Contents

Meade RCX400 instruction manual Contents

WARNING!

Never use a Meade® RCX400™ Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the tele- scope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

If you have never focused an RCX telescope before, go to pages 24 to 26 for detailed information.

®The names "Autostar," "Meade" and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in principal countries throughout the world. "RCX400 " is a trademark of Meade Instruments Corporation.

Patents:

US 6,304,376

US 6,392,799

US 6,563,636

D422,610 Patent Pending.

CONTENTS
Telescope Features	4
Autostar II Features	11
Assembly	14
Tripod Assembly	14
Pedestal Assembly and Adjusting Latitude	14
RA Assembly	16
Dec Saddle Assembly	16
Attach Counterweights	18
Low Latitude Counterweights	18
Attach OTA to Dec Saddle	20
Attach Autostar II	21
Align Viewfinder with OTA	21
Home Position and Balancing the OTA	22
Balance RA Axis	20
Balance Dec Axis	21
Getting Started	24
Attach Handbox Holder	24
Mounting, Focusing & Aligning the Viewfinder	24
Focusing the Telescope	24
To Change Focus Speed	24
To Focus the Eyepiece	25
Presets	25
To Define a Preset	25
To Focus with a Microfocuser	25
To Focus with an RCX and a Microfocuser	25
To Select a Preset	26
To Sync on a Preset	26
Slew Speeds	26
To Align for the First Time	27
Automatic Alignment	27
Drift Align	28
Collimation	28
Align the OTA	29
Calibrate Home	30
Basic Autostar II Operation	31
Autostar II Menus	33
Menu Tree	33
Objects Menu	34
Event Menu	35
Glossary Menu, Utilities Menu	35
Setup Menu	37
Hot Button Menus	40
Advanced Autostar II Features	41
Adding Observing Sites	41
Creating User Objects	42
Observing Satellites	43
Identify	43
Browse	44
Alternate Polar Alignment Methods	45
To Download the Latest Autostar II Software	45
Periodic Error Correction	46
Optional Accessories	47
Maintenance	50
Specifications	51
Meade Consumer Solutions	52
Appendix A: Latitude Chart	53
Appendix B: The Moon	54
Appendix C: Smart Mount	55

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.

RCX400 specifications