Using the Deep Sky Dad Observatory Flat Panel (OFP or OFP2) requires the special ASIAIR cable from Deep Sky Dad. If you did not purchase the cable along with your ASIAIR, you can sometimes find them at Astro World Telescopes. If you're in the US, this can be faster than purchasing from DSD directly.
How it Works
The ASIAIR cable requires two power ports on your ASIAIR. One provides 12V power to the flat panel and the other is used for control. When we hook up your system, we usually choose the label "Other" for the 12V power connection, and "Flat Panel" for the control connection.
The flat panel will only work if the "Other" output is turned on. You can then use the "Flat Panel" output to close and light the flat panel by simply turning it on. You turn off and open the flat panel by turning off the power to the "Flat Panel" output.
Variable Light Level
The power connection labeled "Flat Panel" is variable. You can configure the DSD flat panel to provide different light levels at different power settings. This is handy if you want to manually control exposure time. Documentation for this can be found at the DSD website. Most ASIAIR users simply use the "automatic" exposure with full light output and that works fine.
Shooting Flats
Close and turn on the flat panel by verifying that "Other" is turned on, then turn "Flat Panel" on.
Choose Live mode in ASIAIR.
Tap the settings button for live mode and choose Flats and set your other parameters. You can usually just choose "automatic" for the exposure setting. Save the settings.
Tap the "start" button on the ASIAIR screen. ASIAIR will shoot flats and combine them into one master flat file.
When it's done, turn off the "Flat Panel" port. The light will turn off and the flat panel will open.
Using the Flat Panel as a Dust Cover
You can use the flat panel as a dust cover by closing it but turning the light off. To do this, first turn both "Other" and "Flat Panel" on so that the panel closes. Wait about 10 seconds, then turn "Other" off. This cuts off power to the flat panel, and the light will go out, leaving the panel closed.
Top open the panel the next night, first turn off the "Flat Panel" output, then turn on the "Other" output. This causes the flat panel to open while the light remains off. Note that it's not possible with the ASIAIR cable to turn the light on while the flat panel is open. This could disturb your neighbors in the observatory.
Summary of Settings
"Other" (General 12V Supply) |
"Flat Panel" (Variable 12V Supply) |
Result |
|---|---|---|
OFF |
OFF |
Light is off; flap is in the position it was in when "Other" was turned off. If "Other" is subsequently turned ON, panel will open with light off. |
OFF |
ON |
Light is off; flap is in the position it was in when "Other" was turned off. If "Other" is subsequently turned ON, panel will close if open, and light will be turned on. |
ON |
OFF |
Panel will transition to being open with light off if needed, and will stay that way. |
ON |
ON |
Panel will transition to being closed with light on if needed, and will stay that way. |