David Swinnard replied to the topic 'Flat Panels Question' in the forum. 2 years ago

Hi Peter. Testing this week with my flat panel has shown me more work is needed. Turns out I overestimated the number of LEDs needed. I can barely dial it down enough to obtain multi-second exposures. The control program works fine though and responds to Ekos/Indi as expected.

I have other LEDs on the way but it will be a few weeks before I can get back to the project. (I had the first clear, usable night two nights ago since October 30 so I actually put the flat panel to use where I discovered the brightness issue. The upcoming forecast isn't too promising and the moon is waxing so waiting for LEDs to come isn't an issue.)

If you are interested I can send you the Arduino program and a schematic of the rest of the electrical components needed. The circuit is actually very simple - the Arduino running the code, a MOSFET (acts as an electrically controlled switch), and possibly a few resistors depending on the voltage requirement of the light panel used - LED or electroluminescent panel (EL).

Read More...