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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit
Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit

Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2957265
$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00
$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00
Price Match Policy!
  • High-torque stepper motor handles heavy imaging loads
  • Timing belt drive eliminates backlash for precise autofocus
  • Contactless homing sensor enables repeatable absolute positioning
  • Included temperature sensor for automated thermal focus compensation
  • Designed for direct mounting on all Baader Steeltrack focusers
  • Requires Baader Steeldrive II Controller (sold separately)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit

    The Baader Steeldrive II Motor Unit brings automated, repeatable, and temperature-compensated focusing to your imaging system. Engineered in Germany, it replaces manual adjustment with a high-torque stepper motor that connects directly to the focuser via a timing belt, a design choice that completely eliminates the backlash inherent in gearbox-driven systems. This unit is the core mechanical component for achieving critical focus with heavy camera payloads, especially in remote or automated observatory setups where precision is non-negotiable.

    Backlash-Free Focusing with a High-Torque Timing Belt Drive

    Unlike motors that rely on intermediate gears, the Steeldrive II employs a direct timing belt engagement. This architecture ensures that every command from the controller results in immediate and precise focuser movement, with zero play or lag. The high-torque stepper motor is capable of moving heavy imaging trains without slipping, maintaining focus accuracy throughout an imaging session.

    Absolute Positioning with a Contactless Homing Sensor

    For automated and remote imaging, knowing the exact focuser position is critical. The Steeldrive II motor unit features a contactless hall-effect homing sensor that provides a precise, wear-free reference point. This allows for reliable homing and the ability to return to saved absolute focus positions with perfect repeatability, night after night. Even in the event of a power loss, the system's persistent memory retains the last known position, provided the focuser has not been moved manually.

    Automated Focus Correction with Temperature Compensation

    As ambient temperature drops during an imaging session, a telescope's optical tube contracts, causing the focal point to shift. The Steeldrive II motor unit includes a digital temperature sensor to combat this thermal drift. When paired with the Steeldrive II Controller, it can automatically make micro-adjustments to the focuser, keeping your images perfectly sharp from dusk until dawn without manual intervention.

    Native Integration and Dew Heater Control for Steeltrack Focusers

    This motor unit is designed for seamless integration with all Baader Diamond Steeltrack and classic Steeltrack focusers, attaching easily via a built-in dovetail clamp. The housing is CNC-milled from aluminum for durability and precise alignment. An auxiliary power output on the controller (sold separately) can even power a dew heater, using the temperature sensor to maintain your optics just above the dew point, further streamlining your setup.

  • What else do I need to use the Steeldrive II Motor Unit?

    The Steeldrive II Motor Unit requires the Baader Steeldrive II Controller to function. The controller provides the power, hand control interface, and processing for features like temperature compensation. One controller is needed for each motor you wish to operate simultaneously.

    How does the Steeldrive II Motor Unit attach to a Baader Steeltrack focuser?

    It attaches directly and securely using a built-in dovetail clamp. Baader Steeltrack focusers come with a matching dovetail machined into the focuser body, allowing for a simple and rigid connection without the need for custom brackets.

    Can I use the Steeldrive II Motor Unit with a non-Baader focuser like a FeatherTouch?

    Yes, the Steeldrive II can be adapted to other focusers, including FeatherTouch models. However, this typically requires a specific adapter bracket which is not included with the motor unit and may need to be sourced separately.

    What is the advantage of the Steeldrive II's timing belt system over a gearbox?

    The timing belt provides a direct, positive engagement between the motor and the focuser shaft. This eliminates backlash, which is the "slop" or "play" found in gear-based systems. For autofocusing routines that move the focuser in and out, eliminating backlash is essential for achieving quick, sharp, and repeatable results.

    If I'm imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) all night with my refractor, how does the Steeldrive II help?

    As the temperature drops overnight, your refractor's tube will shrink, causing focus to drift. The Steeldrive II's included temperature sensor detects this change. The system then automatically adjusts the focuser in tiny increments to compensate, ensuring your stars remain pinpoints throughout the entire multi-hour exposure without you needing to manually refocus.

    I'm using a heavy camera and filter wheel on my SCT. Can the Steeldrive II Motor Unit handle the load?

    Yes. The Steeldrive II is built around a high-torque stepper motor specifically chosen for its ability to move heavy imaging payloads without slipping or stalling. It is designed to provide precise, reliable focusing even when the focuser is under significant load from cameras, filter wheels, and other accessories.

  • Baader Planetarium Warranty