Dick, yes I didn't mention the digital setting circles as the problem was the finder. Using the finder to point at a bright star is rather difficult and takes some time to get the eye in the correct position because there doesn't seem, or at least I haven't found one, to be good guides on the finder. It's difficult to describe the problem. Finding a spot, or spots, on the finder such that it is aimed at a star is difficult. There's only one set of calibration screws. It isn't mounted with 2 rings as many finders. Take a look at Orion's 9X50 finder at http://www.telescope.com/control/category/~category_id=finder_scopes/~pcategory=accessories;jsessionid=B6E1D8C0379BC32CFDD04652AFAD0913.ivprod1 and see. The tube isn't parallel, there is only one set of calibration screws. If your eye isn't in the correct position when initially aiming the scope then it won't be pointing correctly. I hope the above isn't confusing. Takes me a while to get to the point. Remember the discussion between Dean "acursed" Ketelsen and myself - its an right angle finder. :) AJ Crayon Phoenix, AZ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Harshaw" <rharshaw2@xxxxxxx> To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 8:21 PM Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Telrad stellar limit Digital setting circles? You did not mention that originally. I have a = 20x80 finder as well as a Telrad for my C11. I used to use both when = I'd go out to the desert, but on the last four trips, I left the finder = at home and got along just fine. Once you align on two or more = calibration stars, DSCs take all the guesswork and star hopping out of = it allowing you to navigate with ease. =20 And please, no one jump my case about not star hopping. I did that for = 20 years and decided with what time I have left on this earth to take = the express jet to the fun spots and enjoy myself. Richard Harshaw Cave Creek, AZ -----Original Message----- From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx = [mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of AJ Crayon Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 2:06 PM To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Cc: cal_donley@xxxxxxx Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Telrad stellar limit Mike, the primary reason for replacing the finder with Telrad is for = easier=20 recalibration of digital setting circles. Currently some bright deep = sky=20 object that can be seen in the finder is used. For me, the finder is = rather=20 awkward to aim and I want something that is easier and the Telrad fits = this=20 nicely. Instead of deep sky objects, bright stars can be used. My = concern=20 was the magnitude limit and this discussion has adequately answered that = question for me. The Telrad is adequate, in fact it is more than = adequate. Secondary reasons are, as you indicated, space and balance. I'm now in market for Telrad and will put finder up for sale, but only = after=20 selecting some bright stars for alignment and loading them into the XP4 = Sky=20 Commander. Thanks to all for your excellent comments and in sight. AJ Crayon Phoenix, AZ -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list. -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.