Putting the ‘Light’ in ‘Lightyears Ahead’
WarpAstron takes the light-yet-powerful harmonic drive philiosphy to new
heights! Featuring a powerful motor and drive system that gives this more
strength and cold resistance than similarly sized popular harmonic mounts in an incredibly lightweight package,
as well as premium features and a solid construction, this mount sports standout
performance even in a class of mount that has set itself apart from
conventional options. Put your astrophotography rig on the leading edge, with
the WarpDrive WD-17 Harmonic Drive Mount!
WarpAstron has taken the harmonic gearing advances we’ve seen from other
stellar New Wave Harmonic offerings and pushed them even further with their
brushless direct drive servo technology! By using servo motors instead of the
more common stepper seen in other harmonic and conventionally geared, the
WarpDrive mount line solves the torque-dropoff-with-speed and cold weather
concerns of that more conventional motor type; with the WD-17 able to provide
its full 29 lb. of lifting strength (or 44 lb. when a user supplied
counterweight is added) even at the maximum slew speed or in -13°F
temperatures. This is all housed in a premium 6061 aluminum housing, which is
5-axis CNC machined for a sleek and durable enclosure that is supported by
additional 304 stainless and ABS components throughout. This has all been
brought together in a package full of more premium features, such as WiFi,
Bluetooth, FRAM coordinate memory, a Smart Hand Controller, a and GPS module,
that only weighs in at an incredible 9.4 lb.!
Please Note: This mount does not come with a tripod. This mount will need to be mounted to a tripod with a 3/8″ thread and/or M6 screws. We recommend the Apertura Carbon Fiber Tripod for Strainwave Mounts as a compatible tripod option.
Excellently Driven with Powerful Features
With its sleek anodized aluminum exterior and premium look the WD-17 certainly
looks like a premier astronomy mount option, but Warp Astron have designed
this WarpDrive mount for more than just stellar looks. From a powerful motion
system, to wireless control and extensive compatibility, this mount is just as
striking on the inside!
Direct Drive Harmonic Gearing
Harmonic gear reducers,
also called strain wave gears, provide an incredible amount of torque in an
incredibly small physical footprint. This technology allows the WD-17 to
carry 29 lb. of gear in a package dwarfed by any conventionally geared mount
in the same payload class. This impressive feat is without a
counterweight; with an M12x1.75 counterweight shaft and counterweight (both
sold separately) added, this mount can lift 44 lb. of equipment! This is all
done with a system virtually free of backlash thanks to the harmonic
technology and WarpDrive direct drive system, making this mount truly part
of the
New Wave.
Superior Servo Power
Taking things a step further than
the tried and true stepper motor used in most other harmonic and
convetionally geared mount on the market, Warp Astron outfitted the
WarpDrive WD-17 with brushless DC servo motors. Where stepper motors lose
more and more torque the faster they spin, the servo motors used in this
mount can provide their full strength across the entire speed range. With
FRAM utilized for the coordinate memory, the WD-17 can additionally keep
track of positioning when powered off, meaning you don’t have to re-zero or
reset home when powering these motors up; just turn on and go!
Wide Compatibility, Simple Setup
The WarpDrive WD-17 mount sports a dual D-Style/ V-Style dovetail saddle, covering the two most common telescope bars on the market today to allow you to use most all popular scopes on the market! To make polar alignment a breeze, this also features easy to adjust polar alignment hardware. The base has been designed with polar alignment in mind as well, with a low backlash design that makes adjustments smooth!
Core Connections and Then Some
WarpAstron didn’t stop
with solid core functionality, packing the in premium features to cement the
WarpDrive WD-17 mount’s place as a leading option. With a built-in GPS, gone
is the hassle of setting the time and location when moving the mount. For
those looking to control their mount from a distance wireless control
capabilities have been added, with the WD-17 able to connect over WiFi or
Bluetooth. ASCOM, INDI, LX200, and INDIGO drivers are available, allowing
you to integrate the mount with most of the popular computer control
programs and system. To hardwire a connection to the mount Warp Astron have
used USB-C, helpful for connecting cables in the dark due to the lack of a
“correct” orientation. A second USB-C port provides a connection for the
include Smart Hand Controller or a USB-C to ST4 adapter for ST4 autoguiding
(adapter not included). Finally for power the WD-17 uses the industry
standard 5.5×2.1mm 12V DC power port, making powering up your mount simple!
* Please Note: The WD-17 can be made to work with ZWO’s ASIAIR system, however full functionality is not guaranteed.
Smart Hand Controller
If
you’re looking for a more hands-on form of control you’re in luck, as
WarpAstron have included a Smart Hand Controller! This can be connected
directly to the mount with a USB C to USB C cable (not included) for a more conventional hand controller experience. Manually
control your mount, adjust its settings, and change from EQ to Alt/Az
operation modes all with this handy accessory!
Essentials Included
The Warp Astron WarpDrive WD-17
comes with a number of essential accessories to help you build out your
astrphotography rig, with a 5.5×2.1mm to 5.5.×2.1mm 12V DC power cable,
USB-A to USB-C cable for connecting your PC/control system of choice, a USB-C to USB-C cable for connecting the hand controller, and
Smart Hand Controller included. Preinstalled on your mount is a dual
D-Style/V-Style saddle. Making storing and travelling with your mount a stress-free experience is a hard carry case!
New Wave Harmonic
Harmonic drive mounts have become
known for their ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between an On-The-Go
mount and a Backyard Observing powerhouse, and the WarpAstron WarpDrive
WD-17 Harmonic Drive Mount is no exception! Weighing in at just 9.4 lb. this
mount comfortably fits in the portable category. This is less than even
the lightest conventionally geared mount in the same payload class, a
payload it can achieve without the counterweight; with the counterweight it
is no contest, able to lift 44 lb. of equipment! This allows it to serve as
an excellent dedicated at-home astrophotography mount, and firmly places
this in our
New Wave Harmonic
mount category!
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