Note:

See:

http://www.astrocruise.com

/polarnew.htm

for a website dedicated to drift alignment of Meade telescopes. Site offers extensive tips from an experienced drift align specialist.

How to Drift Align Max (Northern Hemisphere)

Important Note: You will need a reticle to perform this procedure

1.Center your reticle on a bright star near the Eastern horizon.

2.Look through the reticle while pressing Autostar's right and left Arrow keys. This will slew the mount back and forth in the R.A. axis.

3.Loosen and rotate the reticle until one of the crosshairs matches the right-left path of the star as you press the Arrow keys. This crosshair is now on the R.A. axis. The other axis is therefore on the Dec. axis. Carefully secure the reticle in place (do not move the crosshairs).

4.Observe the bright star you have chosen. If, over time, it drifts off the R.A. axis, use the latitude adjustment knob to bring it back past center. Experience will teach you how much to move the alt knob. If the star drifts slowly, use only a small amount of correction; if it moves quickly, use a much larger amount of correction.

5.Use Autostar's up and down keys to bring the star back to center. Perform step 4 repeatedly until it does not drift on the Dec axis for a few minutes.

6.Next, center on a bright, Southern star. This star should be within 10° to 20° of the celestial equator.

7.If the star drifts above the RA axis, use the Azimuth adjustment knob to move the star to the right and down until the star is almost out of the field of view. If it drifts below the R.A. axis, use the Azimuth adjustment knob to move the star to the left and up.

8.Use Autostar arrow keys to center the star again. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until the star no longer drifts off the R.A. axis for a few minutes.

9.Go back and check the first star and see if it is drifting again. And then recheck the second star also. Keep repeating steps 4, 7 and 8, until there is no more drift in either of the stars you have chosen for a few minutes.

Your telescope is now drift aligned. Next, collimate your telescope.

Collimation

This collimation procedure is for Meade RCX models only. The optical collimation (alignment) of any astronomical telescope used for serious purposes is important, but in the case of the RCX design, such collimation is absolutely essential for good per- formance. Take special care to read and understand this section well so that your tel- escope will give you the best optical performance.

As part of final optical testing, every Meade RCX400 telescope is precisely collimat- ed at the Meade factory before shipment. However, vibrations in shipping can cause the optical system to become misaligned. Re-aligning the optics is, however, a straightforward process with the RCX400.

Test your Collimation

Before collimating an RCX400 model, you will need to test your collimation.

To test the collimation, center a bright star that is overhead, or use a “hot spot” of reflected Sunlight from a chrome car bumper, with the supplied 24mm eyepiece. Allow the telescope to adjust to the temperature of your observation site before proceeding; temperature differences between the optics and the outside air can cause distortion in the images. Autostar II offers two options in the Utilities menus that take tempera- ture readings: “OTA Temperature” (the temperature of the corrector plate) and “Ambient Temperature” (the temperature of the air around the fork arms).

When the star or hot spot is centered, de-focus the image. You will notice that the out of focus star image looks like a ring of light surrounding a dark central spot; the dark central spot is in fact the shadow of the secondary mirror. You may notice multiple rings; these are called diffraction rings. Focus until the diffraction rings fills about 10% of the eyepiece field-diameter. If the dark central spot is offset in (i.e., not concentric with) the diffraction rings, your telescope’s optical system is misaligned and requires collimation.

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

 

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

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Meade RCX400 instruction manual How to Drift Align Max Northern Hemisphere, Test your Collimation
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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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