Telescope Mount Position Sensor from Dark Dragons Astronomy

Dark Dragons Astronomy has announced the release of the Mount Position Sensor (MPS), a new device designed to enhance the safety of remote Roll Off Roof observatories. Many such observatories house large telescopes that may protrude above the plane of roof movement, creating the potential for a collision if the roof closes while the telescope is still in an unsafe position. In response, Dark Dragons Astronomy has introduced the MPS to provide a more efficient, reliable, and straightforward solution to this challenge.

What is a Telescope Mount Position Sensor (MPS) and how can it help protect my scope?

Traditional methods of ensuring that a telescope is in a safe position before closing a Roll Off Roof often involve the use of limit switches or optical reflective sensors. While limit switches are reliable, their installation requires custom brackets and hardware to accommodate the various mount and telescope combinations. On the other hand, optical reflective sensors can be cumbersome to set up, often leading to inconsistent results. Recognizing these limitations, Dark Dragons Astronomy collaborated closely with users of their DragonLAIR Roof Control system to develop the MPS—a small, highly effective device that requires no PC connection to function.

The MPS is designed to be mounted anywhere on the telescope, connecting via a simple USB power source. It communicates directly with the DragonLAIR Roof Controller, enabling precise verification that the telescope is in a safe position before roof movement. This communication ensures that observatories can operate without the risk of damaging valuable equipment due to roof-telescope interference. The MPS is entirely ASCOM/Alpaca compliant, reflecting Dark Dragons Astronomy’s commitment to universal compatibility. Additionally, the device features an onboard web server, facilitating a straightforward setup process that is operating system independent. Users can easily connect the device to the observatory's local WiFi network and calibrate the MPS with just the click of a button.

Installation and calibration of the MPS are simple and quick. Once the device is securely mounted on the telescope, a single click when the telescope is in its park position calibrates the accelerometer. Users have the flexibility to set tolerance levels, allowing for a range of acceptable pitch and roll angles that will still permit safe roof closure. This customization is particularly beneficial for observatories with multiple telescopes, as the MPS supports the addition of multiple units, allowing users to activate or deactivate individual sensors depending on each telescope's position relative to the roof line.

A recent firmware update for the DragonLAIR Roof Controller further simplifies the setup by enabling instant discovery of the MPS. Once detected, activating the safety monitoring system is as simple as a click, ensuring that the roof will not move until all sensors report a safe status. The MPS also supports advanced scripting, acting as an ASCOM switch that outputs a 0 or 1 based on its status. This functionality allows users to incorporate the MPS into customized, automated imaging routines, enhancing the observatory’s overall automation capabilities.

In line with its goal to make high-quality solutions accessible, Dark Dragons Astronomy has kept the MPS cost-effective. To minimize expenses and encourage customization, the device is shipped in a 3D-printed enclosure that features both a Vixen-shaped dovetail and a standard Finder scope dovetail. For users with unique mounting requirements, Dark Dragons Astronomy offers the option to share a 3D CAD file of the MPS’s PCB, enabling them to design and print their own enclosures. This flexibility allows the MPS to be securely attached using a variety of methods, including velcro or zip ties, accommodating different telescope setups and park positions. Recalibration, if needed, is a breeze—simply access the device's web interface and click a button to reset the park position.

The MPS integrates seamlessly with the DragonLAIR Roof Controller

Dark Dragons Astronomy’s MPS has an MSRP of $100, making it an affordable yet highly effective safety solution for observatories of all sizes. The MPS integrates seamlessly with the DragonLAIR Roof Controller and is poised to become a valuable tool for astronomers seeking to automate and safeguard their remote setups. INDI compatibility is also on the horizon, promising even broader adaptability for diverse observatory configurations.

For those interested in a detailed demonstration of the MPS’s installation and capabilities, Dark Dragons Astronomy has released an instructional video, accessible on their YouTube channel. This video provides a step-by-step guide, ensuring that even novice users can quickly set up and utilize the device without complications.

With the introduction of the Mount Position Sensor, Dark Dragons Astronomy continues to reinforce its position as a leader in the field of observatory automation and safety, providing tools that empower astronomers to focus on their passion—capturing the wonders of the universe.