Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Strainwave Mount Head

A 12.8lb mount head that carries 33lb, on the tripod or pier you choose

The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Strainwave Mount Head is a computerized GoTo mount for astrophotography and visual observing. A strain wave (harmonic) gear drive gives it high torque in a compact body, so you can leave the counterweight bar at home, and it switches between equatorial mode for imaging and alt-az mode for quick visual sessions. It connects over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB, and plugs straight into an ASIAIR with the included USB-B cable.

Key specs: strain wave drive, 300:1 total ratio · 33lb (15kg) payload, 55lb (25kg) with counterweight kit · 12.8lb (5.8kg) head · EQ and alt-az modes · saddle hub with internal cabling · single Vixen/Losmandy saddle · slews up to 10°/sec · 12V DC

The Wave 150i is on display in our Denver store, so you can see it in person before you buy.

What you can image

• Nebulae with a refractor: the Orion Nebula, the Lagoon Nebula and the Veil Nebula with an 80mm to 130mm apochromat and a cooled camera.
• Galaxies at longer focal lengths: the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), M81 and M82, and the Leo Triplet with an 8" SCT or a long refractor.
• The Moon and planets: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars through a heavier SCT, then switch to alt-az mode for a look through the eyepiece.
• Satellites: slewing at up to 10° per second, plus Sky-Watcher's satellite tracking software for Windows, lets you follow the International Space Station.

Choose your support

The head needs something to stand on. Wave tripods and extensions are matched in pairs, so pick one of these:

• Travel setup: the Wave carbon fiber tripod (5.3lb, 2.4kg) with the Wave tripod extension pier. Or get both with the head in the Wave 150i carbon fiber kit.
• Home or dark-site setup: the EQ6 to Wave steel tripod with 2" steel legs, plus the Wave-to-EQ6 adapter and pier extension, which the steel tripod needs to fit a Wave head. Or get both in the Wave 150i steel tripod kit.
• Already have a Wave tripod or a pier: the head alone is all you need.

The two extensions aren't interchangeable: the carbon tripod uses the Wave tripod extension pier, and the steel tripod uses the Wave-to-EQ6 adapter.

Why it's easy to set up

Set the head on its tripod or pier and level it with the backlit bubble level. The latitude scale has a red LED backlight too, so polar alignment is easier in the dark. Homing sensors on both axes let the mount find its home position on its own, and the RA axis brakes when the power goes off, so a heavy telescope won't swing if you lose power.

Control it with the free SynScan app on your phone or tablet, an optional SynScan hand controller, or third-party software such as the ASIAIR, StellarMate and ASCOM programs on a laptop. Balancing is optional on a strain wave mount, but the Wave 150i lets you balance on both axes, which helps with long or heavy telescopes.

What to add for the best results

• A tripod or pier (required): see the options above.
• A telescope and camera (required): the optical tube isn't included. Keep the total under 33lb, or 55lb with the counterweight kit.
• Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro (or another 12V supply, required): the mount needs 12V DC at 2A, which isn't included.
• Wave counterweight kit: raises the payload to 55lb (25kg) for large SCTs and heavy triplets.
• ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and focusing from your phone. The USB-B cable for it is in the box.
• ZWO 30F5 guide scope and ASI220MM Mini guide camera: guiding helps any mount hold round stars in long exposures.
• SynScan V5 hand controller (optional): for control without a phone.

Wave 150i head vs. the kits

The Wave 100i also comes as a carbon fiber kit and a steel tripod kit. See all Sky-Watcher Wave mounts.

What's in the box

• Sky-Watcher Wave 150i strain wave mount head
• Carry case with cut foam
• USB-B cable for ASIAIR or computer control

The tripod, extension, telescope, counterweight kit, 12V power supply and SynScan hand controller are sold separately.

Sky-Watcher Wave 150i FAQ

Does the Wave 150i head come with a tripod?

No. This is the head only. Add the Wave carbon fiber tripod and extension pier, or the steel tripod and Wave-to-EQ6 adapter. The carbon kit and steel kit include them.

Do I need a counterweight?

Not for loads up to 33lb (15kg). A strain wave drive has enough torque to hold the telescope without one. Add the Wave counterweight kit if your telescope, camera and accessories weigh more, up to 55lb (25kg).

Will it carry my telescope?

Weigh everything that goes on the saddle: telescope, rings, dovetail, camera, guide scope, focuser and dew heaters. If the total is under 33lb, it's within the rating without a counterweight. Most 80mm to 130mm refractors and 8" or 9.25" SCTs with a camera fit. Send us your list and we'll check it for you.

Does it work with the ASIAIR?

Yes. Connect it with the included USB-B cable and select the mount in the ASIAIR app. It also works with StellarMate and ASCOM software on a laptop.

Wave 150i or Wave 100i?

Choose the 150i for loads over 22lb or if you want the saddle hub and internal cabling. The Wave 100i head is 3.3lb lighter, carries 22lb, and has a second saddle for running two telescopes side by side.

What power does it need?

12V DC at 2A. A PowerTank Lithium Pro works in the field. The power supply isn't included.

Can I see one before I buy?

Yes. The Wave 150i is on display in our Denver store.

Specifications