WarpAstron WD 20 Mount Review

Picture a clear night sky, where the stars are begging to be explored. As an astronomy enthusiast, I know that a sturdy and precise mount is the backbone of any stargazing or astrophotography setup. I have to admit that the new strain wave mount design has captured my interest as well as the interest of some of the leading mount makers. That’s why my attention has been drawn to the WarpAstron WD-20 Mount and how it compares to the ZWO AM5.

Who is WarpAstron?

I had never heard of this company until recently despite my years in the hobby. WarpAstron isn’t just any company. They have burst onto the scene in the astronomy equipment industry by delivering innovative products, specifically 2 strain wave mounts The WarpDrive WD-17 and the WarpDrive WD-20. Both mounts are aimed at both amateur stargazers and seasoned astrophotographers. Their differences are primarily in the weight capacity.

The role of a good quality mount cannot be overstated. It’s the fulcrum that holds your celestial viewing experience together. The right mount can mean the difference between a crystal-clear glimpse of the cosmos and a shaky, blurred view that leaves you feeling more frustrated than fascinated.

WarpAstron WD-20: First Impressions

 

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 Included are the mount itself, a hand controller, and necessary cables. There’s no scrambling for tools; the WD-20 comes with everything needed for assembly, a thoughtful touch from WarpAstron. Interestingly, there is no included power cable. Apparently, the assumption is that the user will use other power management accessories, such as the ASI Air, or any of the models of Powerbox from Pegasus. The AM5 also makes the same assumption.

The setup is intuitive. WarpAstron’s user manual is clear and comprehensive, aiding even the most novice users in getting their mount ready. Both a full user manual as well as a quick start guide are available for download at the company website. Within a matter of minutes, you’re set up and ready to go. The ease of assembly signals WarpAstron’s understanding of their customers’ eagerness to begin their astronomy pursuits without hassle.

How’s the Quality?

Holding the mount for the first time, you notice its solid build. The materials feel premium, and the weight gives confidence in its stability. This is no lightweight, flimsy mount; the WD-20 is constructed to support a substantial load, promising a steady gaze into the cosmos.

Before diving into the hardcore specifications in the next section, a quick nod to its rivals: the WD-20 faces stiff competition from established brands. Probably the most similar competition is the AM5 strain wave mount from ZWO. And yet, this mount holds its own, matching or even surpassing some alternative models in initial impression, particularly in its sleek design and finish.

Diving into the Specifications: What the WarpAstron WD 20 Offers

If you’re in the market for a mount that can handle a range of telescopes and equipment, you’ll want to pay close attention to what I’m about to share. The WarpAstron WD-20 mount isn’t just another piece in the puzzle of astronomy gear; it’s a well-thought-out device for the stargazer who demands precision and versatility.

Let’s Get Specific

Here’s the rundown: the WD-20 is engineered to support a weight capacity of up to 22 kilograms without counterweights. That’s right, 22 kilograms. That means it’s robust enough to secure a sizeable telescope without jeopardizing stability. Whether you’re attaching a heavy-duty astrograph or a lighter refractor, the WD-20 seems to say, ‘Bring it on.’ The manual includes an interesting graph that demonstrates the different weight capacities as the attached telescope moves away from the center of the RA axis. This indicates that even greater weight capacity is possible. Even higher capacities are possible with optional counterweights. This leaves plenty of room to “move up to” larger scopes in the future.

Mounting to the Telescope

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Compatibility is rarely an issue with the WD-20. It boasts a universal dovetail saddle that accommodates both Vixen and Losmandy-style plates. This makes it a breeze to switch between various scopes or cameras, ensuring that you’re not stuck with an incompatible piece of equipment during a critical observation session. Mounting the unit to a tripod should be standard, but this has not been confirmed.

Much like its competitor the AM5, the WD-20 is compatible with many common controlling devices and software using ASCOM ,INDI and LX200 protocols and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.

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Before I move on, take note of this: the direct drive motor integrated into the WD-20 promises smooth and precise movement. Unlike older models with noisy gears, the WD-20’s movements are designed to be both accurate and unobtrusive, a crucial consideration when you’re immersed in the quiet of the night, trying to map the heavens. The unit boasts near silent movement, and this is confirmed by several users. The high-precision encoders ensure extremely accurate pointing and returning to a home position. This is especially useful for remote setups. Polar alignment is a guided process, and unlike with other mounts, engaging the locking knobs during the process does not result in significant alteration of the pointing.

Pointing and Environmental Conditions

Like the AM5, the WD-20 claims to have zero backlash. Users have confirmed this claim. Backlash refers to the hesitation observed with many mounts when changing the direction of the declination motor from south to north or vice versa. Unlike the AM5, the WD-20 has included GPS. It’s a nice feature, but with the use of other controlling software and hardware, it may be superfluous. It claims to be usable down to -25 degree Celsius, which is lower than the AM5’s claim of -15 degrees.

Final Thoughts on the WarpAstron WD-20 Mount

On the plus side, the WD-20 Mount’s sturdy construction and technological finesse are commendable. The pointing accuracy is consistent, and this mount operates with a commendable quietness that surpasses many in its class. However, scrutinizing any piece of tech reveals its quirks, and the WarpAstron is not immune. There’s a slight learning curve to achieving optimal use, which might be a hurdle for beginners. Fortunately, most astrophotographers will find that the user manual and startup guide will make this relatively painless.

Beginners or Experienced Users?

Who is the WarpAstron WD-20 Mount for, then? It’s a shining choice for stargazers looking to invest in a mid to high-range mount that promises longevity and performance. For those who might feel daunted by complex setups, consider whether the advanced features justify the challenge.

In comparison to its rivals, the WD-20 holds its ground in terms of features and value. Whether it’s the go-to choice depends on individual needs and preferences. If quiet operation and precision are at the top of your list, this mount is certainly worth considering. All things being equal, I love the WD-20 mount, but I am not convinced the extra $1000 or so compared to the AM5 is worth it. If you already own multiple ZWO products, the compatibility of the AM5 will probably sway your decision. Either mount is an excellent choice. Full disclosure: I don’t own either mount, but my 25-plus years of experience in this hobby allows me to make reasonable judgments.

Final Thoughts

I’ll leave you with this. The WarpAstron WD-20 isn’t just another mount; it’s a serious contender in its price bracket, offering a balanced concoction of features, quality, and performance. If these are the criteria you’re weighing, the WD-20 is a compelling option to anchor your astrophotography ventures. Both the AM5 and the WD-20 have similar features. The WD-20 has a higher payload capacity, so if you have a heavy telescope and accessory combination, the extra cost might be worth it. If not, I am not sure the higher cost of the WD-20 is justified at this time. Below you will find a useful chart comparing the WD-20 with the AM5, head-to-head.

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