Thank you for this video, you drew my attention to the flimsy specs declared for the SW carbon tripod, and just in time to modify my order. Cross-checking with SW advice and hearing that I should wait for a future (metal) product to carry the 150i (seriously? they bundle the 150i and carbon item), I'm really happy I now have my new Wave mount sitting perfectly on the ZWO tripod and extension! In Europe this increased the cost a bit - the extension in particular is a bit overpriced - but I'm confident it's a better solution.
Nice video, well explained. The thing that I really don't like on all those strainwave mounts is the little saddle with the little knobs, way to small to make it easy to work and to tighten
@@siegfriednoet i agree, its a bit "wobbly" as I'm putting my scope on, but super solid as soon as secured. Still feels weird without the counterweight.
Why do you need the counterweight? I thought one of the advantages of these strain wave mounts is the lack of a requirement for a counterweight when the payload is relatively light
I have a larger refractor setup (that I don't show in the video). I'll use it on that one but not the smaller refractor I used in the video. Just put it on top illustrate how to do it for now. Can go up to 33 pounds without counterweight and up to 55 with.
@@Brentless Cool! These strain wave mounts are a godsend. I had an EQ6R too; I replaced it with a AM5 and couldn't be happier. My heaviest payload is an Askar 120APO with 70mm guidescope on top and a ZWO ASI2600MC main camera. Two trips to set up/tear down and no strained back as a consequence.
I also have the PE200 so glad to see that this mount works with it - thinking about this one vs. the AM5N. I want a mount that can handle whatever scope I buy moving forward. I have a 8 inch Newtonian that weighs about 35 lbs all in.
@@mantownmedia78 definitely you'll want the counterweight kit. I'm gonna the adapter for the eq6r when it comes out I think, for my larger scope setup I'm approaching that weight too, and even on the TC40 I just feel ill want something more solid from the tripod perspective I looked at the zwo mounts too for a while, but I'm not disappointed with this at all. Have some colleagues that have them and they work great too, but they are also locked into the zwo ecosystem, and I'm not (mini pc, pegasus products, etc)
Nice video. I noticed you use a Pegasus power box to power your mount. I fried my mount with a Pegasus power box. I now use a separate power power source for my mount.
@@lcxt9 ouch, sorry to hear that, haven't had a problem doing it on my EQ6R for probably 4 years But not planning to use power from the powerbox on the 150i.
Nice video, looks like a superb mount. I also own a EQ6r-pro, love it but it is heavy. I setup and break down every night, so yes, is a bit of a chore. One comparison that I woud like to see (or should I say hear? :) ) is how noisy is the 150i against the eq6r-pro. I have neighbours very close and I can't slew or meridian flip the mount after certain hour, so not to disturb anyone. Enjoy your new mount! Looking forward to your results.
@@sjpp71 it feels quieter to me, but if so, not that much, but I don't think the eq6r is all that loud myself technically Bummer the proximity, I'd be telling them to get a white noise machine or something, lol 😁
Nice video :) I have the AM5 and also a CEM40. Am thinking of a 2nd strain wave as I am getting older and not as strong as I used to be. I like that I can use my current tripod and get the same for the 2nd mount. Love your pics! What is your solar setup? Subscribed :)
hey brent...Kenny from cloudy nights. I forgot to ask, have you tried to mount the Pier Extension on the SW EQ Mount? I've seen videos on attaching the ZWO one and they had to use a different bolt(?)
Many thanks Brent for your very helpful video. Il live in France and I expect receiving my new SW150i by the end of the month.. As with my EQ6R, I will control my new mount using NINA + green swamp server. In your video you mentioned using an "EQ Mod cable" is recommended by Skywatcher. Did you try? Also a question regarding the connectivity: Would you plug in an EQ mod cable on the two RJ45 and USB Aux port (RA panel) + connect the USB Aux output (Dec hub) to your mini pc ? Any recommendations or comments? Rgds Jean Pierre
I did try both and both work just fine. Basically I am still using my short usb b to usb a with right angles on the back panel. In my case, the eqmod cable would connect into the ethernet jack (literally right next to the usb b port) and into the same usb a port on the back panel. Then nothing plugs into the usb b port anymore. If you are using the handset, you'd plug the ethernet side into the handset, the handset to the ethernet on the back panel, and then again the usb a to the back panel From what I've heard the eqmod cables have longer life (and hold up but in cold weather), but I've got a ton of usb cables obviously in my setup, so I'm planning to just keep using the B to A until/unless i see a failure, but I'll always have the eqmod cable in my bag if I need to swap it out for some reason
The PE200 can be used to connect to Skywatcher and AVX tripods. Interesting that Skywatcher designed this new mount to work with the ZWO pier and TC40. So far the only thing I don't like about this mount is the power connections is pointing up to the dovetail. I'm wondering about dew accumulating in the connections. Will you do a review on how well it guides? I expect it to guide as well as other strain wave mounts using a small refractor. Do you have an SCT you can try on this mount for high focal length guide testing? Thanks for a very good unboxing and initial setup.
No SCT, but I do have a ES127 refractor (focal length 952) as well (haven't put it on yet, leery on just using it on the TC40 without a bit more support). My initial experience with guiding is I am matching exactly what I had with my EQ6R (0.5 to 0.8 roughly). I haven't noticed any dew on the connection, wondering if the heat generated from the unit combats that inherently. I did get several right angle connectors, that made a huge difference on the spacing with the dovetail and the RA panel on the back.
Dear Brent I have two additional and final questions : 1) as of today in your current setup, what kind of cable are you using to connect the "AUX USB" on the hub and your "MeLe mini pc", which is the same as mine ? The USB C port of this mini pc is being used for the power supply and and what is left are three or four USB 3.0 ports of blue type? 2) second question relates to the two "AUX PWR ports" on the hub : are they 2.1 or 2.5 mm? In other words same diameter of pins as the mount electrical supply or the hub electrical supply of the back panel (RA panel). Again many thanls for your help as I can not find the right information on the web...
I'm uploading a video that might explain it better than words. I'll post link here as soon as it finishes uploading too. But i have a usb b to usb a on the ra back panel, then a usb a to usb a that goes from the saddle usb to my Mini pc (one of the bigger usb a ports on the smaller side) The power ports on the saddle are both 2.5mm. The power INPUT to the saddle on the ra panel is also 2.5mm The only 2.1mm cable is the one that directly powers the mount (on the ra panel).
Hi, did you need to include the router on your rig because it is set up out of the reach of your home wifi ? I have a Mele 4 OC too, which I set up outside but it can still connect to my observatory wifi. But it was not the most stable connection. So I've bought some external antennae from Amazon and fitted them on the Mele (there's room behind the logo) much better now. I also wondering if you don't have flex in your system the way it is now ? It is a small and light refractor so maybe not that much of a deal, but in your shoe's I would try to make it all more compact. CS
@@Miguel_Noppe i don't use the mini router when I'm at home most of the time. Depends where i setup an how far away from my home access point i am, but I've got it set up so the mini router connects to my home wifi so that gives me extra range if i need it. Mainly use it when I go out into the field. I know there are ways to somehow make the mele is own Hotspot, but this little mini router works super well. Curious which antenna did you purchase? I've not noticed any flex or had any trouble with it. The parts are pretty solid as a rock.
Hi Brent, I think i will switch soon to this new mount Could you tell me if the counterweight bar has the same thread as the EQ6 ? Also does it feel really stable with a kind of big scope as a Mewlon 250 and then pier extension or not ? Thanks !
The counterweight bar is the same size and thread as my EQ6R bar. The long one that screws into the mount itself is thicker, but the smaller extension threads right onto my EQ6R bar. The counterweight itself could be used on either my EQ6R, and the EQ6R counterweights I have look like I could easily use them on the 150i. I haven't "used" it, but it feels really solid from some lightweight testing. My plan is for my bigger scopes, I won't use my smaller tripod (the TC40). I think the scopes I have would probably be fine, but it makes me a bit leery still at this point. But I'm planning to put the 150i on my EQ6R tripod I think if I want to use the bigger scope with the 150i, just for that extra base stability.
Hello Brent! Greetings from Italy. I have been thinking about the very same changes in wiring you are doing here; my Wave 150i is still not available from my usual supplier and I come from my beloved AZ-EQ6. I heard about *potential* issues when powering the mount from a powerbox; I used to do that when powering the AZ-EQ6 from my Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advance (without any issue!) BUT I use a 13.6V LiFePO4 battery, granting me ALWAYS at least 12.8V when partially discharged; I hate to route a second cable, just because I am still not sure whether I will risk my equipment or not. I am thinking about a splitter cable with 2 5.5x2.1 jacks at the end of a single cable from my battery: one will power the powerbox (and running accessories), while the other will power the mount alone. Wouldn't this be cleaner than using two different cables? This way will the mount be still independent from the powerbox, or not?
So I am not an expert in this, but I have been weighing the same thing or something similar, would a single line from my Bluetti battery up to the mount, split it with a DC Y cord at the 150i. I'll probably post in a few forums on it, i'm sure Sky-watcher wouldnt recommend it, but I'm not positive that it WOULDNT work just fine My Bluetti does allow me to run both cables if I need to and I have them, so I may not bother, but it would simplify things a bit.
@@Brentless a few hours ago I asked the question to a friend of mine, who works as a technician on several electrical devices and he's really more expert than me. Well, he agreed that a single line with a splitter at the end, to power the mount directly and all other devices through the powerbox, would work just the same as two separate lines, but it is a cleaner solution. I my opinion we could imagine that empirically: two separate cable or one signle cable, but the battery has the same total load on it. The problem that people (Skywatcher itself too) are talking about is the behaviour of every powerbox, which could potentially be unable to give enough power to the mount when it slews and asks for more amps. So the main goal is only avoiding the powerbox between battery and mount. In my case, the battery runs between 13.6V and 12,8V, so I am still pretty sure that it's a non problem. But we manage costly toys, and you know what I mean.
Hi. I was very interested in the adapter you used to connect your Star Adventurer to the new Triopod. Could you please clarify where your got the adapter with 3/8th bolt? Thanks
@@keithnisbet so it is just a 3/8 bolt (1.5 inches long) that I picked up from local hardware store (Lowes) The adapter plate is just to one that is on top of the ZWO TC40 or PE200.
Functionally, i don't think I can say one is better than the other. A lot of colleagues in my local astrophotography group have AM5's (don't thank any of them have the n's yet), but they do what they are supposed to do. If you are all into the ZWO ecosystem (ASIAIR, etc), it is a no brainer, just stay in the ZWO family. I have a level of trust with Sky-watcher (given my history with their mounts) that made me feel comfortable investing the extra couple hundred for the 150i. Plus outside of my camera, I'm not really in the ZWO ecosystem (using Windows Mini PCs, using Pegasus products, etc). I really like the in-mount cable routing, I don't know if any other strain wave mount has that right now.
Nice, I must have missed that addition. Looks like it is one way (not a problem if you have mini pc or asi air up top), Sky-watcher's can go either way, a small benefit maybe to people that still use laptops or what not but still have components up top. Neither here nor there. I think price will settle out, and Sky-watcher (late to the game) will continue to catch up. But honestly, I think it will start to come down to brand loyalty. The AM5n could definitely do everything I need the 150i to do. In the end, I was willing to roll the dice on this first release version.
Thank you for this video, you drew my attention to the flimsy specs declared for the SW carbon tripod, and just in time to modify my order. Cross-checking with SW advice and hearing that I should wait for a future (metal) product to carry the 150i (seriously? they bundle the 150i and carbon item), I'm really happy I now have my new Wave mount sitting perfectly on the ZWO tripod and extension! In Europe this increased the cost a bit - the extension in particular is a bit overpriced - but I'm confident it's a better solution.
Glad the decision works for you too. I'm sure the SW is fine too, but in the end, I still feel the TC40 was the right choice for me.
Nice video, well explained. The thing that I really don't like on all those strainwave mounts is the little saddle with the little knobs, way to small to make it easy to work and to tighten
@@siegfriednoet i agree, its a bit "wobbly" as I'm putting my scope on, but super solid as soon as secured. Still feels weird without the counterweight.
@@Brentless Thanks, will you ever test it with a larger payload, let's say around 50 pounds ?
@@siegfriednoet i don't have anything that big yet, max right now is about 30 to 35 lbs. But I wanted something that I could if I get to that point.
Why do you need the counterweight? I thought one of the advantages of these strain wave mounts is the lack of a requirement for a counterweight when the payload is relatively light
I have a larger refractor setup (that I don't show in the video). I'll use it on that one but not the smaller refractor I used in the video. Just put it on top illustrate how to do it for now. Can go up to 33 pounds without counterweight and up to 55 with.
@@Brentless Cool! These strain wave mounts are a godsend. I had an EQ6R too; I replaced it with a AM5 and couldn't be happier. My heaviest payload is an Askar 120APO with 70mm guidescope on top and a ZWO ASI2600MC main camera. Two trips to set up/tear down and no strained back as a consequence.
It really helps balance the tripod, my tripod almost tipped over without the counterweight
I also have the PE200 so glad to see that this mount works with it - thinking about this one vs. the AM5N. I want a mount that can handle whatever scope I buy moving forward. I have a 8 inch Newtonian that weighs about 35 lbs all in.
@@mantownmedia78 definitely you'll want the counterweight kit. I'm gonna the adapter for the eq6r when it comes out I think, for my larger scope setup I'm approaching that weight too, and even on the TC40 I just feel ill want something more solid from the tripod perspective
I looked at the zwo mounts too for a while, but I'm not disappointed with this at all. Have some colleagues that have them and they work great too, but they are also locked into the zwo ecosystem, and I'm not (mini pc, pegasus products, etc)
Nice video. I noticed you use a Pegasus power box to power your mount. I fried my mount with a Pegasus power box. I now use a separate power power source for my mount.
@@lcxt9 ouch, sorry to hear that, haven't had a problem doing it on my EQ6R for probably 4 years
But not planning to use power from the powerbox on the 150i.
Nice video, looks like a superb mount. I also own a EQ6r-pro, love it but it is heavy. I setup and break down every night, so yes, is a bit of a chore. One comparison that I woud like to see (or should I say hear? :) ) is how noisy is the 150i against the eq6r-pro. I have neighbours very close and I can't slew or meridian flip the mount after certain hour, so not to disturb anyone. Enjoy your new mount! Looking forward to your results.
@@sjpp71 it feels quieter to me, but if so, not that much, but I don't think the eq6r is all that loud myself technically
Bummer the proximity, I'd be telling them to get a white noise machine or something, lol 😁
My EQ6R pro is very quiet, maybe there’s something wrong with yours?
@@woody5109 I don't think so. I mean it is not abnormally noisy, but you know how it is, at late hours everything sounds noisier.
Nice video :) I have the AM5 and also a CEM40. Am thinking of a 2nd strain wave as I am getting older and not as strong as I used to be. I like that I can use my current tripod and get the same for the 2nd mount. Love your pics! What is your solar setup? Subscribed :)
Thanks! I use a daystar quark on either this William Optics 70mm refractor or an Explore Scientific 127mm refractor, with an ASI432 camera.
hey brent...Kenny from cloudy nights. I forgot to ask, have you tried to mount the Pier Extension on the SW EQ Mount? I've seen videos on attaching the ZWO one and they had to use a different bolt(?)
Many thanks Brent for your very helpful video. Il live in France and I expect receiving my new SW150i by the end of the month.. As with my EQ6R, I will control my new mount using NINA + green swamp server. In your video you mentioned using an "EQ Mod cable" is recommended by Skywatcher. Did you try? Also a question regarding the connectivity: Would you plug in an EQ mod cable on the two RJ45 and USB Aux port (RA panel) + connect the USB Aux output (Dec hub) to your mini pc ? Any recommendations or comments? Rgds Jean Pierre
I did try both and both work just fine. Basically I am still using my short usb b to usb a with right angles on the back panel.
In my case, the eqmod cable would connect into the ethernet jack (literally right next to the usb b port) and into the same usb a port on the back panel. Then nothing plugs into the usb b port anymore.
If you are using the handset, you'd plug the ethernet side into the handset, the handset to the ethernet on the back panel, and then again the usb a to the back panel
From what I've heard the eqmod cables have longer life (and hold up but in cold weather), but I've got a ton of usb cables obviously in my setup, so I'm planning to just keep using the B to A until/unless i see a failure, but I'll always have the eqmod cable in my bag if I need to swap it out for some reason
@@Brentless Appreciate you prompt reply. i will use your recommandation as soon I receive my new mount. I can not wait!
The PE200 can be used to connect to Skywatcher and AVX tripods. Interesting that Skywatcher designed this new mount to work with the ZWO pier and TC40. So far the only thing I don't like about this mount is the power connections is pointing up to the dovetail. I'm wondering about dew accumulating in the connections.
Will you do a review on how well it guides? I expect it to guide as well as other strain wave mounts using a small refractor. Do you have an SCT you can try on this mount for high focal length guide testing?
Thanks for a very good unboxing and initial setup.
No SCT, but I do have a ES127 refractor (focal length 952) as well (haven't put it on yet, leery on just using it on the TC40 without a bit more support). My initial experience with guiding is I am matching exactly what I had with my EQ6R (0.5 to 0.8 roughly). I haven't noticed any dew on the connection, wondering if the heat generated from the unit combats that inherently.
I did get several right angle connectors, that made a huge difference on the spacing with the dovetail and the RA panel on the back.
Dear Brent I have two additional and final questions :
1) as of today in your current setup, what kind of cable are you using to connect the "AUX USB" on the hub and your "MeLe mini pc", which is the same as mine ? The USB C port of this mini pc is being used for the power supply and and what is left are three or four USB 3.0 ports of blue type?
2) second question relates to the two "AUX PWR ports" on the hub : are they 2.1 or 2.5 mm? In other words same diameter of pins as the mount electrical supply or the hub electrical supply of the back panel (RA panel). Again many thanls for your help as I can not find the right information on the web...
I'm uploading a video that might explain it better than words. I'll post link here as soon as it finishes uploading too.
But i have a usb b to usb a on the ra back panel, then a usb a to usb a that goes from the saddle usb to my Mini pc (one of the bigger usb a ports on the smaller side)
The power ports on the saddle are both 2.5mm. The power INPUT to the saddle on the ra panel is also 2.5mm
The only 2.1mm cable is the one that directly powers the mount (on the ra panel).
Quick video of my exact wiring setup just posted
ruclips.net/video/NpO-zwDmr6g/видео.htmlsi=JYV67RuMcPmqB821
Hi, did you need to include the router on your rig because it is set up out of the reach of your home wifi ? I have a Mele 4 OC too, which I set up outside but it can still connect to my observatory wifi. But it was not the most stable connection. So I've bought some external antennae from Amazon and fitted them on the Mele (there's room behind the logo) much better now. I also wondering if you don't have flex in your system the way it is now ? It is a small and light refractor so maybe not that much of a deal, but in your shoe's I would try to make it all more compact. CS
@@Miguel_Noppe i don't use the mini router when I'm at home most of the time. Depends where i setup an how far away from my home access point i am, but I've got it set up so the mini router connects to my home wifi so that gives me extra range if i need it. Mainly use it when I go out into the field.
I know there are ways to somehow make the mele is own Hotspot, but this little mini router works super well.
Curious which antenna did you purchase?
I've not noticed any flex or had any trouble with it. The parts are pretty solid as a rock.
Hi Brent,
I think i will switch soon to this new mount
Could you tell me if the counterweight bar has the same thread as the EQ6 ?
Also does it feel really stable with a kind of big scope as a Mewlon 250 and then pier extension or not ?
Thanks !
The counterweight bar is the same size and thread as my EQ6R bar. The long one that screws into the mount itself is thicker, but the smaller extension threads right onto my EQ6R bar. The counterweight itself could be used on either my EQ6R, and the EQ6R counterweights I have look like I could easily use them on the 150i.
I haven't "used" it, but it feels really solid from some lightweight testing. My plan is for my bigger scopes, I won't use my smaller tripod (the TC40). I think the scopes I have would probably be fine, but it makes me a bit leery still at this point. But I'm planning to put the 150i on my EQ6R tripod I think if I want to use the bigger scope with the 150i, just for that extra base stability.
@@Brentless Thanks a lot for this very complete answer !
Hello Brent! Greetings from Italy. I have been thinking about the very same changes in wiring you are doing here; my Wave 150i is still not available from my usual supplier and I come from my beloved AZ-EQ6. I heard about *potential* issues when powering the mount from a powerbox; I used to do that when powering the AZ-EQ6 from my Pegasus Astro Powerbox Advance (without any issue!) BUT I use a 13.6V LiFePO4 battery, granting me ALWAYS at least 12.8V when partially discharged; I hate to route a second cable, just because I am still not sure whether I will risk my equipment or not. I am thinking about a splitter cable with 2 5.5x2.1 jacks at the end of a single cable from my battery: one will power the powerbox (and running accessories), while the other will power the mount alone. Wouldn't this be cleaner than using two different cables? This way will the mount be still independent from the powerbox, or not?
So I am not an expert in this, but I have been weighing the same thing or something similar, would a single line from my Bluetti battery up to the mount, split it with a DC Y cord at the 150i. I'll probably post in a few forums on it, i'm sure Sky-watcher wouldnt recommend it, but I'm not positive that it WOULDNT work just fine
My Bluetti does allow me to run both cables if I need to and I have them, so I may not bother, but it would simplify things a bit.
@@Brentless a few hours ago I asked the question to a friend of mine, who works as a technician on several electrical devices and he's really more expert than me. Well, he agreed that a single line with a splitter at the end, to power the mount directly and all other devices through the powerbox, would work just the same as two separate lines, but it is a cleaner solution. I my opinion we could imagine that empirically: two separate cable or one signle cable, but the battery has the same total load on it. The problem that people (Skywatcher itself too) are talking about is the behaviour of every powerbox, which could potentially be unable to give enough power to the mount when it slews and asks for more amps. So the main goal is only avoiding the powerbox between battery and mount. In my case, the battery runs between 13.6V and 12,8V, so I am still pretty sure that it's a non problem. But we manage costly toys, and you know what I mean.
@@gianlucabeccani6812 awesome, appreciate the research!
Hi. I was very interested in the adapter you used to connect your Star Adventurer to the new Triopod. Could you please clarify where your got the adapter with 3/8th bolt? Thanks
@@keithnisbet so it is just a 3/8 bolt (1.5 inches long) that I picked up from local hardware store (Lowes)
The adapter plate is just to one that is on top of the ZWO TC40 or PE200.
Once you have the mount adjusted for altitude can you put the mount back in the storage case at your set altitude? Thanks
I haven't tried, but no doesn't look like it without me picking the foam to the new angle
So the base plate is the same as the one for the am5??? It will fit in the zwo tripod without any adjustment??? 😮😮😮
@@michaelkohl2250 correct
@Brentless thanks
Spending more than 2k on that mount I am sure you did a lot of research of other mounts....do you think the 150i is better than the AM5n?
Functionally, i don't think I can say one is better than the other.
A lot of colleagues in my local astrophotography group have AM5's (don't thank any of them have the n's yet), but they do what they are supposed to do. If you are all into the ZWO ecosystem (ASIAIR, etc), it is a no brainer, just stay in the ZWO family.
I have a level of trust with Sky-watcher (given my history with their mounts) that made me feel comfortable investing the extra couple hundred for the 150i. Plus outside of my camera, I'm not really in the ZWO ecosystem (using Windows Mini PCs, using Pegasus products, etc).
I really like the in-mount cable routing, I don't know if any other strain wave mount has that right now.
@Brentless The new ZWO AM5n has the in mount cable plug ins.
Nice, I must have missed that addition. Looks like it is one way (not a problem if you have mini pc or asi air up top), Sky-watcher's can go either way, a small benefit maybe to people that still use laptops or what not but still have components up top. Neither here nor there.
I think price will settle out, and Sky-watcher (late to the game) will continue to catch up. But honestly, I think it will start to come down to brand loyalty. The AM5n could definitely do everything I need the 150i to do.
In the end, I was willing to roll the dice on this first release version.