Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount Kit w/ CF Tripod

Description

The carbon fiber tripod maxes out at 29 inches. With the 7-inch extension tube, you’re at 36 inches of height below the mount head. That’s comfortable for seated observing or imaging with the mount at roughly waist height, but it’s not a standing-height setup. If you need more height, the tripod legs extend, but the 29-inch maximum is what it is. For most imaging setups, lower is better a lower center of gravity means less vibration and more stability.

Observing Tip

If you’re new to strain wave mounts, resist the urge to load yours to the rated maximum on the first night. Start with a lightweight setup a small refractor or a camera lens on a dovetail and learn the mount’s behavior: how it slews, how it settles, how it responds to guide corrections. Strain wave drives feel different from worm-gear mounts. The near-instant response to guide pulses can actually cause overcorrection if your guiding software’s aggressiveness settings are tuned for a traditional mount. Drop your PHD2 aggressiveness to 4050% to start, and let the mount show you what it can do before you push the payload.

Frequently Asked Questions

What telescopes fit within the 22-pound unweighted payload?
Most 80mm to 130mm APO refractors with camera and guidescope. A TeleVue NP-127is with camera comes in around 18 pounds. Lightweight 6″ Newtonians and compact 8″ f/4 imaging Newtonians also work, though balance becomes more critical with longer tubes.

Do I need the counterweight kit?
Not for most portable imaging setups with refractors or compact OTAs. The mount handles 22 pounds without one. If you plan to use heavier instruments a 6″ refractor, an 8″ SCT, a large Newtonian you’ll want the counterweight kit to reach the 33-pound capacity. It’s sold separately.

Can I use this mount visually?
Yes. AZ mode provides GoTo and tracking without polar alignment. The dual-saddle option lets you mount a telescope and a finder or second instrument simultaneously. For star parties, outreach, and casual visual observing, it works well. For serious deep-sky visual sessions where you want a tall mount, the 29-inch tripod height may feel low consider a taller pier or stool.

How does it connect to ASIAir?
Via the included USB-B cable. Plug the cable from the mount’s USB-B port into the ASIAir’s USB-A port. ASIAir recognizes the mount automatically and provides plate-solving, framing, GoTo control, and automated sequencing through its app.

What power supply do I need?
12V DC at 2A minimum. A portable lithium battery pack with a 12V DC output (5.5mm barrel plug, center-positive) is the standard field solution. Most astrophotography power stations work. The mount draws very little current a 6Ah lithium battery will typically run it for a full imaging session.

Is the extension tube necessary?
For short-tube instruments like 80mm f/6 refractors, you might not need it the tube clears the tripod legs at most orientations. For anything longer a 130mm f/7, a 6″ refractor, an SCT the extension tube prevents the optical tube from colliding with the tripod legs when the telescope points near the zenith. At 2.4 pounds, it’s cheap insurance. This kit includes it.

Accessories

• Sky-Watcher Wave Counterweight Kit. Extends payload capacity from 22 lbs to 33 lbs. Necessary for heavier optical tubes. Sold separately.
• 12V lithium field battery. Required for portable operation. A 612Ah lithium battery with 12V DC output will power the mount for a full imaging session.
• ZWO ASIAir Plus or ASIAir Mini. The wireless imaging controller that turns the Wave 100i into a phone-controlled imaging station. Plate-solving, framing, guiding, and sequencing no laptop required.
• Autoguider (guidescope + guide camera). The mount tracks well unguided for short exposures, but autoguiding is what delivers the 0.350.45″ RMS accuracy. A 30mm or 50mm guidescope with a small guide camera is the standard addition.

Final Thoughts

The Wave 100i kit solves the problem that has kept a lot of capable imagers from getting out under dark skies: weight. A complete mount system under 18 pounds that tracks at sub-arcsecond accuracy, accepts both Losmandy and Vixen dovetails, runs off a small battery, and talks to ASIAir or a laptop over Wi-Fi that’s a portable imaging platform you’ll actually use on weeknights, not just planned expeditions. The carbon fiber tripod and extension tube complete the package so you’re not piecing together components after the fact. You still need a telescope, a camera, and a power source. But the mechanical foundation the part that determines whether your images succeed or fail is well addressed. Set it up, polar-align, and start collecting photons. That’s the whole point.

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