First Impressions of Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount
The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount promises a revolution in portable astrophotography. Marketed by Sky Watcher as a compact, high-torque, and precise mount, it boasts features like strain wave gearing, dual EQ/AZ modes, and wireless connectivity, aiming to deliver professional-grade performance in a travel-friendly package. This mount claims to take advantage of strain wave design, exclusive features, and high payload capacity which makes it stand out from others.
For years, I’ve lugged around heavy equatorial mounts, yearning for something lighter without sacrificing precision. My astrophotography trips often involve remote locations where every pound counts, and setup time is precious. The promise of the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount addressing both weight and performance issues immediately piqued my interest.
Unboxing the Wave 100i revealed a sleek, black unit nestled in a custom-cut foam case. The build quality felt robust, defying its surprisingly light 9.5-pound weight. The red backlit latitude display and bubble level were welcome additions, hinting at user-friendly setup in the dark.
Compared to my trusted but hefty Orion Atlas EQ-G and even the more portable iOptron CEM26, the Wave 100i is in a different league regarding size and weight. The Atlas offers superior payload capacity but is a beast to transport. The CEM26 is more portable but lacks the advanced gearing and promised precision of the Wave 100i.
My initial reaction was definitely excitement mixed with a touch of healthy skepticism. Could this lightweight mount truly deliver the accuracy and stability needed for long-exposure astrophotography? Time would tell, but the initial impressions were promising, offering a compelling alternative to traditional mounts.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount to a dark sky site in the Nevada desert for its maiden voyage. The location offers Bortle 2 skies, perfect for deep-sky imaging, but also presents challenges with fine desert dust and temperature fluctuations. The goal was to capture images of the Orion Nebula.
The setup was surprisingly easy. The red backlit latitude scale and bubble level made polar alignment quick and straightforward, even in near darkness. The Wi-Fi connectivity allowed me to control the mount remotely via my smartphone, streamlining the process.
Initially, I experienced some minor tracking inconsistencies at higher magnifications. After carefully balancing my imaging rig and fine-tuning the guiding parameters within the app, the tracking became impressively smooth. The strain wave gears seemed to perform as advertised, providing precise and quiet movements.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount has become a regular companion on my astrophotography adventures. The mount has endured multiple trips, handling both freezing temperatures and dusty conditions. It delivers reliable performance time and time again.
Durability has proven to be excellent. Despite its lightweight construction, the mount shows no signs of significant wear and tear. The included carrying case has also held up well. It protects the mount during transport.
Maintaining the Wave 100i is straightforward. A quick wipe-down after each use keeps dust and debris at bay. I’ve occasionally checked the gear lubrication, but so far, no major maintenance has been required. Its maintenance is pretty simple.
Compared to my previous mounts, the Wave 100i offers a unique blend of portability and precision. While it may not have the brute force payload capacity of my Orion Atlas, it significantly outperforms the iOptron CEM26 in tracking accuracy, especially under challenging conditions. The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount provides reliability for astronomy activities.
Breaking Down the Features of Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount
Specifications
The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount boasts a payload capacity of 22 pounds (10kg) without the optional counterweight and 33 pounds (15kg) with it. This allows for a reasonable range of telescopes and imaging equipment.
It weighs in at a mere 9.5 pounds (4.3kg), making it incredibly portable for remote observing sessions. This lightweight design makes transportation easy.
The Wave 100i features both EQ (equatorial) and AZ (azimuth-altitude) tracking modes, providing versatility for both astrophotography and visual observing. This dual functionality adds value.
It offers a latitude range of 0 to 90 degrees, enabling use from virtually any location on Earth. This wide range is very convenient.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities allow for wireless control via smartphone or tablet. It has wireless connectivity and control.
The dual D/V hybrid saddle accepts both Vixen and Losmandy-style dovetail bars, increasing compatibility with various telescopes.
The RA (Right Ascension) power-off braking function helps prevent uncontrolled movement when power is lost. It provides security.
It requires 12V 2A power (not included), and the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount features a red LED for latitude scale and bubble level.
These specifications translate to a mount that is both lightweight and capable. The versatility in tracking modes and dovetail compatibility makes it appealing to a wide range of users. The wireless control enhances the user experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount performs admirably for its size. Its strain wave gearing provides smooth, precise tracking, essential for long-exposure astrophotography.
The tracking accuracy is generally excellent, particularly after careful balancing and guiding. It handles small to medium-sized telescopes with impressive stability.
One potential weakness is its sensitivity to imbalance. Ensuring a perfectly balanced telescope and imaging train is crucial to maximizing performance. This requires patience and attention to detail.
Overall, the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount meets my expectations. It delivers accurate tracking in a lightweight package, making it a valuable tool for portable astrophotography.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount features a sleek, minimalist design. The black finish and compact form factor are visually appealing.
The build quality feels solid, with high-quality materials used throughout. The mount feels robust despite its light weight.
The user interface is relatively straightforward, with intuitive controls. There is a slight learning curve associated with balancing and guiding.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount should last for many years. Its simple design minimizes the potential for mechanical failures.
Maintenance is relatively easy. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s required to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount comes with a secondary saddle. It also has an optional tripod, pier extension, and counterweight kit (not included).
The dual D/V saddle allows the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount to accommodate various telescopes. Third-party guiding systems and control software can also be integrated.
Pros and Cons of Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount
Pros
- Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel and remote observing.
- Precise strain wave gearing offers smooth and accurate tracking for astrophotography.
- Dual EQ/AZ modes provide versatility for different types of observing.
- Wireless control enhances the user experience.
- Wide latitude range allows use from virtually any location.
Cons
- Payload capacity is limited compared to traditional equatorial mounts.
- Sensitive to imbalance, requiring careful balancing of the telescope and imaging train.
Who Should Buy Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount?
The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount is perfect for astrophotographers who prioritize portability and ease of use. It’s an excellent choice for those who travel frequently to dark sky locations or have limited storage space.
This product is also suitable for visual observers who appreciate a lightweight and versatile mount. It is convenient for visual observers.
Those who need a high payload capacity for large telescopes or heavy imaging equipment should skip this product. Anyone unwilling to invest the time in carefully balancing their equipment may also find this mount frustrating.
A must-have accessory is the optional counterweight kit, especially when using heavier telescopes or imaging equipment. A quality power supply is also essential.
Conclusion on Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount
The Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount offers a compelling combination of portability, precision, and versatility. It’s a game-changer for astrophotographers who value a lightweight setup without sacrificing performance.
At $1895.00, the price is justified by the mount’s unique features and capabilities. It’s an investment in convenience and performance that will pay off with stunning astrophotography results.
I would highly recommend the Sky Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount to anyone seeking a portable and accurate mount for astrophotography or visual observing. It’s well designed and highly recommended for travel. Ditch the heavy lifting and embrace the future of portable astronomy.