Just got my first strain wave mount in the AM5 and it's a total game changer. So light I just pick up the entire rig, scope and all, no problem. No more setting up and breaking down. the AM5 handles my 5" APO like it's nothing, and that's even without the counter weight. Honestly for me unless I'm permanently mounting something on a pier, I don't think I'll go back to normal worm gear mounts.
Teagan, for a standard Equatorial mount, and for astrophotography, we're told that total payload should be 50-60% of the total rated capacity of the mount. With a strain-wave mount, either from Skywater, ZWO or Ioptron, is that 50-60% limitation still in place, or can we use more of the full rated capacity of the mount?
Oh man, that 150i is very tempting. How is the polar alignment adjustments on this? Is it still a series of giant coarse-threaded screws that are frustrating to make find adjustments with?
I was going to buy an AM3 but since Sky Watcher announced these mounts I will probably go for the 100i. I like the idea of being able to mount two scopes simultaneously so I can image the sun in white light and Ha without having to set up a second mount. Look forward to your review.
It's very odd that the mount with the lower carrying capacity is the one with dual scope functionality. I'm still waiting for an in-depth review of the 150i before I make a decision on a new medium duty observatory mount so I think it's time for someone to send a few of these out to TH-camrs so we can see the guiding and cable management with the DC ports on the saddle.
Does SW plan on designing a 'weight bag' for the tripod? I am not sure I trust their tripod. The clutch design is likely a deal-breaker for me. I would need more information.
I'm wondering if these new StrainWave mounts will better handle lower outside temp, i mean lower than -15C, and at least down to -25C ? 🤔 The AM5 is not rated for low temp like that.
Strainwave Mounts don't make any sense until they drop in price at least 50% - their tracking is same as comparable GEM half the price, and their main advantage, no counter weight, is only applicable to light and short loads. And, their long term reliability is questionable due to very complex and expensive strain wave gears.
I haven't decided yet but I have a question . In regards to connection cameras like zwo and asi air products need internet wifi connection . Say u go to a star party away from home or any dark location how does receiving images from deep space targets in the night sky work and how does collecting images or operating systems work with wifi? Forgive me I'm not familiar with wifi very much and not familiar with astrophotography I'm new ty now how does all these connection work when u away from home?
You don't need internet to control the zwo products. You can connect directly to them through a wired connection or via their on-board wifi. Wifi is just a type of wireless connection. It does not mean it has to be or is connected to the internet. Similar to how you might connect your bluetooth headphones to your phone, it's just a type of wireless connection. So, yes, you can easily use your ZWO products at a remote site/star party without internet. These Sky watcher mounts will likely be no different.
Too expensive compared to ZWO, especially considering Skywatcher's history of quality control on their mounts. These need to be $300 less than what they are. At least.
they look so plain. HEQ 5 and 6 look so much better. ZWO mounts looks fantastic. these new SW look so low-tech and dull. most dull looking product they ever made.
Going to have to save up for the 150i I think. Thanks for the early info!
Already pre-ordered a 150i. 😎
Thanks for posting about this exciting development!
Just got my first strain wave mount in the AM5 and it's a total game changer. So light I just pick up the entire rig, scope and all, no problem. No more setting up and breaking down. the AM5 handles my 5" APO like it's nothing, and that's even without the counter weight. Honestly for me unless I'm permanently mounting something on a pier, I don't think I'll go back to normal worm gear mounts.
Teagan, for a standard Equatorial mount, and for astrophotography, we're told that total payload should be 50-60% of the total rated capacity of the mount. With a strain-wave mount, either from Skywater, ZWO or Ioptron, is that 50-60% limitation still in place, or can we use more of the full rated capacity of the mount?
Oh man, that 150i is very tempting. How is the polar alignment adjustments on this? Is it still a series of giant coarse-threaded screws that are frustrating to make find adjustments with?
A bit pricey.
I was going to buy an AM3 but since Sky Watcher announced these mounts I will probably go for the 100i. I like the idea of being able to mount two scopes simultaneously so I can image the sun in white light and Ha without having to set up a second mount. Look forward to your review.
Is the usb a port on 150i a usb hub? Can I connect my camera to it? And have the mount + camera + autoguider connected via wifi?
Looks very promising for some good travel gear, especially at the given price ! Can’t wait for your review on both mounts
It's very odd that the mount with the lower carrying capacity is the one with dual scope functionality.
I'm still waiting for an in-depth review of the 150i before I make a decision on a new medium duty observatory mount so I think it's time for someone to send a few of these out to TH-camrs so we can see the guiding and cable management with the DC ports on the saddle.
might get the 100i to replace the heq5 pro. Love the heq5, but the lightweight and simplicity sounds really nice.
Does SW plan on designing a 'weight bag' for the tripod? I am not sure I trust their tripod. The clutch design is likely a deal-breaker for me. I would need more information.
I'm wondering if these new StrainWave mounts will better handle lower outside temp, i mean lower than -15C, and at least down to -25C ? 🤔
The AM5 is not rated for low temp like that.
I have heard of some people re-appropriating dew heaters to wrap around the body of the mount for that very reason.
Strainwave Mounts don't make any sense until they drop in price at least 50% - their tracking is same as comparable GEM half the price, and their main advantage, no counter weight, is only applicable to light and short loads. And, their long term reliability is questionable due to very complex and expensive strain wave gears.
Isn't another advantage of these types of mounts that you don't have to do a meridian flip
I haven't decided yet but I have a question . In regards to connection cameras like zwo and asi air products need internet wifi connection . Say u go to a star party away from home or any dark location how does receiving images from deep space targets in the night sky work and how does collecting images or operating systems work with wifi? Forgive me I'm not familiar with wifi very much and not familiar with astrophotography I'm new ty now how does all these connection work when u away from home?
You don't need internet to control the zwo products. You can connect directly to them through a wired connection or via their on-board wifi. Wifi is just a type of wireless connection. It does not mean it has to be or is connected to the internet. Similar to how you might connect your bluetooth headphones to your phone, it's just a type of wireless connection. So, yes, you can easily use your ZWO products at a remote site/star party without internet. These Sky watcher mounts will likely be no different.
@@jimmazing Yep, it just requires you to set up a hotspot that you connect your other gear to.
Are there any plans for a Sky-Watcher smart telescope?
why??
Too expensive compared to ZWO, especially considering Skywatcher's history of quality control on their mounts. These need to be $300 less than what they are. At least.
The rest of the world are on Metric - Kg😢
they look so plain. HEQ 5 and 6 look so much better. ZWO mounts looks fantastic. these new SW look so low-tech and dull. most dull looking product they ever made.
Oh dear, a ZWO fanboy that thinks bling makes for better AP.