Automatic flat panels are a must for any serious imaging rig, especially for fully automated remote setups. That’s why the release of the FlatMaster Neo 120 from Pegasus Astro is worth checking out. It’s a retractable flat-field panel designed to improve calibration accuracy, featuring adjustable LED brightness, a retractable lid with customizable angles, built-in dew control, and WiFi-based remote operation. The Neo series combines precise movement, environmental sensing, and ASCOM compatibility in a compact, durable design that builds on Pegasus Astro’s experience with power systems and observatory automation.
The FlatMaster Neo 120, designed for telescopes with apertures up to 12 inches (305mm), enables astrophotographers to achieve consistent and uniform flats through a fully adjustable LED-based illumination surface. This functionality is crucial for reducing optical artifacts such as vignetting and dust shadows during image processing.
Pegasus Astro has introduced this model as part of its ongoing expansion into intelligent observatory accessories. The company, based in Greece, is recognized for its power boxes, focus controllers, and automated telescope accessories that cater to both portable setups and permanent installations.
Above Photo credit: Pegasus Astro
One of the defining features of the FlatMaster Neo 120 is its retractable mechanism. When connected to the observatory control system, the panel can automatically extend or retract via software command, reducing the need for manual placement. This capability is particularly useful for remote observatories or setups where minimizing hands-on operation is essential.
The device’s retractable design ensures that the flat-field panel remains protected when not in use. A motorized drive smoothly opens or closes the circular illumination surface, offering reliable and repeatable positioning. The system uses precise limit switches to ensure consistent operation each time flats are captured.
Users can mount the FlatMaster Neo 120 permanently on their telescope or optical tube assembly. Once installed, calibration frames can be taken automatically before or after imaging sessions through the Pegasus Astro Unity Platform, which consolidates control for all compatible devices in a single software environment.
The FlatMaster Neo 120 utilizes an array of white LEDs arranged to deliver uniform illumination across the entire panel surface. The brightness can be adjusted through Pegasus Astro’s Unity software or via ASCOM/INDI compatibility, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with popular astrophotography automation suites such as NINA or Sequence Generator Pro.
Illumination intensity is electronically controlled with high resolution, ensuring that users can fine-tune the brightness to match exposure needs for different filters and camera sensitivities.
A built-in temperature sensor monitors operating conditions, while internal electronics stabilize light output to prevent flicker or intensity drift during long calibration sessions. The result is consistent illumination that simplifies post-processing and helps produce scientifically accurate flats.
Connectivity is managed through USB and an optional Wi-Fi module, giving users flexibility in how they operate the device. Firmware updates can be applied directly from Pegasus Astro’s control application, ensuring continued compatibility with evolving software ecosystems.
Photo credit: Pegasus Astro
The FlatMaster Neo 120 features a durable aluminum chassis designed for long-term stability in observatory environments. The retractable cover mechanism is built from lightweight composite materials to minimize stress on telescope assemblies while maintaining rigidity during operation.
Every unit undergoes photometric testing to ensure even light distribution across the field. Pegasus Astro states that the panel’s surface uniformity deviates less than ±5%, a key metric for achieving accurate calibration frames.
The product’s design reflects the company’s emphasis on reliability and ease of integration. Each component is engineered to operate in varying temperatures and humidity levels, supporting astrophotography setups in diverse climates.
The FlatMaster Neo 120 is part of a larger series, which also includes smaller variants for 8-inch and 10-inch telescope configurations. Each model follows the same engineering principles, differing primarily in aperture coverage and weight.
According to Pegasus Astro, the FlatMaster Neo 120 is priced at approximately €419 + VAT (around $492.50 + import/tarrif cost USD). It can be ordered directly from the company’s official website or through authorized dealers worldwide. The pricing reflects its integration of mechanical automation, illumination control, and compatibility with astrophotography software ecosystems.
Pegasus Astro distributes its products globally through a network of telescope retailers and observatory automation specialists. Each FlatMaster Neo unit includes the retractable flat panel assembly, a 12V power adapter, USB cable, mounting hardware, and documentation.
The company also provides regular firmware updates and technical support through its online portal.
Flat-field calibration plays a critical role in the astrophotography workflow. Without uniform flats, images may exhibit uneven brightness, optical artifacts, or gradients caused by dust and sensor inconsistencies. The FlatMaster Neo 120 addresses these challenges by delivering consistent illumination that can be triggered remotely and repeated with minimal variation.
The retractable feature is particularly beneficial for observatories operating unattended. Automated scripts can control the FlatMaster Neo to extend, illuminate, capture flats, and retract—all without human intervention. This capability streamlines imaging sequences and reduces the risk of contamination or misalignment.
The FlatMaster Neo 120’s balance of automation and precision aligns with broader trends in astrophotography hardware design, where efficiency and reproducibility are increasingly prioritized.
The FlatMaster Neo 120 operates natively with Pegasus Astro’s Unity Platform, which centralizes control for all connected Pegasus devices. Through Unity, users can coordinate the operation of power boxes, focus controllers, dew heaters, and flat panels within a unified dashboard.
This ecosystem approach allows synchronized control of multiple devices during automated imaging runs. For example, Unity can trigger the FlatMaster Neo 120 to deploy automatically at the start of a calibration session, adjust brightness for each filter, and retract before imaging resumes.
Such integration illustrates Pegasus Astro’s direction toward complete observatory automation—reducing manual handling while maintaining accuracy and reliability across all components.
The FlatMaster Neo 120 demonstrates Pegasus Astro’s continued refinement of astrophotography accessories. Its retractable flat-field design, precision LED illumination, and automation-ready integration make it a capable tool for both amateur and professional observatories. By emphasizing reliability and remote functionality, the company reinforces its position in a growing segment of smart astronomical instrumentation.
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