DarkLight Cover Calibrator

The DarkLight Cover/Calibrator (DLC) is a DIY project to build a motorized telescope cover, flat panel, or a combined flip-flat system. Designed for versatility and modularity, the DLC supports a variety of setups:

• Light Panel Only – Wall-mounted calibration panel (no servo)
• Servo(s) Cover Only – Flip cover for sky flats and darks
• Flip-Flat Combo – Integrated servo and light panel system

The DLC is compatible with both ASCOM and INDI platforms, enabling seamless automation through:

• The DLC Windows app (ASCOM only)
• ASCOM automation software (via the ICoverCalibrator driver)
• The INDI platform for Linux/macOS users

Optional dew heating reduces the need for additional equipment and cabling.

⚠ While the DLC does NOT make the telescope weatherproof or dustproof, it provides hands-off control and dark/light calibration for astrophotography in the field or an observatory.

The application, Arduino firmware, driver, manual, and schematics are available at https://10thTeeAstronomy.com

There are currently two versions of 3D parts, which have been designed for the Takahashi FSQ-106N and the Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series but may fit other telescopes depending on their size. The two variations will fit dew shields with an outside diameter of approximately 146.3mm and 156mm, respectively.

All files can be printed on beds that are at least 200 mm.

### UPDATE ###

An option for a RC12 has been uploaded. For more details about print settings or build visit:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/darklight-cover-calibrator/

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FILES TO PRINT:

The*_el_cover.stl file will need to be printed two times.

There are 8 files to download for the FSQ-106:

fsq106_cover.stl

fsq106_ring.stl

fsq106_el_cover.stl

fsq106_container.stl

fsq106_servo_arm.stl

universal_servo_mounts.stl

universal_back_panel.stl

universal_back_panel_notched.stl

There are 9 files to download for the ED102:

ed102_cover.stl

ed102_servo_arm.stl

ed102_arm_base.stl

ed102_el_cover.stl

ed102_ring.stl

ed102_container.stl

universal_servo_mounts.stl

universal_back_panel.stl

universal_back_panel_notched.stl

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PRINTER SETTINGS:

all parts:

layer height: 0.2 mm wall thickness: 0.8mm wall line count: 2 top/bottom thickness 0.8mm top layers count: 4 bottom layers count: 2 z-seam alignment: shortest infill: 20% infill pattern: cubic subdivision container, cover, ring: =======================

build plate adhesion: brim 5 line count support placement: everywhere support overhang: angle 67% support pattern: zig-zag support pattern: concentric support density: 20% el_cover: ==========

no support build plate adhesion: skirt servo_arm: ===========

build plate adhesion: skirt arm_base: ==========

no support build plate adhesion: skirt ====================================================================

Hardware needed to assemble parts:

14 (4x1/4) or Black Chromate #4 pan head sheet metal screws

(4 to secure arm & 10 to secure panel cover)

*Everything below is stainless steel

2 M3 x 8 pan head machine screw

Attach arm to servo

3 2-56 x 3/16" pan head machine screws

Secure cover & PCB

2 M3 x 10 .50 pitch pan head screws

Attach USB port

2 6-32 x 1" flat head machine screws

Attach base to ring

2 6-32 hex nuts

Attach base to ring

2 6-32 x 3/4" pan head machine screws

Clamp ring to telescope

2 6-32 nylon stop nuts

Clamp ring to telescope

2 2-56 x 3/8" pan head machine screws

Mount Transformer

2 2-56 hex nuts

Mount Transformer

DL in action

Category: Physics & Astronomy