10
RCX400: YOUR PERSONAL
WINDOW TO THE UNIVERSE
The Meade
RCX
400 models are extremely versatile, high-resolution telescopes. With
high-precision optics, pushbutton controls, precise GPS alignment, true-level and
North electronic sensors, automatic tracking of celestial objects, periodic error
correction for both axes, and a library of 145,000+ objects in the AutoStar II data base,
the
RCX
400 models offer observatory-level performance.
Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or split a difficult double star.
Focus beyond the Solar System on ancient star clusters, remote galaxies, and stars
recently discovered to have planets orbiting about them. Meade
RCX
400 telescopes
are capable of meeting the requirements of the most demanding advanced observer.
B
Eyepiece:
Place the 2”, 6-element UltraWide 24mm eyepiece into the diagonal
mirror (
3, Fig. 1a
) and tighten in place with the diagonal mirror’s thumbscrew (
2,
Fig. 1a
). The eyepiece determines the magnification of the image collected in the
optical tube.
C
2" Diagonal Mirror and Eyepiece Thumbscrew:
Provides a more comfortable
right angle viewing position. The eyepiece thumbscrew tightens the eyepiece (
1,
Fig. 1a
) in place. Tighten to a firm feel only.
D
Rear Cell Port and 2” Visual Back:
The visual back threads onto the rear cell.
The diagonal mirror slides into the visual back and is secured by the visual back
thumbscrew.
E
Base Computer Control Panel
(see
j
):
A.
ON/OFF Switch:
Turns both computer control panels and AutoStar II
ON or OFF. The red power indicator LED next to the switch illuminates
when power is supplied to the panel and the AutoStar II handbox.
B.
12vDC In:
Provides a connection so that the telescope assembly may
be powered from a standard 115v AC home outlet using the optional
RCX AC Wall Adapter with Cable or the optional 12v DC #607 Cigarette
Lighter Adapter. See
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
, pages 48 - 50.
C.
12vDC Out:
Use the 12vDC output to power telescope accessories.
This port may be turned on or off with the Aux Port Power option in the
Utilities menu. On is the default value.
D.
USB 2.0 High Speed Port:
Provides a connection for a USB 2.0
device. This port is typically used to connect to a PC.
E.
AUX Port:
Provides connection for current Meade accessories. See
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
, pages 48 - 50.
F.
Handbox (HBX) Port:
Plug the AutoStar II coil cord into this port.
Important Note:
Although both the Base Computer Control Panel and
the OTA Computer Control Panel include an HBX port, only one hand-
box maybe be plugged in at a time; you cannot plug handboxes into
both ports at the same time.
G.
Serial Port:
Provides connection with a PC and for current and future
Meade accessories. Your PC can control your
RCX
400 telescope using
serial commands. Go to the Meade website (www.meade.com) to
download the latest serial commands and device pinouts.
Important Note:
Although both the Base Computer Control Panel and
the OTA Computer Control Panel include a serial port, only one may be
used at a time; you cannot plug into both ports at the same time.
F
Handles:
Use to lift optical tube assembly or to rotate the telescope when
attached to the tripod. Attach the AutoStar II handbox holder to one of the han-
dles (
5, Fig. 1a
).
G
Left Fork Arm:
The left side of the heavy-duty mount that holds the optical tube
securely in place (see
1%
).
H
Battery Compartments:
Insert four user-supplied C-cell batteries into each com-
partment (one compartment on each fork arm; eight batteries total).
I
Right Ascension (R.A.) Slow-Motion Control: Make fine adjustments in the Right
Ascension, i.e., the horizontal axis, by turning this control with the R.A. Lock (see
Caution:
Using products other than
standard Meade accessories
may cause damage to the
telescope’s internal electron-
ics and may void the Meade
warranty.
B
Want to learn more
about the
eyepieces
available for your
RCX400
telescope
?
See
OPTIONAL
ACCESSORIES
, pages
48, 49, and 50.
i
Want to learn more
about the
Right
Ascension and
Declination setting
circles
? See page 57.
b
Want to learn more
about
focusing your
telescope
? See page
19.
h
Want to learn how to
install the batteries
?
See page 16.
Summary of Contents for RCX400
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