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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 Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor - 1m
Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor - 1m
Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor - 1m
Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor - 1m

Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor - 1m

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2957263
$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00
$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Enables automatic temperature compensation for the Baader Steeldrive II
  • Maintains critical focus during overnight temperature shifts
  • Provides real-time thermal data to the Steeldrive II controller
  • Includes sensor and connecting cable
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor - 1m

    The Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor adds a critical layer of automation to your imaging setup by enabling the temperature compensation function of your Steeldrive II motor focuser. This accessory provides the controller with real-time ambient temperature data, allowing it to automatically correct for thermal focus shift. By adding this sensor, you can maintain perfectly sharp stars throughout long imaging sessions, even as the temperature drops overnight.

    Automate Focus Compensation for the Steeldrive II

    As ambient temperature changes, the metal and glass components of your telescope expand and contract, causing the focal point to shift. This thermal drift is a primary cause of soft, bloated stars in long-exposure astrophotography. Manually refocusing every hour is tedious and interrupts your imaging sequence.

    The Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor solves this problem by continuously feeding temperature readings to the focuser's control unit. Once calibrated, the Steeldrive II system uses this data to make precise, automated adjustments, ensuring your focus remains tack-sharp from the first frame to the last without any manual intervention.

  • How does the Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor work?

    The sensor measures the ambient air temperature and sends this data to the Baader Steeldrive II controller. The controller's software uses this information, along with a pre-calibrated temperature coefficient for your specific telescope, to automatically adjust the focuser position to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction. This keeps the image plane locked in sharp focus.

    Is this temperature sensor required to use the Baader Steeldrive II?

    No, the Baader Steeldrive II motor focuser can be operated manually or via computer without the sensor. However, the sensor is required to unlock the automatic temperature compensation feature, which is one of the system's most powerful capabilities for astrophotography.

    Where should I place the Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor for best results?

    For the most accurate readings, the sensor should be placed near your telescope tube to measure the air temperature that the telescope is experiencing. It should be positioned so it is not directly touching the optical tube or being warmed by other electronics, as this could lead to inaccurate readings.

    Will the Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor work with other focusers?

    No, this sensor is designed specifically for the Baader Steeldrive II system. It uses a specific connector and sends data formatted for the Steeldrive II controller and its associated software.

    My focus on my SCT shifts significantly after sunset. Will the Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor fix this?

    Yes, this is precisely the scenario the sensor is designed to address. SCTs are known for significant focus shift as their large mirrors and metal tubes cool. When paired with the Steeldrive II, this sensor will automate the corrections needed to keep objects like Jupiter or the stars in the Hercules Cluster (M13) perfectly sharp as your telescope acclimates to the night air.

    I image faint galaxies like the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) for hours. How does the Baader Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor help?

    For multi-hour imaging sessions on a single target, the ambient temperature can drop by several degrees. The sensor allows the Steeldrive II to make continuous micro-adjustments to the focus throughout the night. This ensures that every sub-exposure you capture remains critically sharp, improving the final stacked image and preventing you from having to discard frames due to focus drift.

  • Compatibility Baader Steeldrive II Motor Focuser
    Net weight (kg) 0.02
    Cable length 1m
    Probe Connection Phone Connector

    • Steeldrive II Temperature Sensor

      × 1

    • Connecting Cable

      × 1

  • Baader Planetarium Warranty Policy