ASCOM DarkLight Cover/Calibrator

thingiverse

The DarkLight Cover/Calibrator, known going forward as DLC, is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solution using an Arduino Nano, servo motor, and if desired, an Electroluminescent (EL) Panel. This device aims to act as a dust cover for remote telescope users, and a calibration panel if desired. With the DarkLight, fully compliant, ASCOM driver, the cover can be operated using the DLC Windows application or any automation software supporting the ICoverCalibrator driver in ASCOM v6.5 or newer. While this device DOES NOT make the scope weatherproof, it is an excellent addition to any observatory to accomplish hands-off control of the cover. If elected, it can be expanded to include a hands-off dark/light calibration capability for astrophotography. The application, Arduino firmware, driver, manual, and schematics are available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/darklight-cover-calibrator/ 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. ==================================================================== #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 ==================================================================== #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