Very explanatory video.. well done! How you like it so far? Dumb question but have you had the need of installing the lens cap because the panel hasn't sealed properly allowing the entrance of dust? If yes, could you please explain? I have my scope sitting outside protected with two covers (inner is a Orion Telescope and the outer is a Telegizmo 365 cover); however, I am worry that the main objective (lens) can get dusty because the flat panel can't seal properly. Thank you!
I enjoy it! It saves a lot of time of taking flat frames! I've never put the lens cap back on since I installed flat panels on both telescopes. I set up my panel so that it attaches to the tube as close as possible. It's not the same as the lens cap, of course, but still works pretty good and protects the lens. Same as you, I keep my telescopes outside and cover them with Telegizmos. My 122mm APO has been working like that for 1.5 years, and I have no issues with it.
Thanks! Brilliant kit and explanation. It probably took less than 30 minutes from unboxing to running some test flats. I took your advice and got one version larger than I strictly needed and it was definitely a good choice. I just wish there was an advanced sequencer item to turn anti-dew heater off/on. I don't think it is good to run all night.
Thank you for the comment! As of now, it is possible to control dew heater in NINA! I shared your comment with Wanderer Astro, and they responded that it is possible now. You can check out the manual with details. Basically you need to install a plug in in NINA that will be used to send commands to the flat panel. It can be setted up in advanced sequencer!
@@AstroCreation Oh wow, that's wild! Thanks for checking. I'll give it a try this weekend. I'm embarrassed to say I skipped over the latter half of the manual after setting up the open/close positions :(
Thanks for this video! I have some questions: is it possible to mount the flat panel on the bottom side of the telescopes dew cap instead on the top? Isn't it possible in NINA to automatically control the brightness of the panel in the flat wizard? I think I remember that the Lacerta Flatbox Controller works in this mode: NINA flat wizard automatically controls the brightness and the imaging time of the flats to get good flats. Is there an INDI driver available fo the Wanderer Astro Flat Panel? Is it possible to manually open, close, switch on/off, dimm the flat panel e.g. via buttons, if you don't use a computer?
Hey Paul! Thank you for the comment! === I have some questions: is it possible to mount the flat panel on the bottom side of the telescopes dew cap instead on the top? === - Yes, it is possible; however, I would pay attention to bigger size panels. My guess is that the flat panel might not fully cover the lens due to the different weight distribution if it makes sense. === Isn't it possible in NINA to automatically control the brightness of the panel in the flat wizard? === - Yes, you can choose "dynamic brightness" mode in NINA and basically set desired exposure time you want to use for your flats. NINA will determine the required brightness then. === Is there an INDI driver available fo the Wanderer Astro Flat Panel? === - As I am aware, there is no INDI driver for this panel. === Is it possible to manually open, close, switch on/off, dimm the flat panel e.g. via buttons, if you don't use a computer? === - The flat panel doesn't have a hand controller to do so.
I've had the V4 for a few months and I think it's a nice bit of hardware, however in my opinion the software let's it down a bit, my main complaint is the fact that there is no way to automate the control of the dew heater, however I believe this may be a limitation of the ASCOM platform. A native driver could solve this but that would take some cooperation between Wanderer Astro and the producers of each acquisition software
@@AstroCreation Hi, the dew heater can be controlled by NINA advanced sequence now. Please update to the latest firmware and latest Wanderer Empire, and refer to the new WandererCover V4-EC User Manual.
@@AstroCreation Any suggestion as to how/when to use the dew heater? i.e., during imaging vs. at the end of imaging to dry it off before closing? Thanks.
@@thomasheatherington357 if your imaging session is automated and flat panel covers the lens by the end of imaging session, I would keep the dew heater on. If you control things manually, then you decide when you need it on or off.
Hi. When the panel is closed and light on, if I take a photo with the Frame and Focus module in SGPro, the pannel opens and the light switches OFF. Is that normal behaviour or not ? That does not appen when using the Auto flat module in SGPro nor if using Wanderer Empire when connecting the pannel only with Wanderer Empire and taking a photo with SGPro Frame and Focus module. Thank's for your answer and have a nice day. JM.
Hi there! Honestly, I’ve never used SGPro, so I’m not sure I can assist you with this software; however, this happens in NINA when it finishes sequence of taking flat frames. If you take a picture with flat panel on, the app might recognize it as “the end of taking flat frames sequence” and open the cover then
Thanks for the review of V.4. I have owned two V.3 covers and I must honestly say that V.3 never should have been released to the market! On my larger cap (240mm) the motor cannot reliably lift the cap open if the OTA is pointing straight up. Eventually the motor's gears break. I replaced the motor once only for it to break the first time it tried to lift the cap. I have not had that problem with the smaller cap. However, both caps suffer from regular positional loss for unknown reasons and require constant recalibratiion. Also, if I leave Wanderer software connected to the cap after opening the cap I will receive a message of "insufficient power." Odd, because if i disconnect and reconnect the cap will close without that message. The only positive thing I can say about V.3 is that the flat panel works well. My opinion is that owners who invested in V.3 should under warranty receive V.4, however that isn't a policy Wanderer is willing to commit to. I'm now offered V.4 at a "discount." I'm quite hesitant to accept for obvious reasons, though, I do note that the V.4 seems superior given the separate power port, ease of setting the open/close positions and apparently stronger motor. If anyone here has used V.3 and then V.4 (especially with a large model cap) I would love your opinion and comparison. I do not want to buy V.4 only to be offered V.5 at some discount....
Thank you for sharing your experience with V3! It seems like bigger V3 versions suffer from their own weight. I use 6” panel V3, and it has served well for the past 1.5 years. Talking about the software side, what usb port is the flat panel connected to? Is that a USB hub or something else?
@@AstroCreation Hello, the USB port on both my V.3 caps have been problematic. My Primalucelab Eagle had insufficent power and I had to buy a hub just to power the smaller cap. Then the 240mm cap would not run from my FitPC on the mount of my TEC-180. So, now it is connected to the Wanderer V.3 Pro Box. Power shouldn't be an issue at all , but it continuously is. I'm glad your V.3 cap works okay. Both of mine are eratic and unreliable in my remote fully automated observatory. I have found product support to be okay if one needs help with software or just questions, and pretty bad if you take issue with the actual product. I've had the V.3 caps probably for two years so I have had a gutfull of "trying!"
I have set up and have been running the flat panel for a few days BUT major issue when using advance sequencer in NINA. The flat panel isn’t closing at the end of my sequence. For days now it hasn’t closed. Have you experienced this?
Hello, Andy! I haven't tried it in the advanced sequencer yet primarily because I hadn't switched to it yet. I'll try it myself and see if it works or not.
Update: I have resolved the issue. The “Close flat panel” instruction in NINA cannot run in parallel with other instructions. It needs to be a standalone global instruction. I have tested a few times and everything now works as it should.
i have been using the deep sky dad flat panels. A bit bulkier than these, but probably more securely attached. The main advantage for me is that they have adapters to make them work with asiair.
Thank you for the detailed and excellent review. Very helpful. I’m thinking of getting a size wide enough to cover an svbony 122 550 series. Was wondering what diameter you had on your 122 setup? Also I think it should be possible to use the wider flat panel on smaller scopes with some 3D printed parts which I have to think about. Can’t afford to buy three sets!
Great video! Can you tell me what's the name of a song that plays from about 4:25?
Thanks!
The song is called "In the Backseat" by Hampus Naeselius
Very explanatory video.. well done! How you like it so far? Dumb question but have you had the need of installing the lens cap because the panel hasn't sealed properly allowing the entrance of dust? If yes, could you please explain? I have my scope sitting outside protected with two covers (inner is a Orion Telescope and the outer is a Telegizmo 365 cover); however, I am worry that the main objective (lens) can get dusty because the flat panel can't seal properly.
Thank you!
I enjoy it! It saves a lot of time of taking flat frames!
I've never put the lens cap back on since I installed flat panels on both telescopes. I set up my panel so that it attaches to the tube as close as possible. It's not the same as the lens cap, of course, but still works pretty good and protects the lens. Same as you, I keep my telescopes outside and cover them with Telegizmos. My 122mm APO has been working like that for 1.5 years, and I have no issues with it.
Thanks! Brilliant kit and explanation. It probably took less than 30 minutes from unboxing to running some test flats. I took your advice and got one version larger than I strictly needed and it was definitely a good choice. I just wish there was an advanced sequencer item to turn anti-dew heater off/on. I don't think it is good to run all night.
Thank you for the comment! As of now, it is possible to control dew heater in NINA! I shared your comment with Wanderer Astro, and they responded that it is possible now. You can check out the manual with details.
Basically you need to install a plug in in NINA that will be used to send commands to the flat panel. It can be setted up in advanced sequencer!
@@AstroCreation Oh wow, that's wild! Thanks for checking. I'll give it a try this weekend. I'm embarrassed to say I skipped over the latter half of the manual after setting up the open/close positions :(
Thanks for this video! I have some questions: is it possible to mount the flat panel on the bottom side of the telescopes dew cap instead on the top? Isn't it possible in NINA to automatically control the brightness of the panel in the flat wizard? I think I remember that the Lacerta Flatbox Controller works in this mode: NINA flat wizard automatically controls the brightness and the imaging time of the flats to get good flats. Is there an INDI driver available fo the Wanderer Astro Flat Panel? Is it possible to manually open, close, switch on/off, dimm the flat panel e.g. via buttons, if you don't use a computer?
Hey Paul! Thank you for the comment!
=== I have some questions: is it possible to mount the flat panel on the bottom side of the telescopes dew cap instead on the top? ===
- Yes, it is possible; however, I would pay attention to bigger size panels. My guess is that the flat panel might not fully cover the lens due to the different weight distribution if it makes sense.
=== Isn't it possible in NINA to automatically control the brightness of the panel in the flat wizard? ===
- Yes, you can choose "dynamic brightness" mode in NINA and basically set desired exposure time you want to use for your flats. NINA will determine the required brightness then.
=== Is there an INDI driver available fo the Wanderer Astro Flat Panel? ===
- As I am aware, there is no INDI driver for this panel.
=== Is it possible to manually open, close, switch on/off, dimm the flat panel e.g. via buttons, if you don't use a computer? ===
- The flat panel doesn't have a hand controller to do so.
I've had the V4 for a few months and I think it's a nice bit of hardware, however in my opinion the software let's it down a bit, my main complaint is the fact that there is no way to automate the control of the dew heater, however I believe this may be a limitation of the ASCOM platform. A native driver could solve this but that would take some cooperation between Wanderer Astro and the producers of each acquisition software
Good point! I don't think you want to keep the heater on all the time. I hope Wanderer Astro will find a way to automate this process as well.
Hi, the dew heater can be automated in NINA advanced sequence now. Please check our latest user manual :)
@@AstroCreation Hi, the dew heater can be controlled by NINA advanced sequence now. Please update to the latest firmware and latest Wanderer Empire, and refer to the new WandererCover V4-EC User Manual.
@@AstroCreation Any suggestion as to how/when to use the dew heater? i.e., during imaging vs. at the end of imaging to dry it off before closing? Thanks.
@@thomasheatherington357 if your imaging session is automated and flat panel covers the lens by the end of imaging session, I would keep the dew heater on. If you control things manually, then you decide when you need it on or off.
Hi.
When the panel is closed and light on, if I take a photo with the Frame and Focus module in SGPro, the pannel opens and the light switches OFF. Is that normal behaviour or not ?
That does not appen when using the Auto flat module in SGPro nor if using Wanderer Empire when connecting the pannel only with Wanderer Empire and taking a photo with SGPro Frame and Focus module.
Thank's for your answer and have a nice day.
JM.
Hi there!
Honestly, I’ve never used SGPro, so I’m not sure I can assist you with this software; however, this happens in NINA when it finishes sequence of taking flat frames.
If you take a picture with flat panel on, the app might recognize it as “the end of taking flat frames sequence” and open the cover then
Thanks for the review of V.4. I have owned two V.3 covers and I must honestly say that V.3 never should have been released to the market! On my larger cap (240mm) the motor cannot reliably lift the cap open if the OTA is pointing straight up. Eventually the motor's gears break. I replaced the motor once only for it to break the first time it tried to lift the cap. I have not had that problem with the smaller cap. However, both caps suffer from regular positional loss for unknown reasons and require constant recalibratiion. Also, if I leave Wanderer software connected to the cap after opening the cap I will receive a message of "insufficient power." Odd, because if i disconnect and reconnect the cap will close without that message. The only positive thing I can say about V.3 is that the flat panel works well. My opinion is that owners who invested in V.3 should under warranty receive V.4, however that isn't a policy Wanderer is willing to commit to. I'm now offered V.4 at a "discount." I'm quite hesitant to accept for obvious reasons, though, I do note that the V.4 seems superior given the separate power port, ease of setting the open/close positions and apparently stronger motor.
If anyone here has used V.3 and then V.4 (especially with a large model cap) I would love your opinion and comparison. I do not want to buy V.4 only to be offered V.5 at some discount....
Thank you for sharing your experience with V3! It seems like bigger V3 versions suffer from their own weight. I use 6” panel V3, and it has served well for the past 1.5 years.
Talking about the software side, what usb port is the flat panel connected to? Is that a USB hub or something else?
@@AstroCreation Hello, the USB port on both my V.3 caps have been problematic. My Primalucelab Eagle had insufficent power and I had to buy a hub just to power the smaller cap. Then the 240mm cap would not run from my FitPC on the mount of my TEC-180. So, now it is connected to the Wanderer V.3 Pro Box. Power shouldn't be an issue at all , but it continuously is. I'm glad your V.3 cap works okay. Both of mine are eratic and unreliable in my remote fully automated observatory. I have found product support to be okay if one needs help with software or just questions, and pretty bad if you take issue with the actual product. I've had the V.3 caps probably for two years so I have had a gutfull of "trying!"
Do you know if its compatible with Asiair plus?
I cannot tell if it works with ASIAIR or not... My guess that it shouldn't.
I have set up and have been running the flat panel for a few days BUT major issue when using advance sequencer in NINA. The flat panel isn’t closing at the end of my sequence. For days now it hasn’t closed. Have you experienced this?
Hello, Andy! I haven't tried it in the advanced sequencer yet primarily because I hadn't switched to it yet. I'll try it myself and see if it works or not.
Okay let me know. I’ve gone a week with it and it has not closed at the end of my sequence.
Update: I have resolved the issue. The “Close flat panel” instruction in NINA cannot run in parallel with other instructions. It needs to be a standalone global instruction. I have tested a few times and everything now works as it should.
Why does it have to rotate, to even out shadows and uneven distribution of the light on the panel?
Sorry for the late response! What rotation are you talking about?
@@AstroCreation Sorry, i missread you :)
Great video! Learned lots! You should make a video showing how to take flats in the Advanced Sequencer.
Thank you! I will film one!
i have been using the deep sky dad flat panels. A bit bulkier than these, but probably more securely attached. The main advantage for me is that they have adapters to make them work with asiair.
Does anyone have any problems with uneven corners on these?
Is there I difference in quality vs the t shirt method or is just convenience
Mostly, I think, it is the convenience. Meanwhile, it is "must have" if you do remote imaging.
Thank you for the detailed and excellent review. Very helpful. I’m thinking of getting a size wide enough to cover an svbony 122 550 series. Was wondering what diameter you had on your 122 setup? Also I think it should be possible to use the wider flat panel on smaller scopes with some 3D printed parts which I have to think about. Can’t afford to buy three sets!
Thank you,@@paskoh! I got 150mm version for my 122mm SV550 APO.
I use my flat panel IPad
@bigmd1343 yea but my telescope to big for iPad