I'm working on a new roll off roof observatory and what I realised is that I can use the automatic shutting down of the ASIAIR PRO at the end of an Autorun or Plan mode to remove the 12VDC from any of the power outlets. I tested this the other day and indeed the power shuts down cleanly at the end of a session. So I have an Arduino programmed to detect the shut down via an interrupt, which will then shut my roll off roof at the end of the night. Still work in progress, but I am confident it should basically work.
This got me thinking that the ASIAIR PRO has four 12VDC outlets that are already under hardware control of the ASIAIR PRO. So ZWO, why not make use of these in Plan mode as definable switches that can go High or Low to activate external equipment? Should be reasonably simple, just software.
My suggestion would be to start with two of the 12VDC ports. One can activate after the mount homing position to operate a light panel for flats (definable High or Low). Following this a definable time delay, then trigger the auto flats routine to run. The second will activate after the auto flats is finished to close the roof (definable High or Low). Lastly the ASIAIR PRO will shut down.
There's a challenge for you... 😀
p.s Still loving all my ZWO gear. It just works 😄
