Shared observatory controller
Starling is designed for shared and professional observatories where multiple users need to operate the same roll-off roof. Two access roles — Sentinel and Clients — keep everyone in sync and the infrastructure protected at all times.
Starling or DragonFly — which is right for me?
Starling
Focused on the roll-off roof and multi-user coordination. For shared or professional observatories where several people use the same infrastructure.
DragonFly
A versatile controller for many observatory elements in a personal or single-user setup — dome, focuser, sensors, flat panel and more.
See DragonFly →Starling's role-based model separates infrastructure control from day-to-day use — so every user gets exactly the access they need, and the Sentinel always stays in charge of safety.
The Sentinel is the observatory owner or manager. They supervise the system, monitor all conditions and can override any client action when needed.
Clients are authorised users of the shared observatory. They interact with the roof as if they were the only ones — Starling handles the coordination invisibly.
Access is role-based, not device-based — Sentinel and Clients can connect from desktop, tablet or mobile.
The Sentinel interface gives full diagnostic and control access. The Client panel is focused, clean and designed to be usable from any device.
Sentinel · Home — Diagnostics panel showing system name, firmware version, IP address and overall health status.
Client · Control Panel — Simplified panel with user name, roof open/close/abort controls, read-only peripheral states and live safety information.
Sentinel · Relays & Sensors — Full control of all 8 relay outputs and live reading of all 8 sensor inputs, including roof position, safety state and emergency.
Sentinel · Configuration — Network settings, open/close timeout, flap control, limit switch polarity, safety closure rules and access credentials.
Software & Firmware Updates — Independent software and firmware version tracking with separate update checks and system reboot.
Starling is designed as a near plug-and-play solution for professional and semi-professional observatories. It supports a wide range of motorisation types out of the box.
Full native integration with Lunatico's own Caterpillar SSR roll-off roof controller — the natural combination for a complete Lunatico observatory system.
Compatible with roofs driven by standard third-party motors — including garage door motors and similar automation hardware already installed in many existing observatories.
Supports larger observatory roofs powered by three-phase motors controlled through a Variable Frequency Drive — covering industrial-scale installations.
Starling can also control roof flap panels — auxiliary side hatches or hinged sections — as long as they are moved by linear actuators. Two of the free relays can be assigned to flap control.
A complete I/O system for observatory automation. Five relays are pre-assigned to standard observatory functions; three are free for custom needs.
| Open roof | Pre-assigned |
| Close roof | Pre-assigned |
| Service lights | Pre-assigned |
| Alarm | Pre-assigned |
| Dehumidifier | Pre-assigned |
| Extra 1 / Extra 2 / Extra 3 | Free Flap-capable ×2 |
| Roof open switch | Position sensing |
| Roof closed switch | Position sensing |
| Unsafe | Safety monitor |
| Power fail | Power monitoring |
| Emergency | Emergency stop |
| Security override | Manual override |
| Open / Close | External command |
| Master Close | Forced closure |
| Dimensions | 145 × 60 × 245 mm |
| Power supply | 12V DC (up to 24V), <1A, 5.5/2.1mm jack |
| Connection | Ethernet (direct) |
| Relay outputs | 8 (5 pre-assigned + 3 free) |
| Sensor inputs | 8 |
| Noise protection | Extremely protected |
| Mounting | DIN rail (optional) |
| Manual control | Physical buttons/switches |
Local physical controlPhysical buttons or switches can be wired directly to Starling for manual roof operation — open, close, service light, outputs — without needing any computer. Essential for maintenance and on-site access.
Clients connect with their existing astronomy software through ASCOM, or directly via the web control panel or REST API.
Full ASCOM dome driver for Windows. Clients keep using their preferred automation software exactly as they would with a personal observatory — no workflow changes required.
Two distinct web interfaces: a comprehensive full-control panel for the Sentinel, and a simplified public control panel for Clients — accessible from any browser on any device.
A simple API enables integration with existing applications, observatory management systems and custom web dashboards — without going through ASCOM.
The Starling control panel is fully responsive. Pinning it to your phone home screen gives it an app-like feel — full roof control from any mobile device, no installation needed.
Starling is designed so that in a shared environment, no single failure or missed logout leaves the observatory open.
If the Sentinel disconnects and this option is active, Starling closes the roof automatically — protecting the observatory even if the manager loses connectivity.
If all clients have disconnected and no one is using the observatory, Starling can close the roof — preventing an empty observatory from staying open overnight.
The Sentinel monitors weather conditions via the Unsafe sensor input, which connects to the CloudWatcher or any other ASCOM safety monitor.
A dedicated Master Close sensor input — wired to a physical switch or an external system — forces the roof to close regardless of any other state or user request.
A dedicated sensor input monitors for power failures, allowing Starling to register and react to supply interruptions at the observatory.
The Sentinel can activate a security override to operate the roof manually, bypassing all software safety interlocks when needed for on-site maintenance.
Free shipping to most countries on direct orders. · Dealers worldwide →
Separate manuals for the Sentinel (observatory manager) and the Client (observatory user). The ASCOM driver is available for immediate download.
Full documentation for the observatory manager — hardware installation, configuration, relays, sensors and safety setup.
Download PDF →Quick-start guide for observatory users — how to connect, use the control panel and set up the ASCOM driver.
Download PDF →Windows installer for the Starling ASCOM dome driver — for use by observatory Clients with their automation software.
Download →Questions about Starling for your observatory? We're happy to advise on the right setup.
info@lunaticoastro.com →