WandererAstro WandererCover V5 Basic Motorized Flat Panel and Cover
The WandererCover V5 Basic is a motorized flat panel and telescope cover that automates flat-frame capture and protects your optics between sessions. According to WandererAstro, it is the first motorized flat panel to connect a full-sized LED PCB directly to the motor arm, a patented design that brings several practical advantages for astrophotographers. It is available in luminous diameters from 100mm to 250mm, so it can be matched to the dew shield or aperture of your telescope.
Patented LED-backlit design with even illumination
Edge-lit LED flat panels can suffer from uneven brightness, with brighter edges and inconsistent manufacturing quality. The V5 Basic uses an LED-backlit design instead, delivering consistent brightness from edge to center, typically within 5% difference. Dimming offers 255 levels and stays flicker-free at exposure times as short as 0.05 seconds, so you can capture clean flats for short and long exposures alike.
Broad spectrum for every filter
The emission spectrum covers 400–720nm and beyond, giving ample brightness across the visible range while keeping effective illumination in the near-infrared region. That makes it a flexible light source for LRGB and narrowband flats, with reference exposure times provided for L, R, G, B, Sii, Ha and Oiii filters.
30% lighter and built for reliability
Because the LED PCB also acts as a structural component connected directly to the motorized mechanism, the hollow construction is 30% lighter than comparable edge-lit flat panels. Less weight means a lower payload on your telescope, improved reliability, longer life and better guiding. The panel is crafted from aluminum alloy, carbon fiber and fiberglass, for a rigid build with a distinctive look.
Darkness friendly and safe to operate
The V5 Basic has no unnecessary power indicator lights, so your equipment stays hidden in the dark without disturbing a single photon of starlight. When the cover is open, it also blocks any command to turn on the flat light, which prevents accidental operation during your imaging session.
270°+ opening angle with obstacle detection
An opening angle of more than 270° lets the cover fold back against the telescope tube and stay securely in place without wobbling. Upgraded obstacle detection stops the cover whenever it meets an obstruction, protecting both the panel and your gear.
Replaceable panels for a flexible setup
Thanks to its modular design, the panel can be replaced safely and easily with a different size. Replacement panels are available separately, so you can reuse the motor mechanism if you change telescopes. Installation on the telescope is done with the included cable ties.
Easy control with your favorite software and controllers
The V5 Basic supports ASCOM and INDI and is natively supported by Sky-Watcher SynLink. Its auxiliary (AUX) input lets you control the cover simply by using the power switches on your ASIAIR or StellaVita.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Luminous Diameter (Product Model) |
100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, 200mm, 225mm, 250mm |
| Outer Diameter |
Luminous diameter + 25mm |
| Weight |
100mm: 265g
125mm: 292g
150mm: 323g
175mm: 356g
200mm: 396g
225mm: 436g
250mm: 478g |
| Materials |
Aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, fiberglass |
| USB |
USB 2.0 Type-B |
| Power |
12V DC (14V max), 0.8A |
| Opening/Closing Time |
8 seconds |
| Opening Angle |
Over 270° |
| Maximum Brightness |
2280 nit (cd/m²) |
| Minimum Brightness |
18 nit (cd/m²) |
| Dimming |
255 levels, flicker-free at exposure times as short as 0.05 seconds |
| Illumination Uniformity |
Typically within 5% difference |
| Spectral Range |
400–720nm+ |
| Reference Exposure Time @ F7, Gain 0, Brightness 1 |
2.5s (L), 30s (R), 10s (G), 4.5s (B) |
| Reference Exposure Time @ F7, Gain 100, Brightness 1 |
0.8s (L), 10s (R), 3.3s (G), 1.5s (B) |
| Reference Exposure Time @ F7, Gain 0, Brightness 255 |
0.02s (L), 0.27s (R), 0.09s (G), 0.038s (B)
8.9s (Sii 3nm), 6.2s (Ha 3nm), 2.7s (Oiii 3nm) |
| Reference Exposure Time @ F7, Gain 100, Brightness 255 |
2.8s (Sii 3nm), 2s (Ha 3nm), 0.93s (Oiii 3nm) |
| Software and Control |
ASCOM, INDI, Sky-Watcher SynLink; AUX input for ASIAIR / StellaVita power switch control |
| Installation |
Cable ties |
| Angle Encoder |
No |
| Flat Panel Heater |
No |
| IR Remote |
No |
In the Box
- 1 x WandererCover V5 Basic (size according to your selection)
- 1 x USB 2.0 cable (1 meter)
- 1 x DC5521 male to male power cable (1 meter)
- 4 x Nylon cable ties (length and width depend on the model)
Warranty
WandererAstro 2-Year Warranty
