Meade RCX400 instruction manual Object Menu, To slew the telescope to catalog objects

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Object Menu

Almost all observing with Autostar II is performed using the Object menu category. (Note: Exceptions include Guided Tour and Landmark Survey.)

Autostar II contains many libraries of viewable objects, such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae and so forth. When one of these objects is selected from a library, Autostar II moves your telescope (if properly aligned) and points it at the selected object. Six of the most popular libraries can be accessed directly using the hot buttons.

The Object Menu options include:

Solar System: A library of the eight planets (Earth is not included) in order out from the Sun, followed by the Moon, asteroids, and comets (Number key "5").

Constellation: A library of all 88 Northern and Southern Hemisphere constellations. When this menu option is chosen and a constellation name appears on the first line of the screen, press GO TO and the telescope goes to the center of the constellation and will display coordinates. Then, use the Scroll keys to cycle through the list of the most significant stars in the constellation. Then it will display deep space objects and so forth in the constellation.

Deep Sky: A library of objects outside our Solar System such as nebulae, star clus- ters, galaxies, and quasars.

Star: A catalog of stars listed in different categories such as named, double, variable, or nearby. Also included are the Hipparcos, SAO, HD, and HR catalogs. The Star cat- alog may also be accessed directly by pressing Number key "6."

Satellite: A library of Earth-orbiting objects such as the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and geo- synchronous orbit satellites.

Other Catalogs are accessed directly using the Autostar II "hot keys": Caldwell (key "2"), Messier catalog ("3"), Solar System ("5"), IC ("8"), and NGC ("9").

To slew the telescope to catalog objects:

Enter the catalog number of the object using the Number keys and then press ENTER. For example: To slew to NGC 6720, press Number Key "9," then using the Number keys, enter the digits "6-7-2-0." Then press ENTER.

Autostar II displays the common name and alternate names of the object, if available. Press one of the Scroll keys to display some or all of the following information about that object: Type of object (galaxy, nebula, etc.), Dec. and R.A. coordinates, constella- tion it is located within, magnitude, size, distance, and star-type classification, if the object is a star. If further information is available, it displays as scrolling text.

Press GO TO. The telescope, if aligned, will slew to that chosen object. Press MODE repeatedly to return to previous menu levels.

User Objects: Allows the user to define and store in memory deep-sky objects of spe- cific interest that are not currently in the Autostar II libraries. See CREATING USER OBJECTS, page 42, for more information.

Identify: An exciting feature for an observer who wants to scan the night sky and start exploring. After the telescope has been properly aligned, use the Autostar II Arrow keys to move about in the sky. Then follow this procedure:

Important Note: Only use the Arrow keys to move the telescope during the Identify procedure. Do not loosen the telescope locks or move the base or alignment is lost.

1.When a desired object is visible in the eyepiece, keep pressing MODE until the “Select Item: Object” menu is displayed. Press ENTER to select this menu.

2.Scroll through the Object menu options until the “Object: Identify” screen appears.

3.Press ENTER. Autostar II searches the libraries for the identity of the object being observed.

4.If the telescope is not directly on an Autostar II library object, the nearest library object is located and displayed on the screen. Press GO TO and the telescope slews to that object.

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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.

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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 PortsTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar II FeaturesLibrary # of Objects 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 Getting Started Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First TimeAlign the Viewfinder 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 AlignmentCollimation How to Drift Align Max Northern HemisphereTest your Collimation Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, AlignedCalibrate Home Parking the ScopeAutostar II Navigation Exercise Basic AutostarTo Calculate Sunset time Example of Locating a menu Navigating AutostarAutostar IIs Menus Object Menu To slew the telescope to catalog objectsGlossary Menu Event 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 To Add a Site to the user-defined site list Adding Observing SitesTo Edit a Site 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 Autostar II Handbox Specifications Advanced Autostar II System SpecificationsMeade Consumer Solutions 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.
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