Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Star Charts

Page 50

 

#1220 Field De-rotater:The field de-rotater attaches to the rear cell of the telescope

 

and plugs into an RS232 (Serial) port. Digital data fed from the telescope's micro-

 

processor to the field de-rotater permit precise and continuous update of the de-rota-

 

tion required to maintain pinpoint star images throughout the field. The effect is that

 

even during the longest CCD or photographic exposures, the telescope acts as if it

 

were precisely equatorially mounted. #1222 Field De-rotater:For use with the 16"

 

RCX400. Plugs into a special connector on the control panel.

 

RCX AC Wall Adapter: Permits powering from a standard home (115v AC) outlet.

 

Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Powering the RCX400 telescope by means of an automo-

 

bile cigarette lighter plug.

 

#644 Flip Mirror System: Has an X/Y adjustment mechanism for the diagonal mirror

 

with locks for the precise centering, and multiple rotating adapters for T-thread and

 

1.25” camera attachment. Accepts 1.25” O.D. eyepieces and has a clear aperture of

 

22mm. Use with small to medium size chip CCD cameras. See Fig. 46, page 49, to

 

see image of the Flip Mirror System attached to the rear cell of an RCX400 model.

 

#647 Flip Mirror System: Has an X/Y adjustment mechanism for the diagonal mirror

 

with locks for the precise centering, and multiple rotating adapters for T-thread and

 

1.25” camera attachment. Accepts 1.25” O.D. and 2.00” eyepieces and has a clear

 

aperture of 40mm. Use with medium to large size chip CCD cameras. See Fig. 46,

 

page 49, to see image of the Flip Mirror System attached to the rear cell of an RCX400

 

model.

 

CCD Framing Ocular: Displays rectangular frame of all popular CCD chip sizes.

 

Inserts directly into the eyepiece holder or flip mirror. Includes variable LED illumina-

 

tion control and batteries.

 

Astrometric Eyepiece: A high-precision 3-element achromatic eyepiece for a wide

 

range of astronomical measurements. Measure double star separations, position

 

 

angles, planetary diameters, lunar crater diameters and so forth. Includes variable

 

LED illumination control and batteries.

 

RCX Super Wedge: The equatorial wedge permits use of the RCX400 models in an

 

astronomical, or “equatorial,” mode. The superwedge fits onto the RCX tripod.

 

Equatorial alignment allows you to take longer exposure photographs with your

 

RCX400. See APPENDIX A: EQUATORIAL (POLAR) ALIGNMENT, page 57 to 61, for fur-

 

ther information.

 

Deep Sky Imager: The Deep Sky Imager combines the power of an electronic astro-

 

nomical imager with the simplicity of a web cam, allowing you to capture deep sky

 

images on your PC. See PHOTOGRAPHY WITH AUTOSTAR SUITE, pages 47 and 48, for

Fig. 47: The Deep Sky Imager.

more information.

 

More accessories will soon be available for your RCX400 model. To find out more

 

about these and other accessories available for your telescope, check out the Meade

 

General Catalog or contact your local Meade dealer. Also check out Meade’s latest

 

ads in Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazine.

RCX400 TIPS

Star Charts

Even with the Autostar II's massive 180,000 object library, star charts and planispheres are still useful for a variety of reasons. In particular, they are a great aid in planning a night of celestial viewing.

A wide variety of star charts are available in books, in magazines, on the inter- net and on CD Roms. Meade offers Autostar Suite and other star locator soft- ware. Contact your Meade dealer or Meade's Customer Service department for more information.

Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines print star charts each month for up-to-the-minute maps of the heavens.

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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 Library # of Objects Autostar II FeaturesTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button 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 ManuallySlew Speeds Observing Using Autostar IIs Arrow KeysTerrestrial Observing To Track an Object Automatically Observe the MoonAstronomical Observing 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 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 AlignmentTo Set the Home Position Manually One-Star Alt/Az AlignmentTo Download the Latest Version of Autostar II Software 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 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 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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