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© Baader Planetarium GmbH | 2019
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Instruction manual: Baader Diamond Steeltrack
®
Dear Customer,
Thank you for the purchase of a Baader Diamond
Steeltrack
®
(BDS) Focuser. In this manual (valid for all
three BDS-Versions) we explain the functions of these
high-quality focusers. Please read the instructions
carefully. Wrong handling may void the warranty.
Technical Data for
all BDS focusers
Drive System:
• True diamonds form a micro-geared high precision drive system never ac-
complished before
• In comparison to conventional crayford or rack & pinion drives, this micro-ge-
ared movement has zero backlash, zero cogging, and zero flexure
• Diamond Steeltrack
®
2" focusers lift a payload of 6 kg (13 lbs) straight up,
without slipping and without excessive bearing preload (bearing preload can
be increased further if necessary)
• Bearing system utilizes unbreakable Instrument Grade Roller-Bearings ins-
tead 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 opti-
onal Diamond Steeldrive temperature-compensating motor drive system
• Detachable drive block assembly is reversible for right hand or left hand fi-
ne-focus operation and for attaching the Steeldrive II motor block
• 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 pre-
cise alignment of mechanical vs. optical axis
• Ultra-hard subzero coated bearing races –
precision milled and much harder than anodizing or
stainless steel
• Oversized 55 mm inner clear diameter, to prevent vignet-
ting, with anti-reflection knife-edge baffles
Clamping System:
• S58 Dovetail ring-clamp built into focusing tube for ac-
cepting optional T-2 / M48 / M68 and other S58 direct-
thread adapters to enable direct thread connection of ac-
cessories and cameras without 2" clamp
• 2" eyepiece clamp with hardened bronze clamp ring
(length of clamp: 12.5 mm / ½") included as standard
• Optionally available: 2" Baader S58 Clicklock
®
-clamp
(#
2956258
) w. integrated S58 dovetail (added length:
16 mm / 5/8 inch)
• Two auxiliary threads (M60x1 and
M55x0,75) cut into the RT & NT
focusing-tube for attachment
of dedicated field flatteners
or focal reducers/correctors
Table of Contents
Technical Data for all BDS ............................................................................... 2
BDS-RT: Scope of Supply & Dimensions ........................................................ 4
BDS-SC: Scope of Supply & Dimensions ........................................................ 6
BDS-NT: Scope of Supply & Dimensions ........................................................ 8
Diamond Steeltrack
®
drive block .................................................................. 10
Switch left-hand / right hand ......................................................................... 11
Adjusting drawtube to optical axis ................................................................ 12
BDS-RT: Accessory mounting ........................................................................ 14
All BDS: Optional Steeldrive II motor f accessories ......................... 15
Maintenance, Warranty and Disclaimer .......................................................... 16
BDS Diamond
pressure plate
Imaging with
BDS-RT, BBHS Mirror
and Morpheus 76°
BDS-NT with
Pushfix Adapter
BDS-SC and Skyris
