Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount

The Wave 100i Mount: 10 kg Capacity in a 4.2 kg Head

The head weighs 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) and carries 10 kg (22 lb) without counterweight. With the optional 5 kg counterweight the capacity is 15 kg (33 lb).

This mount is designed for both imaging and visual use, featuring a dual-mode design that allows it to operate as a German Equatorial mount for long-exposure astrophotography or a simple Alt-Azimuth mount for visual observing. The included secondary saddle further expands its utility in Alt-Az mode, allowing two separate optical tubes to be mounted simultaneously.

The 81x4 Ratio Strain Wave Drive

The strain wave design's high torque and compact construction deliver high precision and power in an affordable, portable package, with smooth and precise tracking without bulky counterweights. The drive uses belt-driven stepper motors with harmonic reducers (RA 17-100, Dec 14-100) and an 81x4 gear ratio.

The stepper motors run at 1.8° per step with 256 microsteps per step.

Payload Capacity: 10 kg Uncounterweighted, 15 kg with Optional Counterweight

Without counterweight, the Wave 100i carries 10 kg (22 lb). In equatorial mode, telescopes under 10 kg need no R.A. balancing, and the Dec axis needs balancing only with heavy telescopes: shift the dovetail in the saddle or the tube in its rings.

With the optional 5 kg counterweight and rod, the limit is 15 kg (33 lb), with the telescope's center no more than 20 cm (7 3/4") from the R.A. axis. Screw the bar in, slide the counterweight on and lock it, fit the security screw, and add the extension rod if needed. In alt-az mode, the second saddle carries up to 6 kg (13 lb).

Dual-Mode Operation: Equatorial and Alt-Azimuth Versatility from 0° to 90°

For equatorial mode, loosen the two latitude locking knobs, set the latitude scale to your site with the latitude adjustment knob, lock the knobs and orient one tripod leg north. For alt-az mode, turn the adjustment knob until it stops and lock the mount upright. The latitude scale and bubble level are illuminated, with brightness set through the Polar Scope Illuminator setting in the app or hand controller.

Sky-Watcher fits the Wave 100i with a second saddle for solar imagers, eclipse chasers and outreach. In alt-az mode it carries up to 6 kg (13 lb) while the primary saddle carries up to 15 kg (33 lb).

Tracking & Slewing: 7.5° Per Second Slew Speed and 5 Autoguiding Rates

The 7.5° per second slew rate, with Sky-Watcher's downloadable Satellite Tracker application for Windows PC, lets the Wave track satellites and space stations.

For autoguiding, the GUIDE port takes an ST-4 autoguider, with guiding speeds of 0.125x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x and 1x the sidereal rate.

GoTo Control: SynScan Pro App via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB

The Wave 100i is controlled through the SynScan Pro app, which connects to the mount's built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or via a wired USB connection. This app provides full GoTo functionality, giving you access to extensive celestial object catalogs including Messier, NGC, IC, Caldwell, double stars, variable stars, named stars, and planets.

• Platform Support: The SynScan Pro app is available for multiple platforms. The Windows and Mac versions support USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The Android version supports all three (a USB OTG dongle is required for a wired connection), while the iOS version supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Third-party control: The mount also works with third-party control platforms such as ASIAIR, Eagle and StellarMate, for plate solving and automated imaging runs.
• Optional hand controller: a SynScan hand controller plugs into the HAND CNTRL port.

Power System: DC 12-16V, >55W Power Requirements

To ensure stable operation, the Wave 100i requires a regulated DC power supply with an output of 12V to 16V and a power rating of over 55 W; a higher voltage within this range is recommended. The power supply is not included. It must be equipped with a 2.1 mm I.D., 5.5 mm O.D. center-positive barrel plug.

The power switch LED shows the mount's status: a single flash with short on time means the wireless module is ready; a double flash means a wireless connection is established; steady on means the wireless module turned off after long idle; a single slow flash with equal on and off time means the power voltage is low; a single quick flash means the voltage is extremely low and you should stop using the mount; a triple flash means a firmware update did not finish. Do not use an unregulated AC-to-DC adapter.

RA Power-Off Braking and Auto-Home

RA power-off braking is built in, and the mount has RA and Dec home positions.

The SynScan Pro app can return the mount to the same home position (Utility, Advanced, Auto Home): a Dec offset of 0 returns it to the polar-home position in equatorial mode, and -90 to the north-level position in alt-az mode. Avoid starting Auto-Home at Dec/Alt -90° or 270°.

Polar Alignment: A 20° Azimuth Range for App-Assisted Alignment

The Wave 100i has no polar scope: the manual uses the app's star-alignment routine or imaging-based tools instead. Its polar alignment range is 90° in latitude and 20° in azimuth.

Slightly loosen the two latitude locking knobs, turn the latitude adjustment knob until the scale reads your latitude, and point the R.A. axis to the pole. Then run a 2-star alignment with the SynScan Pro app or hand controller, run its polar alignment routine, and repeat two or three times. Applications such as SharpCap Pro and PHD2 offer highly accurate imaging-based polar alignment. Tighten the latitude and azimuth adjustment knobs when done.

Saddles & Mounting: Hybrid D/V Primary and Included Secondary Saddles

The D/V hybrid saddle takes Vixen-style and Losmandy-style dovetail bars from 43mm to 73mm wide, held by two locking knobs. Loosen and tighten the two knobs alternately when seating a dovetail.

For alt-az mode, fix the second saddle to the mount with the two M5 countersunk and two M6 cap screws supplied, and fit the saddle cover. Use the 3mm hex key on the two screws at the side of the primary saddle to align the two telescopes in the same direction.

First Night Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Wave 100i

Attach the mount head to a tripod (not included). For equatorial mode, orient one tripod leg north and align the R.A. axis with it, then set the latitude scale to your latitude and lock it.

To mount a telescope, level the saddle with the app's direction keys, loosen the two locking knobs alternately until the groove is slightly wider than the dovetail bar, seat the bar, and tighten the knobs alternately. Balance the Dec axis if the telescope is heavy, connect the power supply, connect the SynScan Pro app over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and run a star alignment.