WARNING!

Never use a Meade® RCX400 Telescope 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 dam- age has occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope or its viewfinder at or near the Sun. Do not look through the tele- scope or its viewfinder as it is moving. Children should always have adult supervi- sion while observing.

Caution: Use care to install batteries in the orientation indicated by illustration in the bat- tery slots of the battery holder. Follow battery manufacturer's precautions. Do not install batteries backwards or mix new and used batteries. Do not mix battery types. If these precautions are not followed, batteries may explode, catch fire, or leak. Improperly installed batteries void your Meade warranty.

®The name "Meade" and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent Office and in principal coun- tries throughout the world. "RCX400 " and "AutoStar II" are trademarks of Meade Instruments Corporation.

Patents:

US 6,304,376

US 6,392,799

US 6,563,636

D422,610 Patent Pending.

© 2005 Meade Instruments Corporation.

CONTENTS

 

 

Focusing your Telescope

Inside front cover

Quick-Start Guide

4

Telescope Features

8

Autostar II Features

13

Getting Started

16

Parts Listing, How to Attach the Tripod

16

How to Assemble the Tripod

16

How to Assemble Your Telescope

16

To Attach the Mount

16

To Install the Batteries

16

To Connect Autostar II and Attach the Holder

17

To Attach the Diagonal and Eyepiece

17

Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder

18

Observing

16

Choosing an Eyepiece

19

Focusing the Telescope

19

Observing by Moving the Telescope Manually

20

Terrestrial Observing

21

Observing Using Arrow Keys

21

Slew Speeds

21

Observe the Moon, Astronomical Observing

22

To Track an Object Automatically

22

Moving Through Autostar II’s Menus

22

Automatic Alignment

22

Observe a Star Using Automatic Tracking

24

Go To Saturn, Using the Guided Tour

24

Basic Autostar II Operation

26

Autostar II Menu Exercises

26

Navigating Autostar II

27

Autostar II Menus

28

Menu Tree

28

Objects Menu

29

Event Menu

30

Glossary Menu, Utilities Menu

31

Setup Menu

32

Hot Button Menus

36

Advanced Autostar II Features

37

Adding Observing Sites

37

Creating User Objects

38

Observing Satellites, Landmarks

39

Identify

40

Browse

41

Alternate Alt/Az Alignment Methods

42

To Download the Latest Autostar II Software

43

Periodic Error Correction

44

Photography

45

Optional Accessories

48

Maintenance

51

Collimation

51

Specifications

54

Appendix A: Equatorial (Polar) Alignment

57

Appendix B: Latitude Chart

62

Appendix C: How to Create Your Own Guided Tour

63

Appendix D: Training the Drive

67

Appendix E: The Moon Menu

68

Appendix F: Smart Mount

69

Appendix G: Basic Astronomy

71

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Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Contents

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.