WandererCover V4 Pro EC 280mm Motorized Flat Panel

A motorized flat panel for large-diameter instruments

The WandererCover V4 Pro-EC 280 mm combines a light panel for calibration images and a motorized cover for opening your telescope. Its 280 mm light-gathering diameter is suitable for setups where the front of the tube or the dew shield can be properly covered by this surface. The Pro-EC series is designed for large-aperture instruments and features a high-torque motor suitable for moving its panel.

When closed, the panel is placed in front of the instrument’s aperture to take flat-field images. These images help identify certain variations in lighting and traces of dust in the optical path, so that these factors can be accounted for when calibrating astronomical images. They are captured using your setup’s camera and filters; the images are then processed using your usual software.

Motorized opening and position tracking

The V4 Pro-EC’s motor is self-locking. A built-in encoder transmits the panel’s position in real time, and the manufacturer claims a repeatability of better than ±0.25°. The opening and closing angles can be set to suit your instrument, with an opening angle of up to 270°. This allows the panel to be positioned in front of the tube for flat-field images and then moved out of the optical path for imaging.

Before installation, check the required clearance around the telescope and ensure the panel has enough room to move freely throughout its entire range of motion. The motor is very powerful: keep your hands and accessories away while it is running. Once installed, the panel must be able to open without hitting the tube, the mount, or the cables. Adjust the positions according to the actual installation and consult the manual before putting the system into service.

Adjustable brightness for flats

The panel offers 255 brightness levels to accommodate both wideband and narrowband imaging. The manufacturer states that it has increased the modulation frequency to reduce the risk of banding. The brightness level and exposure time should be adjusted according to the camera, filter, and optical system used; be sure to check the resulting signal before taking a series of flats.

The V4 Pro-EC does not have the panel-integrated heating found on the smaller-diameter V4-EC and V4-EC IR models. It also does not include the infrared remote control specific to the V4-EC IR version. These three models must be distinguished when selecting and configuring the equipment.

Ordering and Installation

The WandererCover V4 Pro-EC is compatible with ASCOM and INDI. With the appropriate firmware, WandererAstro also indicates that control is possible via a ZWO ASIAIR Plus, a ToupTek StellaVita, or any device capable of controlling a DC power output. The available functions and required connections depend on the control mode: refer to the manual to configure your setup.

The motor housing features M3 and M4 threaded holes, allowing for a suitable mounting, particularly on an open-frame telescope. The mounting solution depends on the tube and the accessories used: check the dimensions, mounting method, and available clearance before selecting this panel. The manufacturer specifies an operating temperature range down to −25 °C.

The version shown here has a light-emitting surface of 280 mm. Measure the outer diameter of your defogger or the front of your tube before purchasing: the manufacturer recommends a light-emitting diameter that is equal to or greater than this measurement to properly cover the opening. The panel connects via USB 2.0 Type-B and requires a 12 V, 2 A power supply with a DC5521 connector.

Technical specifications