>
2"
Newtonian Low-Profile Diamond Steeltrack
>
2" SC
Diamond Steeltrack (for Schmidt Cassegrains)
>
2"
Refractor Diamond Steeltrack
>
SteelDrive II Motorized
Focusing System
Baader Diamond Steeltrack®
Premium Focusers
NEW!!
In recent years the Crayford
style of ball-bearing guided focuser has become popular due to its
smooth motions, absence of pinion backlash, and rigid drawtube support.
Baader's new Diamond Steeltrack® Premium
Focusers incorporate a number of innovative features that further
enhance the smoothness and robustness of the Crayford focuser.
Baader's innovative
diamond-geared drive system delivers the smooth totally backlash-free action of
a friction drive with the positive non-slip high load capacity of a rack and
pinion. Additional improvements in the bearing-guide system help to take
the Baader Diamond Steeltracks (BDS) far enough beyond all other crayford-type
focusers that some have called them 'Baaderford'. Available in 2"
versions for Newtonians, Refractors, and SCTs. Adapters are available to
fit most telescopes.
For an independent
review of these new focusers (including a video showing their high lifting
capacity), please click on this link:
http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/244325-steel-track-or-moonlite/
General
Specifications
for all Baader Diamond Steeltracks
|
|





The brass reduction gear is prepared to accept the timing belt
of the Steeldrive Motor-drive unit. The outer case of all
Diamond Steeltracks have a dovetail cut into the driving-axis
housing to accommodate the motor block of the Steeldrive unit. |
ALL
Baader Diamond Steeltrack
(BDS) Focusers have the following specifications:
Drive System
-
True
diamonds form a micro-geared high precision drive system never
accomplished before
-
In
comparison to conventional crayford or rack & pinion drives,
this micro-geared movement has zero backlash, zero cogging,
and zero flexure
-
Diamond
Steeltrack 2" focusers lift a payload of 6kg (13 lbs) straight
up, without slipping, without excessive bearing preload
(bearing preload can be increased further if necessary)
-
Bearing
system utilizes unbreakable Instrument Grade Roller-Bearings
instead of simpler Ball Bearings - handles higher loads with
greater rigidity and accuracy. No Teflon-pads anywhere
-
1:10
Stainless Steel fine-focus mechanism, ready for attachment of
the optional Steeldrive temperature-compensating motor drive
system
-
Detachable drive block assembly is reversible for right hand
or left hand fine-focus operation and for attaching the
Steeldrive motorblock onto Diamond-NT-Steeltracks for
newtonian telescopes
-
Shortest
possible mechanical design achieves optimum balance between
focuser height (backfocus) and rigidity requirements
-
Zero
shift locking knob to precisely stop any movement without
affecting optical axis adjustment
Focusing Drawtube:
-
Each
bearing individually adjustable for precise alignment of
mechanical vs. optical axis
-
Ultra-hard subzero coated bearing races – precision milled and
much harder than anodizing or stainless steel
-
Oversized 55mm inner clear diameter, to prevent vignetting,
with anti-reflection knife-edge baffles
Clamping System
-
S58
Dovetail ring-clamp built into focusing tube for accepting
optional T-2 / M48 / M68 and other S58 direct-thread adapters
to enable direct thread connection of accessories and cameras
without 2" clamp
-
2"
eyepiece clamp with hardened bronze clamp ring (length of
clamp: 12.5mm / ½") included as standard
-
Optionally available 2" Baader Clicklock-clamp w. integrated
S58 dovetail (added length: 16mm / 5/8")
-
Two
auxiliary threads (M60x1 and M55x0,75) cut into the RT & NT
focusing-tube for attachment of dedicated field flatteners or
focal reducers/correctors
|
 |
 |
|
♦
2" Newtonian Low-Profile Diamond Steeltrack®
♦
 |

|
 |
Upgrade practically any
Newtonian, small or large, with all of the smoothness, precision, and
features of Baader Planetarium's 2" Newtonian Low-Profile
Diamond Steeltrack Focuser.
-
Low Profile. Overall
height of only 50mm
-
Fully Baffled and blackened
drawtube kills off-axis stray light. Tube hole size of 2.4"
Diameter required for drawtube clearance.
-
Focuser travel of 40mm.
-
Versa-Base, fits tubes 8" Dia
and larger.
-
Optional
NT Flat Base
available.
-
Optional low-profile (1mm)
2"/1¼”
Pushfix Reducer.
-
Weighs xxoz (xxxg).


Comparison of New Baader Diamond Steeltrack to prior
Steeltrack
- 2" Newtonian Diamond Steeltrack Crayford Focuser (#FOC-NT)
PRICING |
ORDERING
♦
Diamond Steeltrack NT Flat Base
♦

Enables mounting of the
Baader NT Diamond Steeltrack onto Dobsonians with flat mounting
surfaces.
-
Dovetailed Attachment to focuser permits rotational
adjustment for optimal alignment of focuser knobs.
-
Includes
collimation jack-screws for precise collimation of focuser to scope's
axis.
-
Fits square
hole pattern of x x x in (x x x mm). Screw Size 1/4-20.
-
Weight of xxoz
(xxx gm)
- Flat BasePlate for NT Diamond Steeltrack
(#FOC-FLAT)
PRICING |
ORDERING
♦
2"/1¼ Pushfix
Low-Profile Reducer
♦
|
 |
 |
Baader's Pushfix Reducer is
the perfect low-profile 2"/1¼
reducer for the
Newtonian and SCT Steeltrack focusers. The 'pushfix' reducer
incorporates unique features not found in any other reducer.
-
When mated to
Diamond Steeltrack Focusers, the Pushfix uses up only 1mm
of height, saving precious back-focus.
-
Captive Bronze
compression ring protects eyepieces from damage.
-
Threaded to
accept 2" filters.
-
Unique 3-Way
clamping:
-
Standard
Knurled thumbscrew. Nests inside the mating Diamond Steeltrack focuser recess to
preserve the ultra-low 1mm profile.
-
Semi-Permanent
attachment to eyepieces. Recessed setscrews can be tightened onto
the compression ring to semi-permanently 'fix' the reducer to a 1.25"
eyepiece, converting it to a 2" eyepiece.
-
The three
recessed round-head nylon set screws can be adjusted to lightly bear on
1.25" eyepiece barrels, enabling them to be simply 'pushed' into the
reducer and held by friction.
-
2"/1¼ Pushfix Low-Profile
Reducer (#T2-15A)
PRICING |
ORDERING |
♦
2" SC Diamond Steeltrack®
♦

|
 |
 |
The Baader 2" SC Diamond Steeltrack Focuser
enables Schmidt Cassegrains to deliver ultra-smooth focusing with zero
image shift.
-
Fits Schmidt Cassegrains from 5" to
14". The included adapters fit both the SCT 2" thread used on 8"
and smaller scopes, and the 3.3" thread used on larger SCTs.
-
30mm Focus travel
-
Fully Baffled and blackened
drawtube kills off-axis stray light.
-
Optional low-profile (1mm)
2"/1¼”
Pushfix Reducer.
-
Overall Length of xxmm, weighs xxoz
(xxxg)
 - 2"
Baader SC Diamond Steeltrack Crayford Focuser (#FOC-SC)
PRICING |
ORDERING |
♦
2" Refractor Diamond Steeltrack®
♦
 |
 |
 |
Baader
Planetarium's 2" Refractor Diamond Steeltrack Focuser gives refractors a
full 3" (76mm) of velvety smooth focusing travel. Easily adaptable to
popular refractors.
-
Overall length fully retracted 80mm
(backfocus length).
-
Drawtube is fully internally baffled
and blackened to eliminate off-axis stray light.
-
72mm dovetail receiver permits
360degree rotation of focuser with single-screw locking.
-
Optional RT Adapterset permits easy
attachment to Celestron/Skywatcher/Zeiss refractors, and is easily
adaptable to other refractors.
-
Optional adapters available to fit a
variety of other refractors.
- 2" RT Steeltrack Crayford Focuser (#FOC-RT2)
weight 1060g (2.33lb)
PRICING |
ORDERING
♦
RT Steeltrack®
Adapterset
♦ |
 |
 |
 |
The RT Steeltrack Adapterset consists of 4 parts:
- Large Lock-Ring (M90 Internal Thread). 3
chrome grip 'spokes' permit easy rotation and locking of the focuser.
- 72mm Dovetail Ring for attachement to focuser.
Also has M68 External Thread, fits directly onto Zeiss.
- Expanding Ring, M80 External Thread, fits directly
onto Zeiss.
- Base Ring, Slip-fit OD 96mm. Slips inside of
tubes with approximate ID of 96mm.
When all 4 parts are combined, the RT Adapterset slips
into 96mm ID tubes (used on Celestron/Skywatcher telescopes, or any
other similar sized tube). The adapter is then attached using (3)
M3 screws around the periphery.
- Steeltrack RT Adapterset (#FOC-RTAD)
PRICING |
ORDERING |
♦
Steeldrive
II Motorized Focusing System♦
NEW!
 |
 |
 |
Baader
Planetarium's NEW version SteelDrive II Motor Drive gives precision temperature
compensated focusing control for all Baader Diamond Steeltrack Focusers.
-
High Precision for very heavy loads
(up to 17lb). Easy adaptation onto all Baader Steeltrack Focusers
(Diamond and Classic), no focuser disassembly required for attachment.
Can be adapted to other focusers like the FeatherTouch. Adapters
for non-Steeldrive focusers are not included.
-
Manual focuser functions remain
fully accessible
-
Thermocompensation. Two
digital temperature sensors may be used simultaneously.
-
Focusing resolution 2.5micron with
absolute positioning.
-
Contactless Homing Sensor optionally
available for precise homing and repeatable approch of saved absolute
positions. Perfect for remote uses.
-
12V/A PWM power output, eg for a dew
shield heater (optional cable sold separately). Temp can be
controlled precisely via the temp sensor attached to the steeldrive.
-
High Torque and low power
consumption (0.7W).
-
Software support for other
focussers.
-
Made in Germany.
Includes:
-
Stepper motor with drive electronics
-
Timing belt, fits Diamond Steeltrack
fine focusing knob
-
Standalone SteelDrive Handcontrol
-
Thermo Probe with 1m cable
-
USB Cable (3M) for PC Control (may
also be powered via USB)
-
12V/1.5A power supply.
-
ASCOM driver and SteelGo software
(download)
Features:
·
High precision focusing of heavy loads
The high-torque stepper motor is directly engaged with the focuser via a
timing belt. This eliminates the backlash (and potential cause of
defects) induced by gearboxes which would have to be used with lower
power motors. The Steeldrive II can quickly move loads up to 8 kg with
high precision. The focusing resolution is 2.5μm.
·
Intuitive Operation
The intuitive hand control makes it possible to find and save the focus
point very fast. Several modes are available to move the focuser:
Normal mode: The focuser moves as long as a key is pressed.
Jogging mode: Each keystroke moves the focuser for a distance
which is configurable in the SteelGo-software (e.g. 0.1 mm).
Single step mod: Each keystroke moves the focuser for the
smallest possible way (ca. 2.5 micrometer).
The configuration of limits, saving and resetting of positions and
(de)activating of the temperature control can also be done with the hand
control. Brightness of backlight illumination and status LEDs are also
configurable.
·
Contactless Homing Sensor
The Steeldrive II motor unit features a contactless (wearfree) homing
sensor (hall-effect sensor). It is activated by a magnet attached to the
moving part of the focuser. It enables precise homing and repeatable
approach of saved absolute positions as well as reference of the
mechanical endstop. A simple mount for this magnet to be attached to the
focuser is included in the scope of delivery. For Baader Diamond
Steeltrack® focusers,
an adapterring made of metal is available separately.
However the Steeldrive II can also be used without the homing sensor as
the absolute position is kept in a persistant circular eeprom buffer.
Even if a power failure occures, the absolute position is loaded upon
restart of the Steeldrive II, as long as the focuser wasn't moved by
hand.
·
Temperature Compensation
Two digital temperature sensors may be used simultaneously. One of each
may be connected to the motor- and the controller unit. For the
automatic temperature compensation, the specific sensor to be used can
be selected, or the average temperature of both sensors may be used (eg.
measuring the temperature above and below the telescope tube, or inside
and outside), depending on your needs. The temperature compensation
factor is for example calculated with the SteelGO software and can then
be saved locally on the Steeldrive II controller unit. The compensation
period and ∆T threshold can also be adjusted. The temperature
compensation may then also be used in standalone mode of operation
(without a connected computer).
·
12V/1A PWM power output (PID-controllable)
The Steeldrive II features a 12V/1A power output. It can be used with an
optionally available adapter cable from Steeldrive II Controller AUX
Port to Cinch with common dew-cap heaters #2957262 with up to 10W. The
power can either be set in the SteelGo software, or you set a desired
temperature for one of the temperature sensors. This prevents undesired
heating of the telescope, because you keep the dew cap just above the
dew point. It can also be used to control the exact temperature (+/-0.1
°C) of e.g. optical filters.
·
Made in Germany
All mechanical parts are CNC-milled from Aluminium in our workshop. The
electronical boards are also designed and made in Germany. We only use
high-end electronical components. The electronic circuit boards are
additionally protective coated.
·
Low Power Consumption
The motor current is automatically reduced while in holding state. The
Steeldrive II then consumes approximately 0.7 W.

Manual for Steeldrive II Motor |

Manual for Steeldrive II Controller |

Manual for Steelgo Software |
- SteelDrive Focusing System (#FOC-DRVII)
PRICING |
ORDERING
♦
Steeldrive
II Accessories ♦ |

Mini DIN/RCA Cbl,
for Heating
Strips |

Metal Magnet Ring for Steeldrive II Homing Sensor |

Temperature Sensor for Steeldrive II, w/Cable |
Mini DIN/RCA Cable for incorporating heating
strips
- Adapter from Steeldrive II Controller Aux port to
RCA type connector for common heating strips up to 10W.
- Enables precise temperature control of dew shield
heaters, filters, and instruments with +/- 0.1 deg accuracy
- Power can be set via SteelGo software or
temperature set point for one of the temp sensors. Enables
setting temp just above telescope temp to keep dew shield just above
the dew point
Metal Magnet Ring for Homing Sensor
- Metal Magnet Ring for Homing Sensor of Steeldrive
II. Fits Baader Diamond Steeltrack Focusers
- If you have upgraded your Diamong Steeltrack with a
2" clicklock S58 EP holder or if you use an adapter to a thread (ie,
T-2, M48, or M68) the metal magnet ring is an alternative to the
simple magnet holder that is included with the Steeldrive II Motor
Focuser.
- The Metal Magnet Ring is attached between the
eyepiece clamp and the eyepiece extension. To install, the ep
clamp or thread adapter must first be removed.
Temperature Sensor for Steeldrive II, cable
included
- Temperature sensor with connector and 1Mcable, also
supports control of dew shield heating.
- Can be used with Steeldrivemotor units or
Steeldrive II controller
- One sensor is included with the Steedrive II Motor
Focuser
- Mini DIN/RCA Cable for Heating Strips (#BDS-HTR)
- Metal Magnet Ring for Homing Sensor (#BDS-MAG)
- Temperature Sensor (#BDS-TMP)
PRICING |
ORDERING |
|
|
♦
2" Refractor Steeltrack®
Accessories ♦
♦
Adapter M100
♦ |
 |

|
The Adapter M100 enables
attachment of the 3" RT Steeltrack Focuser into telescope backplates with
an opening of 100mm
-
4"Dovetail on one side for
attachment of 3" RT Steeltrack Focuser.
-
M100 external thread on other
side.
-
M100 Counternut for locking
onto telescope backplates.
-
Fully Baffled and blackened
internal surface kills off-axis stray light.
- MT100 Adapter (#FOC-AD100)
PRICING |
ORDERING
♦
Adapter M116
♦
|
 |
 |
The Adapter M116 enables
attachment of the 3" RT Steeltrack Focuser into telescope backplates
with an M116 thread.
-
4"Dovetail on one side for
attachment of 3" RT Steeltrack Focuser.
-
M116 internal thread on other
side.
-
48mm Overall Length
-
Baffled and blackened
internal surface kills off-axis stray light.
- MT116 Adapter (#FOC-AD116)
PRICING |
ORDERING
♦
RT Spacer
♦
|
 |

RT 3" Steeltrack Focuser
Shown with RT Spacer and
Baader Quick Release Dovetail Base |
The 3" RT Spacer allows
changing back-focus by providing quick connect/disconnect spacing of the
3" RT Steeltrack Focuser (39mm spacing length).
-
4"External Dovetail on one side for
attachment of 3" RT Steeltrack Focuser.
-
4"Internal Dovetail
Receiver on opposite side, with 3 lock screws.
-
39mm Spacing Length
-
Baffled and blackened
internal surface kills off-axis stray light.
- RT Spacer (#FOC-SPCR)
PRICING |
ORDERING
|
Last Update
09/20/15 |