DragonLAIR WiFi Controller

Automate Your Roof. Protect Your Equipment. Get Some Sleep.

The DragonLAIR WiFi Controller is a purpose-built automation system for roll-off roof observatories. It gives you network-based control of your roof from anywhere-no PC required-while monitoring weather, battery voltage, and safety sensors to protect your equipment automatically. Open your roof at dusk, image through the night, and trust that your telescope is protected if conditions change.

Why This Controller?

We built the DragonLAIR because the alternatives weren't good enough. DIY solutions cobbled together from Arduinos, relay boards, and repurposed gate openers work-until they don't. We've heard from astronomers who reboot their roof controllers daily. We've seen the wiring nests. We've watched AC motors jerk roofs open with enough force to stress the structure.

The DragonLAIR is different. It's a dedicated network device that controls DC motors directly-no relay boards, no PC dependency, no hoping your Arduino sketch survives a firmware update. The controller handles motor current up to 45 amps, monitors voltage to protect your backup battery, and includes overcurrent protection in both firmware and hardware (automotive fuses you can replace at any auto parts store).

Our signature feature: slow start and slow stop. Instead of slamming your roof into motion and jerking it to a halt, the DragonLAIR ramps motor speed gradually. This reduces mechanical stress on your observatory structure and extends the life of your drive system. It's the kind of detail that matters when you've invested in a quality setup.

More than 50 DragonLAIR controllers are running across the US and Canada right now-from the Arizona deserts to the cold of Minnesota, Wyoming, and Vermont. Howling Coyote Remote Observatory in New Mexico uses our Pro controller for their large commercial buildings and the standard DragonLAIR for their smaller structures. These systems measure uptime in months and years, not days.

Key Benefits

Network Control Without a PC

The DragonLAIR is a standalone network device with built-in WiFi and Ethernet. Access the mobile-friendly web interface from your phone, tablet, or computer-no dedicated PC required. Check roof status from across the house or across the country. The controller runs independently, so your automation doesn't depend on Windows staying awake.

Weather-Safe Automation

Connect any ASCOM Alpaca safety monitor or simple relay-closure weather device to the DragonLAIR's weather safety port. When conditions turn unsafe, the controller closes your roof automatically. You can also configure automatic open and close based on sun altitude-open at dusk, close at dawn, no intervention required.

Battery Backup with Voltage Monitoring

Run your DragonLAIR directly from a 12V backup battery while a maintenance charger keeps it topped off. The controller monitors battery voltage continuously and can automatically close your roof when voltage drops below your configured threshold. Power outage at 2 AM during a storm? The roof closes before the battery runs down, protecting your equipment even when you're asleep.

Slow Start and Stop

This is what sets the DragonLAIR apart from DIY solutions. Instead of abrupt motor engagement that stresses your structure, the controller ramps speed gradually in both directions. Your roof glides open and closed smoothly, reducing wear on rails, wheels, and drive components.

Built-In GPS for Accurate Time and Location

The onboard GPS provides precise time synchronization and location data-no manual configuration required. Sun-based automation schedules work correctly without you entering coordinates or worrying about time zone issues.

Four Safety Sensor Ports

Connect up to four safety sensors for pinch point protection and telescope position monitoring. Two reflective sensors are included for detecting obstacles or confirming your mount is parked. For easier installation, our optional wireless Mount Park Sensor eliminates the alignment challenges of reflective sensors.

Works With Your Imaging Software

Native ASCOM Alpaca support means the DragonLAIR works with N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro, Voyager, TheSkyX, and other ASCOM-compatible software out of the box. The INDI driver is included in the INDI source code for Linux and Mac users running KStars/Ekos. Want to build your own integration? The full OpenAPI specification is available.

What's Included

Control System:

• DragonLAIR WiFi Controller
• WiFi Antenna
• GPS Antenna
• Hand Controller with 6ft cable
• Ethernet Cable (6ft)
• DIN Rail with mounting clip

Limit Switches:

• 2× Heavy Duty Limit Switches
• 2× Limit Switch Cables (6ft, shielded)
• 8× Deck Screws
• 8× Machine Screws
• T-25 Bit
• 4mm Hex Bit
• 4mm Hex Key

Safety System:

• 2× Safety Sensors with brackets
• 2× Reflectors

Power:

• 2× Power Cables (6ft, 1/4" ring terminal to Anderson PowerPole)
• 30A Automotive Fuse
• 40A Automotive Fuse

Extras:

• DDA Sticker

Technical Specifications

Integration/Compatibility

Imaging Software: The DragonLAIR works with all major imaging and automation platforms:

• N.I.N.A.
• Sequence Generator Pro
• Voyager
• TheSkyX
• KStars/Ekos
• Any ASCOM Alpaca or INDI-compatible software

Weather Safety: Connect any ASCOM Alpaca safety monitor for cloud-based weather integration, or wire a simple relay-closure device (weather station, rain sensor) directly to the safety port. The controller just needs a signal tied to ground to trigger an unsafe condition-maximum flexibility for your setup.

Mount Position: Use the included reflective sensors (standard NPN retroreflectors) to detect when your telescope is in a safe park position before allowing roof movement. For easier installation, our wireless Mount Park Sensor communicates directly with the DragonLAIR without running cables to your mount.

API Access: The full OpenAPI specification is available for custom integrations. Build your own control interface, integrate with home automation systems, or connect to monitoring dashboards-the DragonLAIR is designed to work the way you want.

Installation/Setup Reality Check

A complete installation-including limit switches and safety sensors-takes about 3-4 hours for a first-time installer. If you already have a DC motor and drive system in place, you're looking at less time.

The tricky part: Getting the limit switches adjusted so they trigger exactly where you want the roof to stop. This isn't difficult, but it takes patience to get right. Our installation videos walk through the process step by step.

Tools needed: Basic hand tools, power drill, the included hex bits and T-25 bit

Skill level: If you can mount a finder scope and connect a USB cable, you can install the DragonLAIR. The wiring is straightforward-12V DC, clearly labeled connections, and Anderson PowerPoles for the main power lines.

Support: Video tutorials cover installation and setup. Join our Discord community for questions-we're there, and so are dozens of other DragonLAIR owners who've been through the process.

What You Need to Provide

From Dark Dragons Astronomy (sold separately):

• 600W Roll-Off Roof Motor - DC motor sized for roofs up to 20ft
• 13.8V 600W Power Supply - Clean DC power for your entire setup
• 35Ah AGM Battery - Backup power for automatic roof closure during outages
• NOCO Genius 5 Charger - Keeps your backup battery topped off
• Motor Mounting Bracket - Secure mounting for the motor
• Drive Gear and Rack - Mechanical interface to move your roof

You'll also provide:

• Basic hand tools and power drill
• Computer, phone, or tablet for initial setup and configuration
• Additional cables if your installation requires longer runs

Real-World Performance

The DragonLAIR has been protecting observatories for four years across more than 50 installations. These aren't lab conditions-they're real backyard observatories in climates ranging from Arizona's summer heat to Minnesota's winter cold.

Howling Coyote Remote Observatory in New Mexico runs DragonLAIR controllers on multiple buildings. Their smaller imaging bays use the standard controller; their larger commercial structures use the Pro. When a professional remote hosting facility trusts their clients' equipment to your controller, that says something about reliability.

We measure uptime in months and years. The controller doesn't need daily reboots. It doesn't lose its configuration. It doesn't forget your WiFi password. It just runs.

Sleep While Your Equipment Stays Safe

The DragonLAIR WiFi Controller is what stands between your telescope and an unexpected rainstorm at 3 AM. It opens your roof when conditions are right, closes it when they're not, and handles power outages without intervention.

Stop babysitting your imaging sessions. Stop worrying about weather rolling in while you're asleep. Stop rebooting your Arduino every night.

Pair the DragonLAIR with our motor, power supply, and battery backup for a complete automation system-or integrate it with your existing DC motor setup. Either way, you get the reliability and peace of mind that DIY solutions can't match.

Your telescope, camera, and mount represent a serious investment. Protect them with a controller built specifically for the job.

Need help? Join our Discord community for installation guides, troubleshooting, and direct support.