Whether you’re an amateur astronomer seeking to upgrade your telescope setup or an experienced astrophotographer needing a lot more precision, the Skywatcher Wave150i Harmonic Mount is designed to meet your needs. This blog introduces you to the Skywatcher Wave 150i Harmonic Mount’s key features and explains why it’s a standout in its class.
Please note: There is also the Skywatcher Wave 100i Harmonic Mount available as well, which is catered for smaller rigs and has the same features, but in this blog, I will be concentrating on the larger mount.
Dual-Mode: EQ and AZ – All in One
The Skywatcher Wave150i Harmonic Mount mount brings flexibility to your observing and imaging sessions with its dual-mode capability, offering both Equatorial (EQ) and Alt-Azimuth(AZ) functionality.
- Equatorial Mode (EQ): Ideal for long-exposure astrophotography and celestial tracking, EQ mode keeps the mount aligned with the Earth’s rotation. This means you can precisely track stars, galaxies and nebulae across the sky.
- Alt-Azimuth Mode (AZ): Recommended for visual observation, AZ mode simplifies setup and operation, making it great for casual stargazing and planetary viewing.
Whether photographing distant galaxies or admiring the rings of Saturn, the Skywatcher Wave 150i Harmonic Mount can be easily adjusted to suit your needs.
The Synscan Pro App
The Skywatcher Wave 150i Harmonic Mount isn’t just another mount – it’s a smart, technology-driven tool. And with the SynScan Pro app the night sky is literally in the palm of your hand. Available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, the app offers a user-friendly interface to control the mount and access extensive object catalogues, including Messier, NGC, IC and much more.
Key app features include:
- Precise GO-TO functionality to automatically find and track celestial objects.
- Auto-Home capability to easily return the mount to its starting position after your observation session.
- Wireless connectivity for easy integration with smartphones, tablets, and computers.
The Skywatcher Wave150i Harmonic Mount also works with third-party applications like the ASIAIR, NINA, SharpCap and PHD2, ensuring seamless integration into any setup.
Precision and Power: Performance You Can Rely On
At the heart of the Skywatcher Wave150i Harmonic Mount is its powerful stepper motor system with belt drive and harmonic reducer, that delivers incredible tracking accuracy. With a gear ratio fine-tuned for precision, this mount ensures that your telescope stays locked on the target, whether you’re observing the moon’s craters or capturing deep-sky objects.
The Skywatcher Wave 150i Harmonic Mount is built to support a wide range of telescopes, from compact models to larger, heavier setups. It can handle payloads up to 15kg (without a counterweight), making it suitable for advanced astrophotography gear. For heavier payloads (up to 25kg), the mount’s optional counterweight system ensures balance, enhancing stability and reducing power consumption during long sessions.
Seamless Setup and Operation
Setting up the Skywatcher Wave150i Harmonic Mount is designed to be as easy as possible. Whether you’re in the backyard or out in a dark-sky site, this mount simplifies the process:
- Easy installation: The mount attaches quickly to a variety of tripods and extension stands, with a simple interface to align with the celestial pole when you are using EQ mode.
- Cable management: Internal cable routing minimises clutter, allowing you to focus on the sky rather than tangled cords.
- Illumination features: The illuminated latitude scale and bubble level make setup even easier, especially when working in low-light locations.
And for those who want to get even more out of the mount, the SynScan Hand Controller is available as an optional add-on, giving you a physical/tactile interface to complement the app.
What Makes the Skywatcher Wave 150i Unique?
The Sky-Watcher WAVE 150i is a game-changer because it’s Skywatcher’s first harmonic drive mount, offering unmatched precision with virtually no backlash. Harmonic mounts are known for their smooth tracking and ability to handle unbalanced payloads without counterweights, making the WAVE150i both portable and powerful.
So, what makes this mount stand out:
- Dual-Mode Flexibility: Operates in both Equatorial (EQ) for astrophotography and Alt-Azimuth (AZ) for casual stargazing – giving it versatility that many mounts lack.
- High Payload, Low Weight: Handles up to 15kg (without counterweights) while weighing just 5.8kg, making it ideal for those who need portability without sacrificing performance.
- Advanced Control: The SynScan Pro app allows wireless control with access to a large celestial catalogue, offering flexibility for both beginners and pros.
Overall, the WAVE 150i combines precision, portability, and versatility – a good choice for those seeking an advanced mount at an affordable price.
Related Accessories:
Steel Tripod and Extension Tube for Wave 100i/150i
Carbon Fibre Tripod for the Wave 100i/150i
Counterweight kit for the Wave 100i/150i
Extension Tube for the Wave 100i/150i
Synscan V5 Hand Controller
Conclusion
The Skywatcher Wave 150i Harmonic Mount, from its advanced tracking capabilities to its intuitive control options is designed to make astronomy accessible, fun, and endlessly rewarding.
Whether you’re photographing the Milky Way with your camera or simply enjoying a night under the stars, the Skywatcher Wave150i Harmonic Mount will make your journey of discovery so much better.
Explore the universe with precision. Discover more about the Sky-Watcher Skywatcher Wave 150i Harmonic Mount mount and start your stargazing adventure today.
Optics Central stocks both the Skywatcher Wave 150i and Wave 100i mounts and a wide variety of other Harmonic mounts to look at as well.
Feel free to enquire about the Skywatcher Wave 150i and Wave 100i mounts if you have any questions or comments about it.
https://www.opticscentral.com.au/skywatcher-wave-150i-strainwave-harmonic-mount.html