WARNING!

Never use a Meade® RCX400Telescope to look at the Sun! Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so there is no warning to the observer that damage has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the tele- scope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervision while observing.

If you have never focused an RCX telescope before, go to pages 24 to 26 for detailed information.

®The names "Autostar," "Meade" and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in principal countries throughout the world. "RCX400 " is a trademark of Meade Instruments Corporation.

Patents:

US 6,304,376

US 6,392,799

US 6,563,636

D422,610 Patent Pending.

© 2006 Meade Instruments Corporation.

CONTENTS

 

Telescope Features

4

Autostar II Features

11

Assembly

14

Tripod Assembly

14

Pedestal Assembly and Adjusting Latitude

14

RA Assembly

16

Dec Saddle Assembly

16

Attach Counterweights

18

Low Latitude Counterweights

18

Attach OTA to Dec Saddle

20

Attach Autostar II

21

Align Viewfinder with OTA

21

Home Position and Balancing the OTA

22

Balance RA Axis

20

Balance Dec Axis

21

Getting Started

24

Attach Handbox Holder

24

Mounting, Focusing & Aligning the Viewfinder

24

Focusing the Telescope

24

To Change Focus Speed

24

To Focus the Eyepiece

25

Presets

25

To Define a Preset

25

To Focus with a Microfocuser

25

To Focus with an RCX and a Microfocuser

25

To Select a Preset

26

To Sync on a Preset

26

Slew Speeds

26

To Align for the First Time

27

Automatic Alignment

27

Drift Align

28

Collimation

28

Align the OTA

29

Calibrate Home

30

Basic Autostar II Operation

31

Autostar II Menus

33

Menu Tree

33

Objects Menu

34

Event Menu

35

Glossary Menu, Utilities Menu

35

Setup Menu

37

Hot Button Menus

40

Advanced Autostar II Features

41

Adding Observing Sites

41

Creating User Objects

42

Observing Satellites

43

Identify

43

Browse

44

Alternate Polar Alignment Methods

45

To Download the Latest Autostar II Software

45

Periodic Error Correction

46

Optional Accessories

47

Maintenance

50

Specifications

51

Meade Consumer Solutions

52

Appendix A: Latitude Chart

53

Appendix B: The Moon

54

Appendix C: Smart Mount

55

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Meade RCX400 instruction manual Contents

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.