Want to learn more about

Landmarks? See page 39.

Panel Light: Allows you to turn off LED panel light.

Aux Port Power: Allows you turn off and on the 12vDC OUT power port.

Beep: Turns the beep alerts on or off.

Temperature: Gives a temperature reading of the ambient air. This reading is not always available.

Landmark Survey: Automatically slews the telescope to all user-defined landmarks with a short pause at each location. Press ENTER to start the survey. While a slew is in progress, press any key to skip that object and go to the next landmark on the list. To observe a landmark for a longer period, press MODE when paused on the object to stop the survey. Press ENTER to restart the survey at the first object on the list.

Sleep Scope: A power saving option that shuts down Autostar II and the telescope without forgetting its alignment. With "Sleep Scope" selected, press ENTER to activate the Sleep function. Autostar II goes dark, but the internal clock keeps running. Press any key, except ENTER, to re-activate Autostar II and the telescope.

Park Scope: Designed for a telescope that is not moved between observing sessions. Align the telescope one time, then use this function to park the telescope. The next time it is powered up, pressing ENTER causes the telescope to move to its predeter- mined Park position. Once parked, the screen prompts to turn off power.

Important Note: When the "Park Scope" option is chosen and the display prompts you to turn off the telescope's power, Autostar II is unable to be returned to operation without turning the power off and then back on.

Setup Menu

There are numerous other features available within the Setup menu, including:

Align on Home: For permanently mounted telescopes only. If Calibrate Home has been performed, power up your telescope and select this menu to return the previ- ously calibrated home position. In other words, the telescope is fully aligned accord- ing to the setting that were stored in Autostar II's memory during the Calibrate Home procedure. See CALIBRATE HOME, page 33, for more information.

Date: Changes the date used by Autostar II. This function is useful to check events in

the past or future. For example: Set the Date menu for a day three months in the

future. Then check the "Select Item: Event" menu for the Sunset time on that date. See EVENT MENU, page 30.

Time: Changes the time entered into Autostar II. Setting the correct time is critical for Autostar II to properly calculate locations and events. Time may be set to "AM," "PM," or 24-hour mode (military time). To select the 24-hour mode, press ENTER when the the "blank" option displays (i.e., neither "AM" nor "PM" is displayed).

Daylight Saving: Enables or disables the Daylight Savings time setting.

Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in vari- ous areas of the world. Check local time to verify.

RCX400 TIPS

Look into the Future

The Autostar II Date option in the Setup menu is much more than just an entry of today's date; with it you can look far into the future or learn about past events. Autostar II can calculate the date and times of future events and, except for eclipses, past events as well (based on the current calendar system). E.g., a Sunrise on March 6, 2043 A.D. or the Vernal Equinox in 1776 A.D. To use this feature, enter the desired date in the Setup menu or select an option in the Event menu.

Autostar II, using the Event menu, can calculate dates and times for Sunrises, Sunsets, Moonrises, Moonsets, Moonphases, Solar and Lunar Eclipses (for the next 100 years), meteor showers, equinoxes and solstices, and the mini- mums of Algol.

One very practical use of the Event menu is to check the Sunset option to determine when you can begin your astronomical observing session.

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Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Setup Menu, Look into the Future
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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.
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