{"product_id":"baader-planetarium-steeldrive-ii-controller","title":"Baader Planetarium Baader Steeldrive II Controller","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandalone hand controller for Baader Steeldrive II motor units\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree distinct, selectable focusing modes for any scenario\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull computer control and configuration via included SteelGo software\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnboard intelligence for setting limits and managing temperature compensation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUser-configurable backlight and status LED brightness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBaader Steeldrive II Controller\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Baader Steeldrive II Controller is the dedicated command center for the Steeldrive II motor focuser system, providing precise, repeatable focus adjustments either standalone or via computer. This unit houses all the control electronics, allowing you to interface directly with the motor through its tactile keypad or unlock advanced features with the included SteelGo software. It enables you to manage everything from basic movement to temperature compensation and saved positional memory, forming the core of a professional-grade automated focusing setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree Precision Focusing Modes for Coarse to Micro-Step Adjustments\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Steeldrive II Controller offers three distinct movement modes, selectable directly from the hand unit to match your immediate focusing needs. This allows you to transition seamlessly from initial setup to critical fine-tuning without touching the telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNormal Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e The focuser moves continuously for as long as a direction key is pressed, ideal for making large, rapid adjustments when changing eyepieces or cameras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJogging Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each keypress moves the focuser a specific, pre-defined distance. This step size is user-configurable in the SteelGo software, enabling consistent, repeatable adjustments for dialing in focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSingle Step Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e A single keypress moves the focuser by the smallest possible increment the system can produce. This mode is essential for achieving critical focus on high-resolution planetary targets or when splitting tight double stars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSteelGo Software Integration for Full Computerized Focuser Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile fully functional on its own, the Steeldrive II Controller unlocks its full potential when connected to a PC running the included SteelGo software. This interface provides a graphical dashboard for all focuser functions, including setting the custom step size for Jogging Mode and managing automated temperature compensation routines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor advanced observatories or remote imaging rigs, the system is designed for scalability. A single computer can operate several Steeldrive II Controllers in parallel, allowing you to manage multiple independent telescope and focuser setups from one central command station.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStandalone Operation: Configure Limits and Temperature Compensation without a PC\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Steeldrive II Controller is engineered for robust field use, giving you access to critical settings directly from the hand controller without needing a laptop. You can program focuser travel limits, save and recall specific focus positions, and activate or deactivate the temperature control system on the fly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis standalone intelligence is a significant advantage for visual observers or anyone seeking a streamlined setup. You can even adjust the brightness of the keypad's backlight and status LEDs to preserve your night vision, ensuring the controller is a tool, not a distraction. Please note that the Steeldrive II motor unit and the focuser itself are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat else do I need to use the Steeldrive II Controller?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Steeldrive II Controller is the control unit only. To create a complete motorized focusing system, you will also need a \u003cstrong\u003eBaader Steeldrive II Motor Unit\u003c\/strong\u003e and a compatible focuser, such as a Baader SteelTrack or Diamond SteelTrack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I control two telescopes with one Steeldrive II Controller?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, one Steeldrive II Controller can operate one Steeldrive II motor unit at a time. However, if you have two complete setups (two motors and two controllers), you can connect both controllers to a single computer and operate them in parallel using the SteelGo software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Steeldrive II Controller handle temperature changes during an imaging session?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe controller has built-in logic for temperature compensation. When used with the temperature sensor on the Steeldrive II motor unit, it can automatically make micro-adjustments to the focuser position as the ambient temperature drops, keeping your images sharp throughout a long night without manual intervention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the practical difference between the \"Jogging\" and \"Single Step\" modes on the Steeldrive II Controller?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJogging Mode\u003c\/strong\u003e is for making small, repeatable adjustments where you define the step size (e.g., for finding focus with a Bahtinov mask). \u003cstrong\u003eSingle Step Mode\u003c\/strong\u003e makes the absolute smallest mechanical movement possible, which is essential for the final, critical tweak when visually observing a planet like Jupiter at high magnification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need a computer at the telescope to use the Steeldrive II Controller?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, a computer is not required for core functionality. You can move the focuser, set travel limits, save positions, and manage temperature control directly from the hand controller, making it perfectly suited for visual observing or minimalist imaging setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow would I use the Steeldrive II Controller to focus on Saturn with an 11\" SCT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a high-magnification target like Saturn, you would first use \u003cstrong\u003eNormal Mode\u003c\/strong\u003e to get close to focus. Then, switch to \u003cstrong\u003eJogging Mode\u003c\/strong\u003e for finer adjustments until the Cassini Division is visible. For the final, sharpest view, you would use \u003cstrong\u003eSingle Step Mode\u003c\/strong\u003e to make tiny nudges to the focus point until the image is perfectly crisp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNet weight (kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.38\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12V\/1A PWM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eca. 0.7 Watt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Baader_Planetarium_SteelGo_II_Software_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eBaader Planetarium SteelGo II Software Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Baader_Planetarium_SteelDrive_II_Technical_Documentation.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eBaader Planetarium SteelDrive II Technical Documentation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Baader_Planetarium_SteelDrive_II_Controller_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eBaader Planetarium SteelDrive II Controller Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/baader-planetarium-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBaader Planetarium Warranty Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Baader Planetarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52913217175837,"sku":"BAA-2957260","price":648.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/BaaderPlanetarium-Steeldrive-II-Controller-1_2f3026a7-375c-40dc-99fa-4a1b288ad426.jpg?v=1789088336","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr\/products\/baader-planetarium-steeldrive-ii-controller","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}