Important Note:

The Site information is stored in the Site menu. If you move the telescope more than 5 miles of your initial observing location, Autostar II automatically determines your location when it gets a GPS Fix, and adds the new location to the Site menu.

ADVANCED AUTOSTAR II FEATURES

Before trying out the examples in this section, familiarize yourself with the basic oper- ations of Autostar II described earlier in this manual. The following examples assume that you have a basic knowledge of Autostar II and understand how to scroll to a desired menu or menu option, and how to enter numbers and text. It also assumes that you have initialized and aligned your telescope.

Adding Observing Sites

If you plan to observe using Autostar II at different geographic locations, you can store observation sites in Autostar II's memory to help simplify your telescope setup. Perform these procedures using the Site options (Add, Select, Delete, Edit) of the Setup menu.

To Add a Site to the user-defined site list:

In this example, you will choose a city and add it to the database list. You will then select the site to enable it.

1.Navigate to the "Setup: Site" menu. Press ENTER,

2.Scroll through the options until "Site: Add" displays. Press ENTER.

3.Scroll through the list of countries/states. Press ENTER when the country/state you wish to add displays.

4.Scroll through the list of cities. Press ENTER when the city you wish to add dis- plays. The Site is now added to the database. You may add sites using this method.

5.To choose a site, navigate to "Setup: Select." Press ENTER. Scroll through the list of sites. When the desired site displays, press ENTER.

To Edit a Site:

In this procedure, you will enter a location that is not available in the Autostar II data- base by editing data of a nearby site. You will edit the location's name, latitude, longi- tude, and the time zone shift. You will then select the site to enable it.

You will need to know the latitude and longitude of your location to perform this pro- cedure.

1.Using the Add option, choose a site on the list that is closest to your observing site and press ENTER so that the site is added to your observing sites list. Choosing a site already on the list (as opposed to using the "Custom" feature) makes it easier to edit, as the "Time Zone" value may not need to be changed.

2.Scroll to "Site: Edit" and press ENTER. "Edit: Name" displays. Press ENTER.

3.The name of the site you have just entered to your list displays; if it does not, scroll to the site.

4.Using the Arrow keys, change the name of the site so that it now reads the name of your observing location. Press ENTER. "Edit: Name" displays again.

5.Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Latitude" displays. Press ENTER.

6.Using the Number Keys, enter the latitude of your observing site and then press ENTER. "Edit: Latitude" displays again.

7.Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Longitude" displays. Press ENTER.

8.Using the Number Keys, enter the longitude of your observing site and then press ENTER. "Edit: Longitude" displays again.

9.Press the Scroll Down key and "Edit: Time Zone" displays. Press ENTER. (If the site you chose from the list in step 1 has the same Time Zone as the site you are editing, just press ENTER again to go on to the next step.) "Time Zone" refers to the Greenwich Time Zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, use "-" hours (one hour per time zone) and users East of Greenwich use "+" hours. For the United States, look up the shift in TABLE 1, page 35.

10.After entering the shift, press ENTER. "Edit Time Zone" displays.

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Meade RCX400TM instruction manual Adding Observing Sites, To Add a Site to the user-defined site list, To Edit a Site
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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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