Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strain Wave Mount – Compact Powerhouse for Imaging and Visual Astronomy
Sky-Watcher's Wave 100i is a next-generation portable GoTo mount that redefines what’s possible in a travel-sized platform. With advanced strain wave drive technology, whisper-quiet precision, and up to 33 pounds of payload capacity, the Wave 100i brings industrial-grade performance to a compact, intuitive system built for both imaging and visual astronomy.
Strain Wave Drive – Industrial Precision Meets Astronomical Performance
At the heart of the Wave 100i is strain wave drive technology, also known as a harmonic drive—a high-torque, zero-backlash gearing system often found in robotics and aerospace applications. By eliminating the traditional worm gear, the Wave 100i delivers incredibly smooth tracking and pinpoint slewing with minimal mechanical error, perfect for long-exposure imaging and responsive GoTo operation.
This design also enables a compact form factor. Weighing just 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg), the mount head fits into a carry-on case with room to spare—ideal for dark-sky trips, remote imaging, and eclipse chasing.
Impressive Payload Capacity – No Counterweight Needed
Despite its compact size, the Wave 100i can carry up to 22 pounds (10 kg) of gear without a counterweight—more than enough for most refractors, Maksutovs, or smaller astrographs. Add the optional counterweight kit, and that capacity expands to 33 pounds (15 kg), giving you headroom for heavier optics, filter wheels, and full imaging trains.
Unique to the 100i is its secondary saddle, which mounts above the counterweight shaft and allows dual optical tube configurations in alt-az mode. Outreach educators, solar observers, and eclipse photographers can operate two scopes simultaneously—one for visual, the other for imaging.
EQ and Alt-Az Versatility – Full-Sky Flexibility
The Wave 100i supports both equatorial and alt-azimuth configurations, switchable with the appropriate setup. Use alt-az mode for visual observing or fast setup nights, or pair it with an equatorial wedge (sold separately) for serious astrophotography.
The mount’s 0°–90° latitude range means you can polar align for equatorial tracking even near the equator or poles. Home position functions for both RA and DEC streamline alignment routines and make meridian flips more predictable—great for unattended imaging sessions.
Smart Connectivity – Control Your Way
The Wave 100i connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, compatible with Sky-Watcher’s SynScan app and hand controller. You can slew, align, and track directly from your phone or tablet, or hook into third-party platforms for advanced control, plate solving, and automated sequencing.
Thanks to full support for ASCOM and INDI protocols, the mount integrates seamlessly into most astrophotography ecosystems—no proprietary walls or complicated setup sequences. It’s a plug-and-play performer for today’s modern rigs.
Thoughtful Features for Real-World Use
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RA power-off braking keeps the mount steady and secure when powered down
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Red LED lighting for the bubble level and latitude scale supports low-light setups without ruining night vision
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Dual D/V saddles accept both Vixen-style and Losmandy D-style dovetails
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RA/DEC home positions help with consistent startup routines and GoTo reliability
Travel-Ready, Ecosystem-Friendly
Sky-Watcher offers a modular approach to the Wave series. The Wave 100i head can be purchased standalone or with add-ons like a pier extension, counterweight kit, or steel and carbon fiber tripods. That flexibility makes it easy to tailor your setup for your needs—whether you’re building a lightweight eclipse rig or an all-night deep-sky imaging system.
Technical Specifications:
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Mount type: Strain wave gear (harmonic drive) GoTo mount
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Payload capacity: 22 lbs (10 kg) without counterweights; 33 lbs (15 kg) with counterweight kit
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Weight (head only): 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
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Modes: Equatorial and Alt-Az tracking
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SynScan Hand Controller compatible
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Saddle: Dual D/V hybrid with secondary saddle included
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Latitude adjustment: 0°–90°
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Slew rate: Up to 7.5°/second
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Power requirement: 12V 2A DC (power supply not included)
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Accessories: Optional tripod, counterweight kit, pier extension
High Torque. High Precision. High Portability.
The Sky-Watcher Wave 100i is more than just a travel mount—it’s a fully featured observatory-grade platform in a compact body. With zero-backlash strain wave gears, dual saddle functionality, EQ/Alt-Az flexibility, and seamless app control, it offers capabilities far beyond its size.
Whether you're chasing totality, shooting nebulae from a desert plateau, or simply want a rig that doesn't weigh more than your scope, the Wave 100i gives you the power and precision to do more—with less.
