Meade RCX400TM instruction manual

Smart Mount: See page 69 for detailed information.

GPS-UTC Offset: Universal Time (UTC) adds leap seconds to its time calculations, GPS does not. The offset is the number of leap seconds added since the establish- ment of GPS.

Telescope: Accesses several options, including:

JMount: Set this option to "Alt/Az" if using alt/az alignment and to "Polar" if using polar alignment. "Alt/Az" is the default value.

JModel: Allows you to select the telescope model connected to Autostar II.

JFocal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope.

JMax Slew Rate: Sets the upper limit for the slew rate. 8 degrees per second is the fastest setting.

JFocuser: Allows you to recalibrate your focuser. Normally, not used. Recalibrates focuser and focuser backlash.

JCollimate: Allows you use the Arrow keys to collimate the telescope. See pages 51 and 52 for more details.

JMount Upper Limit: Allows you enter a number from 0 to 90 that sets an upper limit as to how far the optical tube can swing upward during a programmed slew. (Note that it does not prevent you from performing a manual slew past this limit.) This is useful when you have a camera or other peripheral attached to the tele- scope—you can prevent it from striking the telescope base. 90 (straight up) is the maximum value that can be entered.

JMount Lower Limit: Allows you enter a number from 0 to 90 that sets a lower limit as to how far the optical tube can swing downward during a programmed slew. (Note that it does not prevent you from performing a manual slew past this limit.) This is useful when you have a large optical tube (12" model) or have a dewshield attached to the telescope—you can prevent it from striking the tele- scope base. -90 (straight down) is the maximum value that can be entered.

JPark Position: For permanently mounted telescopes only. After aligning your tel- escope, select this menu and power down the telescope. The alignment set- tings—level, North, time, alignment stars—are stored in Autostar II's memory and are remembered after you power off the telescope. When you power on the tele- scope, "Automatic Alignment" displays after the start up routine. Press MODE (do not press ENTER). The telescope remembers its alignment and you can contin- ue viewing or performing other operations without aligning the telescope again.

Park Position provides two options. Use Current Position uses the last position set by the user. Use Default Position levels telescope and points it North.

JCalibrate Home: For permanently mounted telescopes only. After aligning your telescope, select this menu and the alignment settings—level, North, time, align- ment stars—are stored in Autostar II's memory and are remembered after you power off the telescope. You can enable Autostar II to retrieve and automatically align your telescope using these settings the next time you power up by choos- ing the Align on Home menu. See ALIGN ON HOME, page 32, for more informa- tion. Note: This method is not as precise as PARK POSITION (see above).

JAnti-Backlash:This option allows you to change the backlash along either the R.A. and the Dec. axes by entering a number from 0% to 199%. This sets the back- lash in the way the Arrow keys move the telescope along an axis. If you enter a value near 199%, telescope responds more quickly as you hold down an Arrow key. If you enter a value near 0%, it takes longer for the tube to respond as you hold down an Arrow key. Experiment with this option: Try changing the values until the motion of the telescope (while holding down an Arrow key) feels comfortable to you.

JTrain Drive: All telescopes have a certain amount of "backlash" (looseness in the interplay of gears). This menu allows you to compensate for the backlash in the the Altitude and Azimuth motors—which helps locate objects with more precision.

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