Looks like this will be heavy competition with the ZWO AM3/5 mounts. As an owner of the EQ6R-Pro, I am looking at the 150i to host my Celestron 11" Edge HD. Now, I just need to get my bank account to rise a bit.
Since there is a lot less bulk and weight when it comes to strain wave mounts, compared to similar performance traditional ones (Like the HEQ6pro) , shipping should be cheaper for distributors and the factory. I'll be waiting for the prices to calm down a bit. Strain wave tech is not new, it's been around in construction and heavy machinery it just hasn't been utilized this way before.
Thanks for the review. I’m very interested in the 150i. Is the “home” issue a hardware or firmware issue? Has skywatcher identified a fix for the problem.
I was very interested in the 100i, as I am looking for a smaller mount for a more portable setup. However, I was very disappointed when I saw that they did not put any power outputs on the saddle. I know there are other ways to get power to my astro gear, but having that power output to run a pegasus power distribution box, without having to run an extra power port, is kind of a deal breaker. Especially from a cable management place. I would have preferred that they did two versions, one with the duel saddle, and one with the added power port outputs on the mount. To have duel saddle on a mount that small, to me, does not make much sense. Maybe for solar. I will keep looking. Pegasus might win this one with their newer smaller mount. Just an opinion. Clear Skies
Thank you for the review! I've been looking forward to hearing more about these two gems. Has Sky-Watcher mentioned when the mounts expected to be released?
So, the one spec that I haven't been able to find about the 100i is how much weight can the second saddle carry? I wanna put my C9.25 (20 lbs.) as the main scope on the 22 lb. side, but how much more can I put on the other side?
Yes, both saddles can be used in eq mode! The double saddles are meant for imaging (using two telescopes to get double the data), so they'll want to be in eq mode for that.
If I want to use NINA on Windows to control this mount, I guess I have to rely on ASCOM synscan pro app driver. I have a lot of trouble and finally gave up. Will Skywatcher release drivers (ASCOM or not) that can be used without Synscan Pro app ? Otherwise, I may have to go with ZWO AM5N.
Hi! Can anybody give me with some details on the SW Q-AL55i Pro mount? I have seen very little info/reviews about this Adventurer GTi "big brother". Do you guys at HPS have this? I appreciate any feedback you may have. Thx!!
Great question! We believe that the 150i does not have dual saddles due to the through-mount cabling and the powered hub that are built into the saddle of the 150i.
I wanted to know which one is better compared to the rival ZWO's AM5N. Thank you for your support.✨
Looks like this will be heavy competition with the ZWO AM3/5 mounts. As an owner of the EQ6R-Pro, I am looking at the 150i to host my Celestron 11" Edge HD. Now, I just need to get my bank account to rise a bit.
Looks like interesting mounts.
Still about 1000$ too expensive imo but among the regular brands i guess it sits where it should.
Good review of the S- W strain wave mounts. Fire intro! Loving my Apertura Carbonstar 8" RC!
Wizard Nebula = perfect target for this setup.
Since there is a lot less bulk and weight when it comes to strain wave mounts, compared to similar performance traditional ones (Like the HEQ6pro) , shipping should be cheaper for distributors and the factory. I'll be waiting for the prices to calm down a bit. Strain wave tech is not new, it's been around in construction and heavy machinery it just hasn't been utilized this way before.
I've been suffering with an LX85 full of backlash for years, and these new strain wave mounts are calling my name.
Thanks for the review. I’m very interested in the 150i. Is the “home” issue a hardware or firmware issue? Has skywatcher identified a fix for the problem.
As far as we can tell, the homing position was a firmware issue. Once we updated the firmware, we no longer had any issues!
Late to the party, but some interesting features to set them apart. Is it enough though? Or too little too late?
I was very interested in the 100i, as I am looking for a smaller mount for a more portable setup. However, I was very disappointed when I saw that they did not put any power outputs on the saddle. I know there are other ways to get power to my astro gear, but having that power output to run a pegasus power distribution box, without having to run an extra power port, is kind of a deal breaker. Especially from a cable management place. I would have preferred that they did two versions, one with the duel saddle, and one with the added power port outputs on the mount. To have duel saddle on a mount that small, to me, does not make much sense. Maybe for solar. I will keep looking. Pegasus might win this one with their newer smaller mount. Just an opinion. Clear Skies
Thank you for the review! I've been looking forward to hearing more about these two gems. Has Sky-Watcher mentioned when the mounts expected to be released?
Thanks for the thorough review!
So, the one spec that I haven't been able to find about the 100i is how much weight can the second saddle carry? I wanna put my C9.25 (20 lbs.) as the main scope on the 22 lb. side, but how much more can I put on the other side?
Im just gonna say we would appreciate Metric conversions, at least on screen.
Awesome mounts not so awesome price, also can you at least superimpose the metric conversions for weights? pounds mean nothing outside the US
Can both saddles be used in eq mode?
Yes, both saddles can be used in eq mode! The double saddles are meant for imaging (using two telescopes to get double the data), so they'll want to be in eq mode for that.
@highpointscientific ty so much for the great reply
If I want to use NINA on Windows to control this mount, I guess I have to rely on ASCOM synscan pro app driver. I have a lot of trouble and finally gave up. Will Skywatcher release drivers (ASCOM or not) that can be used without Synscan Pro app ? Otherwise, I may have to go with ZWO AM5N.
If Eqmod works with these mounts, what I wrote above would be moot.
Hi! Can anybody give me with some details on the SW Q-AL55i Pro mount? I have seen very little info/reviews about this Adventurer GTi "big brother". Do you guys at HPS have this? I appreciate any feedback you may have. Thx!!
Why 150i doesn't have dual saddle?
Great question! We believe that the 150i does not have dual saddles due to the through-mount cabling and the powered hub that are built into the saddle of the 150i.
Nice review, thanks! Can’t wait to get mine (my order is in your queue)! 🪐🙂