Perpendicular to home position

Home or 90° position

Dec Balance Hard Stop bolt

36 When the display readout is close to "1" (perhaps .99 or 1.01) and remains close to 1 while it is moving, it is balanced. Press MODE. This stops the Balance procedure.

Next move the telescope so that it is 90° perpendicular to the Home Position. Select Balance RA once again and press ENTER.

Repeat the same procedure in the perpendicular posi- tion. Once again, move the weights to get the balance readouts to get close to 1.

37 DANGER!!!B LANCE THEYOU WILLDEC AXISNEED 4 PEOPLE TO PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE.

Next move the telescope so that it is 90° perpendicular to the Home Position (see Fig. 36).

38 Select "Balance Dec" and press ENTER. The Dec axis A will move back and forth, like the RA axis did. Check and see how close the Dec axis is from balance.

Press MODE. Move the telescope to the home position. Position 4 people to hold onto the tube securely and loosen the Dec lock knobs. See Fig. 37.

Move the OTA forward or backward within the female dovetail track and tighten the lock knobs. Move the tele- scope back to the position that is 90° perpendicular to

38the Home Position, as shown in Fig. 36. Select "Balance B Dec" and press ENTER. Check and see how close the

Dec axis is from "1" in the Dec Balance menu.

Move the OTA back to the Home position. Move the OTA forward or backward again. Continue this procedure, moving back and forth between both the home (Fig. 38A) and the perpendicular position (Fig. 36), and adjust the OTA until the telescope is balanced in this axis. Make sure you tighten the lock knobs after each

38 adjustment of the OTA.

C When the axis is finally balanced, press ENTER. Tighten the lock knobs and turn the Dec Balance hard stop bolt so that it butts up against the OTA plate—it remembers your Dec Balance point. You should not have to balance the telescope again unless you change

Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the

23

Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.

 

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Meade RCX400 instruction manual Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving
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RCX400 specifications

The Meade RCX400 is a highly regarded telescope in the field of amateur astronomy, designed specifically to provide an unparalleled observing experience. Launched by Meade Instruments, this telescope leverages advanced technology to deliver clarity, precision, and ease of use.

At the heart of the RCX400 is its unique Ritchey-Chrétien optical design, which minimizes optical aberrations and provides exceptionally crisp images. This design is favored among professional astronomers and provides users with the ability to capture stunning celestial details. The telescope comes in various aperture sizes, including 10 inch and 12 inch models, allowing users to choose a configuration that best meets their observational needs.

One of the standout features of the Meade RCX400 is its Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics. This technology ensures that the telescope produces sharp images across a wide field of view, making it easier to observe extended objects such as nebulae and galaxies. The ACF system includes a specialized corrector plate that eliminates coma, resulting in pinpoint stars even at the edge of the field.

Another significant advancement in the RCX400 is its Autostar II system, which provides a user-friendly interface for navigating the night sky. This computer-controlled system boasts a database of over 145,000 celestial objects, enabling users to locate and track objects with ease. The Autostar II also features a built-in GPS system, allowing for automatic site location and time adjustments, further simplifying the setup process.

The RCX400 is equipped with an innovative focusing mechanism known as the “Smart Focuser.” This precise focusing system allows for fine-tuning of the telescope's focus electronically, eliminating the need for manual adjustments that could result in misalignment. Users can achieve optimal focus effortlessly, enhancing the overall observation experience.

In terms of construction, the telescope features a sturdy aluminum mount that provides stability during use. The integrated GoTo mount makes aligning the telescope simple, allowing users to easily point towards celestial objects with high accuracy. The RCX400 is also compatible with various accessories such as cameras and eyepieces, enhancing its versatility for astrophotography and visual observation.

Overall, the Meade RCX400 combines cutting-edge technology with robust features, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. Its user-friendly design, combined with high-quality optics, ensures that users can enjoy impressive views of the universe with relative ease. Whether for visual exploration or astrophotography, the RCX400 stands out as a formidable tool for stargazing enthusiasts.
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