Im Not Happy With My Barlow Lens

[Jen]

Hello everyone
I am not happy with the way my barlow lens works
When i focus in or out it also moves up and down
Should it do this?
Is this normal or is it a common problem with these or is there a way to fix this i cant seem to see any screws around this that i could tighten any more to fix this problem
And its really annoying

[Kevnool (Kev)]

It should move up and down cause its connected to the focuser and the eyepiece ...but on the otherhand if you cant focus with it in there pull it out 1/4 inch and lock it in again ..thats what happens when i use my barlow.....cheers...Kev.

[Ric]

Hi Jen, Kev is right the barlow sometimes needs readjusting in the focus plane to get the best and sharpest focus.

Also if the seeing or atmospheric conditions on the night are not good then then the barlow can be rendered almost useless at high magnifications.

Cheers

[erick (Eric)]

In and out - OK understand that. Up and down? Nope don't understand - can you explain further? What is the "it" that moves up and down?

OK checklist since you have tried some novel approaches before . You have put the barlow into the empty focuser (what barlow is it? is it a 2 times? Is it 1.25" diameter or 2" diameter) Then you have put the eyepiece into the barlow? Which eyepieces have you tried?

[Glenhuon (Bill)]

I think you have the standard Skywatcher rack and pinion focuser Jen. Correct?
Sounds like there is up/down movement in it like mine was.
Its not really noticable with just an eyepiece, but when you put the barlow in and eyepiece on top it becomes a nuisance especially if you are focusing with the focus tube a fair bit out.
You might have to fit an extender before the barlow so the outward travel is not so great. Either that or fit a Crayford and extension like I did.
The other suggestion of having the eyepiece/barlow out about a centimetre or so would help too.

Bill

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Sorry for being dumb who needs ejumacation

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Lets try this Eric

The focuser being either the the standard model or the 10:1 model in which case the tiny gearing mechanism spins ten revolutions to one revolution to get movement in and out fast or slow.

Then the barlow is inserted to this focuser then the eyepiece is inserted into the barlow and then the whole shebang moves in unison ( in & out)

But remember Jen i tried to help you in a simple way ..... cheers Kev.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by erick

In and out - OK understand that. Up and down? Nope don't understand - can you explain further? What is the "it" that moves up and down?

OK checklist since you have tried some novel approaches before . You have put the barlow into the empty focuser (what barlow is it? is it a 2 times? Is it 1.25" diameter or 2" diameter) Then you have put the eyepiece into the barlow? Which eyepieces have you tried?

Ok let me explain it a little better hahahah well i will try
The steel piece that moves in and out of the barlow well when i first go to focus on something it will move up and down first its like its like it has a movement there that shouldnt be because it does make it hard to focus does this make any sense now lol sorry Eric
Um i wouldnt have a clue what brand the barlow is it came stock standard with my scope a 2x barlow is all i know Oh and the eyepieces i use are a 25mm and a 10mm

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Glenhuon

I think you have the standard Skywatcher rack and pinion focuser Jen. Correct?
Sounds like there is up/down movement in it like mine was.
Its not really noticable with just an eyepiece, but when you put the barlow in and eyepiece on top it becomes a nuisance especially if you are focusing with the focus tube a fair bit out.
You might have to fit an extender before the barlow so the outward travel is not so great. Either that or fit a Crayford and extension like I did.
The other suggestion of having the eyepiece/barlow out about a centimetre or so would help too.

Bill

Hey Bill yes that sounds about right so it is a common thing for these then? Dam it oh well good excuse to update already then LMAO

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Lets try this Eric

The focuser being either the the standard model or the 10:1 model in which case the tiny gearing mechanism spins ten revolutions to one revolution to get movement in and out fast or slow.

Then the barlow is inserted to this focuser then the eyepiece is inserted into the barlow and then the whole shebang moves in unison ( in & out)

But remember Jen i tried to help you in a simple way ..... cheers Kev.

Thank you so much Kev the next time i get a nice nite i will try and do that if it annoys me too much i will just get a new one I only have to try and focus in just the slightest touch and it will go up or down depends which way im going grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr before it focuses in and out

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Whats that Jen, until you get a nice night , it should be the same here ( cloudless ) 441 klm,s is not that far away.......cheers Kev.

[Glenhuon (Bill)]

There is one thing you could try Jen. On the underside of the focuser you'll see 4 small screws that hold the pinion shaft in place. Tighten them equally about a turn or so, but not so tight it makes it hard to move the focus tube. Under the plate that they hold on is a spring that pushes on the pinion shaft and presses the inner tube against the inside top of the focuser housing. It has a strip of nylon inside, so wont go metal to metal. Should help to take up some of the movement.

Cheers
Bill

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Whats that Jen, until you get a nice night , it should be the same here ( cloudless ) 441 klm,s is not that far away.......cheers Kev.

Hey there Kev i know 441km away dosnt sound like much but dam we have had clouds here 4 two weeks now :tasde vil:

Originally Posted by Glenhuon

There is one thing you could try Jen. On the underside of the focuser you'll see 4 small screws that hold the pinion shaft in place. Tighten them equally about a turn or so, but not so tight it makes it hard to move the focus tube. Under the plate that they hold on is a spring that pushes on the pinion shaft and presses the inner tube against the inside top of the focuser housing. It has a strip of nylon inside, so wont go metal to metal. Should help to take up some of the movement.

Cheers
Bill

Cool thanks Bill i can see the small screws there if only i can find something small enough to use on them i will have to raid hubbys shed tonight

[Globular3 (Jeff)]

Hello Jen,

This up and down movement is something that I've seen to happen as the rack and pinion focuser reaches either end of its travel. I'd try moving the focus knob in or out slightly to avoid this. If you can't get a clear image, then try doing what the others suggested by moving the eyepiece out of the barlow slightly. Just make sure that the thumb screws are tight to avoid the lens falling out.

Hope this works for you.

Regards,

Glob.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Globular3

Hello Jen,

This up and down movement is something that I've seen to happen as the rack and pinion focuser reaches either end of its travel. I'd try moving the focus knob in or out slightly to avoid this. If you can't get a clear image, then try doing what the others suggested by moving the eyepiece out of the barlow slightly. Just make sure that the thumb screws are tight to avoid the lens falling out.

Hope this works for you.

Regards,

Glob.

Thanks Glob it seems to move up and down no matter where it is along its travels i have two things to try out so i will see how I go


Thanks for all the help once again guys
i just hope this works cheers

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Was just wondering Jen did you get a 3x barlow with your scope when you brought it ?

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Was just wondering Jen did you get a 3x barlow with your scope when you brought it ?

No it only came with a 2xbarlow