Meade Complete Guide to RCX400 Telescope: Setup, Features, and Alignment
Page 37

Important Note: When the "Park Scope" option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the telescope's power, Autostar II is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.

Setup Menu

There are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:

Align: Let's you choose a method of alignment.

Align on Home: If Calibrate Home has been performed, power up your telescope and select this menu to return the previously calibrated home position. In other words, the telescope is fully aligned according to the setting that were stored in Autostar II's memory during the Calibrate Home procedure. See CALIBRATE HOME, below, for more information.

Telescope: Accesses several options, including:

JTelescope Model: Allows you to select the type of OTA mounted on Max.

JCollimate: Allows you use the Arrow keys to collimate the telescope. See pages 28 - 29 for more details.

JAlign OTA: Allows you to align the OTA properly if you are not using an RCX model or if you have changed your RCX collimation or mounting significantly from the factory defaults. 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 one in the center of the other. Using a flat wrench, loosen the center bolt. Then place open ended or combination spanner wrenches on each bolt and turn them together. Turn them in the direction that centers the star. When centered, tighten just the center bolt. This will hold the bolts securely in that position.

JMax Past Meridian: Allows you to set how far the OTA axis can tilt past the meridian. 2° is the default setting.

JFocal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.

JMax Slew Rate: Sets the upper limit for the slew rate. 2.4° degrees per second is the fastest setting.

JPark Position: After aligning your telescope, select this menu and power down the telescope. The alignment settings—North, time, alignment stars—are stored in Autostar II's memory and are remembered after you power off the telescope. When you power on the telescope, "Automatic Alignment" displays after the start up routine. Press MODE (do not press ENTER). The telescope remembers its alignment and you can continue viewing or performing other operations without aligning the telescope again.

Park Position provides two options. Use Current Position uses the last position set by the user. Default Position places scope in the home position.

JCalibrate Home: For permanently mounted telescopes only. After aligning your telescope, select this menu and the alignment settings—North, time, alignment stars—are stored in Autostar II's memory and are remembered after you power off the telescope. You can enable Autostar II to retrieve and automatically align your telescope using these settings the next time you power up by choosing the Align on Home menu. This menu helps improve auto alignment.

JAnti-Backlash:This option allows you to change the backlash along either the R.A. and the Dec. axes by entering a number from 0% to 199%. This sets the back- lash in the way the Arrow keys move the telescope along an axis. If you enter a value near 199%, telescope responds more quickly as you hold down an Arrow key. If you enter a value near 0%, it takes longer for the tube to respond as you hold down an Arrow key. Experiment with this option: Try changing the values until the motion of the telescope (while holding down an Arrow key) feels comfortable to you.

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

37

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

 

Page 36 Page 38
Image 37
Page 36 Page 38
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 PanelTour 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 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 Getting Started Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First TimeAlign the Viewfinder 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 TimeCollimation How to Drift Align Max Northern HemisphereTest your Collimation Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Follow these steps for collimation of the optical systemParking the Scope Calibrate HomeAutostar II Navigation Exercise Basic AutostarTo Calculate Sunset time Navigating Autostar Example of Locating a menuAutostar IIs Menus To slew the telescope to catalog objects Object MenuGlossary 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 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 Autostar II Handbox Specifications Advanced Autostar II System SpecificationsMeade Consumer Solutions 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
Related manuals
Manual 1 pages 30.75 Kb

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.
Top Page Image Contents