Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Glossary Menu, Utilities Menu

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Tip:

The Contrast Adjustment feature is usually only required in very cold weather.

If you adjust the contrast so that you can no longer read the display, turn off the power and turn it on again. When Version appears on the display (the initial display screens are not affected by the Contrast control), press MODE.

Glossary Menu

The Glossary menu provides an alphabetical listing of definitions and descriptions for common astronomical terms and Autostar II functions. Access directly through the Glossary menu or through hypertext words embedded in Autostar II. A hypertext word is any word in [brackets], usually found when using the Autostar II Help function or when reading a scrolling message such as a description of a planet or star. Press ENTER whenever a hypertext word is on screen and Autostar II goes to the glossary entry for that word.

To access directly from within the Glossary menu, use the Scroll keys to scroll through the alphabet. Press ENTER on the desired letter. Scroll to the desired entry and then press ENTER to read the description.

Utilities Menu

The Utilities menu provides access to several extra features within Autostar II, includ- ing a countdown timer and an alarm. The Utilities functions include:

OTA Fan: Allows you to turn the fan off or on. The fan assists with the stabilization of the optics. The fan should be activated at the beginning of an observing session and run until the optics have achieved an equilibrium with the environment. Fan operation time should range from about 5 to 25 minutes. Note that the fan may introduce a slight vibration and this may cause noticeable movement observed with sensitive optics.

Dew Heater: Allow you to adjust heater level, setting from 0 to 100.

OTA Temperature: Provides a temperature reading at the edge of the corrector plate.

Ambient Temperature: Provides a temperature reading at the fork arm.

Timer: Selects a countdown timer. This feature is useful for functions such as astrophotography and tracking satellites. To use the Timer, press ENTER, then choose “Set” or “Start/Stop."

JSet: Enter the time to be counted down, in hours, minutes, and seconds, then press

ENTER.

JStart/Stop: Activates the timer set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the timer. When the timer runs out, four beeps sound and the timer is deactivated.

Alarm: Selects a time for an alarm signal to sound as a reminder. To use the Alarm, press ENTER, then choose "Set" or "Start/Stop."

JSet: Enter the time of day for the alarm to sound, in hours, minutes, and seconds, then press ENTER.

JStart/Stop: Activates the alarm set previously. Use the Scroll keys to toggle between ON and OFF. When ON is displayed, press ENTER to activate the alarm. When the alarm time arrives, Autostar II beeps. Press ENTER to deacti- vate the alarm.

Eyepiece Calc: Calculates information about an eyepiece for the specific telescope to which Autostar II is connected.

JField of View: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the field of view is calculated.

JMagnification: Scroll through a list of available eyepieces. When an eyepiece is selected, the magnification is calculated.

JSuggest: Autostar II calculates and suggests the best eyepiece for viewing, based on the telescope and the object being viewed.

Sun Warning: Enables or disables Autostar II’s Sun warning display.

Brightness Adj: Adjusts the brightness of the display using the Scroll keys. When com- plete, press ENTER.

Contrast Adj: Adjusts the contrast of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press ENTER.

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Contents MEADE.COM How to Hot Swap the Autostar II Handbox Focusing the TelescopeContents Hook the Release Pin Tighten the adjustment lockAttach the legs of the tripod to the base Rotate the legMove the optical tube from its shipping position Install the batteriesPosition the mount over the tripod Secure the mount with the T-handleTurn on AutoStar Attach the visual back and diagonal mirrorInsert the eyepiece and remove dust cover Plug in the AutoStar II handboxTighten 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 Getting Started Parts ListingHow to Assemble the Tripod How to Assemble Your TelescopeTo 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 TimeTo focus the telescope eyepiece PresetsObserving Choosing an EyepieceObserving by Moving the Telescope Manually To define a presetTo select a previously defined focus preset To sync on a focus presetTerrestrial Observing Observing Using Autostar IIs Arrow KeysSlew Speeds Moving Through Autostar II’s Menus Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing To Track an Object AutomaticallyWhich 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 check on the available amount of memory in Autostar IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To perform a Landmark SurveyDisplayed information Example BrowseEasy Two-Star Alignment How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureAlternate Alt/Az Alignments Initialize AutostarTo Download the Latest Version of Autostar II Software One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Set the Home Position Manually Erase Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate Menu Option Train 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 AlignmentTwo-Star Polar Alignment Autostar II Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment One-Star Polar AlignmentCity Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City State/Prov./Country LatitudeComment Line Command LineWhat you will need Tour ModesTitle 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 optionTraining Appendix FIntroduction OperationOff UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes Other Menus Options Save As and LoadMoon Basic AstronomyAutostar II Glossary Objects in SpaceDeep-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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