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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.
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller
Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller

Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2957165
$816.00 - $816.00
$816.00
$816.00 - $816.00
$816.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Handles heavy imaging loads up to 8 kg
  • Achieves a focusing resolution of 2.5µm
  • Backlash-free toothed belt drive system
  • Standalone controller with keypad for manual, computer-free operation
  • Integrated 10W PWM output for intelligent dew heater control
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser w/ Controller

    The Baader Steeldrive II motor focuser is an automated focusing platform designed to handle heavy imaging payloads up to 8 kg with a precision of 2.5µm per step. Its high-torque stepper motor uses a backlash-free timing belt, while the external controller provides standalone intelligence, including automatic temperature compensation from up to two sensors. The system also integrates a 10W power output, allowing it to double as an intelligent controller for a dew heater, maintaining optical temperature with an accuracy of +/-0.1 °C.

    Backlash-Free Drive: A Timing Belt System for 8 kg Payloads

    The core of the Steeldrive II is a high-torque stepper motor that connects to your focuser's fine-adjustment knob via a toothed timing belt. This direct-drive design completely eliminates the backlash and potential failure points associated with gearbox-driven motors. It ensures every command from the controller results in precise, repeatable movement, capable of quickly and accurately positioning imaging trains weighing up to 8 kg.

    Standalone Intelligence: 3 Manual Focusing Modes

    Unlike focus motors where the electronics are integrated into the motor housing, the Steeldrive II's "brain" resides in a separate, dedicated hand controller. This allows for complete computer-free operation in the field, with three distinct manual modes for vibration-free focusing at the telescope.

    • Normal Mode: The focuser moves as long as a key is held down.
    • Jogging Mode: Each key press moves the focuser a user-defined distance (e.g., 0.1 mm), configured in the SteelGo software.
    • Single Step Mode: A single key press initiates the smallest possible movement of approximately 2.5 micrometers for critical final adjustments.

    Absolute Positioning with a 2.5µm Resolution

    The Steeldrive II achieves repeatable, absolute positioning through a contactless, wear-free hall-effect homing sensor. When paired with a small magnet on the focuser's drawtube, it enables the system to return to saved positions with 2.5µm accuracy. Even without the sensor, the controller stores the focuser's absolute position in a persistent EEPROM buffer, which is reloaded on startup unless the focuser was moved manually while powered off.

    Dual-Sensor Temperature Compensation and 10W Dew Control

    This system offers a sophisticated solution for managing thermal focus shift and dew. You can connect two digital temperature sensors simultaneously—one to the motor and one to the controller—to measure different points on your telescope. The controller can use a single sensor or the average of both to automatically compensate for temperature changes, a feature that can run standalone after initial setup.

    Furthermore, the controller includes a 12V/1A power output, capable of driving a dew heater up to 10W. You can program a target temperature, and the Steeldrive II will intelligently manage the heater to keep optics just above the dew point, preventing moisture without introducing excess heat.

    German Engineering: SteelGo Software and 0.7W Power Draw

    All mechanical components are CNC-milled from aluminum, and the electronics are designed, manufactured, and coated in Germany for durability. The companion SteelGo software provides a comprehensive interface for calculating temperature compensation factors and configuring all system parameters. When idle, the motor current is automatically reduced, allowing the Steeldrive II to hold its position while consuming only about 0.7 W of power.

  • What makes the Baader Steeldrive II different from other motor focusers?

    The Baader Steeldrive II is a complete focusing platform, not just a motor. Its key differentiators are a separate intelligent hand controller for computer-free operation, a backlash-free timing belt drive capable of handling 8 kg loads, and an integrated 10W PWM output for intelligent dew heater control.

    How does the Steeldrive II achieve backlash-free focusing?

    Instead of using gearboxes which can introduce play, the Steeldrive II employs a high-torque stepper motor connected directly to your focuser's fine-adjustment knob via a toothed timing belt. This direct engagement eliminates backlash, ensuring precise and repeatable positioning with a resolution of 2.5 micrometers.

    Can the Steeldrive II handle my heavy imaging setup on a Baader Steeltrack focuser?

    Yes. The Steeldrive II is designed to move loads up to 8 kg with high precision across the entire range of focuser travel. This makes it ideal for heavy setups that include large cameras, filter wheels, and off-axis guiders, especially when paired with Baader's own Steeltrack or Diamond Steeltrack focusers.

    Do I need a computer to use the Steeldrive II's temperature compensation?

    No. While the temperature compensation factor is initially calculated using the SteelGo software on a PC, the value is saved directly to the Steeldrive II controller. This allows the system to run automatic temperature compensation completely standalone, making it perfect for field use without a connected laptop.

    How should I set up the dual temperature sensors on my SCT for the best focus compensation?

    For optimal results on a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, you can place one sensor near the primary mirror and the second near the corrector plate or on the optical tube. The Steeldrive II controller can then be configured to use the average of both sensors, providing a more accurate temperature reading of the entire optical system to compensate for thermal focus shift.

    What kind of dew heater can I control with the Baader Steeldrive II?

    The Steeldrive II features a 12V/1A power output capable of driving common dew heater straps up to 10W. Using an optional adapter cable, you can set a target temperature for one of the sensors, and the controller will intelligently power the heater to keep your optics just above the dew point, preventing dew without overheating the telescope.

  • Load Capacity Up to 8 kg
    Focusing Resolution 2.5 µm
    Drive System Toothed Belt Drive (Backlash-Free)
    Homing Sensor Contactless Hall-Effect Sensor
    Temperature Sensor Inputs 2x Digital (1 sensor included)
    Temperature Control Accuracy +/- 0.1 °C
    Dew Heater Output 12V / 1A (10W Max)
    Power Consumption (Holding) ~0.7 W
    Construction CNC-milled Aluminium
    Country of Origin Germany
    Net weight (kg) 0.73
    Included Accessories Steeldrive Mark II Control unit, incl. 3m USB-cable, 12V/1.5A power supply, Steeldrive Mark II Motor unit, incl. 1m connection cable, Velcro tapes (cable ties) for strain-relieving cable management, Allen key (2 mm) one temperature sensor with 1m cable,
    Software SteelGo II Software (Download)
  • Baader Planetarium Warranty