DWARFLAB Draco Smart Telescope – SHO Edition

AED 8,999.00 AED 8,999.00

In stock

Draco is DWARFLAB's latest high-end smart telescope — a fully integrated imaging system that brings observatory-grade deep-sky capability to a portable, travel-ready body.

Estimated Delivery: 23 Nov – 25 Nov (5–7 working days)
SKU: DWARFLAB-DRACO-SH-EDITION Category: Brand:

AED 8,999.00 AED 8,999.00

Description

  • Built-in S II + O III filter for automated nebula imaging.
  • External ND filter included for solar imaging.
  • Includes 1 x Draco Smart Telescope, 1 x External ND Filter, 1 × Protective Carrying Case, 1 x Tripod, 1 x USB-C Cable, 1 x Wipe Cloth

Draco Smart Telescope

Draco at a Glance

90mm Aperture

Collect more light to reveal faint structures and fine detail in nebulae and galaxies.

Simultaneous Wide-Angle & Telephoto Imaging

Capture close-up celestial details and sweeping night-sky views at the same time.

Built-in Guiding & Up to 300-Second Exposures

Built-in guiding keeps stars sharp and tracking steady during single-frame exposures of up to 300 seconds.

Moon & Planetary Imaging

Capture details such as lunar craters, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s Great Red Spot.

Automated Capture & In-App Editing

Draco automates focusing, targeting, tracking, and stacking for deep-sky imaging. Then enhance your images with Stellar Studio in the DWARFLAB App.

Automatic SHO Imaging

SHO Edition Only

The SHO Edition captures S II, Hα, and O III data and automatically combines them into blue-and-gold Hubble Palette images.

Portable 5.5kg Body

Carry Draco with one hand, from your backyard to your next dark-sky destination.

PhotonLink Remote Control

Control Draco from anywhere through the DWARFLAB App.

90mm aperture300s single frame exposures5.5 kg portability

DRACO

A new kind of observatory. One you can carry.

A 90mm aperture that sees more

The deeper the sky, the more aperture matters.

DRACO smart telescope observing from a campsite under the stars

Rayleigh Criterion Formula

θ = 1.22 λD

As aperture D increases, the diffraction limited angular resolution θ becomes smaller, revealing finer deep sky detail.

Faint structures. Fine textures. Subtle layers hidden in the dark. Draco’s 90mm telephoto optics gather the light needed to reveal what smaller systems can miss.

One Telescope. Two stories from that night.

Draco captures the universe at two scales, simultaneously.

DRACO dual-camera telescope optical system

1/1.55-Inch Wide-Angle Camera

  • A large, high-sensitivity 1/1.55-inch sensor captures richer image detail.
  • 23.3mm Equivalent Focal Length
  • D 85.74° / H 73.20° / V 58.23° Ultra-Wide Field of View

1/1.3-Inch Telephoto Camera

  • 1/1.3-Inch Sensor
  • 1200mm Equivalent Focal Length
  • 50MP Resolution
  • 2×2 Pixel Binning

Two Cameras, Working as One.

Not just what you captured. The wider night it belongs to.

23.3mm Equivalent Focal Length

D 85.74° / H 73.20° / V 58.23° An ultra-wide field of view, made for the vast night sky. Capture the Milky Way, star trails, and sweeping landscapes with ease.

1/1.3-Inch Sensor

The Same Sensor. Multiple Imaging Modes.

Deep-sky nebula captured in DRACO Deep-Sky Mode
Detailed Moon captured in DRACO Planetary Mode
Detailed Moon captured in DRACO Planetary Mode
Detailed Moon captured in DRACO Planetary Mode

Deep Sky

2.4μm Equivalent Pixels for Better Low-Light Performance

With 2×2 pixel binning, Draco combines four adjacent 1.2μm native pixels into one 2.4μm effective pixel, producing images at approximately 12MP. Greater signal collection improves the signal-to-noise ratio of faint targets, revealing cleaner nebulae, galaxies, and shadow detail.

Sun, Moon, and Planets

1.2μm Native Pixels for Finer Detail

When imaging the Sun, Moon, and planets, Draco uses native 1×1 pixel readout and intelligently crops around the target to reduce unnecessary black space. This finer sampling helps capture details such as lunar craters, sunspots, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s Great Red Spot.

Let Time Bring Out the Details

300-Second Single-Frame Exposures, Rock Steady

With built-in guiding, physical field derotation, and a precision drive system, Draco corrects tracking errors and minimizes field rotation, keeping stars tight and sharp throughout single-frame exposures of up to 300 seconds.

Reduce Star Trailing

Minimize Field Rotation

Stablize Tracking

Stability is built into every part of the system, keeping 300-second exposures precise and steady from start to finish.

DRACO built-in guide scope maintaining precise tracking against a star field

Built-in Guide Scope

Continuously monitors star drift and corrects tracking errors in real time, keeping stars sharp and preventing star trails.

Field Rotation Correction

The CMOS rotates with the sky to physically counter field rotation, delivering clean images without complex polar alignment.

Precision Track System

High-precision transmission and fine microstepping control keep every tracking and movement correction stable and responsive. The optical tube moves as needed and follows smoothly, helping reduce vibration and backlash so stars stay tight during long exposures.

Made for the finest images yet

DRACO aberration correction for pinpoint stars

A 90mm aperture defines the physical ceiling of image quality. To truly reach it, every beam of light must be precisely controlled. Draco uses an aberration corrected optical system to precisely correct light deviation deep within the lens set. From the center to the edge of the frame, stars stay pin sharp. A leap in image quality, and an elegant answer to physics.

A More Advanced Filter System

Draco’s dual cameras feature multiple built-in filters for deep-sky imaging, the Milky Way, star trails, the Sun and Moon, everyday photography, and more.

Astronomy Filter

Preserves a broader range of useful starlight, making it well suited for deep-sky targets such as galaxies and star clusters.

Upgraded Hα + O III Dual-Narrowband Filter

Targets Hα at 656.3 nm and O III at 500.7 nm, with both channels narrowed to a 13 ± 3 nm bandpass. The narrower bandpass isolates nebula emission more precisely and reduces unwanted background light, bringing nebula structures into clearer view.

SHO or Standard. Choose Your Draco.

Optional SHO Imaging System

SHO Edition

Built-in Filters: Astro/Dark-frame/Dual-narrowband(Hα+O III)/Dual-narrowband(S II+O III) Adds a built-in S II + O III dual-narrowband filter, targeting S II at 671.6 nm and O III at 500.7 nm with the same 13 ± 3 nm bandpass. The S II + O III and Hα + O III filters work automatically in sequence to capture real S II, Hα, and O III data. Draco then handles separation, color mapping, and composition automatically, producing classic blue-and-gold Hubble Palette images with one tap.

The SHO Edition includes an external ND filter for solar imaging.

Both editions feature the same Hα + O III dual-narrowband filter and Astronomy Filter.

Choose the SHO Version for an additional built-in S II + O III filter, or the Standard Version with a built-in ND filter.

Steady Support in Equatorial Mode

Draco’s all-metal base fits securely into its metal frame, forming a rigid, unified structure that stays stable in Equatorial Mode. Simply follow the in-app guidance to adjust Draco to the correct angle and complete the setup, providing greater stability for long exposures and multi-frame stacking.

* The tripod shown is for illustration only. You can choose a tripod that suits your needs.

Stable Support for Draco

Draco comes with an aluminum-alloy tripod, with an aluminum platform, connectors, and legs for reliable support without unnecessary weight. TPR feet provide added grip on the ground for greater stability.

Weighing approximately 480 g, the tripod stands 175 mm high when deployed, with a 470 mm footprint diameter and a compact folded size of just 80 × 80 × 268 mm. An 80 mm top platform with a 3/8”-16 mounting thread provides a secure connection, while the fixed-length legs open to a preset angle for quick setup.

Draco tripod folded for compact storage

Lightweight and compact, it packs easily with Draco and sets up quickly wherever you take it.

5.5kg body

Light enough to carry with one hand, so you can take serious imaging power far beyond the backyard.

5-hour battery life

Built to last through long nights of deep-sky capture.

Metal Frame. Built for Stability.

The all-metal base fits securely into the metal frame, providing stable, reliable support for outdoor observation.

DWARFLAB App

The power behind every touch.

The DWARFLAB App is built to unlock everything Draco can do, without making you manage every step. It connects automatically, adapts to your environment, guides the capture, and carries the image all the way through processing.

Faster connection. Greater stability. Smoother control.

Open the app. Draco connects.

Tap your phone and NFC brings the app to life instantly.

A Unified Flow

Choose it. Capture it. Create it.

Find Out What You Are Seeing at Ease

Choose from a sky full of targets.

Raise Your Phone. Find Your Target.

Wide-Angle Sky Finder

With AR wide-angle Sky Finder, Draco aligns with the sky and shows environmental obstructions at a glance. See what is visible, and choose with confidence.

Explore the Night Sky, Your Way.

Real-Time Star Atlas

DRACO imaging the night sky at a campsite

From Locating to Imaging, Draco Handles It All

Choose your target. Then start shooting.

Set Draco down. Tap GoTo.

Set up Draco and tap a target. Autofocus, calibration, target acquisition, tracking, and stacking—all handled automatically. Built-in guiding keeps 300-second exposures steady as faint starlight builds up frame by frame.

Automatic, Yet Fully in Your Control

In Auto Mode, Draco intelligently adjusts settings for each target. Switch to Pro Mode for full control over exposure, gain, filters, and more. With exposure times from 1/10000 s to 300 s, you have the flexibility to capture different targets and explore more creative possibilities.

Calibration frames, handled automatically.

Draco comes with built-in flat and bias calibration data and automatically captures dark frames in real time. During live stacking, calibration is applied automatically to reduce thermal noise, vignetting, dust shadows, and read noise. You choose what to capture. From pointing to imaging, Draco handles the rest.

Your image goes from captured to finished.

Stellar Studio

No need to learn complex desktop software. The DWARFLAB App puts essential astrophotography editing tools right at your fingertips, including auto enhancement, star correction, noise reduction, star reduction, star removal, star extraction, star spikes, watermarks and Hubble Palette effect, and give every image a look of your own.

Even without post-processing experience, you can make your image look polished while staying true to the sky.

Prefer your own workflow?

Draco gives you the data, too. Export in JPG, PNG, FITS, and TIFF. JPG and PNG make sharing quick and easy, while FITS and TIFF fully preserve the underlying image data, giving you more flexibility for advanced post-processing and creative expression.

In PhotonVerse, every image can lead to the next idea.

Explore real work from DWARFLAB users, discover new targets, compositions, locations, and shooting methods, or share your own images, experience, and process.

Create it. Share it.

Star Party: build something bigger together.

With Star Party, deep sky imaging becomes something you can build together.

Shoot the same target with friends or users around the world. Share progress, combine data with CoStack, or create larger deep sky mosaics with CoMosaic.

A creator using a phone beside DRACO under the night sky

Advanced imaging, beyond the usual limits.

More than one night. More than one frame. Let Draco take on larger, longer imaging plans on its own.

Remote Control

One Draco can be your remote observatory.

Deploy Draco where observing conditions are better, giving you remote access to clearer skies, darker nights, and a more stable imaging environment.

PhotonLink Remote Control

With DWARFLAB’s official PhotonLink remote service, you can control Draco from anywhere through the app. You can also invite friends to control it with you and share the fun of astrophotography.

Fully Automated Operation

Remotely switch the dark-frame cover, filters, and imaging settings, with no on-site operation required for the Sun, Moon, deep sky, Milky Way, or star trails. Standard Edition: Built-in H+O and ND filters support remote switching for solar imaging. SHO Edition: Built-in H+O and S+O filters automatically capture and combine S, H, and O band data to produce classic blue-and-gold SHO images. For solar imaging, the included external ND filter must be attached in advance.

USB Ethernet Connectivity

Connect to wired Ethernet via USB for greater connection stability and more efficient data transfer, making Draco better suited for long-term remote deployment.

Ethernet Ready
USB 3.0
Switchable Built-in Filters

Schedule Shooting

Passionate All Night Long

When you cannot stay up, Draco can. Set the target, time, and parameters in the DWARFLAB App, and Draco wakes, finds, tracks, and captures automatically.

Astro Mosaic

Do not let a fixed FOV limit your view.

When one frame is not enough, expand it. Extend the frame in the star map, and Draco automatically captures and stitches multiple sections into a wider deep-sky image.

Expand the frame by up to 1.8× in both width and height, for a field of view approximately 3× larger overall.

A wider view. A more complete nebula. Captured in one smooth flow.

Multi-Night Mega Stacking

Go Beyond a Single Night. Reveal More Detail.

More than deep sky. And More than night.

Solar System Mode

Automatically center, focus, and lock onto the Sun or Moon with one tap. Whether you’re recording sunspots, capturing lunar details, or following a solar or lunar eclipse, Draco gets you ready to observe and image in moments. Standard Edition: Switch the built-in ND filter into place with one tap in the app for solar imaging. * We recommend avoiding solar imaging in hot weather. For example, in summer, avoid shooting at midday and choose morning or late afternoon instead. SHO Edition: Includes an external magnetic ND filter. Once attached manually, Draco automatically handles the remaining solar imaging process.

DRACO

Powerful enough to feel like an observatory. Portable enough to leave with you.

In the Box

Specs

Which telescope is right for you?

Draco Standard Edition
Draco SHO Edition
Which telescope is right for you?
Draco Standard Edition
Draco SHO Edition

Draco

Draco

Standard Edition

SHO Edition

90 mm (telephoto) 2.96 mm (wide-angle)
90 mm (telephoto) 2.96 mm (wide-angle)
340 mm (telephoto) 5.56 mm (wide-angle)
340 mm (telephoto) 5.56 mm (wide-angle)
1200 mm (telephoto, astronomy mode) 1280 mm (telephoto, non-astronomy mode) 23.3 mm (wide-angle)
1200 mm (telephoto, astronomy mode) 1280 mm (telephoto, non-astronomy mode) 23.3 mm (wide-angle)
Telephoto Astronomy Mode (Deep Sky / Solar System): H 1.649° / V 1.238° / D 2.059° Other Modes: H 1.549° / V 1.162° / D 1.936° Wide-Angle All Modes: H 73.20° / V 58.23° / D 85.74° Guiding H 0.905° / V 0.512° / D 1.040°
Telephoto Astronomy Mode (Deep Sky / Solar System): H 1.649° / V 1.238° / D 2.059° Other Modes: H 1.549° / V 1.162° / D 1.936° Wide-Angle All Modes: H 73.20° / V 58.23° / D 85.74° Guiding H 0.905° / V 0.512° / D 1.040°
25 m–∞
25 m–∞
Telephoto Astro: 430 ~ 690 nm Dark: Fully opaque H+O Dual-Narrowband: CWL 1: O III 500.7 nm | FWHM 13 nm CWL 2: Hα 656.3 nm | FWHM 13 nm ND: OD 5 @ 400 ~ 1000 nm Wide-Angle VIS: 420 ~ 660 nm ND: OD 5 @ 400 ~ 1000 nm
Telephoto Astro: 430 ~ 690 nm Dark: Fully opaque H+O Dual-Narrowband: CWL 1: O III 500.7 nm | FWHM 13 nm CWL 2: Hα 656.3 nm | FWHM 13 nm S+O Dual-Narrowband: CWL 1: O III 500.7 nm | FWHM 13 nm CWL 2: S II 671.6 nm | FWHM 13 nm Wide-Angle VIS: 420 ~ 660 nm ND: OD 5 @ 400 ~ 1000 nm
OV50Q40 (telephoto) OV50E40 (wide-angle) OS04C1B (guiding; monochrome)
OV50Q40 (telephoto) OV50E40 (wide-angle) OS04C1B (guiding; monochrome)
1/1.3″ (uncropped)
1/1.3″ (uncropped)
1.197 µm
1.197 µm
2.394 µm (2×2 binning)
2.394 µm (2×2 binning)
50.33 MP (telephoto) 50.33 MP (wide-angle) 4.09 MP (guiding)
50.33 MP (telephoto) 50.33 MP (wide-angle) 4.09 MP (guiding)
12 MP (telephoto, 2×2 binning) 12 MP (wide-angle, 2×2 binning)
12 MP (telephoto, 2×2 binning) 12 MP (wide-angle, 2×2 binning)
4:3
4:3
0.001°/s–12.83°/s (0.06°/min–770°/min)
0.001°/s–12.83°/s (0.06°/min–770°/min)
Tilt: 310° Rotation: 360°
Tilt: 310° Rotation: 360°
0.001°/s–12.83°/s (0.06°/min–770°/min)
0.001°/s–12.83°/s (0.06°/min–770°/min)
3/8″ (1) 1/4″ (2)
3/8″ (1) 1/4″ (2)
Built-in, 7.7 V, 10000 mAh supports external USB charging
Built-in, 7.7 V, 10000 mAh supports external USB charging
Type-C
Type-C
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (Wi-Fi up to 10 m)
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (Wi-Fi up to 10 m)
Built-in 128 GB
Built-in 128 GB
Photo (telephoto and wide-angle) Video (telephoto and wide-angle) Astronomy (telephoto and wide-angle) Panorama (telephoto and wide-angle) Burst (telephoto and wide-angle) Time-lapse (telephoto and wide-angle)
Photo (telephoto and wide-angle) Video (telephoto and wide-angle) Astronomy (telephoto and wide-angle) Panorama (telephoto and wide-angle) Burst (telephoto and wide-angle) Time-lapse (telephoto and wide-angle)
iOS & Android
iOS & Android
JPG, MP4, RAW (FITS, TIFF), PNG
JPG, MP4, RAW (FITS, TIFF), PNG
6 TOPS
6 TOPS
RTSP supported (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) H.264 / H.265
RTSP supported (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) H.264 / H.265
5.5kg
5.5kg
196.28 × 385.85 × 133.25 mm
196.28 × 385.85 × 133.25 mm
-4–113°F / -20–45°C
-4–113°F / -20–45°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Standard Edition and the SHO Edition?

Both editions include the same Astro, Dark-frame, and Hα + O III dual-narrowband filters.

  • Standard Edition: Includes a built-in ND filter that can be switched into place automatically for solar imaging.
  • SHO Edition: Replaces the built-in ND filter with an S II + O III dual-narrowband filter. Together with the Hα + O III filter, it captures S II, Hα, and O III data for SHO imaging. An external magnetic ND filter is included for solar imaging.

Can Draco be used under urban skies?

Yes. The Hα + O III dual-narrowband filter helps reduce the impact of background light when imaging emission nebulae.

However, darker skies will generally produce better results for galaxies, reflection nebulae, dark nebulae, the Milky Way, and other broadband targets.

Does Draco require an equatorial mount or polar alignment?

No traditional equatorial mount is required for normal operation.

Draco combines built-in guiding with physical CMOS field-rotation correction, allowing long-exposure imaging in Alt-Az mode without conventional polar alignment.

However, field rotation changes very rapidly near the zenith, where correction becomes more challenging. Equatorial Mode is recommended for targets at very high elevations. Follow the in-app guidance to set Draco to the correct angle.

What are the key specifications of Draco?

Draco features a 90 mm aperture, a 340 mm focal length, and an f/3.8 optical system. It supports exposures of up to 300 seconds, with built-in guiding and physical field-rotation correction for long-exposure astrophotography.

What is the difference between the Standard Edition and the SHO Edition?

Both editions include the same Astro, Dark-frame, and Hα + O III dual-narrowband filters.

  • Standard Edition: Includes a built-in ND filter that can be switched into place automatically for solar imaging.
  • SHO Edition: Replaces the built-in ND filter with an S II + O III dual-narrowband filter. Together with the Hα + O III filter, it captures S II, Hα, and O III data for SHO imaging. An external magnetic ND filter is included for solar imaging.

Do I need the SHO Edition to photograph galaxies and nebulae?

No. Both editions can capture galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae.

The SHO Edition is primarily intended for users who want to capture genuine S II data and create SHO images of emission nebulae. If SHO imaging is not a priority, the Standard Edition is suitable for most observing and imaging needs.

Is SHO imaging the same as applying a Hubble Palette in Stellar Studio?

No.

Stellar Studio can map existing image data into a Hubble-style color palette. The SHO Edition physically captures S II, Hα, and O III wavelength data through its built-in filters, providing genuine multi-band data for SHO processing.

Can Draco really take 300-second exposures?

Draco supports individual exposures of up to 300 seconds.

Actual results depend on setup accuracy, environmental conditions, target altitude, wind, ground stability, and other factors. The 300-second specification represents the maximum supported exposure time and does not guarantee perfectly round stars under every condition.

How does Draco correct field rotation?

The CMOS sensor physically rotates in real time to counter the apparent rotation of the sky. This helps maintain consistent framing during long exposures and extended stacking sessions.

Can Draco reject poor-quality frames during stacking?

Yes. Draco intelligently rejects unsuitable frames during live stacking.

After the imaging session, you can also review individual frames, remove images affected by clouds or other interference, and restack only the clearest and most stable frames for a cleaner final result.

Can Draco be used under urban skies?

Yes. The Hα + O III dual-narrowband filter helps reduce the impact of background light when imaging emission nebulae.

However, darker skies will generally produce better results for galaxies, reflection nebulae, dark nebulae, the Milky Way, and other broadband targets.

Can Draco photograph the Sun safely?

Yes, but the correct ND filter must always be used.

  • Standard Edition: The built-in ND filter automatically moves into place for solar imaging.
  • SHO Edition: The included external magnetic ND filter must be securely attached before pointing Draco at the Sun.

Never point Draco at the Sun without the appropriate ND filter installed.

Does Draco output 50 MP images?

No. Although the sensor has a native resolution of approximately 50 MP, Draco’s current imaging modes output approximately 12 MP images.

For deep-sky imaging, Draco uses 2 × 2 pixel binning, combining native 1.2 μm pixels into effective 2.4 μm pixels to improve signal-to-noise performance.

For the Sun, Moon, and planets, Draco uses native 1 × 1 pixel readout and intelligently crops the image around the target, reducing unused black areas. The resulting output is also approximately 12 MP.

Which image and video formats does Draco support?

Draco supports JPG, PNG, FITS, and TIFF image output, as well as MP4 video.

JPG and PNG are suitable for quick viewing and sharing. FITS and TIFF retain more image data for advanced processing and personalized editing.

Can I access individual RAW or FITS frames?

Yes. Individual FITS frames can be exported for processing with compatible third-party astrophotography software.

The exact computer connection and file-transfer workflow will be provided in the official user guide.

Does Draco automatically capture calibration frames?

Yes. Draco can automatically capture and apply calibration frames, simplifying the imaging and stacking workflow.

Does Draco support multi-night stacking?

Yes. Images captured across different sessions can be combined to increase total integration time and improve the final result.

The frames must have compatible imaging settings and cover the same target area.

Do I need external software to process Draco images?

No. The DWARFLAB App can handle capture, live stacking, and basic image processing.

For more advanced processing, FITS and TIFF files can be exported to compatible third-party software.

Can Draco be used without an internet connection?

Yes. Draco can connect directly to your phone through its local wireless connection for on-site operation.

An internet connection is required for online services such as PhotonLink remote access.

What is PhotonLink?

PhotonLink is DWARFLAB’s official remote-control service. It allows you to operate Draco through the app from a different location and invite others to share control of the telescope.

What can be controlled remotely?

Depending on the edition and imaging mode, you can remotely control targeting, focusing, tracking, imaging settings, filters, and the dark-frame cover.

The Standard Edition can switch its built-in ND filter into place remotely for solar imaging.

For the SHO Edition, the external ND filter must be installed on the telescope before remote solar imaging.

Can Draco connect to a wired network?

Yes. Draco supports wired Ethernet through a compatible USB-C Ethernet accessory.

Gigabit Ethernet has been tested. Compatibility with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet has not been validated.

With a compatible powered adapter or hub, Draco can maintain a wired Ethernet connection while receiving continuous external power. Recommended accessory specifications will be provided separately.

Can I connect Draco directly to a computer with a USB-C cable?

Yes. Draco supports the same file-transfer methods as DWARF 3 and DWARF Mini:

  • Connect Draco directly to a computer with a USB cable to transfer files.
  • Transfer files over a network using FTP.

You can choose either method depending on your setup.

How much built-in storage does Draco have?

Draco includes 128 GB of built-in storage.

Can Draco save images directly to an external SSD or USB drive while shooting?

No. Draco currently records imaging data to its built-in storage. Files can be exported after capture.

How long does the battery last?

Draco has a 10,000 mAh, 7.7 V battery with a rated capacity of 77 Wh.

It provides approximately five hours of operation in Astronomy Mode. Actual battery life may vary depending on temperature, operating mode, network connection, and other conditions.

Can I take Draco on an airplane?

Draco’s 77 Wh battery is below the commonly applied 100 Wh threshold for passenger-carried lithium batteries.

Devices containing lithium batteries should generally be carried in cabin baggage. Airline and regional requirements may vary, so please confirm the applicable rules with your airline before travelling.

Can I use a third-party tripod?

Yes. Draco provides one 3/8″-16 mounting point and two 1/4″-20 mounting points.

The tripod and mounting system must safely support Draco’s approximately 5.5 kg weight and remain stable throughout the imaging session.

Is Draco waterproof?

Draco is IP55-rated for dust and water resistance. It is protected against limited dust ingress and low-pressure water jets, helping it remain reliable in dusty outdoor conditions and brief rain exposure.

Draco is not waterproof or submersible. Avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain, standing water, or immersion, and make sure it is dry before storage.

What is included in the box?

The standard package includes:

  • Draco Smart Telescope
  • Tripod
  • USB-C cable
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • Protective Carrying Case

The SHO Edition also includes an external magnetic ND filter for solar imaging.

Does Draco come with a protective carrying case?

Yes. A protective carrying case is included for safe storage and transportation of Draco.

When will my Draco order ship?

International shipping is expected to begin in early November 2026 and will proceed in phased batches.

Orders placed between September 7 and September 9 remain in our earliest fulfillment group. However, not all orders from this group will be dispatched within the original estimated two-month window. We sincerely apologize for this change and will contact affected customers directly with further updates.

Tracking information will be emailed once an order is dispatched. Please refer to our latest Shipping Policy for the most up-to-date fulfillment information.

Does Draco need to be precisely leveled?

No. Draco does not require precise manual leveling for normal Alt-Az operation. Place it on a stable surface, and its software will compensate for its orientation through coordinate transformation.

When using Equatorial Mode, follow the in-app guidance to set Draco to the required angle.

Does Draco support dithering?

Yes. Draco supports automatic dithering between deep-sky subframes using its built-in guiding system. Dithering is available in Equatorial Mode, automated imaging, live stacking, and scheduled imaging.

Does Draco support lucky imaging?

Yes. Draco supports lucky imaging, automatically selecting and stacking higher-quality frames. The selection and stacking algorithms will continue to be optimized through software updates.

Does Draco require collimation?

Draco is collimated at the factory and designed to maintain its optical alignment during normal transportation and use.

Collimation is not user-adjustable. In the unlikely event that the optical alignment is affected, please contact DWARFLAB or an authorized service provider for inspection and repair.

How does Draco’s sensor cooling work?

Draco is equipped with a thermoelectric (TEC) cooler and fan. TEC cooling is enabled by default and operates automatically, lowering the sensor temperature to approximately 5°C below ambient, depending on operating conditions. This helps reduce thermal noise during long-exposure astrophotography and provides cleaner imaging data.

Users can turn TEC cooling on or off in the app, but the cooling temperature is managed automatically and cannot be set manually.

Can I remotely download individual FITS subframes through PhotonLink?

PhotonLink currently supports remote downloading of stacked images. Remote downloading of individual subframes is planned for a future update.

Individual FITS frames can still be accessed through Draco’s supported local export workflow.

Can MegaStack images be uploaded to Star Party?

Yes. In the DWARFLAB App, select the MegaStack result from your DWARF album and upload it to Star Party. The corresponding stacked JPG and FITS files will be uploaded automatically.

Does Draco use the OV50Q sensor’s TheiaCel HDR feature?

No. Draco does not use the sensor’s TheiaCel HDR mode. It uses Dual Conversion Gain (DCG) HDR instead.

What happens if Draco loses its internet connection during imaging?

A temporary internet interruption will not stop an imaging session already in progress. Draco will continue tracking and imaging locally and attempt to reconnect when the network becomes available again.

If automatic reconnection fails, a manual reconnection will be required.

Can Draco restart automatically after a power interruption?

Yes. When the automatic power-on setting is enabled in the Draco App, Draco will turn on automatically after external power is restored. PhotonLink will then attempt to reconnect automatically.

If this setting is disabled, Draco must be turned on manually.

Can Draco be restarted or shut down remotely?

Yes. Draco can be restarted or shut down remotely through PhotonLink while it remains powered and connected.

Can Draco be used for long-term remote operation?

Draco supports remote operation with continuous external power and a stable wired or wireless network connection.

For long-term deployment, Draco must be installed in a properly protected environment. Do not leave it exposed to rain, standing water, or other severe weather conditions.

Does Draco support a static IP address?

Not currently. Both Wi-Fi STA mode and USB-C Ethernet use DHCP to obtain an IP address automatically.

The assigned IP address can be viewed and copied from App > My Devices > IP Address and used on the connection page. A network with an active DHCP server is currently required.

Will there be a Windows or macOS app?

Draco is currently controlled through the DWARFLAB App for iOS and Android. A dedicated Windows or macOS application is not planned for 2026.

Does Draco support NINA, ASCOM, INDI, or an open API?

These integrations are not supported in the current release. DWARFLAB is working on external software integration, but supported platforms and release timing have not yet been announced.

Does Draco require an equatorial mount or polar alignment?

No traditional equatorial mount is required for normal operation.

Draco combines built-in guiding with physical CMOS field-rotation correction, allowing long-exposure imaging in Alt-Az mode without conventional polar alignment.

However, field rotation changes very rapidly near the zenith, where correction becomes more challenging. Equatorial Mode is recommended for targets at very high elevations. Follow the in-app guidance to set Draco to the correct angle.

Can Draco be powered by an external battery?

Yes. Draco supports external power through USB-C, with a maximum supported charging power of 36 W.

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