Meade RCX400 instruction manual Hot Button Menus

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Statistics: Provides basic statistical data about Autostar II, including:

JCharacters Free: Displays how much room is available in user-defined object memory.

JVersion: Displays the current version of the Autostar II software.

JSerial Number: Displays the unit's serial number.

Reset: Completely resets Autostar II. Most values entered into the menus revert to factory defaults. Autostar II requires initialization again after a Reset before proceed- ing with observations.

"Hot Button" Menus

Two menus, six object libraries and two functions can be accessed directly using the Number keys (commonly referred to as "hot buttons"). The two functions, the Speed mode and the Utility light are described earlier in the manual.

Focus Control Menus: Press Number key "4" to select these menus directly from Autostar II's keypad. Each time you press Focus, the key toggles between focus/focus speed menus and the preset control menus. When “Focuser: Fast” displays, press the Up or Down Scroll keys to select a focus speed (fast, medium, slow or fine). When “Focuser: Position” displays, use the Up or Down Arrow keys to achieve fine focus of the object.

You can toggle the Focus key to display the “Focuser: Preset” menus. The Focuser preset menu allows you to assign nine focus positions. If you “park” the telescope, you can set your own focus, focus for your observing partners and the focus for your cam- era or imager. Other Preset menus allow you to select a focus you have assigned and also to Sync on a Focus Preset. The Sync on a Focus Preset allows you retrieve focus positions when you do not park your telescope. See page 37 for information about parking your telescope.

Reticle Control Menu: Press Number key "7" to select this menu directly from

Autostar II's keypad. "Reticle Control: Set Intensity" displays. Press ENTER. The Intensity menu allows you to change the intensity of the Reticle Eyepiece Illuminator. Use the Scroll keys to change the value. As you change the value, look through the reticle to note how the Intensity changes.

Note:You may continue to change the values using the Scroll keys (and thus changing the intensity) until you press ENTER again. This allows you to experiment with the intensity level until you decide which intensity level works best for you. This feature operates in the same manner in the Rate and Duty Cycle menus.

When you have finished adjusting the intensity, press ENTER. Press Number key "7" again and the Rate menu displays. Press ENTER again. Use the Scroll keys to change the value of the the rate at which the Reticle Eyepiece blinks. As you change the value, look through the reticle to note how the Blink Rate changes.

When you have finished adjusting the rate, press ENTER. Next, Press Number key "7" again and the Duty Cycle menu displays. Press ENTER again. The Duty Cycle menu controls how long the Reticle Eyepiece Illuminator is on during a blink cycle. Use the Scroll keys to change the value. As you change the value, look through the reticle to note how the Duty Cycle changes. When you have decided on a Duty Cycle value, press ENTER.

To exit the Reticle menu, press MODE once.

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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 AssemblyCOUNTER- Weights CounterweightsTripod 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 To select a previously defined focus preset To sync on a focus presetSlew Speeds 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 ExampleAlternate Polar Alignments Initialize AutostarTwo-Star Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentPeriodic Error Correction Update Menu OptionTrain 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 Appendix a Latitude Chart Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeTo observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon option Appendix B the MoonAppendix C IntroductionOperation TrainingUpdate Permanently Mounted ScopesOther 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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