STARLING Shared Observatory Controller with DIN Rail Mounting Clip
* GIVEN ITS PRODUCTION CASUISTRY, THE DELIVERY TIME IS 21 DAYS FROM ORDER CONFIRMATION

Consolidates roof control, safety monitoring and automation into a single controller, simplifying commissioning and operation in multi-user environments.
Sentinel and Client Functions
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Sentinel (Observatory Manager) Observatory Managerwith full control over infrastructure and security conditions. Sentinel monitors the system and can take control when necessary. |
Clients (Observatory Users) Authorized observatory users interact with the system under a common access model, allowing coordinated and conflict-free operation in shared observatories. |
Access permissions depend on the role of the user, not the device used: Sentinel and Clients can access Starling from desktops, tablets or mobile devices.
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Supported rooftop systems
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Automated roofs with Caterpillar SSR Fully integrated support for automated roofs with Lunaticoastro's Caterpillar SSR controller, providing smooth and reliable roof operation in shared observatory environments. |
Automated roofs with third-party motorization Support for automated roofs using third-party motorization systems, such as garage door motors, allowing Starling to be integrated into existing observatory installations. |
Three-phase motor-driven roofs with VFD Support for three-phase motor-driven roofs controlled by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), allowing Starling to manage industrial-grade roof systems safely and efficiently. |
Roof flaps driven by linear actuators Starling can control roof flaps whenever they are moved by linear actuators, allowing automated sequences along with roof operation. |
All roof control functions are consolidated in Starling: motion control, safety inputs and automated operating sequences.
Starling key points (shared observatories)
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Designed to allow multiple clients (users) to interact seamlessly with a shared observatory.
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Includes security measures so that the roof owner (the sentinel) can take control when necessary.
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Powerful and versatile controller for observatory equipment: roof, alarm, lights, dehumidifier and much more.
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With features that allow clients to interact with the roof as if they were the only ones sending commands to it.
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Guarantees ASCOM compatibility so that customers can continue to use their favorite astronomy software.
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With different levels of access: full control panel for sentinel and public control panel for clients.
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Local manual control (without PC). Starling allows physical buttons or switches to be connected for manual operation, ideal for maintenance tasks or quick on-site control without turning on a computer.
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Mobile optimized control panel.
no app needed!

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Accessible to users via
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Public control panel |
REST API / Web integration |
INDILib coming soon |
With Starling..
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The Sentinel can:
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open and close the roof
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control any connected device. In addition to the fixed outputs for service light, alarm and dehumidifier, Starling includes 3 free relays to
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view and monitor user requests
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monitor security conditions with CloudWatcher or other security devices
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override security conditions and operate manually (open/close the roof or activate outputs when needed)
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monitor other conditions via sensors, such as roof status, power failure, emergency, etc.
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Clients can:
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- open and close the observatory roof
- monitor the position of the roof in "single user" mode, so that third party automation software can operate correctly
- control the roof with third-party software (SGP, Voyager, ACP, N.I.N.A. and more) via ASCOM
- control the roof from the public control panel or via APIs
- check the status of connected devices
- monitor observatory conditions, including security status
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A simple API allows easy integration with existing applications and custom web panels (e.g. an observatory status page), while offering the versatility, robustness and reliability required for professional and semi-professional installations.
Local manual control (without PC) Starling allows local manual control via physical buttons or switches, to perform basic actions without the need for a PC.
This is especially useful during maintenance, as it allows to open/close the roof, turn on/off the service light or activate the outputs configured directly on the observatory.
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Overview of connections (hardware)

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Inputs (IN)
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Relay outputs
5 pre-assigned relays for typical observatory loads:
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Technical specifications:
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Manages 8 relays
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8 sensor inputs
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Highly protected against electrical noise
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Direct network connection (Ethernet)
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Power supply: 12 V DC (up to 24 V is supported), requires less than 1 A, standard connector 5.5 / 2.1 mm, positive in the middle
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Size: 135 × 50 × 244 mm (enclosure only) / 148 × 55 × 244 mm (mounted)
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Easy DIN-rail installation (optional)
FAQ
how does Starling manage multi-user observatories?
Starling uses a Sentinel + Client model. Sentinel monitors security conditions and user requests, while Clients operate the roof and monitor the status of the observatory within a controlled workflow.
how can Clients control the roof?
Clients can operate the roof via third-party software through ASCOM, from the public control panel or via the API.
what third-party automation software is supported?
Starling can be used with popular observatory automation software such as Sequence Generator Pro (SGP), Voyager, ACP Observatory Control Software, N.I.N.A. and more (via ASCOM).
what rooftop systems are supported?
Starling supports several roof automation approaches, including:
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Caterpillar SSR automated roofs
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Automated roofs with third-party motorization (e.g., garage door motors)
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Roofs driven by 3-phase motors with VFD's
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Roof gates / auxiliary panels driven by linear actuators (roof flaps)
is the API public and suitable for custom integrations?
Yes, Starling offers a simple API to integrate with existing applications and custom panels (e.g. an observatory status page).
STARLING Shared Observatory Controller with DIN Rail Mounting Clip