Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually, To define a preset

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Note:

Viewing conditions vary wide- ly from night-to-night and site- to-site. Turbulence in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. Low-power eyepieces, such as the UltraWide 24mm sup- plied with your telescope, are better suited to resolving images in poor viewing condi- tions.

Sync On Preset menu if you do not park your telescope (this menu will reset all your focus presets after you turn off and turn on your scope again ).

To define a preset:

1.Point the telescope at a distant object, press FOCUS and use the Up and Down Arrow keys to focus the telescope until the object is sharply focused as previously explained.

2.Press the Focus key again (FOCUS toggles between the Focus menu and the Preset menu). “Focuser Preset: Go To” displays. Use a Scroll key and scroll down the list of options until “Focuser Preset: Define Preset” displays. Press ENTER.

3.A list of presets displays. If no preset is currently assigned, “1- Unnamed” displays (followed by 2- Unnamed, up to 9 - Unnamed).

4.Use the up and down Scroll keys to scroll through the alphabet and the right and left Arrow keys to move to cursor right or left across the display.

5.When you have finished typing in a name and focusing the telescope, press ENTER. That number preset is now defined. You can enter 9 names. For exam- ple, you may enter “Joe,” “Jill,” “Deep Sky Imager” and so forth.

6.To select one of these presets, you will use the “Focuser Preset: Go To” menu.

To select a previously defined focus preset

1.Press the Focus key twice. “Focuser Preset: Go To Preset” displays. Press ENTER to select this menu.

2.Use a Scroll key and scroll down the list of previously defined presets. When the desired preset displays (for example, “Deep Sky Imager”), press ENTER.

Important Note: If you do not park your telescope, you will need to select one of the presets and refocus your telescope using the Sync On menu. See TO SYNC ON A FOCUS PRESET below.

To sync on a focus preset

If you park your telescope, AutoStar II remembers all the focus positions you defined as presets and you will not need this menu.

If you do not park your telescope, you will need to select just one of the presets and refocus your telescope using the Sync On menu. Then AutoStar II will then reset all the other presets back to the focus preset positions you previously defined.

1.Press the Focus key twice. “Focuser Preset: Go To Preset” displays. Use a Scroll

key and scroll until “Focuser Preset: Sync On Preset” displays and press ENTER to select this menu.

2.Use a scroll key to choose one of the previously entered presets from this list (the most likely preset you will choose will be one that accounts for your own eyesight).

3.Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to focus the eyepiece.

4.Press ENTER. AutoStar II now “remembers” the relative focus positions of the eyepiece.You can now choose any preset and it will be correctly focused.

To exit the focus operation at any time:

1.Press MODE.

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

If you wish to observe a distant land object, such as a mountain top or a bird, you can observe by merely pointing the telescope and looking through the eyepiece.

1.Loosen the telescope’s R.A. lock (13, Fig. 1a) and Dec. lock (17, Fig. 1a).

2.Move your telescope to observe distant street signs, mountains, trees, and other structures. Use your viewfinder to help site-in on an object.

3.Center the object in the viewfinder’s crosshairs and then in the telescope eye piece. When the object is centered in your eyepiece, remember to re-tighten the R.A. and Dec. locks.

4.To move telescope in the R.A. and Dec. axes again, remember to loosen the R.A. lock and tighten the Dec. lock. Then rotate the manual slow motion control knobs (10, Fig. 1a) and (16, Fig. 1a) .

5.Practice digitally focusing on objects.

See FOCUSING THE TELESCOPE, page 19.

6.Once you get a feel for how your telescope moves and focuses, try to view some-

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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 Library # of Objects Autostar II FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button 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 ManuallySlew Speeds Observing Using Autostar IIs Arrow KeysTerrestrial Observing Observe the Moon Astronomical ObservingTo Track an Object Automatically Moving Through Autostar II’s MenusWhich One’s the Alignment Star? Go To Saturn Observe a Star using the Automatic Tracking FeatureUsing the Guided Tour RCX400 Info To Calculate Sunset time Basic AutostarAutostar II Navigation Exercise 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 Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list Creating User Objects To GO to a user-entered objectTo Add a landmark to the database Observing SatellitesLandmarks 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 AlignmentTo Set the Home Position Manually One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Download the Latest Version of Autostar II Software 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 Test your Collimation MaintenanceCollimation Follow these steps for collimation of the optical system Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, AlignedGauging the Movement of the Telescope Meade Customer ServiceInspecting the Optics 10 f/8 RCX400 Specifications 12 f/8 RCX400 Specifications14 f/8 RCX400 Specifications Advanced Autostar II System Specifications Autostar II Handbox SpecificationsCelestial Coordinates Setting CirclesEquatorial Alignment 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.