The DarkLight Cover/Calibrator (DLC) is a DIY project to build a motorized telescope cover, flat panel, or a combination flip-flat system. Its modular design supports various setups: a 12V light panel without a servo for a wall-mounted calibration panel, a servo-only cover for sky flats, or both integrated into a flip-flat mechanism. The DLC also includes optional dew heating to reduce extra equipment and cabling. With available drivers, it works with ASCOM or INDI.

Weโ€™re excited to announce that the DarkLight Cover Calibrator project has officially moved to GitHub!

๐Ÿ”— New GitHub Repository:
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://github.com/10thTeeAstronomy/DarkLight_CoverCalibrator

ยฉ Nathan Woelfle 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Permission granted for personal and academic use only. Code may not be copied or used without proper credit.

Features

  • Build as a standalone cover, light panel, or combination flip-flat mechanism
  • Optional physical buttons to control servo and light panel
  • Multi-servo capable w/ dual independent angle support
  • 7 servo Easing In Out + linear options
  • Adjustable servo speed
  • Optional dual channel dew heater w/ safety precautions
  • ASCOM and INDI driver
  • Supports up to 270-degree movement
  • Reverse voltage protection on external 12VDC input
  • Brightness and position parameters can be saved in EEPROM
  • Electronically Adjustable Brightness Control
  • Smooth Illumination Circuit that eliminates PWM banding effects
  • Broadband and Narrowband values can be saved
  • DO NOT DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE FROM OTHER SITES AS AN EXE/ISO/ZIP FILE - THESE FILES ARE NOT SUPPORTED AND MAY CONTAIN MALWARE

Project Samples

Project Activity

See All Activity >

License

Other License

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DarkLight Cover/Calibrator Web Site

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Additional Project Details

Operating Systems

Linux, Mac, Windows

Intended Audience

Other Audience, Science/Research

User Interface

Gnome, Web-based, Win32 (MS Windows)

Programming Language

C++, Visual Basic .NET

Related Categories

C++ Hardware Platform, C++ Astronomy Software, C++ 3D Printing Software, Visual Basic .NET Hardware Platform, Visual Basic .NET Astronomy Software, Visual Basic .NET 3D Printing Software

Registered

2020-08-10