Dome controller—in collaboration with NexDome
Developed by Lunaticoastro in collaboration with NexDome, Beaver is a full-featured dome controller with USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, rotation and shutter modules, and seamless CloudWatcher integration.
Beaver handles rotation and shutter as a coordinated system, with over-the-air updates, automatic calibration and direct integration with weather sensing.
Connect via USB cable or Wi-Fi, in station mode (joins your network) or access point mode (creates its own). No dongles, no hubs.
Separate modules for dome rotation and shutter control, working as a coordinated system with automatic shutter module synchronisation via OTA updates.
Firmware updates delivered over the air: the rotation module auto-updates the shutter module, keeping the two in step.
Direct integration with the Lunaticoastro CloudWatcher and Hydreon rain sensors: automatic dome closure when conditions turn unsafe.
Complete automatic calibration of dome position and shutter travel: advanced on-the-fly rotation resynchronisation keeps pointing accurate.
~50 mA at rest when motors are stationary. 12V operation. Designed to run continuously in remote and unattended observatories.
Beaver monitors multiple safety conditions simultaneously. If anything goes wrong, the dome closes.
Monitors battery voltage and triggers safe closure before power fails.
Integrates with Hydreon rain sensors for immediate response to precipitation.
CloudWatcher safety signal triggers automatic dome closure when conditions deteriorate.
Monitors for missing or failed limit and home switch signals: stops motion if anything is out of range.
Detects communication failures between controller and software: acts safely on loss of contact.
Any ASCOM- or INDI-aware automation software, plus TheSkyX Pro via its X2 plugin.
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Current (idle) | ~50 mA (motors off) |
| Connectivity | USB + Wi-Fi (station & AP) |
| Modules | Rotation + Shutter |
| Updates | Over-the-air, auto-sync |
The Beaver Setup application runs on Windows and handles everything: connection, calibration, firmware update and configuration.
Beaver is available directly from NexDome. · Dealers worldwide →
Build your own integrations with Lunaticoastro devices. Every command travels over plain HTTP, USB or UDP—one protocol shared across the whole range, so what you learn on one device works on the next.
Explore SLP391 commands · 12 devices · try one from your browser
Every command the Beaver understands, over HTTP, USB or UDP—one protocol shared across the whole range. For scripting and custom integrations.
Every manual, driver and guide for the Beaver, on one page—together with the rest of the range.
Full setup and configuration documentation for the Beaver controller.
nexdome.com/resources →ASCOM installer, Windows USB driver (CP210x) and firmware.
nexdome.com/resources →Beaver is available directly from NexDome, our development partner.
nexdome.com →Questions about Beaver? Our team is happy to help.
info@lunaticoastro.com →