Meade RCX400TM Autostar II Features, Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

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Want to learn more about downloading the latest updates of Autostar II software from the Meade website? Go to

www.meade.com/sup- port/auto.html for com- plete instructions. Also see page 43.

AUTOSTAR II FEATURES

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Fig. 2: The Autostar II Handbox.

Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button

Control of the RCX400 telescope models is through the operation of the standard Autostar II system. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of Autostar II’s buttons.

Because the Autostar II system uses flash (rewritable) memory, your system will be able to grow when new features and enhancements become available. Download the latest satellite data, star and object catalogs, tours, serial commands list, and software revisions, directly from the Meade website (www.meade.com). (Requires the option- al RCX400 Interface Cable. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, pages 48 - 50.)

Some of the major features of the Autostar II system are:

JAutomatically move the telescope to any of the more than 180,000 objects stored in the object library, including:

Library

# of Objects

New General Catalog (NGC):

7,840

Index Catalog (IC):

5,386

Messier Catalog (M):

110

Caldwell Catalog:

109

Named Objects:

227

Herschel Catalog:

400

Abell Catalog of Galaxy Clusters:

2,712

Arp Catalog of Irregular Galaxies:

645

Uppsala Galaxy Catalog:

12,940

Morphological Catalog of Galaxies:

12,939

General Catalog of Variable Stars:

28,484

SAO:

17,191

Hipparcos Star Catalog:

17,325

....plus the Lunar 100, the Washington Star Catalog, the Gliese Catalog, and more!

JFocus your telescope’s eyepiece.

JTake a guided tour of the best celestial objects to view on any given night of the year.

JControl your RCX400 with your PC using an RS232 or USB interface.

JAlign your telescope automatically using GPS (Global Positioning System).

JAccess a glossary of astronomical terms.

JMount the telescope in the “Alt/Az” mode (i.e, altitude—azimuth, or vertical—horizontal mode) for fully automatic tracking of celestial objects.

JCollimate your telescope using only AutoStar II’s Arrow keys.

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Contents MEADE.COM How to Hot Swap the Autostar II Handbox Focusing the TelescopeContents Attach the legs of the tripod to the base Tighten the adjustment lockRotate the leg Hook the Release PinPosition the mount over the tripod Install the batteriesSecure the mount with the T-handle Move the optical tube from its shipping positionInsert the eyepiece and remove dust cover Attach the visual back and diagonal mirrorPlug in the AutoStar II handbox Turn on AutoStarTighten the R.A. and Dec. Locks To exit the focus operation 1. Press Mode Point and ObserveFan Telescope FeaturesViewfinder close up Base Computer Control Panel see j RCX400 Your Personal Window to the UniverseDefinitions Viewfinder Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar II FeaturesLibrary # of Objects About changing slew RCX400 Tips How to Assemble the Tripod Parts ListingHow to Assemble Your Telescope Getting StartedTo attach the diagonal mirror and the eyepiece To attach AutoStar II and connect the handbox holderAligning the Viewfinder Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First TimeObserving PresetsChoosing an Eyepiece To focus the telescope eyepieceTo select a previously defined focus preset To define a presetTo sync on a focus preset Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyTerrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostar IIs Arrow KeysSlew Speeds Astronomical Observing Observe the MoonTo Track an Object Automatically 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 Navigating Autostar Example of Locating a menuSelect Item Object AutostarTo slew the telescope to catalog objects Object MenuDefinition Event MenuUtilities Menu Glossary MenuLook into the Future Setup MenuPage 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 To GO to a user-entered object Creating User ObjectsLandmarks Observing SatellitesTo Add a landmark to the database To Select a landmark from the database IdentifyTo perform a Landmark Survey To check on the available amount of memory in AutostarDisplayed information Example BrowseAlternate Alt/Az Alignments How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureInitialize Autostar Easy Two-Star AlignmentTo Download the Latest Version of Autostar II Software One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Set the Home Position Manually Update Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionTrain Menu Option Erase Menu OptionFew tips on photography with the RCX400 telescopes PhotographyPhotography with Meade’s AutoStar Suite Photography with a Digital CameraImage of M13 captured with the Deep Sky Imager Meade Series 4000 Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesSeries 4000 8 24mm Zoom Eyepiece Star Charts Collimation MaintenanceTest your Collimation Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Follow these steps for collimation of the optical systemInspecting the Optics Meade Customer ServiceGauging the Movement of the Telescope 12 f/8 RCX400 Specifications 10 f/8 RCX400 Specifications14 f/8 RCX400 Specifications Autostar II Handbox Specifications Advanced Autostar II System SpecificationsEquatorial Alignment Setting CirclesCelestial Coordinates Equatorial Wedge Declination Setting CircleLocating Polaris Lining Up with the Celestial PoleRCX400 mounted on an equatorial wedge Precise Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Autostar II Polar AlignmentOne-Star Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World Appendix B Latitude ChartCity State/Prov./Country Latitude City Country LatitudeWhat you will need Command LineTour Modes Comment LineTitle Writing a TourPick ONE / Pick END Downloading Tours Pick END Auto Slew on / Auto Slew OFFFurther Study Appendix D Training the DriveAppendix E the Moon Menu To observe the Apollo 15 landing site using the Moon optionIntroduction Appendix FOperation TrainingPermanently Mounted Scopes UpdateOther Menus Options Save As and Load OffAutostar II Glossary Basic AstronomyObjects in Space MoonDeep-Sky Objects PlanetsPage 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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