Product details
The WarpAstron WD-20 is a high-end equatorial/alt-azimuth mount designed to meet the most advanced needs of modern astrophotography. At the heart of the system is a unique combination of a strain wave reducer and a direct drive servo motor , enabling ultra-precise tracking, instant responsiveness, and zero backlash.
Thanks to its low weight of only 5.4 kg, the WD-20 is a portable, powerful and versatile mount , capable of supporting telescopes up to 22 kg without counterweights and 30 kg with the optional M12 threaded rod and counterweights .
Direct Drive technology on harmonic gear reducer: the new standard
Unlike most commercial harmonic drive systems, which use wear-prone belt drives, the WD-20 uses a servo motor directly connected to the harmonic gear . This approach completely eliminates the risk of looseness, inaccuracy, and delays in guidance.
Advantages:
- No mechanical games
- Maximum engine responsiveness
- Extreme precision in dithering and tracking
- No maintenance due to belts
- Operational silence
The control system is based on OnStep, with full compatibility with the most popular astrophotography software: ASCOM, INDI, LX200, NINA, APT, Stellarmate, AstroStation, ASIAIR.
Load capacity based on actual torque calculation
WarpAstron provides a detailed technical analysis of the mount’s torque rating, based on a maximum torque rating of 50Nm (standard) and 60Nm (maximum allowable) .
Depending on the position of the OTA’s center of gravity relative to the RA (L1) axis, the WD-20 can handle different loads. Some practical examples:
- L1 = 11 cm → standard load 26.5 kg | maximum 32.7 kg
- L1 = 15 cm → standard load 22.1 kg | maximum 27.2 kg
- L1 = 25 cm → standard load 15.6 kg | maximum 19.2 kg
This allows you to precisely plan your setup, evaluating whether the use of counterweights is necessary or not based on the length and weight of the optical tube.
Tripod compatibility
The WD-20 mount base is designed to be compatible with the ZWO mechanical platform , thus offering a wide range of mounting flexibility.
Compatible tripods:
- ZWO TC40
- Half column PE200
- Artesky Column
- SkyWatcher EQ5 Tripod with PE200 Adapter
Practical advantages for astrophotography
- No counterweight required up to 22 kg
- Easy transport and quick assembly
- High precision even without balancing
- Automatic alignment via GPS and home sensors
- Stable performance even in extreme climates
Conclusion
The WarpAstron WD-20 is the ideal choice for those seeking a portable yet professional mount, uncompromising in precision, reliability, and technology. The combination of a harmonic reduction gear and Servo Direct Drive, along with the complete absence of mechanical backlash, makes it an unrivaled product in its class.
