Making flats can be quite cumbersome, especially if you strive towards automation and simplification of the process. Our flat panels can automate the process of creating flat frames with your refractor telescope, eliminating the need for improvised methods like using LCD screens, the sky with a T-shirt, and similar hacks. Our first ASIAIR supported flat panel makes creating flat frames with your telescope part of an automated routine, without hacks like LCD screens, sky with T-shirt, etc. But that is not all! We are also offering the new innovative Observatory Flap Panel. Unlike traditional designs, the OFP2 PRO moves sideways, meaning it does not increase the total length of your setup and does not require clearance space behind the telescope to operate.
We are offering 8 main categories of flat panels:
- motorized observatory flap panels (OFP2 PRO) – for telescopes up to about 169mm aperture, with sideways-moving design that does not add setup length or require rear clearance space
- motorized flap panels (FP2 PRO) – for telescopes up to about 169mm diameter, open/close and brightness controllable via ASCOM/INDI/ASIAIR, with built-in LED heater, custom open position, obstacle detection, and improved mechanics
- motorized flap panels XL (FP2 PRO XL) – for larger telescopes, currently designed for 8″ to 11″ telescopes, with much stronger motor, wider compression ring, and improved support for heavier setups
- motorized observatory flap panels XL (OFP2 PRO XL) – for larger telescopes, currently designed for 8″ to 11″ telescopes, with much stronger motor, wider compression ring, and the same sideways-moving design with no added setup length or rear clearance requirement
- motorized solar flap panels (SFP2) – the SFP2 Solar / Sky Flap Panel is designed to make solar flats a seamless part of your imaging workflow, without improvised solutions such as caps, T-shirts, bags, or anything else that forces you to refocus or risks shifting your framing
- lens flat panel (FTL2) – manual flat panel for lenses, adjustable for different diameters, brightness controllable via ASCOM/Indi/ASIAIR
- basic flat panel (FT2) – a classic among flat panels and a natural upgrade from DIY alternatives like T-shirts, tablets, and similar makeshift solutions, brightness controllable via ASCOM/Indi/ASIAIR
- wall mounted (WFT2) – for larger telescopes, in various sizes, brightness controllable via ASCOM/Indi/ASIAIR
Motorized Flap Panels (FP2 PRO)
Flat-frame acquisition should be simple, reliable, and easy to automate. The Deep Sky Dad FP2 PRO motorized flap panel is designed to make flats a seamless part of your imaging workflow, without improvised solutions such as LCD screens, T-shirts, or the morning sky.
While you image, the flap panel stays neatly parked alongside the telescope tube. When your session is finished, simply close the panel and switch on the dimmable LED light to capture flat frames. Brightness can be adjusted to match your camera settings, gain, and filters for consistent results across different setups.
A dew heater behind the LED panel is now included with all of our motorized flat panels. It helps prevent dew accumulation on the LED surface and reduces the risk of moisture being trapped against the OTA when the panel is closed after the session.
Features:
- New FP2 PRO design for telescopes up to 6″
- Compression rings customized for your telescope, with improved design and swappable inserts
- Customizable inserts with notches for heater cables
- Storage cover
- Improved hinge design
- Better sealing performance
- ARM Cortex processor for improved performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Easy installation with no bolts, 1x hand-tightening knob, and no fiddly zip ties
- Dimmable LED light
- Built-in LED heater behind the panel to prevent dew accumulation (included)
- Servo motor with 270° motion and improved mechanics
- High brightness selection resolution, 12-bit (0–4096)
- Manual control button
- Built-in magnets for secure open and closed positioning
- Custom open position (disabled by default)
- Integrated obstacle detection
- Automatic range calibration
- ASCOM support with automatic port detection, up to 6 concurrent devices
- INDI support
- ASIAIR / AIR camera support (ASIAIR Pro and ASIAIR Plus supported with optional cable; planned compatibility for ZWO AIR cameras and ASIAIR Mini)
- Bahtinov mask (optional)
- PC connectivity via USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following 5 standard FP2 PRO sizes:
| Category | Dimensions
(W x H x D in mm) |
Min. dewshield dia. (mm) | Max. dewshield dia. (mm) | Effective LED diameter (mm) | Weight (g) |
| FLAP100 | 147 x 196 x 88 | 40 | 103 | 75 | 486 |
| FLAP125 | 171 x 221 x 88 | 40 | 128 | 100 | 535 |
| FLAP150 | 197 x 246 x 88 | 40 | 154 | 125 | 654 |
| FLAP170 | 217 x 266 x 88 | 40 | 175 | 145 | 711 |
| FLAP194 | 241 x 290 x 88 | 40 | 202 | 169 | 826 |
Diameter for our motorized flap panels can be customised free of charge, so if you don’t find one which suits your telescope, write us to [email protected] and we’ll find a solution. For details regarding dimensions, weight, installation instructions and advanced features, you can also check the user manual and software section.
Motorized Observatory Flap Panels (OFP2 PRO)
Unlike traditional designs, the OFP2 PRO moves sideways, meaning it does not increase the total length of your setup and does not require clearance space behind the telescope to operate.
While you image, the flap panel remains neatly positioned beside the refractor tube. When you finish imaging, it simply slides sideways into place and turns on its dimmable LED light. You can adjust the brightness to match your camera’s responsiveness, gain settings, and different filters.
A dew heater behind the LED panel is now included with all of our motorized flat panels. It helps prevent dew accumulation on the LED surface and reduces the risk of moisture being trapped against the OTA when the panel is closed after the session.
Features:
- New OFP2 PRO design for telescopes up to 6″
- Sideways-moving panel design with no added setup length and no rear clearance requirement
- Compression rings customized for your telescope, with improved design and swappable inserts
- Customizable inserts with notches for heater cables
- Storage cover
- Improved hinge design
- Better sealing performance
- ARM Cortex processor for improved performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Easy installation with no bolts, 1x hand-tightening knob, and no fiddly zip ties
- Dimmable LED light
- Built-in LED heater behind the panel to prevent dew accumulation (included)
- Servo motor with encoder and improved mechanics
- High brightness selection resolution, 12-bit (0–4096)
- Manual control button
- Built-in magnets for secure open and closed positioning
- Custom open position (disabled by default)
- Integrated obstacle detection
- Automatic range calibration
- ASCOM support with automatic port detection, up to 6 concurrent devices
- INDI support
- ASIAIR / AIR camera support (ASIAIR Pro and ASIAIR Plus supported with optional cable; planned compatibility for ZWO AIR cameras and ASIAIR Mini)
- Bahtinov mask (optional)
- PC connectivity via USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following 5 standard OFP2 PRO sizes:
| Category | Dimensions
(W x H x D in mm) |
Min. dewshield dia. (mm) | Max. dewshield dia. (mm) | Effective LED diameter (mm) | Weight (g) |
| OFP100 | 118 x 195x 88 | 40 | 95 | 75 | ~481 |
| OFP125 | 142 x 220 x 88 | 40 | 120 | 100 | ~553 |
| OFP150 | 168 x 245 x 88 | 40 | 145 | 125 | ~622 |
| OFP170 | 188 x 265 x 88 | 40 | 165 | 145 | ~748 |
| OFP194 | 212 x 289 x 88 | 40 | 189 | 169 | ~783 |
Diameter for our motorized flap panels can be customised free of charge, so if you don’t find one which suits your telescope, write us to [email protected] and we’ll find a solution. For details regarding dimensions, weight, installation instructions and advanced features, you can also check the user manual and software section.
Motorized Flap Panels XL (FP2 PRO XL)
The FP2 PRO XL lineup is currently designed for 8″ to 11″ telescopes and features a much stronger motor and a wider compression ring for improved stability and support on larger optical tubes. We also plan to expand the XL lineup further in the future with units for 14″ to 16″ telescopes.
Features:
- New FP2 PRO XL design for 8″ to 11″ telescopes
- Wider compression ring customized for your telescope, with improved design and swappable inserts
- Customizable inserts with notches for heater cables
- Improved hinge design
- Better sealing performance
- ARM Cortex processor for improved performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Easy installation with no bolts, 1x hand-tightening knob, and no fiddly zip ties
- Dimmable LED light
- Built-in LED heater behind the panel to prevent dew accumulation (included)
- Much stronger motor with 270° motion and improved mechanics
- High brightness selection resolution, 12-bit (0–4096)
- Manual control button
- Built-in magnets for secure open and closed positioning
- Custom open position (disabled by default)
- Integrated obstacle detection
- Automatic range calibration
- ASCOM support with automatic port detection, up to 6 concurrent devices
- INDI support
- ASIAIR / AIR camera support (ASIAIR Pro and ASIAIR Plus supported with optional cable; planned compatibility for ZWO AIR cameras and ASIAIR Mini)
- PC connectivity via USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
- Future XL units planned for 14″ to 16″ telescopes
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following FP2 PRO XL sizes:
| Category | Dimensions
(W x H x D in mm) |
Min. dewshield dia. (mm) | Max. dewshield dia. (mm) | Effective LED diameter (mm) | Weight (g) |
| FLAP260 | 306 x 365 x 93 | 190 | 255 | 235 | TBD |
| FLAP300 | 346 x 405 x 93 | 190 | 295 | 275 | TBD |
| FLAP330 | 371 x 445 x 93 | 190 | 325 | 305 | ~1800 |
For other XL sizes and future models, please check the individual product pages or contact us at [email protected].
Motorized Observatory Flap Panels XL (OFP2 PRO XL)
The OFP2 PRO XL lineup is currently designed for 8″ to 11″ telescopes and features a much stronger motor and a wider compression ring for improved stability and support on larger optical tubes. We also plan to expand the XL lineup further in the future with units for 14″ to 16″ telescopes.
Features:
- New OFP2 PRO XL design for 8″ to 11″ telescopes
- Sideways-moving panel design with no added setup length and no rear clearance requirement
- Wider compression ring customized for your telescope, with improved design and swappable inserts
- Customizable inserts with notches for heater cables
- Improved hinge design
- Better sealing performance
- ARM Cortex processor for improved performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Easy installation with no bolts, 1x hand-tightening knob, and no fiddly zip ties
- Dimmable LED light
- Built-in LED heater behind the panel to prevent dew accumulation (included)
- Much stronger motor with encoder and improved mechanics
- High brightness selection resolution, 12-bit (0–4096)
- Manual control button
- Built-in magnets for secure open and closed positioning
- Custom open position (disabled by default)
- Integrated obstacle detection
- Automatic range calibration
- ASCOM support with automatic port detection, up to 6 concurrent devices
- INDI support
- ASIAIR / AIR camera support (ASIAIR Pro and ASIAIR Plus supported with optional cable; planned compatibility for ZWO AIR cameras and ASIAIR Mini)
- PC connectivity via USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
- Future XL units planned for 14″ to 16″ telescopes
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following OFP2 PRO XL sizes:
| Category | Dimensions
(W x H x D in mm) |
Min. dewshield dia. (mm) | Max. dewshield dia. (mm) | Effective LED diameter (mm) | Weight (g) |
| OFP260 | 278 x 359 x 89 | 190 | 255 | 235 | TBD |
| OFP300 | 318 x 399 x 89 | 190 | 305 | 275 | TBD |
| OFP330 | 348 x 429 x 89 | 190 | 325 | 305 | ~1640 |
For other XL sizes and future models, please check the individual product pages or contact us at [email protected].
Solar Flap Panels (SFP2)
SFP2 Motorized Solar Flat Panel
Solar flat-frame acquisition should be simple, clean, and easy to repeat. The SFP2 Solar / Sky Flap Panel is designed to make solar flats a seamless part of your imaging workflow, without improvised solutions such as caps, T-shirts, bags, or anything else that forces you to refocus or risks shifting your framing.
During imaging, the panel stays neatly parked alongside the telescope tube. When needed, simply close the panel and use the built-in precision laser-cut diffuser, engineered to match the exact diameter for optimal flat-frame H-alpha transmission. This gives you a clean and repeatable way to capture solar flats without shifting your telescope’s field of view.
The SFP2 is designed to remove the usual frustration from solar flat acquisition. No more juggling makeshift materials, readjusting focus, or accidentally bumping the telescope and ruining your framing. Instead, you get a much more controlled and reliable workflow that lets you spend less time fixing problems and more time imaging the Sun.
Built as a dedicated telescope-mounted solution, the SFP2 is made to fit cleanly into your setup and simplify one of the most awkward parts of solar imaging. It can also be used for sky flats if you prefer this method over a traditional LED panel.
Whether you are building a more refined solar imaging workflow or simply want a more elegant and dependable way to capture flats, the SFP2 is designed to make the process faster, easier, and more consistent.
Features
- New SFP2 PRO design for solar / sky flat acquisition
- Precision laser-cut diffuser, engineered to match the exact diameter for optimal flat-frame H-alpha transmission
- Solar finder included
- Compression rings customized for your telescope, with improved design and swappable inserts
- Customizable inserts
- Improved hinge design
- Helps preserve the telescope’s field of view during flat acquisition
- ARM Cortex processor for improved performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel for Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Easy installation with no bolts, 1x hand-tightening knob, and no fiddly zip ties
- Servo motor with 270° motion and improved mechanics
- Manual control button
- Built-in magnets for secure closed positioning
- Custom open position (disabled by default)
- Integrated obstacle detection
- Automatic range calibration
- ASCOM support with automatic port detection, up to 6 concurrent devices
- INDI support
- ASIAIR / AIR camera support (ASIAIR Pro and ASIAIR Plus supported with optional cable; planned compatibility for ZWO AIR cameras and ASIAIR Mini)
- PC connectivity via USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
For additional details, please see our YouTube video or user manual.
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following 5 different categories of FP2 PRO panels. For larger panels, please check out our XL lineup.
| Category | Dimensions
(W x H x D in mm) |
Min. dewshield dia. (mm) | Max. dewshield dia. (mm) | Effective LED diameter (mm) | Weight (g) |
| SFP100 | 147 x 196 x 88 | 40 | 95 | 75 | TBD |
| SFP125 | 171 x 221 x 88 | 40 | 120 | 100 | TBD |
| SFP150 | 197 x 246 x 88 | 40 | 145 | 125 | TBD |
| SFP170 | 217 x 266 x 88 | 40 | 165 | 145 | TBD |
| SFP194 | 241 x 290 x 88 | 40 | 189 | 169 | TBD |
Flap Panels for Lenses (FTL2)
Deep Sky Dad Flat Panel for Lenses can be a nice addon to your lens setup or small refractor for the field work. The way it differs from standard flat panels is the fact that you can simply put it onto the different lens dewshields after you finish imaging via 3 tightening bolts. We are offering it in 3 different sizes: FTL100, FTL150 and FTL170.
Features:
- Compact modular design
- ARM cortex processor for good performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel (Windows, Linux, Mac-OS)
- Easy installation (3x hand tightening knob)
- Dimmable LED light
- High brightness selection resolution (12-bit – 0-4096)
- Manual control with button
- ASCOM support (up to 6 concurrent devices, with automatic port detection)
- INDI support
- ASIAIR support (optional, with special cable)
- PC connectivity: USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
We are currently offering the following 3 different sizes of flat lens panels:
| Category | Dimensions (D x d) | Min. dewshield dia. (mm) | Max. dewshield dia. (mm) | Effective LED diameter (mm) | Weight (g) |
| FTL100 | 112 x 99 | 16 | 84 | 75 | 230 |
| FTL150 | 162 x 99 | 66 | 134 | 125 | 380 |
| FTL170 | 182 x 99 | 86 | 154 | 145 | 430 |
Basic Flat Panels (FT2)
The Deep Sky Dad Flat Panel is a classic among flat panels and a natural upgrade from DIY alternatives like T-shirts, tablets, and similar makeshift solutions. Despite lacking advanced features, it provides an excellent entry point into frame calibration, offering affordability and a compact design. We offer our flat panels in four different sizes.
Features
- Compact design
- ARM cortex processor for good performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel (Windows, Linux, Mac-OS)
- Dimmable LED light
- High brightness selection resolution (12-bit – 0-4096)
- Manual control with button
- ASCOM support (up to 6 concurrent devices, with automatic port detection)
- INDI support
- ASIAIR support (optional, with special cable)
- PC connectivity: USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following 4 different categories of flat lens panels:
| Category | Dimensions (D x d) | Effective LED diameter (mm) |
| FT170 | 177 x 14 | 140 |
| FT194 | 201 x 14 | 164 |
| FT260 | 267 x 14 | 230 |
| FT300 | 307 x 14 | 270 |
Wall Mounted Flat Panels (WFT2)
The Deep Sky Dad Wall Flat Panel can be installed inside observatories, positioned near the telescope pier or tripod, allowing the telescope to be parked in alignment with the panel. This is particularly useful for larger telescopes with a truss design, where automated flap panels can pose challenges due to space constraints, as motorized flaps require room to open and close. The panel features an integrated input port and comes with a separate control box, which connects via a male DC connector.
Features
- ARM cortex processor for good performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel (Windows, Linux, Mac-OS)
- Installation via pre-drilled holes in the edge of the panel
- Dimmable LED light
- High brightness selection resolution (12-bit – 0-4096)
- Manual control with button
- ASCOM support (up to 6 concurrent devices, with automatic port detection)
- INDI support
- ASIAIR support (optional, with special cable)
- PC connectivity: USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following 2 different sizes of flat lens panels:
| Category | Dimensions (W x H x D) |
| WFT3030 | 328 x 328 x 18 |
| WFT6060 | 628 x 628 x 18 |
Below you can also watch a few YouTube videos of our flaps in action.