North

Dec.

Setting

Circle

Level

Base

Fig. 32: Alt/Az Home Position. Note that the Control Panel should face South, which is not depicted in the above photograph.

Fig. 33: Dec. Setting Circle at 0°.

Do you want to learn how to perform the periodic error correction procedure?

See PERIODIC ERROR COR-

RECTION, page 44.

Tip:

If the "ENTER to Sync" fea- ture is accessed by mistake (holding the ENTER key for more than 2 seconds), press MODE to return to the previous screen.

Want to learn more about

adding and editing sites?

See page 37.

JCalibrate Sensors: This menu allows you to improve your telescope's pointing accuracy to alignment stars. It calibrates to correct slight mechanical misalign- ment due to transport, vibration, or aging. It is recommended that calibration be performed once on a new telescope after the user initially assembles it.

When this menu is selected, the telescope slews to Polaris. Autostar II then prompts you to center Polaris and to press ENTER. Autostar II uses the position of Polaris to fine tune the position of North and also detects level for the base of the telescope.

JTracking Rate: Changes the speed at which the telescope tracks targets in the sky.

a.Sidereal: The default setting for Autostar II; sidereal rate is the standard rate at which stars move from East to West across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth.

b.Lunar: Choose this option to properly track the Moon over long observing sessions.

c.Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking rates.

Note: Custom Tracking Rate allows you to enter values from -999 (stands for 99.9%) to 999 (stand for +99.9%). The lower the number, the slower the rate; the higher the number the faster the rate. If you enter -999, the telescope will move so slow as to appear to be stopped. If you enter 999, the telescope will be moving at approximately twice the tracking rate.

JGuiding Rate: Allows you to change the base slew speed, 1x. Enter a percent- age of the speed (less than 100%) and press ENTER. This function may be use- ful in guiding the telescope during CCD and long-exposure photography. See SLEW SPEEDS, page 21, for more information.

JReverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left and Right Arrow keys for con- trolling the telescope's motion (i.e., the Right key moves the telescope to the left).

JReverse U/D: Reverses the functions of the Up and Down Arrow keys for con- trolling the telescope's motion (i.e., the Up key moves the telescope down).

JHome Sensors: Turns off or on the True North and True Level sensors, if pre- ferred, for Easy, One-Star, and Two-Star alignment. User must then manually level the telescope, set Dec. circle to 0°, point the optical tube to True North and point the control panel on the base to South during alignment. The default setting for this menu is "On." See Figs. 32 and 33.

JGPS Alignment: Allows three options. Select "Off" if you wish to align the tele- scope manually (turns off GPS). Select "On" (default setting) if you wish to auto- matically align your telescope and want the telescope to get the GPS fix when it is needed during alignment. Select "At Start Up" if you want the telescope to get a GPS fix when the telescope is powered up.

JDec. PEC: Allows you to perform periodic error correction on the Dec. drive worm gear. Must be performed with a high-power reticle (eg., 9mm).

JR.A. PEC: Allows you to perform periodic error correction on the R.A. drive worm gear. Must be performed with a high-power reticle (eg., 9mm).

JHigh Precision: If High Precision is turned on, when looking for a faint celestial object (e.g., a nebula or galaxy), Autostar II first slews to a nearby bright star and displays "ENTER to Sync." Center the star in the eyepiece, then press ENTER. At that point the telescope has a high precision alignment to that part of the sky and it then slews to the object that was originally requested.

Targets: Switches between Astronomical targets and Terrestrial targets. If "Astronomical" is selected, the telescope tracking motor is activated and any object you observe will remain centered in the eyepiece. If "Terrestrial" is selected, the track- ing motor is turned off. See TO TRACK AN OBJECT AUTOMATICALLY, page 22.

Site: Site provides access to several options including:

JSelect: Displays the currently selected observing site. Use the Scroll keys to cycle through all available sites (see ADD below). Press ENTER when the site you wish

34

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Image 34
Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Adding and editing sites?
Page 33 Page 35

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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