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Automated Lens Cap

Equipment Remote Astrophotography Observatory
10 replies•333 views
Robert Gillette avatar
Robert Gillette avatar
To complete the automation of my remote observatory, I’d like to install USB-controlled lens caps.

Google produces no result. Are they commercially available? Recommendations?

CS,

Bob
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Charles Hagen avatar
Charles Hagen avatar
Hey Bob, The item you are looking for would be called a "flip flat" - these are motorized flat panels that also act as lens caps.

Some options include:
- Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat
- RB Focus eXcalibur
- DeepSkyDad flip flat

Hope that helps,
~Charlie
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Robert Gillette avatar
Robert Gillette avatar
Aha, thank you Charlie.  Gotta have the right terminology.

CS, Bob
Bill McLaughlin avatar
Bill McLaughlin avatar
Charles Hagen:
Some options include:
- Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat
- RB Focus eXcalibur
- DeepSkyDad flip flat

I have used both the Alnitak and the Deep Sky Dad and both are fine. There is now also the Chinese made Wanderer Astro Units as well, although I know nothing about them.

The Alnitak only opens 90 degrees in standard mode although there are now conversions that allow 270 degree opening, See Chis White's site.
Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar
If you're willing to learn how to program a microcontroller like the well known Arduino and maybe have access to a 3D printer, this kind of thing is easy to fabricate. Microcontrollers are wonderful bits of kit and have a multitude of uses both in and out of the observatory.
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Robert Gillette avatar
Robert Gillette avatar
Thank you, Bill.  Tony, unfortunately I’m not and never will be, a programmer.  

The Dad (Slovak I gather) site looks most interesting.

CS, Bob
Brian Puhl avatar
Brian Puhl avatar
Bill McLaughlin:
Charles Hagen:
Some options include:
- Optec Alnitak Flip-Flat
- RB Focus eXcalibur
- DeepSkyDad flip flat

I have used both the Alnitak and the Deep Sky Dad and both are fine. There is now also the Chinese made Wanderer Astro Units as well, although I know nothing about them.

The Alnitak only opens 90 degrees in standard mode although there are now conversions that allow 270 degree opening, See Chis White's site.



And here I was about to sell my Alnitak for this very reason!  Thanks for that link!
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Josh avatar
Josh avatar
PrimaLuceLab's Alto Motor and Giotto Panel might be another solution.

If you don't want/need the flat Panel, then just get the Alto, if you need a flat panel, you can also attach the Giotto flat panel. It's pricey, But i've had good, reliable, success.
Robert Gillette avatar
Robert Gillette avatar
Josh, thank you. Good to know that just the cover is an option.

Best, Bob
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Harry Karamitsos avatar
Harry Karamitsos avatar
I have used a number of these motorized flat panels. I find that they are indispensable for remote imaging.
I first bought the Alto/Giotto combo. I find them very heavy and flimsy. Ultimately they work but I was very disappointed. I do not recommend them.
I used Deep Sky Dad panels and they work very well. They are made with 3D printed material and they work but I find they have a bit of play as they open and close but not as much as the Alto/Giotto.   
My latest panel came from Wanderer Astro and this seems to be constructed much more solidly. They have aluminum arms that move the panel open and closed. It seems that they want to be the next ASI air so their software seems more bloated than I would like, but the panels perform very well.  I cannot attest to their longevity, but so good over the last month.

I use scripting to open and close the cover in the NINA advanced sequencer and I don't know how I would have been able to get flats without them.
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Robert Gillette avatar
Robert Gillette avatar
Harry,

Thank you. Wanderer looks good, as is Dad. Either would work on my smallest scope, the FSQ- 85, but my 9” and 12” appear to be too large for all but Alnitak.

Best, Bob