Definitions
Throughout this manual, you will notice the terms "Alt/Az," "Right
Ascension," and
"Declination." Alt/Az or more properly, altitude- azimuth (or altazimuth), is frequently used to refer to altitude or Declination (the
Caution:
When loosening the Dec. lock, be sure to support the optical tube (19, Fig. 1a). The weight of the tube could cause the tube to swing suddenly.
1#) in the unlocked position. Set the R.A. Lock to a "partially locked" position to create a comfortable drag for the R.A. Slow Motion Control.
Caution: Do not operate the R.A. Slow Motion Control with the R.A. Lock in the fully locked position, as such operation may result in damage to the internal gear system and also cause you to lose alignment.
j Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) Computer Control Panel (also see e):
H. USB Port: Provides 3 connections for USB 2.0 devices. This port is typically used to connect to CCD cameras, such as Meade’s LPI or Deep Sky Imager. See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, pages 48 - 50.Your PC can control your RCX400 telescope using serial commands. Go to the Meade website (www.meade.com) to download the latest serial commands and device pinouts.
J.Serial Port: Provides connection with a PC and for current and future Meade accessories. Your PC can control your RCX400 telescope using serial commands. Go to the Meade website (www.meade.com) to download the latest serial commands and device pinouts.
Important Note: Although both the Base Computer Control Panel and the OTA Computer Control Panel include a serial port, only one may be used at a time; you cannot plug into both ports at the same time.
K.Autoguider Port: Plug the optional autoguider into this port. See the instruction sheet that came with your autoguider for more information. Also see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, pages 48 - 50.
L.Reticle Port: Plug the optional reticle eyepiece into this port. Control the reticle through the AutoStar II menus. See HOT BUTTON MENUS page 36. Also see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, pages 48 - 50.
Note: See the instruction sheets that are included with the reticle and the autoguider for more details.
M.Handbox (HBX) Port: Plug the AutoStar II coil cord into this port.
Important Note: Although both the Base Computer Control Panel and the OTA Computer Control Panel include an HBX port, only one hand- box maybe be plugged in at a time; you cannot plug handboxes into both ports at the same time.
N. Smart Accessory Port: Provides connection for future Meade acces- sories.
1) GPS Receiver: Receives information transmitted from Global Positioning System satellites. See page 25 for more information.
1! Declination (Dec.) Setting Circle (on left fork arm): See APPENDIX A, page 57, for detailed information.
1@ Mounting Base: Attach to the tripod base (see 2&). See page 16 for mounting instructions.
1# Right Ascension (R.A.) Lock: Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the R.A. lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the R.A. lock clockwise locks the telescope, prevents the telescope from being rotated manu- ally, and engages the horizontal motor drive for AutoStar II operation.
1$ AutoStar II Handbox and Tiltable Holder: Controls all the electronic functions of the telescope. See pages 13 - 15 for detailed information. You may have noticed that there is no manual focus knob; all focus is achieved by using the AutoStar handbox. Attach the holder to one of the handles (see f). Holds your handbox in a convenient location.
1% Right Fork Arm: The right side of the
1^ Declination (Dec.)
1& Dec. Lock: Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the Dec. lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the vertical axis. Turning the Dec. lock clockwise (to a firm feel
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