Flat Panel Usage Policy

Flat panels are convenient accessories. However, if used irresponsibly, they can compromise the dark environment needed to produce the highest quality data possible. As a single flat panel accident can ruin imaging for every other customer in the vicinity, this flat panel policy is intended to provide communally optimal guidelines for the use of flat panels at Starfront Observatories.

1. Timing

Flat panel illumination must conclude by NAUTICAL DUSK (Sun altitude -12°) every night. Operation cannot resume until after NAUTICAL DAWN the following morning. Panels are allowed to be open or closed during Astronomical night as long as they are not illuminated. This rule still applies on nights when the roof remains closed as many customers take those opportunities to take dark/bias calibration frames. Since the buildings are extremely dark at night with the roof closed many users are able to take these frames without the need of a scope cap. Any panel found to be illuminated during astronomical night, even when the roof is closed, will be in violation of the Flat Panel Usage Policy.

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2. Best Practices

There have been several occurrences where panels activate unexpectedly in the middle of the night, negatively impacting the data of the surrounding piers. This is usually caused by a firmware bug in the panel. These issues can be reported to the manufacturer but there is never a guarantee that it will be fixed in a timely manner if at all. Because we cannot count on panels behaving as expected 100% of the time, precautions must be taken.

The only method guaranteed to prevent a panel from activating unexpectedly is to power down the panel when it is not actively being used to open, close, or take flat frames. This can be done manually or with automation, depending on your equipment. Consider one of the following hardware devices to cut power to your flat panel when it is not in use:

1. Pegasus Powerbox Micro (PBM). Has 4 12v outlets that can be switched ON/OFF as a group, plus a variable voltage outlet that can be switched ON/OFF independently of the 4 12v outlets.
2. Pegasus Powerbox Advanced (PBA). Has 4 12v outlets that can be switched ON/OFF as a group, plus a variable voltage outlet that can be switched ON/OFF independently of the 4 12v outlets.
3. Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox (UPB). Depending on the version, has 4–6 12v outlets and 1–2 variable voltage outlets that can all be switched ON/OFF independently. The UPB can also switch USB ports ON/OFF individually, for those with flat panels powered through USB.
4. PrimaLuceLabs Eagle PC. Has 4 12v and 3 variable voltage outlets that can be switched ON/OFF individually.
5. TP-Link Kasa Web Power Switch. Operates over WiFi and, depending on the model, provides 1–6 independently switchable outlets. For those without a Pegasus Powerbox or an Eagle PC, the Kasa paired with a dedicated power supply is the most cost-effective option for remotely powering down the panel when not in use.
6. Digital Logger Web Pro (DLI). Provides 6 independently switchable outlets. When paired with a dedicated 12v power supply, users can remotely power off the panel when not in use. The DLI can operate over ethernet or WiFi.
7. MSNSwitch2 Web Power Switch. Provides 2 independently switchable outlets. Note that it can only be connected to the network via ethernet, so an ethernet switch may be needed.

Note: Most AC to DC power supplies will not have a long enough lead to reach the flat panel from the pier. The easiest solution is to use a female-to-female DC barrel paired with a standard 6ft DC power extension cable.

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3. Automation

Powerbox, Eagle, and DLI users can automate their panel power control directly from the advanced sequencer by installing the Pegasus or Eagle ASCOM driver and connecting them to NINA as a switch. Users will then be able to use switch power instruction sets to cut power to the panel after it opens and restore power before it needs to close. Users may also install the Connector NINA plugin which will allow them to automate the panel connecting to or disconnecting from NINA.

Users who are unable to automate their power will need to manually power off their panels when not in use by utilizing one of the devices mentioned above.

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4. Policy Violations

While we take the protection of our dark environment very seriously, we also understand that mistakes can happen. Because of this we are instituting a 3 strike rule. Users found in violation of the Flat Panel Usage Policy will have their panels disconnected for the remainder of the night with no guarantee that it will be plugged back in before the next. Violators will be notified and documented. Upon the third violation that individual will no longer be permitted to operate a flip flat panel on that pier. If the violator has multiple piers on site, strikes will only count towards the offending pier, not all of their piers.