Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Setup Menu Daylight SAVING

Page 35

Time Zone

Shift

Atlantic

-4 Hours

Eastern

-5

Hours

Central

-6

Hours

Mountain

-7

Hours

Pacific

-8 Hours

Alaska

-9 Hours

Hawaii

-10

Hours

Table 1: Time Zone Shift. Calculations are for standard time.

Note:

The Download function requires the USB cable sup- plied with the RCX tele- scope. See page 43 for more information on how to download.

Important Note:

If your download fails in the middle of the download attempt (e.g., your PC crashes), turn off the tele- scope. Turn the telescope back on and as soon the Autostar II display lights up, press "999." Then attempt the download again.

to select displays. Use this option when you move to a different geographic location.

JAdd: Allows you to add new observing sites to the database. Scroll through the list of Countries/States. Press ENTER when the site you wish to add displays. Then choose the desired city in the same manner.

However, when the GPS signal is received, the site is normally selected automati- cally and the site list is updated automatically. Use of this option is not necessary and is included for the convenience of those users who may wish to enter a site manually. You may edit the name of a site using the Edit option (see below).

JDelete: Deletes a stored site from the database.

JEdit: Edits a selected site, including: the name, latitude, longitude, and time zone. Time Zone refers to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, England use “-” hours, East of Greenwich use “+” hours. For the United States, look up the time zone shift in Table 1.

Note: Autostar II compensates for daylight savings time, if selected. See

SETUP MENU: DAYLIGHT SAVING, page 32.

Owner Info: Accesses the owner information menu, including:

JName: Users may enter both their first and last names using the Up and Down Arrow keys to cycle through the alphabet. Use the Right and Left Arrow keys to move through the text. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

JAddress: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter your street address, city, state, and zip code. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

Clone: Uploads information from one Autostar II handbox to another. Three options are available:

JCatalogs: Sends only user-defined object information, such as new satellite orbits or comet data to another Autostar II handbox.

JSoftware: Sends only the basic Autostar II software. This is useful if one user has downloaded a new version of Autostar II software from the Meade website (www.meade.com) and wants to pass this software along to friends.

JAll: Everything—user-defined information and Autostar II software—is sent to another Autostar II.

Download: Transfers information from another Autostar II. During the operation, the warning “Downloading Do Not Turn Off” appears.

JCatalogs: Receives only user-defined object information, such as new satellite orbits or comet data to another Autostar II handbox.

JSoftware: Receives only the basic Autostar II software. This is useful if one user has downloaded a new version of Autostar II software from the Meade website (www.meade.com) and wants to pass this software along to friends.

JAll: Everything—user-defined information and Autostar II software—is received by another Autostar II handbox.

Statistics: Provides basic statistical data about Autostar II, including:

JCharacters Free: Displays how much room is available in user-defined object memory.

JVersion: Displays the current version of the Autostar II software.

JSerial Number: Displays the unit's serial number.

Reset: Completely resets Autostar II. Most values entered into the menus revert to factory defaults. Autostar II requires initialization again after a Reset before proceed- ing with observations. See AUTOMATIC ALIGNMENT, page 22.

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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 Library # of Objects Autostar II FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button 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 presetSlew Speeds Observing Using Autostar IIs Arrow KeysTerrestrial Observing Moving Through Autostar II’s Menus Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing To Track an Object AutomaticallyWhich 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 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 Edit a Site Adding Observing SitesTo Add a Site to the user-defined site list To GO to a user-entered object Creating User ObjectsTo Add a landmark to the database Observing SatellitesLandmarks 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 Set the Home Position Manually One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Download the Latest Version of Autostar II Software 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 Test your Collimation MaintenanceCollimation Defocused star images. Misaligned 1, 2, Aligned Follow these steps for collimation of the optical systemGauging the Movement of the Telescope Meade Customer ServiceInspecting the Optics 12 f/8 RCX400 Specifications 10 f/8 RCX400 Specifications14 f/8 RCX400 Specifications Autostar II Handbox Specifications Advanced Autostar II System SpecificationsCelestial Coordinates Setting CirclesEquatorial Alignment 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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