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Optics Care, Collimation Aids

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)

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♦ 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)

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♦ 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)

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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)

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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)

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♦ RT Steeltrack® Adapterset ♦

• 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)

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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.

- SteelDrive Focusing System  (#FOC-DRVII)

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♦  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)

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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)

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♦ 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)

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♦ 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)

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