Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Viewfinder

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2! Want to learn more

about attaching and aligning the viewfinder? See page

18.

only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the verti- cal motor drive for AutoStar II operation.

1* Dust Cover: Gently pry the dust cover from the front lens of the telescope.

Note: The dust cover should be replaced after each observing session and the power turned off to the telescope.

1( Optical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination through the eyepiece. The tube contains the primary mirror which floats on a layer of adhesive that results in zero-stress to the glass and no distortion to the optics.

2) Fan: AutoStar controls the fan operation. The amount of time required to stabi- lize the temperature will be dependent upon ambient conditions including the observation site and preexisting condition of the telescope. The fan should be activated at the beginning of the observation session to accelerate the tempera- ture stabilization. As soon as the optics have reached an equilibrium with the environment the fan should be turned off. Fan operation time should range between 5 and 25 minutes. While it is permissible to run the fan continuously it is not recommended because the very slight vibration of the fan may cause notice- able movement of the objects observed in the sensitive optics.

The Viewfinder

2! 8 x 50mm Viewfinder: A low-power, wide-field sighting scope with crosshairs that enables easy centering of objects in the telescope eyepiece.

2@ Viewfinder Objective Lens: Gathers the light for the viewfinder.

2# Viewfinder Locking Ring: Locks the objective lens into place. Unlock to adjust the focus of the objective lens. See page 18 for details.

2$ Viewfinder Adjustment Screws: Use these six screws to adjust the alignment of the viewfinder.

2% Viewfinder Eyepiece/Focuser: The eyepiece magnifies the image collected by the viewfinder’s objective lens. Rotate the eyepiece to focus.

2^ Viewfinder Bracket and Mounting: Holds the viewfinder in place.

The Tripod

2& Tripod Base with leg receptacles: Attach the mounting base (see 1@) to the tri- pod base. See page 16 for mounting instructions. Slide the tripod legs into the leg receptacles.

2* Leg Attachment Lock (3): Secures the tripod legs into the leg receptacles.

2( Sliding Leg Trigger Release and pin: Press and hold down this lever to easily change the length of the tripod legs. Let go of the trigger when the tripod leg is at the desired length. The Trigger has a pin that runs through the mounting base; this pin attaches to the thruster latch (see 3! below).

3) Variable Height Tripod Legs: Supports the optical tube assembly.

3! Thruster Latch: Attach to trigger release pin to secure tripod in place. See page 16 for mounting instructions. Also see Fig. 8).

3@ T-Handle:Thread into the mounting base and tighten to a firm feel to keep the tripod stable.

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Contents MEADE.COM Focusing the Telescope How to Hot Swap the Autostar II HandboxContents Tighten the adjustment lock Attach the legs of the tripod to the baseRotate the leg Hook the Release PinInstall the batteries Position the mount over the tripodSecure the mount with the T-handle Move the optical tube from its shipping positionAttach the visual back and diagonal mirror Insert the eyepiece and remove dust coverPlug in the AutoStar II handbox 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 Autostar II Features Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonLibrary # of Objects About changing slew RCX400 Tips Parts Listing How to Assemble the TripodHow to Assemble Your Telescope 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 ViewfinderPresets ObservingChoosing an Eyepiece To focus the telescope eyepieceTo define a preset To select a previously defined focus presetTo sync on a focus preset Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyObserving Using Autostar IIs Arrow Keys Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds Observe the Moon Astronomical ObservingTo Track an Object Automatically Moving Through Autostar II’s MenusWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking Feature Using the Guided TourGo To Saturn RCX400 Info Basic Autostar Autostar II Navigation ExerciseTo 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 Adding Observing Sites To Add a Site to the user-defined site listTo Edit a Site Creating User Objects To GO to a user-entered objectObserving Satellites LandmarksTo Add a landmark to the database Identify To Select a landmark from the databaseTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutostarBrowse Displayed information ExampleHow to perform the Easy Align Procedure Alternate Alt/Az AlignmentsInitialize Autostar Easy Two-Star AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment To Download the Latest Version of Autostar II SoftwareTo Set the Home Position Manually Periodic Error Correction Update Menu OptionTrain 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 Maintenance CollimationTest your Collimation Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, AlignedMeade Customer Service Inspecting the OpticsGauging 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 SpecificationsSetting Circles Equatorial AlignmentCelestial Coordinates Declination Setting Circle Equatorial WedgeLining Up with the Celestial Pole Locating PolarisPrecise Polar Alignment RCX400 mounted on an equatorial wedgeAutostar II Polar Alignment Easy Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentAppendix B Latitude Chart Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the WorldCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeCommand Line What you will needTour Modes 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 MenuAppendix F IntroductionOperation TrainingUpdate Permanently Mounted ScopesOther Menus Options Save As and Load OffBasic Astronomy Autostar II GlossaryObjects in Space 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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