Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Strain Wave Mount – High Torque, High Precision, High Portability
The Sky-Watcher 150i Strain Wave Mount is a powerful new evolution in portable equatorial and alt-azimuth tracking. Designed around advanced strain wave drive technology, the 150i is a lightweight GoTo mount head with the kind of precision and payload flexibility typically found in much larger, heavier systems. If you're an imager or visual observer looking to streamline your setup without compromising on performance, the Wave 150i brings serious capability to the table in a compact 12.8-pound package.
Compact Power with Strain Wave Drive Technology
Strain wave drive (also known as harmonic drive) has changed the game in mount design, and Sky-Watcher's implementation in the Wave series takes full advantage. The 150i delivers incredibly smooth tracking and high torque without the need for bulky counterweights — though optional weights allow you to push the payload up to an impressive 55 pounds. Whether you're using a refractor, large astrograph, or compact compound scope, the Wave 150i accommodates a wide range of setups with confidence and stability.
EQ and AZ Tracking Modes
With both equatorial and alt-azimuth modes onboard, the Wave 150i is versatile enough for serious astrophotography or grab-and-go visual use. The mount's internal software and connectivity options allow seamless switching between configurations, making it equally at home under dark skies or on a city balcony.
Balanced OTA Design – A Unique Advantage
Unlike most strain wave mounts on the market, the Wave 150i allows you to balance your optical tube assembly in both RA and Dec. This improves pointing accuracy, reduces motor strain, and contributes to smoother tracking performance — especially beneficial when you're shooting long exposure astrophotography or imaging with heavier setups.
Through-Mount Cable Management
Sky-Watcher has taken a thoughtful approach to cable routing by integrating a powered hub directly into the saddle. With ports for autoguiding, Dec USB, and two Dec power outputs, all feeding through a stationary RA hub, you can say goodbye to cable snags and tangled setups. This is a huge benefit for imagers running complex rigs with filter wheels, focusers, and cooled cameras.
Payload and Portability – No Compromises
On its own, the 150i supports up to 33 pounds — more than enough for most imaging and observing needs. Add the optional counterweight kit and you can scale up to 55 pounds, which opens the door to large astrographs and heavier optical tubes. Despite this robust capacity, the mount head itself weighs just 12.8 pounds, making it highly portable and travel-friendly.
Fast Slew Rate for Satellite Tracking
With a top slew speed of 10 degrees per second and support for satellite tracking via downloadable Windows PC software, the Wave 150i isn’t just for static deep-sky work. Easily follow fast-moving targets like the ISS or Starlink constellations with precision and ease.
Connectivity and Control Options
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easy to control the mount wirelessly via the Sky-Watcher SynScan app, hand controller, or third-party platforms like ASIAir, StellarMate, or Eagle. This opens the door to powerful tools like plate solving, automated imaging runs, and mobile device control, offering an intuitive experience for beginners and experts alike.
Smart Design Details
The Wave 150i includes a red LED backlit latitude scale and bubble level to make alignment easier in low-light conditions. The mount’s latitude range of 0° to 90° supports polar alignment across virtually any observing location. A single D/V hybrid saddle ensures wide compatibility with most telescope dovetail plates.
What's Included – And What’s Optional
The mount head is sold standalone, ready for your choice of tripod or pier adapter. Accessories such as a pier extension, stainless steel tripod, counterweight kit, and optical tube packages are available separately. This modular approach allows you to build exactly the system you need — nothing more, nothing less.
Summary at a Glance:
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Strain wave drive technology with high torque and smooth tracking
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EQ and AZ modes with RA/Dec home positions
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33 lb payload (55 lb with counterweight)
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12.8 lb mount head for easy portability
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Integrated cable management with powered hub
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OTA balancing in RA and Dec — a unique feature
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Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
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Slew rate up to 10°/second for satellite tracking
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Compatible with SynScan, ASIAir, StellarMate, and more
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Latitude range from 0° to 90°
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12V 2A power required (not included)
The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i brings pro-level tracking performance into a compact, travel-ready mount with serious imaging capabilities. Whether you’re building out a mobile deep-sky imaging setup or replacing a heavier, more cumbersome mount, the Wave 150i offers smart features, robust payload flexibility, and the precision Sky-Watcher is known for — all with a footprint you can carry with one hand.
