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.
- Build as a standalone cover, light panel, or combination flip-flat mechanism
- Optional physical buttons for manual servo and light control
- Multi-servo capable with dual independent angle support
- 7 servo easing options (ease-in/out and linear)
- Adjustable servo speed
- Optional dual-channel dew heater with built-in safety
- ASCOM and INDI driver support
- Up to 270-degree movement range
- Reverse voltage protection on 12VDC input
- Save brightness and position to EEPROM
- Electronically adjustable brightness control
- Smooth illumination circuit (eliminates PWM banding)
- Save broadband and narrowband calibration values
📢 Personal and academic use only.
Commercial use is prohibited without written permission.
See full license and legal terms below.
Only download DLC software from the official GitHub repository:
https://github.com/iwannabswiss/DarkLight_CoverCalibrator
Do not trust .exe, .msi, .zip, or .tar.gz files from unofficial sources, which may contain malware or unsupported changes.
© 2020–2025 10th Tee Astronomy. All rights reserved.
This project is licensed under the
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
- You may share and adapt the materials for personal or academic use
- Commercial use is prohibited without written permission
- Modified versions must credit the original work
- See
LICENSE.mdfor full terms
If you are interested in using this project for commercial purposes,
please contact the author for licensing options:
📧 Contact: 10thTeeAstronomy@gmail.com
This project is protected by international copyright law and treaties.
All content is provided "as is" with no warranty or guarantee of suitability.
Happy imaging! 🌌
