ASCOM Alpaca Simulators

A comprehensive simulator for ASCOM Alpaca devices that provides a RESTful API for testing and developing observatory control software.

Features

  • Complete Device Simulation: Supports all major ASCOM device types including:

    • Camera
    • Telescope
    • Dome
    • Focuser
    • Filter Wheel
    • Rotator
    • Safety Monitor
    • Switch
    • Observing Conditions
    • Cover Calibrator

  • Realistic Image Generation: Uses cabaret to generate authentic astronomical images for camera simulation

  • RESTful API: Fully compliant with the ASCOM Alpaca Device API specification

  • Interactive Test Interface: Web-based control panel for manual testing

  • Configurable Devices: YAML-based configuration for all device properties

Quick Start

The fastest way to run the simulator is using uv.

  1. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/ppp-one/alpaca-simulators
cd alpaca-simulators

  2. Run the simulator:

    uv run alpaca-simulators

    This will automatically install dependencies and start the server at http://0.0.0.0:11111.

Configuration & Options

The simulator supports several command-line arguments:

# Run on a different port with auto-reload enabled
uv run alpaca-simulators --port 8080 --reload

# Use a specific configuration file
uv run alpaca-simulators --config my_custom_setup.yaml

Test Interface

The simulator includes a web-based test UI at http://localhost:11111/test_interface that allows you to:

  • GET properties: Retrieve current values from any device property
  • PUT operations: Set values and trigger actions using form inputs

Device Configuration

On first run, the simulator generates src/alpaca_simulators/config/config.yaml from a template. You can modify this file to set:

  • Device names and descriptions
  • Initial property values
  • Capabilities and limits
  • Available options (e.g., filter names, camera properties)

Example API Calls

# Get telescope position
curl http://localhost:11111/api/v1/telescope/0/rightascension

# Set camera exposure time
curl -X PUT http://localhost:11111/api/v1/camera/0/startexposure \
  -d "Duration=5.0&Light=true"

# Check if dome is at home
curl http://localhost:11111/api/v1/dome/0/athome

Project links

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Credits

Author: Peter Pedersen, David Degen

GitHub Statistics

Data verified by PyPI on Sep 12, 2026
The GitHub source repository was provided by the project maintainers and verified by PyPI at the time of upload. Stars, forks, and open issues/PRs are derived from that repository and have not been independently verified.

License expression

MIT
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Requires

Python >=3.10

Provides Extra

test

Tags

astronomy astrophysics telescope

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