Meade RCX400 instruction manual Tripod Assembly, Pedestal Assembly and Adjusting Latitude Position

Page 14

ASSEMBLY

Pointing to ± 5°

1

 

of the pole

 

2

3

Refer to images pages 4 to 10 for location of various telescope features.

A Phillips screwdriver will be useful during assembly.

Tripod Assembly

Before you pull legs out of collapsed tripod, notice the pattern of the pins on top of the tripod (photo). Set the legs so the leg opposite the single pin is pointing North. Above 20° latitude (or South in Southern hemisphere)— if less than 20°, use the Low Latitude kit; see step #24.

Set up on a surface of concrete, or if on the ground, must be a solid surface (such as granite).

CAUTION: AVOID GRASS AND DIRT. THE MAX ASSEMBLY WILL SINK INTO GROUND, NOT REMAIN LEVEL AND TIP OVER, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO THE ASSEMBLY AND OBSERVERS.

Extend the legs outward.

4

5

Pedestal Assembly and Adjusting Latitude Position

Mount Pedestal onto the tripod...

CAUTION: THE PEDESTAL REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE TO LIFT THE ASSEMBLY.

...Place the Pedestal over three Pedestal lock pins. Note that these pins are spring-loaded and are self-locating.

14

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the

 

Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

Image 14
Contents MEADE.COM Page Contents Telescope Features Components of MAXPedestal Wedge Assembly Pedestal AssemblyRight Ascension Housing Assembly DEC Assembly Declination Housing AssemblyTripod COUNTER- WeightsCounterweights MAX TripodOptical Tube Assembly OTARA Assembly Control Panel Saddle Control Panel Control Panels PortsLibrary # of Objects Autostar II FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving Tripod Assembly Pedestal Assembly and Adjusting Latitude Position11 a RA Assembly Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving 20 a 20 B Attach LOW Latitude Counterweights No gap Electrical Connections Home Position and Balancing the OTA Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving Align the Viewfinder Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First TimeGetting Started Focusing the Telescope Slew Speeds To select a previously defined focus presetTo sync on a focus preset To exit the focus operation at any timeAligning for the First Time To prepare your telescope for Automatic AlignmentTest your Collimation How to Drift Align Max Northern HemisphereCollimation Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, AlignedCalibrate Home Parking the ScopeTo Calculate Sunset time Basic AutostarAutostar II Navigation Exercise Example of Locating a menu Navigating AutostarAutostar IIs Menus Object Menu To slew the telescope to catalog objectsUtilities Menu Event MenuGlossary Menu Enter Setup Menu Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving Ous areas of the world. Check local time to verify Hot Button Menus To Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list Creating User Objects To GO to a user-entered objectObserving Satellites IdentifyBrowse Displayed information ExampleTwo-Star Polar Alignment Alternate Polar AlignmentsInitialize Autostar Easy Polar AlignmentTrain Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate Menu Option Erase Menu OptionOptional Accessories Meade Series 4000 EyepiecesSeries 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece Deep Sky Imager Maintenance Telescope Specifications Meade Consumer Solutions Advanced Autostar II System SpecificationsAutostar II Handbox Specifications City State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix a Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeTo observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon option Appendix B the MoonOperation Appendix CIntroduction TrainingOther Menus Options Save As and Load UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes OffPage Page Page Meade Limited Warranty
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RCX400 specifications

The Meade RCX400 is a highly regarded telescope in the field of amateur astronomy, designed specifically to provide an unparalleled observing experience. Launched by Meade Instruments, this telescope leverages advanced technology to deliver clarity, precision, and ease of use.

At the heart of the RCX400 is its unique Ritchey-Chrétien optical design, which minimizes optical aberrations and provides exceptionally crisp images. This design is favored among professional astronomers and provides users with the ability to capture stunning celestial details. The telescope comes in various aperture sizes, including 10 inch and 12 inch models, allowing users to choose a configuration that best meets their observational needs.

One of the standout features of the Meade RCX400 is its Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics. This technology ensures that the telescope produces sharp images across a wide field of view, making it easier to observe extended objects such as nebulae and galaxies. The ACF system includes a specialized corrector plate that eliminates coma, resulting in pinpoint stars even at the edge of the field.

Another significant advancement in the RCX400 is its Autostar II system, which provides a user-friendly interface for navigating the night sky. This computer-controlled system boasts a database of over 145,000 celestial objects, enabling users to locate and track objects with ease. The Autostar II also features a built-in GPS system, allowing for automatic site location and time adjustments, further simplifying the setup process.

The RCX400 is equipped with an innovative focusing mechanism known as the “Smart Focuser.” This precise focusing system allows for fine-tuning of the telescope's focus electronically, eliminating the need for manual adjustments that could result in misalignment. Users can achieve optimal focus effortlessly, enhancing the overall observation experience.

In terms of construction, the telescope features a sturdy aluminum mount that provides stability during use. The integrated GoTo mount makes aligning the telescope simple, allowing users to easily point towards celestial objects with high accuracy. The RCX400 is also compatible with various accessories such as cameras and eyepieces, enhancing its versatility for astrophotography and visual observation.

Overall, the Meade RCX400 combines cutting-edge technology with robust features, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. Its user-friendly design, combined with high-quality optics, ensures that users can enjoy impressive views of the universe with relative ease. Whether for visual exploration or astrophotography, the RCX400 stands out as a formidable tool for stargazing enthusiasts.