DIN Rail Cradle Version Available

Dragonfly V2.0: Reliable Observatory Automation for Astrophotographers

The Lunático Dragonfly V2.0 Observatory Controller brings professional-grade automation to backyard domes and fully remote sites alike. With configurable relay control, sensor integration, and seamless compatibility with ASCOM and INDI, Dragonfly V2.0 centralises power management, safety routines, and environmental monitoring—so you can focus on capturing the night sky instead of babysitting hardware. A variant with a DIN rail cradle is available for clean, robust mounting inside equipment cabinets and observatory racks.

At a glance

• Automates power and safety across your observatory
• Works with ASCOM & INDI software stacks
• Integrates sensors and interlocks for weather safety
• 12V DC friendly for astronomy rigs
• Optional DIN rail cradle for pro installations

Why Dragonfly V2.0

Astrophotography sessions succeed or fail on the reliability of your infrastructure. Multiple power bricks, ad-hoc relay boards, and loose scripts can work—until they don’t. Dragonfly V2.0 consolidates this sprawl into a single, dependable controller that’s purpose-built for observatories. It’s the central brain that coordinates power sequencing, responds to weather inputs, and enforces safety interlocks without drama.

• Stability first: Fewer moving parts in your automation chain means fewer night-ending surprises.
• Clean wiring: Centralise relays, sensors, and triggers in one tidy place.
• Predictable behaviour: Program the order devices power up, and how the system should shut down if the weather turns.

Automation & Control

Configure multiple relay outputs to switch on mounts, cameras, dew systems, fans, roof motors, and lighting. Feed in signals from safety switches, weather sensors, or custom hardware to drive smart responses. For example, if a rain sensor triggers, Dragonfly can close the roof and gracefully power down non-essential devices—hands-free.

Software & Compatibility

Dragonfly V2.0 integrates with the astronomy software you already use. On Windows, ASCOM compatibility ensures broad support across popular planning and automation apps. On Linux and single-board computers, INDI support makes it a natural fit for lightweight, power-efficient observatory controllers. Either way, you can script behaviours, schedule actions, and tie Dragonfly into your existing workflow without reinventing the wheel.

• Works with ASCOM (Windows) stacks and common automation suites
• Works with INDI (Linux) to support lightweight/embedded observatory builds
• Flexible enough for custom scripts and advanced users

Typical Workflows

A good observatory controller is invisible: it just works. Here are common tasks many users configure:

• Power Sequencing: Mount and roof control systems energise first, then cameras, focusers, and dew heaters.
• Session Start & End: Trigger relays and scripts when a session begins or finishes—no manual switch-fiddling.
• Weather Responses: Upon rain detection, pause imaging, park the mount, close the roof, power down non-essentials.
• Safety Interlocks: Prevent roof motion unless the mount is parked and the area is clear.

DIN Rail Cradle Version (Available)

For permanent installations and pro wiring standards, Dragonfly V2.0 is also available with a DIN rail cradle. This option lets you mount the controller cleanly inside electrical enclosures, rack bays, or wall cabinets using industry-standard rails. Cable strain-relief, labelling, and service access all become easier, resulting in a neater and more maintainable observatory.

Setup & Integration

Getting started is straightforward. Decide which devices will be relay-controlled, wire in your safety and weather sensors, and connect Dragonfly to the machine that runs your automation software. From there, create simple rules: which relays switch on at the start of a session, which sensors trigger safing actions, and how the system should recover after an interruption.

1. Plan the wiring: List devices to be switched and the sensors you’ll use.
2. Mount the controller: Standard mounting or DIN rail cradle version for cabinets.
3. Connect power & I/O: Use tidy cable runs with labels and appropriate gauge.
4. Configure software: Add Dragonfly in ASCOM or INDI, then map relays/sensors to named functions.
5. Test safety paths: Simulate rain/wind events and confirm the roof/mount/power logic behaves as intended.

Use Cases & Ideas

• Backyard roll-off shed: Automate the roof, dew heaters, pier fans, and safety interlocks so you can image from the house.
• Remote pier: Integrate with weather sensors to safeguard gear while you operate from hundreds of miles away.
• University observatory: Present a robust, DIN-rail-mounted control system for student projects and unattended sessions.
• Public outreach dome: Ensure safe opening/closing sequences and reliable power control during events.

Technical Overview

Note: Exact I/O counts and limits vary by configuration. If you need a precise specification sheet for a tender or lab environment, contact us and we’ll provide the latest manufacturer-verified details.

Quick FAQ

The Lunático Dragonfly V2.0 Observatory Controller is designed for serious astrophotographers and observatory managers who value predictable, safe automation across changing weather and long imaging runs. With ASCOM/INDI compatibility, multiple relays, and sensor inputs, it becomes the coordination hub of your rig—whether you image from your garden or operate a facility hours away. For cabinet-grade installs, choose the DIN rail cradle version for a professional, maintainable wiring standard.