer, the Wave 100i offers the performance and flexibility you need to explore the night sky with confidence.

With its lightweight and portable design, built-in connectivity, and user-friendly features, the Wave 100i is designed to meet the demands of modern astronomers. Its impressive payload capacity and customizable setup options ensure that it can handle a wide range of telescopes and accessories, making it a valuable addition to any astronomical toolkit.

Invest in the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount and experience the next level of astronomical observation. Whether you’re capturing stunning images of deep-sky objects, observing solar activity, or simply enjoying a night under the stars, the Wave 100i is your gateway to the wonders of the universe.