Meade RCX400 instruction manual Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system

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Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system:

The only adjustments possible, or necessary, on the RCX400 models is performed with the AutoStar handbox. No adjustment screws are necessary (or provided), as with tra- ditional telescopes. A high-powered eyepiece, such as a 9mm eyepiece, or a 9mm eyepiece with a 2x barlow, is required for collimation. A good rule of thumb to follow is to select the highest power eyepiece you will use with your telescope, and double it (a 2x barlow is ideal for doubling). See Fig. 42a below, to see images of an aligned and misaligned image.

a.Select the “Collimation” option in the Setup/Telescope menu. Once this option is selected, you will be able to use Autostar’s Arrow keys to adjust the image of the star you have selected.

b.While looking through the eyepiece, Use Autostar II's Arrow keys at the slowest slew speed, begin to move the defocused center ring so that the rings become more concentric. You will most likely need to press more than one Arrow key.

c.You will notice that the star image will move across the field of view of the eye- piece. If while using the Arrow key, the defocused star image moves out of the eyepiece field, press MODE to temporarily leave the collimation menu.

d.When you have left the “Collimation” menu, use the Arrow keys to bring the image back to the center of the eyepiece field.

e.Press ENTER to select the “Collimation” option again.

f.Use the Arrow keys to continue to adjust the image until it becomes concentric. If the image moves out of the eyepiece field, perform steps c through e as many times as necessary.

g.Carefully examine the concentricity of the diffraction rings. Always double check the image in the center of the field of the eyepiece. The star point should appear as a small central dot (commonly referred to as an “Airy disc”) with a diffraction ring surrounding it. You now have the best alignment of the optics possible with this telescope.

Set Default and Restore Default Options: The factory has collimated your telescope and saved the settings in the Restore Default option. You may retain this setting and recall it if the telescope needs collimation. Or you may overwrite this setting using the Set Default option after performing precise collimation and recall it again when need- ed with the Restore Default option.

 

 

 

 

1

2

3

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 42a: Defocused star images. Misaligned (1, 2), Aligned (3).

 

 

 

 

 

Align (Squaring) the OTA: If you are using a non-RCX telescope or if you have

 

 

 

 

 

changed your RCX collimation or mounting significantly from the factory defaults, you

 

 

 

 

 

must align the OTA. When you select this menu, Autostar will ask you to center two

 

 

 

 

 

stars in the telescope that are on opposite sides of the sky.

 

 

 

 

 

Once you have centered them, the telescope will slew back to the first star. You will

 

 

 

 

 

then be asked to center the star using the OTA align bolt. These are two bolts, with

 

 

OTA Alignment

 

 

 

Bolts

 

 

one in the center of the other. Using a 9/16 flat wrench, loosen the center bolt and hold

 

 

 

 

 

this one so it doesn't move. Then place 13/16 open ended or combination spanner

 

 

 

 

 

wrenches on the outer bolt. Turn the outer bolt until the star is centered. When cen-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 42b: The OTA align bolt.

 

tered, tighten just the center bolt. This will hold the bolts securely in that position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note that there is a bolts on either side of the OTA align bolt (Fig. 42b). These bolts

 

 

 

 

 

must be loosened during the procedure and tightened afterward.

 

 

 

 

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

29

 

 

 

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 AssemblyCounterweights COUNTER- WeightsTripod MAX TripodOTA Optical Tube AssemblyControl Panels Ports RA Assembly Control Panel Saddle Control PanelLibrary # 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 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 Align the Viewfinder Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First TimeGetting Started Focusing the Telescope To sync on a focus preset To select a previously defined focus presetSlew Speeds To exit the focus operation at any timeTo prepare your telescope for Automatic Alignment Aligning for the First TimeTest your Collimation How to Drift Align Max Northern HemisphereCollimation Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Follow these steps for collimation of the optical systemParking the Scope Calibrate HomeTo Calculate Sunset time Basic AutostarAutostar II Navigation Exercise Navigating Autostar Example of Locating a menuAutostar IIs Menus To slew the telescope to catalog objects Object MenuUtilities 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 To GO to a user-entered object Creating User ObjectsIdentify Observing SatellitesDisplayed information Example BrowseInitialize Autostar Alternate Polar AlignmentsTwo-Star Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentUpdate Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionTrain Menu Option Erase Menu OptionMeade Series 4000 Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece Deep Sky Imager Maintenance Telescope Specifications Meade Consumer Solutions Advanced Autostar II System SpecificationsAutostar II Handbox Specifications Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix a Latitude ChartCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeAppendix B the Moon To observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon optionIntroduction Appendix COperation TrainingPermanently Mounted Scopes UpdateOther Menus Options Save As and Load 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.
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