Antares 1.6x 2" Barlow mod

[Moonshane]

I have wanted one of these for a long time as they have an almost legendary status and don't come up that often for sale in the UK. It's a good quality barlow which imparts a small magnification (a factor of 1.6x) and therefore does not affect eye relief as much as a 2x barlow and apparently just 'gets out of the way of the way'. I say apparently as it's been cloudy since I bought it. My idea was to take away the 'need' for a 17mm T4 Nagler or worse an Ethos that I cannot currently afford. Putting in my 26mm Nagler should create a 16.25mm Nagler and therefore remove the need for a 17mm (I hope).

The one thing that people don't like is that this only comes with set screws not the much lauded compression clamps (although it has to be said, not everyone likes the compression clamps either. Therefore I decided even before I bought it that I'd be replacing the metal set screws with nylon ones. I found some suitable M4 thumbscrews online and requested a couple of 'samples'. These were just right and after shortening them slightly they work a treat with no risk of set screw marks. the eye piece is held quite firmly although in a dob the focuser position is relatively safe and you could actually observe without tightening the screws anyway.

I thought I'd add this thread so others can see what I did and it may open up this excellent barlow to them.

[Andrew*]

Good mod. Where did you get the screws?

[Moonshane]

this is the place I got mine from http://www.mossexpress.co.uk/black-thumb-screws

[Damo636]

Good job Shane!

[Moonshane]

ps I should add that I left a little extra thread on them in case I overtighten and damage the threads. this way I can cut a bit off the end and start again a couple of times at least.

[John]

Thats a good improvement to a very fine barlow

I always wondered just why the Anatares 1.6x worked so well - it's just a regular 2 element barlow that is Japanese made and well coated but does not use ED glass as far as I'm aware. I reckon it must be something to do with its relatively gentle amplification not attempting to bend the light too much or something like that.

[Moonshane]

I agree John. I think (or I hope as I've not managed to use the thing yet!) it's quite unique too in it's good quality, small magnification and lack of faults. although I have not used it properly yet I did get a minute glimpse and it did seem at a glance to provide exactly what I was after through the 26mm Nagler.

[faulksy]

hi shane had a quick look on there site at these thumb screws but couldnt find what i wanted, i was after some steel thumb screws do you no anywere that sells them. cheers

[Moonshane]

hi mate

I get thumbscrews from here usually.

http://www.bpfonline.co.uk/search.asp?catid=11011

[Lorne]

Looks a good mod, hoping to get one of these myself soon but it looks like the latest version has a twist lock, I'm not sure if I would trust this with my 28mm Nirvana hanging from my newt at some of the precarious angles the focuser can get to

[faulksy]

hi mate

I get thumbscrews from here usually.

http://www.bpfonline...asp?catid=11011

thanks shane

[Damo636]

The latest version does indeed use a twist lock mechanism to secure the eyepiece....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111002221612?redirect=mobile

These are one of the best barlows on the market but what I don't get is why no UK outlets stock it?

[Macavity]

Still divided over (frustrating) brass rings and chewing screws. So, Nice Mod!

Yes, I do regret selling mine off - IIRC, it accommodated my Baader Hyperions...

A 1.6x factor is very compatible with the [iMO] sensible eyepiece progression.

[Moonshane]

The latest version does indeed use a twist lock mechanism to secure the eyepiece....

http://www.ebay.co.u...redirect=mobile

These are one of the best barlows on the market but what I don't get is why no UK outlets stock it?

very nice Damo. I was not aware of that version, although mine cost about half that thankfully.

[Moonshane]

Still divided over (frustrating) brass rings and chewing screws. So, Nice Mod!

Yes, I do regret selling mine off - IIRC, it accommodated my Baader Hyperions...

A 1.6x factor is very compatible with the [iMO] sensible eyepiece progression.

that's a great point which whilst so obvious had not even occurred to me and explains why it seems to match so well.