WandererAstro WandererCover V5 Basic Motorized Flat Panel

WandererAstro WandererCover V5 Basic combines a motorized flat panel with a cover designed to protect the telescope opening. Seven luminous diameters are available for different dew shield dimensions: 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225 and 250 mm.

Patented design connects a full-sized LED circuit board directly to the motor arm. The illuminated circuit board also serves as a structural component, reducing the number of parts and creating a hollow, lightweight assembly.

LED-backlit illumination distributes light from behind the panel instead of relying exclusively on edge lighting. This architecture limits brightness variation between the centre and edges, with the uniformity difference typically remaining within 5 percent.

Flicker-free dimming provides 255 brightness levels. The system is designed to support exposures as short as 0.05 seconds without flicker-related banding.

Broad emission spectrum covers wavelengths from 400 to more than 720 nm. This range provides useful brightness across the visible spectrum while maintaining effective illumination in the near-infrared region.

Lightweight structure reduces weight by 30 percent compared with edge-lit panels. Weight ranges from 265 g for the 100 mm version to 478 g for the 250 mm version. This reduction decreases the load placed on the motorized mechanism and optical tube.

Opening angle exceeding 270 degrees allows the panel to fold back against the telescope tube. This position keeps the panel securely retracted during imaging without wobbling around its axis.

Obstacle detection automatically stops movement whenever an obstruction is encountered. This protection limits mechanical stress while the cover is opening or closing.

Darkness-friendly operation eliminates unnecessary power indicator lights. When the cover is open, commands to switch on the flat light are blocked to prevent accidental activation during imaging.

Modular construction allows the panel to be replaced with a different diameter. Replacement panels are available separately.

ASCOM and INDI compatibility supports integration into automated astrophotography environments. Native control is also provided through Sky-Watcher SynLink.

Auxiliary AUX input allows opening and closing to be controlled through the switchable power outputs of an ASIAIR or StellaVita.

Construction combines aluminium alloy, carbon fibre and fibreglass. These materials contribute to the rigidity of the assembly while maintaining a low weight.

Installation uses four nylon cable ties. The length and width of the ties depend on the selected diameter. The panel position can be adjusted after loosening the two mounting screws.

Computer connection is provided through a USB 2.0 Type-B interface. Power requirements are 12 V DC with a maximum voltage of 14 V and a stated current draw of 0.8 A.

Supplied items include one WandererCover V5 Basic in the selected diameter, a 1-metre USB 2.0 cable, a 1-metre DC5521 male-to-male power cable and four nylon cable ties.

Technical specifications

• Type: motorized flat panel and cover
• Model: WandererCover V5 Basic
• Available luminous diameters: 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225 and 250 mm
• Panel outer diameter: luminous diameter plus 25 mm
• Model 100 outer diameter: 125 mm
• Model 125 outer diameter: 150 mm
• Model 150 outer diameter: 175 mm
• Model 175 outer diameter: 200 mm
• Model 200 outer diameter: 225 mm
• Model 225 outer diameter: 250 mm
• Model 250 outer diameter: 275 mm
• Panel thickness: 2.5 mm
• Model 100 weight: 265 g
• Model 125 weight: 292 g
• Model 150 weight: 323 g
• Model 175 weight: 356 g
• Model 200 weight: 396 g
• Model 225 weight: 436 g
• Model 250 weight: 478 g
• Illumination technology: LED backlit
• Stated uniformity difference: typically within 5 percent
• Brightness levels: 255
• Dimming: flicker-free from 0.05 seconds
• Maximum brightness: 2280 cd/m²
• Minimum brightness: 18 cd/m²
• Spectral range: 400 to more than 720 nm
• Near-infrared illumination: supported
• Stated weight reduction: 30 percent compared with edge-lit panels
• Opening or closing time: 8 seconds
• Opening angle: more than 270 degrees
• Obstacle detection: built in
• Automatic stop when an obstruction is encountered
• Flat light disabled while the cover is open
• Power indicator light: none
• Replaceable panel: yes
• Replacement panels: available separately
• Angle encoder: no
• Flat panel heater: no
• Infrared remote control: no
• Computer interface: USB 2.0 Type-B
• Software compatibility: ASCOM and INDI
• Native compatibility: Sky-Watcher SynLink
• Auxiliary input: AUX
• Power-switch control: ASIAIR and StellaVita
• Nominal power: 12 V DC
• Maximum voltage: 14 V DC
• Stated current draw: 0.8 A
• Materials: aluminium alloy, carbon fibre and fibreglass
• Installation: nylon cable ties
• Panel position: adjustable after loosening the two mounting screws
• Reference exposure at f/7, gain 0 and brightness 1: L 2.5 s, R 30 s, G 10 s and B 4.5 s
• Reference exposure at f/7, gain 100 and brightness 1: L 0.8 s, R 10 s, G 3.3 s and B 1.5 s
• Reference exposure at f/7, gain 0 and brightness 255: L 0.02 s, R 0.27 s, G 0.09 s and B 0.038 s
• Reference exposure at f/7, gain 0 and brightness 255 with 3 nm filters: SII 8.9 s, Hα 6.2 s and OIII 2.7 s
• Reference exposure at f/7, gain 100 and brightness 255 with 3 nm filters: SII 2.8 s, Hα 2 s and OIII 0.93 s
• Supplied USB 2.0 cable: 1 m
• Supplied DC5521 male-to-male power cable: 1 m
• Supplied nylon cable ties: four

Patented Design

The WandererCover V5 Basic is the world's first motorized flat panel that connects a full-sized LED PCB directly to the motor arm. This innovative design is patented and delivers a series of game-changing advantages.

More Uniform

Traditional edge-lit LED flat panels can suffer from uneven brightness, particularly brighter edges, as well as inconsistent manufacturing quality. Our LED-backlit design takes illumination uniformity to an entirely new level, delivering consistent brightness from edge to center, typically within 5% difference. The WandererCover V5 Basic also features 255-level flicker-free dimming at exposure times as short as 0.05 seconds.

Broad Spectrum

The WandererCover V5 Basic offers a broader emission spectrum, providing ample brightness across 400–720+ nm while maintaining effective illumination in the near-infrared region.

30% Lighter

Thanks to its patented LED-backlit design, the LED PCB also serves as a structural component, directly connecting to the motorized mechanism. Its hollow construction reduces weight by 30% compared with edge-lit flat panels. Less weight means lower payload , improved reliability, longer life, and better guiding.

Darkness Friendly

The WandererCover V5 Basic eliminates unnecessary power indicator lights, keeping your equipment hidden in the darkness without disturbing a single photon of starlight. Besides, when the cover is open, it also blocks any commands to turn on the flat light, preventing accidental operation.

270°+ Opening Angle

The WandererCover V5 Basic features upgraded, reliable obstacle detection that stops the cover whenever an obstruction is encountered. Its opening angle of over 270° allows the cover to fold back against the telescope tube, staying securely in place without wobbling.

Replaceable Panels

Thanks to its modular design, the panel can be safely and easily replaced with a different size. Replacement panels are available separately, keeping your setup flexible!

Easier Control

Beyond standard ASCOM and INDI support, the WandererCover V5 Basic is also natively supported by Sky-Watcher SynLink. The auxiliary (AUX) input lets you easily control the cover using the power switches on your ASIAIR or Stellavita.

WandererAstro Aesthetic

Unique mechanical design meets distinctive aesthetics. Crafted from aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, and fiberglass, the WandererCover V5 Basic stands out with a truly distinctive look.