Meade RCX400TM Alternate Alt/Az Alignments, Initialize Autostar, Easy Two-Star Alignment

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Important Note:

If you disable the automatic alignment/GPS function and then use the alternate align- ments described in this sec- tion, you will be prompted to enter the Time, Date, and Daylight Savings status.

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Alternate Alt/Az Alignments

If you would rather set up your telescope without using automatic alignment, Autostar

IIoffers alternative alignment methods for both alt/az and equatorial mounting. During the One-Star and Two-Star alt/az alignment procedures, you will (unlike the Automatic and Easy alignment procedures) manually place the telescope in the home position.

The procedures for equatorial (polar) alignment are discussed in APPENDIX A, page 57; the three alternative alt/az alignment methods are discussed below.

Initialize Autostar II

First, you need to initialize Autostar II.

1.Tighten the R.A. and Dec. locks (13 and 17, Fig. 1a) to a firm feel.

2.Verify that Autostar II is properly connected to your telescope. See TO CONNECT AUTOSTAR II, page 17.

3.Flip the telescope power switch to the ON position.

The Autostar II screen is activated and a copyright message displays briefly, followed by a short beep. Autostar II takes a few moments to start up the system.

4.A message then displays that warns not to look at the Sun. At the end of this mes- sage, press the key prompted by Autostar II to signify that the message has been read and understood.

6.Autostar II displays "Align: Automatic."

You are now ready to align your telescope using one of the three alt/az alignment pro- cedures.

Easy (Two-Star) Alignment

In this method, Autostar II automatically picks two stars from its libraries for alignment. During the procedure, Autostar II slews the telescope to a first alignment star. The user is asked to verify that the telescope is pointed at the chosen star and then prompted to center the star in the eyepiece. The process is repeated with a second star to com- plete the alignment.

Note: Before performing this procedure, first verify that INITIALIZE AUTOSTAR II, above, has been performed.

How to perform the Easy Align Procedure

1.Alignment Option Screen. Following initialization, "Align: Automatic" displays.

2.Select Alignment. Press the Scroll keys until "Align: Easy" displays. Press

ENTER.

3.Home Position. The telescope automatically sets the following positions: home, level, North, and True North. You may turn off the sensors and manually set these positions. See HOME SENSORS, page 34 for more information.

4 . Star Alignment. Autostar II chooses two stars to align upon. The telescope slews to the first star for alignment. Should the alignment star not appear in the field of view in the eyepiece, it should be easily recognized: It will be the brightest star in the area of the sky where the telescope is pointing. Use the Arrow keys to move the telescope until the star is visible and centered in the eyepiece. Press ENTER. Repeat the procedure for the second alignment star.

Note: See WHICH ONE'S THE ALIGNMENT STAR, page 23, for some impor- tant tips concerning alignments stars and using your viewfinder.

When the procedure is performed correctly, "Alignment Successful" displays. If Autostar II does not display this message, perform this procedure again. (Keep pressing MODE until "Align: Easy" displays and repeat the procedure.)

Two-Star Alt/Az Alignment

Two-Star Alignment requires some knowledge of the night sky. Autostar II provides a library of bright stars and two stars from this library are chosen by the observer for alignment. In this procedure, Autostar II does not automatically find home, level, or North.

1.Alignment Option Screen. "Align: Automatic" displays.

2.Select Alignment. Press the Scroll keys until "Align: Two Star" displays. Press

ENTER.

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Contents MEADE.COM Focusing the Telescope How to Hot Swap the Autostar II HandboxContents Rotate the leg Tighten the adjustment lockAttach the legs of the tripod to the base Hook the Release PinSecure the mount with the T-handle Install the batteriesPosition the mount over the tripod Move the optical tube from its shipping positionPlug in the AutoStar II handbox Attach the visual back and diagonal mirrorInsert the eyepiece and remove dust cover 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 How to Assemble Your Telescope Parts ListingHow to Assemble the Tripod 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 ViewfinderChoosing an Eyepiece PresetsObserving To focus the telescope eyepieceTo sync on a focus preset To define a presetTo select a previously defined focus preset Observing by Moving the Telescope ManuallyObserving Using Autostar IIs Arrow Keys Terrestrial ObservingSlew Speeds To Track an Object Automatically Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing 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 To perform a Landmark Survey IdentifyTo Select a landmark from the database To check on the available amount of memory in AutostarBrowse Displayed information ExampleInitialize Autostar How to perform the Easy Align ProcedureAlternate Alt/Az Alignments Easy Two-Star AlignmentOne-Star Alt/Az Alignment To Download the Latest Version of Autostar II SoftwareTo Set the Home Position Manually Train Menu Option Periodic Error CorrectionUpdate 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 wedgeOne-Star Polar Alignment Autostar II Polar AlignmentEasy Polar Alignment Two-Star Polar AlignmentCity State/Prov./Country Latitude Appendix B Latitude ChartLatitude Chart for Major Cities of the World City Country LatitudeTour Modes Command LineWhat you will need 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 MenuOperation Appendix FIntroduction TrainingOther Menus Options Save As and Load UpdatePermanently Mounted Scopes OffObjects in Space Basic AstronomyAutostar II Glossary 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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