In modern astronomy, automation plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient and seamless observations. However, for automation, telescope safety monitoring is just as important as precision and performance. Unexpected conditions—such as unstable power supply, or unwanted telescope motion—can lead to observation errors or even damage sensitive equipment. To address this challenge, we developed the PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver, designed to integrate seamlessly with our EAGLE computers. By leveraging EAGLE’s advanced onboard sensors, this driver continuously monitors key environmental and operational parameters, determining whether it is safe to continue observations. If conditions become unsafe, it can trigger automated protective measures through third party observatory control softwares, helping users safeguard their telescope and accessories. In this article, we will explore how the PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver works, how to configure it within third-party automation software like NINA, and how it can enhance the reliability of your telescope.
After you have installed the PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver (you also need to have the latest ASCOM Platform installed on your EAGLE), launch NINA, click on Equipment, and then select Safety Monitor. In the upper menu, select PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor and click the Settings button to open the PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver window.
Here, you will find all the options divided into four categories: Temps, Dew Point, Currents, and Others. For each option, you can select an operator (Greater Than, Less Than, Greater Than or Equal, Less Than or Equal, Equal, or Not Equal) and enter a reference value.
When you activate each of your preferred options, a green or red light will appear to the right, indicating whether—based on the selected operator and value—the driver reports that your telescope status is safe or not. Please note that for the “SAFE when no motion detected” option, you can set the Motion Detector Threshold in the Advanced Settings of EAGLE Manager X. In any case, you will find the “Current Is Safe status” light in the bottom-right part of the driver window.
Click the OK button to close the driver window, then click the Connect button in NINA. This will establish the connection between NINA and the PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver. Please note that the protective measures initiated by third-party software when the driver reports the “Unsafe” status are controlled by the third-party software itself, not by the PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver. Therefore, please refer to the third-party software’s user manual to ensure it is configured correctly.
Please note that the PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver cannot be considered a failproof tool. While it enhances the safety of your telescope, it should not be considered a definitive or sole solution for ensuring the telescope’s safety and for preventing any damage to the telescope or observatory instruments. Users should implement additional safety measures as necessary. The PLL ASCOM SafetyMonitor driver is a helpful aid but should not be relied upon as the only safety mechanism in any condition.