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.
We’re excited to announce that the DarkLight Cover Calibrator project has officially moved to GitHub!
🔗 New GitHub Repository:
👉 https://github.com/10thTeeAstronomy/DarkLight_CoverCalibrator
© 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
