Warp Ahead with the WD-20 Harmonic Drive Mount
The WarpAstron WarpDrive WD-20 firmly takes it’s place in the New Wave
Harmonic category with not just the revolutionary gear reduction technology
but whole host of other premium features. Dual axis encoders, GPS, a
hand controller, and a unique motor system all combine to set this mount at
the leading edge. Jump into the future now with Warp Astron!
Harmonic mounts have become synonymous with high payload capacity for their
weight and size, but the WarpAstron WarpDrive WD-20 pushes the envelope even
further with servo motor power. Compared to the more commonly used stepper
motor, these motors produce full torque more consistently and when combined with the harmonic gears allow the WD-20 to shoulder 44
lb. of gear while only weighing in at an impressive 11.9 lb.—or 66 lb.
of gear when adding a user supplied counterweight! Supporting these harmonic
gear reduced motor are encoders, ensuring this mount is just as precise as it
is powerful. Not content to make something that only looks good on the spec
sheet, Warp Astron have housed all this power in a 5-axis CNC machined 6061
aluminum housing with 304 stainless steel and ABS used through out for a
construction that is sleek and as strong as the motors it houses!
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-20 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-20 to carry 44 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 66 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
conventionally geared mount on the market, Warp Astron outfitted the
WarpDrive WD-20 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. Servos also can function in colder temperatures, allowing this mount to function down to -13°F.
Combined with high precision encoders on both axis, these powerful motors
can provide both quick and precise motion without sacrificing performance. For remote applications the mount additionally features auto-homing sensors that allow the WD-20 effortlessly find home/zero position for you! Finally, to keep all your gear protected in the event of a failure is an RA axis electromagnetic brake.
Wide Compatibility, Simple Setup
The WarpDrive WD-20 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-20 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-20 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 systems*. 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-20 uses
the industry standard 5.5×2.1mm 12V DC power port, making powering up your
mount simple! * Please Note: The WD-20 can be made to work with ZWO’s ASIAIR system, however full functionality is not guaranteed. Please see the attached manual for more information if you intend to use this mount with an ASIAIR.
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!
Included Accessories
The Warp Astron WarpDrive WD-20 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
With its compact and lightweight construction, yet high payload capacity, the Warp Astron WarpDrive WD-20 is well suited to an On-The-Go powerhouse, allowing you to budget more room for a large scope or build an ultra-portable setup! At the same time this can be just at home on a backyard build, able to accommodate large telescopes without a counterweight (44 lb. payload capacity) or some truly staggering telescopes with a counterweight (66 lb. payload capacity), and able to connect with all the most popular control standards in use today. This incredible versatility earns the WarpDrive WD-20 a place in our New Wave Harmonic category, which you can read more about in our Astronomy Hub article here!
what our customer say this product:
| 5 star | 100% | |
| 4 star | 0% | |
| 3 star | 0% | |
| 2 star | 0% | |
| 1 star | 0% |
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Related products
Caleb T. Verified Buyer –
This is my first strain wave gear mount. I’ve spent the last 6 weeks using and becoming accustomed to this mount and it is really good overall. My initial hesitation in buying was based entirely on me being unfamiliar with OnStep, but I went for it anyway and that never became an issue.
I had perfect weather after the 2 day delivery, but
unfortunately I became sick and wasn’t able to test under the stars until the next batch of good weather. I did test indoors and the mount performed flawlessly. I use CDC/NINA/PHD2 and these programs all connected to and worked seamlessly with the WD-20 and OnStep programming. .
The only real issue that I couldn’t figure out was resolved quickly when I messaged WarpAstron support on Discord. Even though my local time was 8 p. m. , they responded in under one minute and provided me with an explanation of the cause of my problem and a link with detailed instructions on which settings needed to be changed to resolve it. I just don’t think there are many mount manufacturers out able to compete with this level of customer service.
Guiding performance is superb. With default PHD2 settings it’s very easy to achieve sub arcsecond results. However guiding performance is much better if default settings are not used. There is quite a bit of information out there readily available on this topic. I’ve played around with guiding settings and achieved the best guiding performance I’ve ever had from any other mount. That said, I’ve found that wind does negatively impact guiding performance pretty quickly, even when the wind isn’t terribly strong.
For the money, we’re buying the hardware and as a bonus we get incredible support for the product. This mount has incredible potential to anyone willing to spend the time to learn the ropes on how to make it perform. I would buy it again without hesitation.