WarpAstron WarpDrive WD-20P Harmonic Drive Mount
WarpAstron WarpDrive WD-20P Harmonic Drive Mount
The WarpAstron WarpDrive WD-20P Harmonic Drive Mount continues the WarpDrive lines' mission to push the envelop! With the same revolutionary gear reduction technology paired with powerful motors and advanced electronics now paired with a redesigned power distribution system, this mount firmly positions itself of the crest of the New Wave of harmonic mounts. Join the cutting edge today, with WarpAstron!
Harmonic reducing gearing has unlocked high payload capacities for a mount's weight, often not requiring counterweights to shoulder significant loads. WarpAstron pushes this even further with their WarpDrive line, pairing these incredible reducing gears with powerful servo motors. 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-20P to shoulder 44 lb. of gear while only weighing in at an impressive 12.5 lb.—or 66 lb. of gear when adding a user supplied counterweight! This mount features more than just mechanical might however, with advanced features to compliment its cutting edge harmonic-servo system. Axis encoders give this mount enhanced tracking precision, with GPS and dual-axis homing sensors that will get your mount pointing in the right direction once polar aligned. This motion is whisper quiet and backlash-free compared to other systems using steppers and belt-drives thanks to the direct drive servo motor system. For modern astronomy systems controlled by a telescope mounted mini PC or WiFi camera controller, the WD-20P enhances the WD-20 design with dual USB-C ports integrated into the saddle. These support the USB C Power Delivery standard in use by many modern machines, with USB C to 5.5x2.1 mm cables available for more traditional control systems (sold separately); allowing you to build a streamlined and cutting edge astronomy rig! All of these incredible features have been packed in a premium metal and ABS housing, capable of operating down to -30°C.
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.
A Perfect Pairing of Superb Servos and Advanced Tech!
With its sleek anodized aluminum exterior and premium look the WD-20P 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 known as strain wave gears, can provide a tremendous amount of torque
in a relatively compact mechanism. Incorporating this incredible gear
reduction technology into the WD-20P, Warp Astron brings you a stunning 44
lb. payload capacity in just a 12.5 lb. mount—without counterweights!
Adding an M12x1.75 counterweight shaft and counterweight (both sold
separately) pushes this mount's mechanical muscle even further, allowing you
to lift an additional 22 lb. for an incredible 66 lb. max payload! These
harmonic gear reducers are configured for direct drive from the servo
motors, allowing the WD-20P to carry these impressive payloads with
virtually zero backlash!
Superior Servo Power
While harmonic gearing has
allowed mount designs to increase capacity and cut weight, Warp Astron
didn't stop there. Building the WD-20P with brushless servo motors as
opposed to the stepper motors found in most other strain wave and
conventionally geared mounts on the market today, they've ensured your mount
maintains its incredible equipment carrying capabilities in a wider range of
speeds and environments. Compared to steppers which lose torque as they spin
faster and faster, servo motors maintain more of their strength through
their speed range allowing the WD-20P to confidently carry your gear even at
fast slew speeds. These mechanical marvels additionally have more cold
tolerance, giving this mount an incredible -13°F minimum operating
temperature. Warp Astron has paired these motors with high precision
encoders and homing sensors, giving you excellent tracking performance and
the ability to easily find home—regardless of whether you're standing
beside the mount or operating remotely! Finally, to keep all your gear
protected in the event of a failure are an automatic RA axis electromagnetic
brake (AEB), encoder based HA limits, and Meridian limits.
A Powerful and Connected Platform for Your Gear
The
WarpDrive WD-20P features a dual V and D series compatible saddle to cover
most telescope mounting solutions in use today. Integrated into this saddle
are two USB C ports, one featuring 120W and the other 65W PD3.1 w/ PC
control compatibility. This duo elevates your experience to a whole new
level, allowing you to power modern mini PCs and establish mount control
without long cable runs or additional power supplies! If your equipment does
not use the USB C standard, don't fret—as these ports are additionally
compatible with Warp Astron's USB C to 12V DC barrel plug adapters(sold
separately). Aligning this powerful saddle with the spin of the Earth has
been made simple with the 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!
Click to Enlarge Image
Core Connections and Then Some
Warp Astron didn't stop
their electronic innovation at an intelligently designed saddle, packing the
in premium features to cement the WarpDrive WD-20P 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-20P 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-20P uses the industry standard 5.5x2.5mm 12V-28V DC power port,
which can provide significant coverage for your system when paired with the
included 200W 24V AC Adapter!
New Wave Harmonic
With its compact and lightweight
construction, yet high payload capacity, the Warp Astron WarpDrive WD-20P 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-20P a place in our New Wave
Harmonic category, which you can read more about in our
Astronomy Hub
article
here!
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
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