Abstract: The precision cable drive system of the present invention consists generally of a frame upon which is mounted the components of the drive. These include a motor having a drive shaft, a plurality of idler pulleys, a tensioner, and a drive pulley, to which the object being rotated is connected. A cable composed of woven polymer fibers is wrapped around the shaft of the motor and is stretched around the idler pulleys, the tensioner and the drive pulley. The drive is capable of rotating the drive pulley, and the load attached to it, by fractions of a degree, without play between the motor shaft and the drive pulley. The drives are used in a compact image steering device to rotate cameras and illuminators about two axis of rotation.