What's Up? Webcast: Wave Mounts

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

If you had a question that you didn't get a chance to ask during the live show, please put them here so Kevin can answer them.

[@stadtchronistjennersdorf6351]

25kg payload (incl. counterweights) seems to be very ambitious for the 150i - for example would it really, not only handle, although the numbers fit, an ESPRIT 150 ED APO for astrophotography use?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

@@stadtchronistjennersdorf6351 Yes, but you'll need to use counterweights and a very stable tripod.

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Counterweight bar thread: M16x2.0

[@cesarpixel5160]

Finally arriving. I've avoided all other strainwave mounts just for the SW one. I have the HEQ5 pro and GTI and Im sold to the SW mounts. -Cesar, Montreal, Qc, Canada.👍🏾

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Wave 100 will NOT work with the ZWO TC40 tripod but the Wave 150i does fit it.

[@saschamoritz1446]

Did I get this correct, that for the USB the port on the DEC could be used as an input, routed through the mount to the saddle and that is than connected to the USB-B on the Saddle to control the mount? Because if I am mounting my Mini-PC on the Telescope, this would be the best case to control the mount without cable snagging...

[@PeterMostl-oq1rj]

I would be interested in that too? @SkyWatcherUSA I'm also a bit confused as the USB input port on the saddle is USB-3 (blue). On the other hand, the output port appears to be USB-2 (gray). Or is it bidirectional? So simply routed through one to one? I'm also a bit confused as the USB input port on the saddle is USB-3 (blue). On the other hand, the output port appears to be USB-2 (gray).

[@mluu83]

Can the 150i handle 12V 10amps from the saddle connectors to support a Pegasus powerbox?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

You are likely limited to 5amps on the saddle power.

[@livepege8409]

Thank you! It's a very interesting mount, but it lacks in payload capacity. I would be glad to see a 35 kg payload capacity.

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Making a strain-wave that can hold 35kg likely isn't an issue. The issue the the tripod/pier needed to hold such a mount and its payload without falling out due to unbalanced weight. Strain-waves are meant to be lightweight and compact. Making them larger means a much larger tripod. This goes against the overall goal of what these mounts are for. We are sure there will be larger strain-waves in the future but you will loose out on its convenience very quickly due to the required tripod.

[@theloafofbread3214]

True, ioptrons hae69 has a payload capacity of 31 kg though

[@rockmusicvideoreviewer896]

@@SkyWatcherUSA But a 35kg capacity mount with compatible tripod will still be much lighter than a conventional system,

[@sergiodigiulio62]

Would the 150i be able to support the SW Quattro 250p with astrophotography equipment with good stability?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

You are really pushing it due to the mass of the Quattro OTA.

[@NikonJax]

I have a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod. Can I use that with the 100i? I really don't need another tripod.... Thanks :)

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

If it has a 3/8 thread then yes you could. Just be aware of your payload as most of the time these are not balanced. A wide spread tripod is ideal.

[@RichNH]

What is the thread size for the rod that holds the Wave 150i to the tripod? Great video, can't wait until my preferred supplier adds it to their website.

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Those are standard 3/8 threads.

[@AstroLadsi]

@SkyWatcherUSA Is any of these mount heads compatible with the HEQ5 tripod?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

We will not be providing an adapter for that tripod, however we will have adapters for the EQ6 tripod.

[@SKYST0RY]

Will the 150i have a recommended maximum focal length? If so, what is it?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

For best performance we would recommend staying under 1000mm. However your mileage my vary.

[@benoitbreton5243]

What is the lowest temp in Celsius where we can use these mount during the Winter ?

[@TheImprovisations]

I believe the manual states -10 degrees celcius.

[@photoday39]

Thank you for the review. When will this mount be available in europe (local dealers)?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

We don't have visibility into when the mount is having its European launch. Check with your local distributors/dealers for that. If you're not sure who to contact, check here: skywatcher.com/where-to-buy/

[@jasonruch552]

Will the Wave 150 mount to AZ-EQ 5 pier tripod via the the adapter spacer?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

No, we will not be offering an adapter for this tripod at this time.

[@davidmoore770]

Hey Kevin. Love your broadcasts! Have you thought of interviewing actual workers at observatories and the daily work/ annual work involved in maintenance of said telescopes? Also I had a bad storm the other day and though covered and protected my eq8- r pro tipped over and broke one of the handles and a cover plate. Sky watcher support has said I have to request this next month and each month after as none available now. Can you help me out on this please? Thanks

[@KJRitch]

Are these suitable for longer focal lengths, 1450mm and 2032mm. C8 SCT. Any chance an adapter to mount the 150i on an AVX mount? Will you be selling the EQ6 tripod separately? Thanks.

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Yes, we will have an EQ6 tripod sold for the Wave mounts. We hope to have more information on that soon. We will also be running it with longer scopes here shortly as well.

[@AstroLadsi]

@@SkyWatcherUSA also the HEQ5 tripod will be suitable?

[@kmh032008]

@@SkyWatcherUSAcurious to see how this shakes out. Considering replacing eq6r with w150 (something more portable). Have an edge 9.25 and all the photo gear riding on top.

[@michaelkohl2250]

I need a eq8 tripier extension pls 😂

[@mr.f.9672]

Any chance to reuse a 1.75" steel tripod for eqm35 pro with the new specific Eq6 pier extension?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

The threading is different so they are not compatible.

[@YTc705]

When is the 150i going to begin shipping? Team Red’s new offering is looking nicer the longer we wait.

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

The first shipment should be arriving late this month. Customers will likely start seeing them early/mid September.

[@alianmontreal8593]

Will it be able to handle the charge of the 250PDS with all the photo gear ?? (using a bigger tripod of course)

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

That scope might be a little long for such a mount.

[@AstroLadsi]

@@SkyWatcherUSA and what about 200P ?

[@sergiodigiulio62]

Do you believe the 150i with a steel tripod will be able to hold an OTA SW Quattro 10 with accessories for astrophotography ?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

It might be the upper limit on it as the mount is rather small. Any breeze will likely cause the tube to shake.

[@arthurwiegman5512]

The video was interesting, but at times you couldn't be heard due to separate glitches.

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

We will look into this.

[@billkonkel6325]

Have any Wave Mounts been sent out to KZbinrs for review yet?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Yes! We have samples with Astrobackyard, High Point, Ontario Telescope, Sky & Telescope, and a few others. You should be seeing hands-on reviews cropping up very soon. Also, we have a new episode featuring the Wave mounts on August 16th, now that we have units in bound. These should be in dealers hands in the next three-to-four weeks.

[@billkonkel6325]

@@SkyWatcherUSA Great, I have already ordered a Wave100i and I look forward to seeing how the experts use it!

[@doncrawfordx]

Is the advertised payload capacity for observing, while still recommending 70% of maximum payload weight for imaging?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Yes, we always recommend using a payload under the listed capacity, regardless of which mount you're using.

[@doncrawfordx]

@@SkyWatcherUSA Thanks for the response. Cheers

[@josemhernandez8733]

sound too low!!

[@darrinrodriguez9700]

You gotta stop saying “uhh” 😊

[@dominicmarino9828]

WHY DO YOU KEEP SAYING AHHH, ITS VERY DISTRACTING

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

WHY ARE YOU TYPING IN ALL CAPS??!!