WARPASTRON WARPDRIVE WD-20EP HARMONIC MOUNT

The WarpAstron WarpDrive WD-20EP is a portable strain wave gear mount capable of handling 22kg payloads without counterweights and 30kg with counterweights. Like the WD-20P, this mount features power connections on the saddle to simplify cable management.

Part of the new EC-series, the WD-20EP features a high resolution absolute encoder on the RA axis, taming periodic error and improving guided performance. By combining fast input-side correction with true output-axis feedback, WD-20EP reduces total periodic error while preserving the high response and efficiency inherent to servo direct drive. Each unit is individually calibrated using WarpAstron’s proprietary process to ensure consistent, verifiable low PE performance.

Utilizing WarpAstron's Servo Direct Drive technology, the WD-20EP has far less backlash and greater tracking accuracy than typical strain wave mounts. This design features a single stage strain wave reducer directly coupled to the servo motor with no need for synchronous belts as found on most strain wave mounts on the market. This eliminates transmission errors caused by such systems or imperfect assembly.

Thanks to its beltless transmission, the WD-20EP can work at temperatures as low as -25° C. Additionally, you don't need to worry about belts deteriorating or losing tension with age. The WD-20EP also includes a built-in GPS which automatically obtains time and position info, which can then be read in popular astrophotography software such as NINA. The mount's coordinates and home position are stored in memory even after the mount is powered off.

WarpAstron EC-series mounts are powered by OnStepX and can be controlled via ASCOM/INDI with popular software and control units such as the ASIAIR. The newly developed colour OLED touchscreen controller gives you complete control over the mount's functions, including GPS connectivity and night vision mode.

The WD-20EP has 3A and 5A USB-C ports on the saddle of the mount plate and, with a redesigned internal structure, it can provide adjustable power output up to 150W. Each port will supply the correct voltage automatically to the connected devices.

Note:  to use the 5A port of the hub, the mount must be powered by a 24V 10A power source. This means, if used with a 12V field battery, you will need to use a voltage regulator to boost the voltage to 24V and an Anderson Powerpole connector (with suitable wiring), which is capable of up to 50A. A standard cigarette lighter plug from the battery to the power regulator is not suitable, as these are only rated for up to 10A at 12V (10A at 24V is equivalent to 20A at 12V).

Testar is supplying a 240V AC to 24V DC 10A power supply which allows to power the mount and both 5A and 3A power ports. You can still use the 3A port while powering the mount with a standard field battery and a 12V power cable.

The WD-20EP can be used with a counterweight shaft that has M12 x 1.75 threads such as the ZWO counterweight shaft for AM5 (sold separately).

Note: Tripod, telescope and other equipment shown above sold separately. WarpAstron mounts are compatible with the ZWO TC40 and PE200 pier extension. The PE200 allows you to use WarpAstron mounts with the Geoptik Hercules tripods and the SkyWatcher HEQ5 tripod.

Warpdrive WD-17 mounted on Geoptik Hercules 95 tripod using ZWO's PE200 pier extension.

Specifications

Items included

• WD-20EP harmonic mount
• Advanced hand controller with OLED colour touch display
• USB Type-C to A Data Cable (for PC connection)
• USB Type-C to C 1m Cable (for hand controller connection or 100W PD)
• USB Type-C to C 2m Cable (Mount power cable)
• 240V - 24V 10A power supply for mount hub
• Power cable with 5.5 x 2.5mm plug
  
• Allen wrench
• Soft case

Downloads

WD-20EP manual

WD-20EP drivers