Meade RCX400TM RCX400 Your Personal Window to the Universe, Base Computer Control Panel see j

Page 10

Caution:

Using products other than standard Meade accessories may cause damage to the telescope’s internal electron- ics and may void the Meade warranty.

B Want to learn more about the eyepieces

available for your RCX400 telescope?

See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, pages

48, 49, and 50.

b Want to learn more about focusing your

telescope? See page

19.

h Want to learn how to

install the batteries?

See page 16.

i Want to learn more about the Right

Ascension and

Declination setting

circles? See page 57.

RCX400: YOUR PERSONAL WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE

The Meade RCX400 models are extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes. With high-precision optics, pushbutton controls, precise GPS alignment, true-level and North electronic sensors, automatic tracking of celestial objects, periodic error correction for both axes, and a library of 145,000+ objects in the AutoStar II data base, the RCX400 models offer observatory-level performance.

Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or split a difficult double star. Focus beyond the Solar System on ancient star clusters, remote galaxies, and stars recently discovered to have planets orbiting about them. Meade RCX400 telescopes are capable of meeting the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer.

B Eyepiece: Place the 2”, 6-element UltraWide 24mm eyepiece into the diagonal mirror (3, Fig. 1a) and tighten in place with the diagonal mirror’s thumbscrew (2, Fig. 1a). The eyepiece determines the magnification of the image collected in the optical tube.

C 2" Diagonal Mirror and Eyepiece Thumbscrew: Provides a more comfortable right angle viewing position. The eyepiece thumbscrew tightens the eyepiece (1, Fig. 1a) in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.

D Rear Cell Port and 2” Visual Back: The visual back threads onto the rear cell. The diagonal mirror slides into the visual back and is secured by the visual back thumbscrew.

E Base Computer Control Panel (see j):

A. ON/OFF Switch: Turns both computer control panels and AutoStar II ON or OFF. The red power indicator LED next to the switch illuminates when power is supplied to the panel and the AutoStar II handbox.

B.12vDC In: Provides a connection so that the telescope assembly may be powered from a standard 115v AC home outlet using the optional RCX AC Wall Adapter with Cable or the optional 12v DC #607 Cigarette Lighter Adapter. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, pages 48 - 50.

C.12vDC Out: Use the 12vDC output to power telescope accessories. This port may be turned on or off with the Aux Port Power option in the Utilities menu. On is the default value.

D.USB 2.0 High Speed Port: Provides a connection for a USB 2.0 device. This port is typically used to connect to a PC.

E.AUX Port: Provides connection for current Meade accessories. See

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, pages 48 - 50.

F.Handbox (HBX) Port: Plug the AutoStar II coil cord into this port.

Important Note: Although both the Base Computer Control Panel and the OTA Computer Control Panel include an HBX port, only one hand- box maybe be plugged in at a time; you cannot plug handboxes into both ports at the same time.

G.Serial Port: Provides connection with a PC and for current and future Meade accessories. Your PC can control your RCX400 telescope using serial commands. Go to the Meade website (www.meade.com) to download the latest serial commands and device pinouts.

Important Note: Although both the Base Computer Control Panel and the OTA Computer Control Panel include a serial port, only one may be used at a time; you cannot plug into both ports at the same time.

F Handles: Use to lift optical tube assembly or to rotate the telescope when attached to the tripod. Attach the AutoStar II handbox holder to one of the han- dles (5, Fig. 1a).

G Left Fork Arm: The left side of the heavy-duty mount that holds the optical tube securely in place (see 1%).

H Battery Compartments: Insert four user-supplied C-cell batteries into each com- partment (one compartment on each fork arm; eight batteries total).

I Right Ascension (R.A.) Slow-Motion Control: Make fine adjustments in the Right Ascension, i.e., the horizontal axis, by turning this control with the R.A. Lock (see

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Contents MEADE.COM Focusing the Telescope How to Hot Swap the Autostar II HandboxContents Rotate the leg Tighten the adjustment lockAttach the legs of the tripod to the base Hook the Release PinSecure the mount with the T-handle Install the batteriesPosition the mount over the tripod Move the optical tube from its shipping positionPlug in the AutoStar II handbox Attach the visual back and diagonal mirrorInsert the eyepiece and remove dust cover Turn on AutoStarTo exit the focus operation 1. Press Mode Point and Observe Tighten the R.A. and Dec. LocksTelescope Features FanViewfinder close up RCX400 Your Personal Window to the Universe Base Computer Control Panel see jDefinitions Viewfinder Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar II FeaturesLibrary # of Objects About changing slew RCX400 Tips How to Assemble Your Telescope Parts ListingHow to Assemble the Tripod Getting StartedTo attach AutoStar II and connect the handbox holder To attach the diagonal mirror and the eyepieceMounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First Time Aligning the ViewfinderChoosing an Eyepiece PresetsObserving To focus the telescope eyepieceTo sync on a focus preset To define a presetTo select a previously defined focus preset Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTerrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostar IIs Arrow KeysSlew Speeds To Track an Object Automatically Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing Moving Through Autostar II’s MenusWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Using the Guided Tour Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureGo To Saturn RCX400 Info Autostar II Navigation Exercise Basic AutostarTo Calculate Sunset time Example of Locating a menu Navigating AutostarAutostar Select Item ObjectObject Menu To slew the telescope to catalog objectsEvent Menu DefinitionGlossary Menu Utilities MenuSetup Menu Look into the FuturePage Adding and editing sites? Setup Menu Daylight SAVING, 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 objectLandmarks Observing SatellitesTo Add a landmark to the database To perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To check on the available amount of memory in AutostarBrowse Displayed information ExampleInitialize Autostar How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureAlternate Alt/Az Alignments Easy Two-Star AlignmentTo Download the Latest Version of Autostar II Software One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Set the Home Position Manually Train Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate Menu Option Erase Menu OptionPhotography Few tips on photography with the RCX400 telescopesPhotography with a Digital Camera Photography with Meade’s AutoStar SuiteImage of M13 captured with the Deep Sky Imager Optional Accessories Meade Series 4000 EyepiecesSeries 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece Star Charts Collimation MaintenanceTest your Collimation Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, AlignedInspecting the Optics Meade Customer ServiceGauging the Movement of the Telescope 10 f/8 RCX400 Specifications 12 f/8 RCX400 Specifications14 f/8 RCX400 Specifications Advanced Autostar II System Specifications Autostar II Handbox SpecificationsEquatorial Alignment Setting CirclesCelestial Coordinates Declination Setting Circle Equatorial WedgeLining Up with the Celestial Pole Locating PolarisPrecise Polar Alignment RCX400 mounted on an equatorial wedgeOne-Star Polar Alignment Autostar II Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentCity State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeTour Modes Command LineWhat you will need Comment LineWriting a Tour TitlePick ONE / Pick END Pick END Auto Slew on / Auto Slew OFF Downloading ToursAppendix D Training the Drive Further StudyTo observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon option Appendix E the Moon MenuOperation Appendix FIntroduction TrainingOther Menus Options Save As and Load UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes OffObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAutostar II Glossary MoonPlanets Deep-Sky ObjectsPage Meade Limited Warranty

RCX400TM specifications

The Meade RCX400TM is a sophisticated telescope designed for serious astronomers and astrophotographers seeking exceptional performance and innovative features. Combining advanced optics with user-friendly technology, the RCX400TM stands out as a powerful tool for both amateur and experienced stargazers.

At the heart of the RCX400TM is its revolutionary Ritchey-Chrétien optical design. This design minimizes optical aberrations, resulting in sharp, high-contrast images across the field of view. The telescope features a large aperture, typically around 10 inches, which allows for the observation of faint celestial objects, including distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. The high-quality optics ensure that users can capture stunning details and nuances of their targets.

One of the standout characteristics of the RCX400TM is its advanced AutoAlign technology. This feature simplifies the setup process by automatically aligning the telescope to the night sky, enabling users to start observing in a matter of minutes. This is particularly beneficial for beginners or those who prefer a hassle-free experience when setting up for observations.

Additionally, the telescope is equipped with the Meade Smart Drive system, which enhances tracking accuracy and allows for long exposure astrophotography without the worry of trailing or blurring. This system compensates for periodic errors and undergoes continuous monitoring, ensuring that the telescope maintains precise alignment while tracking celestial objects.

The RCX400TM also incorporates an intuitive user interface with a large, easy-to-read LCD display. This interface allows users to access a comprehensive database of celestial objects, making it simple to locate and observe a wide range of astronomical phenomena. With its compatibility with various Meade accessories, such as cameras and filters, the RCX400TM provides flexibility for users looking to expand their astrophotography capabilities.

Durability is another significant aspect of the RCX400TM. Its robust construction ensures that it can withstand various outdoor conditions, making it suitable for both backyard observations and expeditions to remote dark sites.

In summary, the Meade RCX400TM is designed for those who demand high-performance optics, advanced technology, and ease of use. With features like the Ritchey-Chrétien optical design, AutoAlign technology, and the Smart Drive system, it offers a remarkable viewing experience that brings the wonders of the universe closer to all who gaze through its eyepiece. Whether for casual observation or serious astrophotography, the RCX400TM is poised to satisfy the needs of astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.
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