Meade RCX400 Aligning for the First Time, To prepare your telescope for Automatic Alignment

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Important Note:

First time you align the telescope, perform the following procedures to insure precision pointing:

1.Automatic Align

2.Drift Align

3.Collimation

4.OTA Align

(if non -RCX model)

5. Calibrate home.

Aligning for the First Time

If you wish to have precise pointing accuracy, the first time you align your telescope you will need to align it to using Automatic Alignment and Drift Alignment. You will then electronically collimate the telescope, square the OTA and finally calibrate home. Once you do this. you will need only to park your scope and you will keep this alignment. When you turn the telescope back on after parking, it will be very nearly perfectly aligned from this point on.

To prepare your telescope for Automatic Alignment:

1.Connect Autostar II to the HBX port of the RA Control Panel (or Dec Control Panel).

2.Flip the power switch of the RA Control Panel to the ON position.

The Autostar II screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly.

3."Press 0 to Align or Mode for Menu" displays. Press 0.

4.The telescope will seek the home position. Autostar II initializes the Smart Drive. The R.A. and Dec. motors operate briefly and "Initializing: Smart Drive" displays.

5."Automatic Alignment" displays. Press ENTER. The system now performs the fol- lowing routines (press any Autostar II key to abort Automatic Alignment) :

Attempts a "GPS Fix." The RCX400's GPS receiver attempts to acquire and sync up with signals from GPS satellites.

After performing these operations, Autostar II now knows:

JThe telescope's limiting positions

JThe observing site's location

JThe date and time

6."CTR Polaris: Slewing" displays. When the telescope stops slewing, center

Polaris in the eyepiece using only the latitude and azimuth adjust knobs (see Fig. 41a). DO NOT USE THE HANDBOX TO CENTER POLARIS. When Polaris is centered, press ENTER.

9.Autostar II then chooses another star to align upon. "Searching...." displays. The telescope then slews to a bright star for alignment. If it does not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece, look through the viewfinder—in most cases, the star will be visible. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece. The alignment star should be easily recognized and be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. Press ENTER. "Align Successful" displays. If "Align Unsuccessful displays," repeat the procedure.

Next, you will drift align the telescope.

Azimuth

Latitude

Adjust

Adjust

Knob

Knob

 

Fig. 41a: The latitude and azimuth adjust knobs.

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

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

 

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Contents MEADE.COM Page Contents Components of MAX Telescope FeaturesPedestal Assembly Pedestal Wedge AssemblyRight Ascension Housing Assembly Declination Housing Assembly DEC AssemblyMAX Tripod COUNTER- WeightsCounterweights TripodOTA Optical Tube AssemblyControl Panels Ports RA Assembly Control Panel Saddle Control PanelAutostar II Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonLibrary # of Objects Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving Pedestal Assembly and Adjusting Latitude Position Tripod Assembly11 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 Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First Time Getting StartedAlign the Viewfinder Focusing the Telescope To exit the focus operation at any time To select a previously defined focus presetTo sync on a focus preset Slew SpeedsTo prepare your telescope for Automatic Alignment Aligning for the First TimeHow to Drift Align Max Northern Hemisphere CollimationTest your Collimation Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Follow these steps for collimation of the optical systemParking the Scope Calibrate HomeBasic Autostar Autostar II Navigation ExerciseTo Calculate Sunset time Navigating Autostar Example of Locating a menuAutostar IIs Menus To slew the telescope to catalog objects Object MenuEvent Menu Glossary MenuUtilities 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 Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site To GO to a user-entered object Creating User ObjectsIdentify Observing SatellitesDisplayed information Example BrowseEasy Polar Alignment Alternate Polar AlignmentsInitialize Autostar Two-Star Polar AlignmentErase Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate Menu Option Train Menu OptionMeade Series 4000 Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece Deep Sky Imager Maintenance Telescope Specifications Advanced Autostar II System Specifications Autostar II Handbox SpecificationsMeade Consumer Solutions City Country Latitude Appendix a Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State/Prov./Country LatitudeAppendix B the Moon To observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon optionTraining Appendix CIntroduction OperationOff UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes Other Menus Options Save As and LoadPage 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.
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