How do I select which finder on finder chart?

[SGPPV]

I have a telescope defined with 2 magnifying finders. 

When I bring up a finder chart (via View Scope/Binocs) it only shows finder 1. 

I cannot find where to select finder 2. I have searched the program help and these forums.

I am on Sky Tools version 4.0.11.14.

How do I do this?

Thank you,

Paul

[theskyhound]

Hello Paul,

At this time, only one magnifying finder at a time is supported on the charts. I had wondered if I should allow for more than one, but in all these years nobody else has brought it up. These days, people typically use a non-magnifying finder plus a magnifying finder in tandem, or if the field of view in the telescope is wide enough, only a non-magnifying finder.

Do you use a non-magnifying finder? What are the fields of view in your magnifying finders?

[SGPPV]

Hi Greg. Thanks for your response.

I am not using a non-magnifying finder. I am using a 50mm RACI finder that takes 1.25" eyepieces. I am trying to decide which eyepiece (and thus field of view) I want to use with this finder and telescope, using the finder chart. The fields of view are 5.8 and 8.0 degrees. There are two eyepieces I am considering, so when I saw the spot to configure two magnifying finders I went for it.

This is nothing I need to have. Is there any use for the second finder definition? Can I switch which finder is displayed on the finder chart? Then I could compare the effect of the different fields of view.

I once saw a large Unitron telescope at a star party which had two finders of different size on it, where you would progress from the first finder to the second and then the telescope. This appeared to be the original configuration for the telescope. It was beautiful.

Thanks again,
Paul

---

Hey Greg -- I just found the dropdown box to select which finder! I can't explain why I didn't see it before.

-- Paul

[theskyhound]

Paul, I apologize for misunderstanding your question. I had completely forgotten about the ability to add a second magnifying finder. I no longer recall why I did that, but there must have been good reason because it was a lot of trouble. More than one person must have asked for it. I found my notes and it doesn't look like I ever planned to add a separate view to the charts, but I'm sure there is a good reason. Maybe I just need to finish my coffee?

I imagine it could be useful for those who use the charts on a laptop in the field.

I've used long focal length scopes that had two magnifying finders. The small field of view in the scope makes this helpful, especially when doing traditional star hopping. One even had a non-magnifying finder to get started with. But in my experience, its overkill. For such scopes you really only need one magnifying finder to fit that gap between the view in the scope and the naked eye. People tend to make star hopping harder than it really needs to be.

Its a great idea to be very careful with you finder setup, because unless you use some sort of GOTO there is nothing more critical to your enjoyment.