Starling is designed as a near plug-and-play roof control solution for professional and semi-professional shared observatories.

 

It provides a consolidated roof control layer, bringing roof motion, safety inputs and automation logic into a single controller.

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It is a shared observatory controller designed for remote and multi-user installations. It allows you to define user roles, manage safe access, and control  key parts of your observatory setup such as roll-off roofs. It also includes an API and a physical control button for simple, reliable operation. You can find full overview and technical details here: https://lunaticoastro.com/starling-shared-observatory-controller/ Running an observatory remotely is one thing — running a shared observatory with multiple users requires clear access control, safety rules, and a system that keeps everything organised. Starling is Lunaticoastro’s shared observatory controller, designed to manage multi-user access and observatory automation in a clean, reliable way.

Mobile-friendly control panel. No app needed!

User roles

Starling is designed for shared observatories with two clear roles:

The Sentinel is responsible for supervision and safety. He can: Open and close the roof Control connected devices Monitor and review requests from clients Monitor safety conditions using CloudWatcher or other safety devices Override safety conditions when required and operate manually (open/close the roof or trigger outputs) Monitor additional conditions through sensors, including roof status, power fail, emergency, and more Includes fixed outputs for service light, alarm, and dehumidifier, plus 3 free relays

Clients can operate the observatory while keeping everything consistent and controlled: Open and close the observatory roof Monitor the roof position in a “single-user” way, ensuring third-party automation software behaves correctly Interact with the roof via third-party software (SGP, Voyager, ACP, N.I.N.A. and more) through ASCOM Control the roof via the public control panel or via API Check the status of connected devices Monitor observatory conditions, including safety status

Starling includes a simple API that enables easy integration with existing applications and custom web dashboards (for example, an observatory status page), while providing the versatility, robustness and reliability required for professional and semi-professional installations.

A dedicated hardware button is included for quick manual actions when needed — a practical feature that adds convenience and an extra layer of control on site.

Supported roof systems

• Automated roofs using Caterpillar SSR
  Fully integrated support for automated roofs using Lunaticoastro’s Caterpillar SSR controller.

• Automated roofs using third-party motorisation
  Compatible with roofs automated using third-party motorisation systems (e.g. garage door motors), so Starling can be integrated into existing installations.

• Roofs driven by three-phase motors with VFD
  Support for roofs powered by three-phase motors controlled via a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).

• Roof flaps driven by linear actuators
  Starling can control roof flaps / auxiliary hatches/panels as long as they are moved by linear actuators.

All roof control functions are consolidated in Starling: motion control, safety inputs, and automated operation sequences.

Why Starling? Built for shared, multi-user observatories Centralised access and permissions management Designed for safe, reliable remote operation Supports a wide range of automated roof systems (Caterpillar SSR, third-party motors, VFD, linear actuators) Supports weather and safety integration for extra peace of mind

 

Accessible for clients via
ASCOM driver	Public control panel	API / Web integration

INDILib support coming soon

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Technical specifications:

• Manages 8 relays
• 8 input sensors
• Extremely protected against noise
• Direct network connection (ethernet)
• Power supply: 12V (up to 24V is fine), D.C., requires less than 1A, standard 5.5 / 2.1mm jack, positive inside.
• Size: 135 * 50 * 244 mm. box only (total mounted 148 * 55 * 244 mm.)
• Easy installation with DIN rails (optional)

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FAQ

How does Starling handle multi-user observatories?
Starling uses a Sentinel + Client model. The Sentinel supervises safety conditions and client requests, while Clients operate the roof and monitor observatory status within a controlled workflow.

How can Clients control the roof?
Clients can operate the roof through third-party software via ASCOM, through the public control panel, or via the API.

Which third-party automation software is supported?
Starling can be used with common observatory automation software such as Sequence Generator Pro (SGP), Voyager, ACP Observatory Control Software, N.I.N.A., and more (via ASCOM).

What roof systems are supported?
Starling supports multiple roof automation approaches, including:

• • Automated roofs using Caterpillar SSR

  • Automated roofs using third-party motorisation (e.g. garage door motors)

  • Roofs driven by three-phase motors with VFD

  • Roof flaps / auxiliary panels driven by linear actuators

Is the API public and suitable for custom integrations?
Yes. Starling provides a simple API for integration with existing applications and custom dashboards (for example, an observatory status page).

Where can I find full technical details?
Full specifications and detailed documentation are available here:
https://lunaticoastro.com/starling-shared-observatory-controller/