Viewfinder

Dust Cover

2" Eyepiece

2" Accessory Adapter
OTA Alignment Bolts (concentric)

2" Star Diagonal

Visual Back OTA Panel

OTA Male Dovetail

THE OTA

CONTROL PANELS AND PORTS

Off/On

12vDC In

12VDC Switched Out

USB Port

AUX port

HBX port (Handbox port)

Serial port
RA ASSEMBLY CONTROL PANEL

SADDLE CONTROL PANEL

Reticle Port 12VDC Switched Focuser

RA TO DEC JUMPER CABLE

Smart Accessory Ports
JUMPER CABLE BETWEEN OTA AND SADDLE PANEL (use one of the Saddle panel Smart Accessory ports)

USB Ports

Auto Guider

HBX port

AUTOSTAR II FEATURES
Fig. 2: The Autostar II Handbox.
Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button
Control of Max and RCX400 telescope models is through the operation of the standard Autostar II system. Nearly all functions of the telescope are accomplished with just a few pushes of Autostar IIs buttons. Because the Autostar II system uses flash (rewritable) memory, your system will be able to grow when new features and enhancements become available. Download the latest satellite data, star and object catalogs, tours, serial commands list, and software revisions, directly from the Meade website (www.meade.com). Some of the major features of the Autostar II system are:
Automatically move the telescope to any of the more than 180,000 objects stored in the object library, including: Library # of Objects New General Catalog (NGC): 7,840 Index Catalog (IC): 5,386 Messier Catalog (M): 110 Caldwell Catalog: Named Objects: 400 Herschel Catalog: 2,712 Abell Catalog of Galaxy Clusters: 645 Arp Catalog of Irregular Galaxies: Uppsala Galaxy Catalog: 12,940 12,939 Morphological Catalog of Galaxies: 28,484 General Catalog of Variable Stars: 17,191 SAO: Hipparcos Star Catalog: 17,325.plus more than 10,000 other objects from the Lunar 100, the Washington Star, Gliese, Hickson, PK, Landolt, Lunar Features, and other catalogs!

Number Keys: Press to input digits 0 to 9. Each Number key also has a specific function, which is printed on each key (these are commonly known as "hot buttons"see page 40): 1 SPEED: Changes the slew speeds. To operate, press Speed and then a Number key (1 is the slowest speed, 9 is highest speed). 2 CALD (Caldwell): Press to display the Caldwell catalog on the Autostar II handbox. 3 M (Messier): Press to display the Messier catalog library.
4 FOCUS: Toggles between two functions. The first press allows you to change the focus and focus speed. The next press allows you to create presets that tell the telescope where to focus. 5 SS: Press to display the Solar System library. 6 STAR: Press to display the Star library. 7 RET (Reticle): Press to display the Reticle Control menu. 8 IC: Press to display the Index Catalog library. 9 NGC (New General Catalog): Press to display the NGC catalog library. 0 LIGHT: Press to turn on and off the red utility light on the top of the handbox.
Scroll Keys: Press to access options within a selected menu. The menu is displayed on the first line of the screen. Options in the menu are displayed, one at a time, on the second line. Press the Scroll keys to move through the options. Press and hold a Scroll key to move quickly through the options. The Scroll keys also control the speed of text scrolling on the Autostar II display. When text is scrolling, press and hold the Up Scroll key for a faster display speed and the Down Scroll key for a slower display speed.
? Key: Press to access the "Help" file. "Help" provides on-screen information on how to accomplish whatever task is currently active. Press the ? key and then follow the prompts on the display to access details of Autostar II functions in the Help feature. The Help system is essentially an onscreen instruction manual. If you have a question about an Autostar II operation, e.g., INITIALIZATION, ALIGNMENT, etc., press the ? key and follow the directions that scroll on the second line. When satisfied with the Help provided, press MODE to return to the original screen and continue with the chosen procedure.

j 1) 1!

Coil Cord Port: Plug one end of the Autostar II coil cord (10, Fig. 2) into this port located at the bottom of the Autostar II handbox. Coil Cord: Plug one end of the Autostar II coil cord into the HBX port (F, Fig. 1d) of the computer control panel of the telescope and the other end into the Autostar II coil cord port. See j above. Utility Light: Use this built-in red light to illuminate star charts and accessories without disturbing your eye's adaptation to darkness. Press "0" to turn the light on and off.

Go to the Utilities menu.
Scroll down to "Balance Scope." Press the down arrow key to see the two choices available: Balance RA and Balance Dec. With "Balance RA" displayed, press ENTER. With "Balance RA" displayed, press ENTER (34). The telescope assembly will move back and forth slightly on the RA axis. It is now determining the torque needed to move on this axis.
A balance readout will be displayed on the handbox. The readout will display fractions close to the number one. For example, ".95" and ".91." Move the bottom adjustable counterweight one-half to one full turn (35). You will only need to move the weights in small increments. Then move the other adjustable counterweights to butt up against it (Note: The telescope will continue to move back and forth, while you adjust the weights).
When the display readout is close to "1" (perhaps.while it is moving, 36 or 1.01) and remains close tostops the Balance it is balanced. Press MODE. This procedure. Next move the telescope so that it is 90 perpendicular to the Home Position. Select Balance RA once again and press ENTER.
Perpendicular to home position
Repeat the same procedure in the perpendicular position. Once again, move the weights to get the balance readouts to get close to 1.
BALANCE THE DEC AXIS DANGER!!! YOU WILL NEED 4 PEOPLE TO PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE.

Home or 90 position

Dec Balance Hard Stop bolt
Next move the telescope so that it is 90 perpendicular to the Home Position (see Fig. 36). Select "Balance Dec" and press ENTER. The Dec axis back and forth, like the RA axis did. Check 38 will movehow close the Dec axis is from balance. and see A Press MODE. Move the telescope to the home position. Position 4 people to hold onto the tube securely and loosen the Dec lock knobs. See Fig. 37. Move the OTA forward or backward within the female dovetail track and tighten the lock knobs. Move the telescope back to the position that is 90 perpendicular to the Home Position, as shown in Fig. 36. Select "Balance 38Dec" and press ENTER. Check and see how close the B Dec axis is from "1" in the Dec Balance menu. Move the OTA back to the Home position. Move the OTA forward or backward again. Continue this procedure, moving back and forth between both the home (Fig. 38A) and the perpendicular position (Fig. 36), and adjust the OTA until the telescope is balanced in this axis. Make sure you tighten the lock knobs after each adjustment of the OTA. finally balanced, press 38 When the axis isknobs and turn the Dec ENTER. hard Tighten the lock Balance C stop bolt so that it butts up against the OTA plateit remembers your Dec Balance point. You should not have to balance the telescope again unless you change

GETTING STARTED

To Attach the handbox holder: Remove the handbox holder from the plastic bag. If necessary, loosen the lock knob (1, Fig. 39a) and place the clamp (2, Fig. 39a) about one of the telescope's handles. Tighten the lock knob to a firm feel. Slide the AutoStar II handbox into the holder (3, Fig. 39a).You may also snap the handbox into the holder: Slide one side of the handbox into the holder and then firmly press the other side of the handbox into the holder until it snaps in place. Adjust the tilt of of the holder by loosening the lock knob and then moving the holder clamp to the desired angle. Retighten the lock knob. To attach the visual back and diagonal mirror: Attach Visual back and Diagonal mirror: Thread the ring of the 2" accessory adapter over the rear cell and rotate the ring, tightening to a firm feel. Slide the diagonal into the 2" accessory adapter and secure it in place using the visual back thumbscrew. To Insert eyepiece: Remove the UltraWide 24mm eyepiece from its container and slide it in the diagonal mirror. Tighten the thumbscrew located on the diagonal mirror to a firm feel only.

Fig. 39a: Handbox holder: (1) Lock knob; (2) Clamp; (3)
Fig. 40a: Viewfinder mounting bracket assembly : Mounting screws (4), locking screws (5). Remove back locking screw so you can thread in
Mounting and Focusing the Viewfinder for the First Time
The first time you mount and focus the viewfinder, follow the these steps: 1. Attach the viewfinder mounting bracket assembly: The mounting bracket assembly is shipped attached to the viewfinder bracket. Loosen the thumbscrews (5, Fig. 40a) and slide the bracket out of the mounting assembly (the photo depicts one thumbscrew removed for the sake of clarity). Place the bracket assembly over the pre-drilled holes on th back outer rim of the telescope, Thread and tighten the two supplied locking screws (4, Fig. 40a). Attach the viewfinder bracket: Slide the track on the bottom of the viewfinder bracket into the slot in the viewfinder mounting assembly. See Fig. 40b. To secure the viewfinder to the mounting assembly, tighten the two thumbscrews to a firm feel only. Slide the viewfinder tube (see Fig. 40c) into the viewfinder bracket. Loosely tighten the adjustment screws (12, Fig. 40d). You will use the adjustment screws to align the viewfinder (see page 21). Look through the viewfinder. Rotate the eyepiece/focuser until you sharply focus the crosshairs. Rotate the tube so that the crosshairs align with the Dec and RA axes. Loosen (rotate clockwise) the objective lens locking ring (11, Fig. 40c). Rotate the objective lens (9, Fig. 40c) until you sharply focus on an object located at infinity. Tighten the locking ring (11, Fig. 40c). You may now rotate the eyepiece (10, Fig. 40b) to focus on objects.
Fig. 40b: Viewfinder bracket assembly: Slide the track (7) into the mounting slot (6). Tighten the thumbscrews (8) to secure.

6. 7. 8. 9.

Align the Viewfinder
During the daytime, point the telescope at a distant object (at least 200 yards away), such as a telephone pole or a street sign. Center the object in the telescope's eyepiece. Look through the viewfinder and loosen or tighten, as appropriate, one or more of the collimation screws (12, Fig. 40d) until the viewfinders crosshairs are precisely centered on the object in the OTA. Notice that the left rear collimation screw is spring-loaded (12, Fig. 40d)you don't need to adjust itto make the adjustment of the two other rear knobs easier. Fine tune this alignment on a bright star during the nighttime.
Fig. 40c: 8x50 Viewfinder tube: Objective lens (7), eyepiece/focuser (8) and locking ring (9).

Focusing the Telescope

All focusing is performed digitally, using AutoStar IIs Focus key (number key 4). The Focus key functions as a toggle key: Press the Focus key the first time to focus the telescope eyepiece and to control the speed at which you focus. Press the Focus key again to set and adjust up to nine focus presets. To change the focus speed: 1. Press the Focus key once. Focuser: Fast (or the current speed) displays for two seconds. Use one of the Scroll keys to scroll through the list of 5 available focus speeds: Fast, Medium, Slow, Fine, S. Fine. Scroll through the list until the speed you desire displays. Choose a focus speed with which you feel comfortable. To focus the telescope eyepiece: 1. Press the Focus key once. Focuser: Fast (or the current speed) displays. After two seconds, Focuser: Position = XX displays. XX stands for a number value in decimal millimeters. 2. Point the telescope at a distant object. Look in the eyepiece and use the Arrow keys until the image in the eyepiece is in sharp focus. 3. Press MODE to leave Focus menu. Presets: Nine preset focus positions are available, and they operate much like presets on a car radioeveryone can have their own favorite station, or in this case, their own personalized focus. You can set one preset to take into account your own eyesight, one for your observing partner (who may wear glasses), one for your cameras focus, and so forth. Three preset menus are available. Use the Define Preset menu to assign a preset, use the GoTo Preset menu to select a preset you have previously assigned, and use Sync On Preset menu if you do not park your telescope (this menu will reset all your focus presets after you turn off and turn on your scope again ). To define a preset: 1. Point the telescope at a distant object, press FOCUS and use the Up and Down Arrow keys to focus the telescope until the object is sharply focused as previously explained. 2. Press the Focus key again (FOCUS toggles between the Focus menu and the Preset menu). Focuser Preset: Go To displays. Use a Scroll key and scroll down the list of options until Focuser Preset: Define Preset displays. Press ENTER. 3. A list of presets displays. If no preset is currently assigned, 1- Unnamed displays (followed by 2- Unnamed, up to 9 - Unnamed). 4. Use the up and down Scroll keys to scroll through the alphabet and the right and left Arrow keys to move to cursor right or left across the display. 5. When you have finished typing in a name and focusing the telescope, press ENTER. That number preset is now defined. You can enter 9 names. For example, you may enter Joe, Jill, Deep Sky Imager and so forth. To select one of these presets, you will use the Focuser Preset: Go To menu.

Select Item Objects Event Guided Tour Glossary Utilities Setup
Fig. 44a: The menu displays on the top line and Menu options display on the second line. Use the Scroll keys to move up or down through the list of options. Press ENTER to select the desired option.
Objects Solar System Constellations Deep Sky Star Satellite User Objects etc.
Autostar II Navigation Exercise
Fig. 44b: Object menu is selected by pressing ENTER. Use the Scroll keys to move up or down through the list of options for the Object menu. Press ENTER to select the desired option.
To demonstrate how the Autostar II menu structure works, the following exercise calculates Sunset time so an evening observing session can be planned. To Calculate Sunset time: 1. Press the MODE key several times, until Select Item: Object is displayed. 2. 3. Press the Scroll Down key once to display the Event option in the Select Item menu. Press the ENTER key to choose the "Event" option and move down a level. "Event: Sunrise" is displayed.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Display
Press the Scroll Down key once to display the "Sunset" option in the Event menu. Press the ENTER key to choose the "Sunset" option and move down another level. Autostar II calculates the Sunset time based on the current date, time, and location. Autostar II then displays the results of the calculation. Press MODE once to start moving back up through the Autostar II levels. The first level up is the Event menu. Press MODE again to move up another level. This is the top level, "Select Item." Press MODE again to return to the starting point of "Select Item: Object."
Example of Locating a menu
As you typically will be using menus after you initialize and align your telescope, this example will assume you have just completed aligning your scope. AutoStar II displays Select Item: Object after the alignment procedure; this will be our starting point. In this example, we will locate the Owner Info option. See Fig. 45 for the location of the Autostar II keys used in this example. 1. 2. Select Item: Object displays. As the Owner Info option is in the Setup menu, you will have to use one of the Scroll keys to navigate through the list of menus. Press the Scroll Down Key. Select Item: Event displays Keep pressing the Scroll Down key. Notice that all the menus display as you press the key: Guided Tour, Glossary, Utilities, Setup. Stop when Select Item: Setup displays. If you press the Scroll Down key one more time, Select Item: Object will display again. This is because the list of menus or options cycles through each choice over and over again when you press one of the Scroll keys. With Select Item: Setup displayed, press ENTER. Pressing ENTER selects the menu or option currently displayed. Setup: Align displays. Press the Scroll Down key again. Select Item: Telescope displays. Press ENTER. Autostar II will now display all the choices that are available with the Telescope menu. Continue to press the Scroll Down key until Setup: Owner Info displays. Press ENTER. Owner Info: Name displays. Press ENTER again. Name displays, with the second line blank. On this line you may enter your first and last name into Autostar IIs memory. Press the Up or Down Arrow key. Notice that a letter of the alphabet displays. Continue to press one of the Arrow keys until the first letter of your name displays. Use the Right Arrow key to move to the next position so you can choose the second letter of your name. Continue to use the Arrow keys to enter your full name. Press ENTER when you are finished. Your name is now entered into AutoStar IIs memory. Owner Info: Name displays again (if you wish, you can press the Scroll Down keyOwner Info: Address will display and you can enter your address if you wish). Press MODE and Setup: Owner Info displays. Press MODE again. Select Item: Setup displays. MODE allows you to backup and exit through the menu structure.

Tip: The Contrast Adjustment feature is usually only required in very cold weather. If you adjust the contrast so that you can no longer read the display, turn off the power and turn it on again. When Version appears on the display (the initial display screens are not affected by the Contrast control), press MODE.
Brightest Star: Gives you a choice of Autostar displaying "CTR Bright Star" or identifying the star by name during alignment. Contrast Adj: Adjusts the contrast of the display using the Scroll keys. When complete, press ENTER. 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. 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 predetermined 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: Let's you choose a method of alignment. Align on Home: If Calibrate Home has been performed, power up your telescope and select this menu to return the previously calibrated home position. In other words, the telescope is fully aligned according to the setting that were stored in Autostar II's memory during the Calibrate Home procedure. See CALIBRATE HOME, below, for more information. Telescope: Accesses several options, including: Telescope Model: Allows you to select the type of OTA mounted on Max. Collimate: Allows you use the Arrow keys to collimate the telescope. See pages 28 - 29 for more details. Align OTA: Allows you to align the OTA properly if you are not using an RCX model or if you have changed your RCX collimation or mounting significantly from the factory defaults. When you select this menu, Autostar will ask you to center two stars in the telescope that are on opposite sides of the sky. Once you have centered them, the telescope will slew back to the first star. You will then be asked to center the star using the OTA align bolt. These are two bolts, with one in the center of the other. Using a flat wrench, loosen the center bolt. Then place open ended or combination spanner wrenches on each bolt and turn them together. Turn them in the direction that centers the star. When centered, tighten just the center bolt. This will hold the bolts securely in that position. Max Past Meridian: Allows you to set how far the OTA axis can tilt past the meridian. 2 is the default setting. Focal Length: Displays the focal length of the selected telescope. Max Slew Rate: Sets the upper limit for the slew rate. 2.4 degrees per second is the fastest setting. Park Position: After aligning your telescope, select this menu and power down the telescope. The alignment settingsNorth, time, alignment starsare stored in Autostar II's memory and are remembered after you power off the telescope. When you power on the telescope, "Automatic Alignment" displays after the start up routine. Press MODE (do not press ENTER). The telescope remembers its alignment and you can continue 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. Default Position places scope in the home position. Calibrate Home: For permanently mounted telescopes only. After aligning your telescope, select this menu and the alignment settingsNorth, time, alignment starsare 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 choosing the Align on Home menu. This menu helps improve auto alignment. Anti-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 backlash 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.

Train 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 R.A. and Dec motorswhich helps locate objects with more precision. Tracking 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. Lunar: Choose this option to properly track the Moon over long observing sessions. Solar: Choose this option when observing the Sun. Custom: Allows entry of user-defined tracking rates.
Note: Custom Tracking Rate allows you to enter values from -999.999 to 999.999. 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.

b. c. c.

Guiding Rate: Allows you to change the base slew speed, 1x. Enter a percentage of the speed (less than 100%) and press ENTER. This function may be useful in guiding the telescope during CCD and long-exposure photography. See SLEW SPEEDS, page 26, for more information. Dec Guiding: Allows a user using an autoguider to disengage autoguider inputs. Allows you to select N & S, North only, South only, and off. Reverse L/R: Reverses the functions of the Left and Right Arrow keys for controlling the telescope's motion (i.e., the Right key moves the telescope to the left). Reverse U/D: Reverses the functions of the Up and Down Arrow keys for controlling the telescope's motion (i.e., the Up key moves the telescope down). Home Sensor: Turns off or on the True North sensor, if preferred, for Easy, OneStar, and Two-Star alignment. The default setting for this menu is "On." GPS Alignment: Allows three options. Select "Off" if you wish to align the telescope manually (turns off GPS). Select "On" (default setting) if you wish to automatically 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. R.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). You may restore the factory default setting by selecting On.
High 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. 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).

Tip: If the "ENTER to Sync" feature is accessed by mistake (holding the ENTER key for more than 2 seconds), press MODE to return to the previous screen.
Targets: Switches between Astronomical targets and Terrestrial targets. If "Astronomical" is selected, the telescope tracking motor is activated and any object you observe in the sky will remain centered in the eyepiece. If "Terrestrial" is selected, the tracking motor is turned off. 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 35.
Daylight Saving: Enables or disables the Daylight Savings time setting. Note: Daylight Savings Time may be referred to by different names in various areas of the world. Check local time to verify. Smart Mount: See page 55 for detailed information. GPS-UTC Offset: Universal Time (UTC) allows you to add leap seconds to its time calculations, GPS does not. The offset is the number of leap seconds added since the establishment of GPS. Site: Site provides access to several options including: Select: 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 to select displays. Use this option when you move to a different geographic location. Add: Allows you to add new observing sites to the database. Scroll through the list of Countries/States. Press ENTER when the site you wish to add displays. Then choose the desired city in the same manner. However, when the GPS signal is received, the site is normally selected automatically and the site list is updated automatically. Use of this option is not necessary and is included for the convenience of those users who may wish to enter a site manually. You may edit the name of a site using the Edit option (see below). Delete: Deletes a stored site from the database. Edit: Edits a selected site, including: the name, latitude, longitude, and time zone. Time Zone refers to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone shift. Users West of Greenwich, England use - hours, East of Greenwich use + hours. For the United States, look up the time zone shift in Table 1. Note: Autostar II compensates for daylight savings time, if selected. See SETUP MENU: DAYLIGHT SAVING, above. Owner Info: Accesses the owner information menu, including: Name: Users may enter both their first and last names using the Up and Down Arrow keys to cycle through the alphabet. Use the Right and Left Arrow keys to move through the text. Press ENTER when the entry is complete. Address: Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter your street address, city, state, and zip code. Press ENTER when the entry is complete.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

10. After entering the shift, press ENTER. "Edit Time Zone" displays. Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.
11. Press MODE. "Site: Edit" displays. 12. Using the Arrow keys, scroll to "Site: Select." The site you have just edited displays. Press ENTER to select the site.

Creating User Objects

In this procedure, you will enter coordinates of celestial objects that do not appear in any of the Autostar II libraries.You will enter the object's name and R.A. and Dec. coordinates (required information). You may also enter the object's magnitude and size (optional information). Although Autostar II contains an extensive database of celestial objects (stars, nebulae, planets, etc.) that you can observe, you may eventually want to view objects that are not part of a library. Autostar II provides a feature that allows you to enter an object's R.A and Dec. coordinates in the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu and allows automatic slewing of the telescope to the user-entered coordinates. In order to use this menu option, you first need to look up the R.A and Dec. coordinates of the object or objects you wish to observe. Check your local library, computer store, or bookstore for astronomy books, CD Roms, or magazines (such as Sky & Telescope or Astronomy), to find coordinates of celestial objects. The objects/coordinates you enter become part of your own permanent database, called "User Objects." To enter coordinates of an object into the "User: Objects" option of the Object menu: 1. 2. Make sure Autostar II has been initialized and the telescope has been aligned. After the telescope is aligned, "Select Item: Object" displays. (If necessary, use the Scroll keys to scroll through the menus, as previously described, to find this option.) Press ENTER. "Object: Solar System" displays. Keep pressing the Scroll Up key until "Object: User Object" displays and press ENTER. "User Object: Select" displays. Press the Scroll Down key once. "User Object: Add" displays. Press ENTER. "Name" displays on the top line and a blinking cursor on the second line. Use the Arrow keys, as previously described, to enter the name of the object you wish to add to the database. When you are finished, press ENTER. "Right Asc.: 00.00.0" displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the Right Ascension coordinate of your object. When you are finished, press ENTER. "Declination: +00.00'" displays. Use the Number keys to enter the digits for the Declination coordinate of your object. If necessary, use the Scroll Keys to change "+" to "-." When you are finished, press ENTER. Autostar II then prompts you to enter the size of the object. This step is optional. Use the Number keys to enter the size (in arc-minutes), if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. If you do not wish to enter this information, simply press ENTER. Autostar II then prompts you to enter the magnitude of the object. This step is also optional. Use the Number keys to enter this information, if so desired, and press ENTER to go to the next display. "User Object: Add" displays again.

More accessories will soon be available for your RCX400 model. To find out more about these and other accessories available for your telescope, check out the new Meade General Catalog or contact your local Meade dealer. Also check out Meades latest ads in Sky and Telescope and Astronomy magazine.
Fig. 54: The Deep Sky Imager.

MAINTENANCE

RCX400 telescopes are precision optical instruments designed to yield a lifetime of rewarding applications. Given the care and respect due any precision instrument, your RCX400 will rarely, if ever, require factory servicing. Maintenance guidelines include:
Avoid cleaning the telescopes optics: A little dust on the front surface of the telescopes correcting lens causes virtually no degradation of image quality and should not be considered reason to clean the lens. When absolutely necessary, dust on the front lens should be removed with gentle strokes of a camel hair brush or blown off with an ear syringe (available at any pharmacy). DO NOT use a commercial photographic lens cleaner. Organic materials (e.g., fingerprints) on the front lens may be removed with a solution of 3 parts distilled water to 1 part isopropyl alcohol. You may also add 1 drop of biodegradable dishwashing soap per pint of solution. Use soft, white facial tissues and make short, gentle strokes. Change tissues often. Caution: Do not use scented or lotioned tissues or damage could result to the optics.
Do not, for any reason, remove the correcting plate from its machined housing for cleaning or other purposes. You will almost certainly not be able to replace the corrector in its proper rotational orientation and serious degradation of optical performance will result. Meade Instruments assumes no liability for damage incurred to the telescope in this way. If the RCX400 is used outdoors on a humid night, water condensation on the telescope surfaces will probably result. While such condensation does not normally cause any damage to the telescope, it is recommended that the entire telescope be wiped down with a dry cloth before the telescope is packed away. Do not, however, wipe any of the optical surfaces. Rather, simply allow the telescope to sit for some time in the warm indoor air, so that the wet optical surfaces can dry unattended. Do not leave your RCX400 inside a sealed car on a warm summer day; excessive ambient temperatures can damage the telescopes internal lubrication and electronic circuitry.

TELESCOPE SPECIFICATIONS

Total instrument capacity. Aperture. Optical design. Optical coatings. Mount. Gear pitch diameter. Periodic error. Latitude. No. of drive gear teeth. 500 lbs. 16" & 20" Advanced Ritchey-Chrtien UHTC Robotic Equatorial 13.625" 2 arc sec. 0-(RA & DEC)
MAX Optical Design Clear Aperture UHTC Coatings Standard Resolving Power (Dawes Limit) Focal Length, Focal Ratio Telescope Mounting Periodic Error Correction Both axes Control Panel Focus 4-speed front focusing mechanism GPS, North sensors included Pointing Precision Autostar II Hand Controller Alignment North electronic sensors Temperature Control Power Slew Speeds: Tracking Rates Primary, Secondary Mirrors Correcting Plate/Lens Adjustable Counterweights Fixed Counterweights Accessories Total Net Weight

Mount Only

16" RCX 20" RCX Advanced Ritchey-Chrtien Advanced Ritchey-Chrtien 16" 20" Ultra-High Transmission Transmission Coatings (UHTC.285 arc seconds.228 arc seconds 3251mm, f/8 4064mm, f/8 MAX Robotic Equatorial Mount PECTOOL
Ten (10) arc seconds (raw); Two (2) arc seconds with 2 multi-function, multi-port panels
included included 16-channel GPS receiver 16-channel GPS receiver (on Mount) High Precision Mode 1-arc min. Included (147,541 object database) Equatorial Included Thermal stabilization fan 12VDC, 5amp power supply required RA and Dec: 0.01x to1.0x sidereal, variable in0.01x increments; 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x sidereal; 1/sec. to 2/sec., variable in 0.1 increments All models Sidereal, lunar, solar or custom-selected from 2000 incremental rates All models Pyrex glass, fine-annealed Borofloat Requires 2 - 35lb. Requires 3 - 35lb. Requires 2 - 35lb. Counterweights (included) Counterweights (included) Counterweights (included) Requires 2 - 43lb. Requires 2 - 43lb. Requires 2 - 43lb. Counterweights (included) Counterweights (included) Counterweights (included) 8 x 50mm viewfinder, 2.0" diagonal mirror with 1.25" adapter, UltraWide 24mm eyepiece. (16" and 20" models) 329 pounds 140 pounds (OTA only) 190 pounds (OTA only) (no counterweights)
Weights and Dimension RA Housing Assembly Dec Housing Assembly Counterweight Shaft Assembly Individual Counterweight Portable Tripod Footprint radius: 30 inches Permanent Pier
Weights 66 pounds 75 pounds 35 pounds 81 pounds
Dimensions L = 20.75"; W = 18.85"; H = 20.34". L = 18.25"; W = 15"; H = 20.45". L = 5.9"; W = 5.9"; H = 2.96". Height: 26.5 inches;

39 pounds

Minimum Height: 22"; Maximum Height: ?? Tube Diameter: 11.9" L L L L = = = = 33"; W 40"; W 40"; W 40"; W = = = = 21"; H = 21". 25.7"; H = 25.7". 25.7"; H = 97.67". 25.7"; H = 99.67".
Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) 16 RCX OTA 20 RCX OTA 16"OTA + MAX Mount + Counterweights 20" OTA + MAX Mount + Counterweights Optional Accessories
140 pounds 190 pounds 609 pounds 694 pounds 20 pound Counterweight Dovetail Instrument mount assembly
Advanced Autostar II System Specifications
Processors...10 processors arranged in a Distributed Intelligent Network Architecture to facilitate parallel task management (U.S. Patent 6,304,376) Flash Memory..4 MB, reloadable Database..180,000 objects Drive Control..Smart Mount, plus 185-speeds on both axes
Autostar II Handbox Specifications
Keypad...20 key alphanumeric Display...2 line, 16 character LCD Backlight..Red LED Utility Light..Yes Coil Cord..24" Length...6.56" (16.6cm) Width (LCD end)..3.19" (80cm) Width (Connector end)..2.25" (57cm) Depth...0.81" (21cm) Autostar II net weight..1.12 lbs (0.51kg)

Meade Consumer Solutions

If you have a question concerning your Max or RCX400, contact the Meade Instruments Consumer Solutions Department at: Telephone: (800) 626-3233 Consumer Solutions hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In the unlikely event that your Max Mount or RCX400 requires factory servicing or repairs, write or call the Meade Consumer Solutions Department first, before returning the telescope to the factory, giving full particulars as to the nature of the problem, as well as your name, address, and daytime telephone number. The great majority of servicing issues can be resolved by telephone, avoiding return of the telescope to the factory. If factory service is required, you will be assigned a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number prior to return.
APPENDIX A: LATITUDE CHART
Latitude Chart for Major Cities of the World
To aid in the polar alignment procedure, latitudes of major cities around the world are listed below. To determine the latitude of an observing site not listed on the chart, locate the city closest to your site. Then follow the procedure below: Northern hemisphere observers (N): If the site is over 70 miles (110 km) North of the listed city, add one degree for every 70 miles. If the site is over 70 miles South of the listed city, subtract one degree per 70 miles. Southern Hemisphere observers (S): If the site is over 70 miles (110 km) North of the listed city, subtract one degree for every 70 miles. If the site is over 70 miles South of the listed city, add one degree per 70 miles. NORTH AMERICA SOUTH AMERICA
Albuquerque Anchorage Atlanta Boston Calgary Chicago Cleveland Dallas Denver Detroit Honolulu Jackson Kansas City Kenosha Las Vegas Little Rock Los Angeles Mexico City Miami Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York Oklahoma City Ottawa Philadelphia Phoenix Portland Salt Lake City San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Seattle Washington EUROPE

If you find that you cannot see a star because there is an obstruction blocking your view: Press MODE briefly to skip this star. Another star will be chosen.
To exit the training sequence before it is completed: Press and hold MODE for about two seconds and then release it.
When you have completed training: Looking at or near the Sun will cause irreversible damage to your eye. Do not point this telescope at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope as it is moving.
Save your model, using a good, descriptive name, using the Save As menu. Upon completion of the training, Smart Mount is enabled and remains on until you choose Off from the Smart Mount Configuration menu.
Permanently Mounted Scopes For permanently mounted telescopes, it is not necessary to have more than one model unless the weight and balance of auxiliary equipment introduces balance or flexure changes that significantly affect pointing. The best practice is to train the Smart Mount and then run a couple of sessions with Update enabled. Thereafter, simply leave Smart Mount On as the installation default. Other Menus Options Save As and Load The Smart Mount system allows you to save several models you have created (see TRAINING on the previous page) using the Save As command. Choose which model will be the "Current Model using the Load command. Update The Update mode allows you to update training for the current model you have enabled. You will sync on several stars as previously described, which will further refine the pointing of your telescope. Save your model after running in update mode, otherwise the update will be lost when the telescope is powered off. On Load a model from memory (see SAVE AS AND LOAD above) and then Select Smart On. When Smart Mount is "On," the telescope will use the currently loaded model to refine your telescope's pointing, but will not update the model (see SMART MOUNT UPDATE above). If Smart Mount was "On" when you last powered off your telescope, it will be "On" when you start the next session. Off When Smart Mount is "Off," the telescope will not use any model you have created to refine pointing accuracy. Erase The Erase command clears the Current Smart Mount table values to allow a new model to be created. Delete The Delete command allows you to delete any model from memory. To delete a model, just scroll through the names and select the model to you wish to delete and press ENTER.You will be asked to confirm your choice. Press ENTER again and it will be removed from memory.

THE ULTIMATE INSTRUMENT TO VIEW AND IMAGE THE UNIVERSE
MEADE RCX400 PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

SPOT DIAGRAM

MEADE Typical f/8 RCX400 f/8 Cassegrain
ADVANCED RITCHEY-CHRTIEN DESIGN

12 RCX400

On March 26, 2002, Meade engineers set out to design a telescope with optical performance superior to any sold today. It would feature the most sophisticated and technologically advanced mechanics and electronics ever offered. In short, it would be a professional observatory-level telescope for the serious astronomer and astrophotographer. After carefully evaluating the merits of every telescope design, Meade engineers concluded the Ritchey-Chrtien was the optimal design. A fast (f/8) RC design produces a large, coma-free field of view from edge-to-edge, allowing astrophotographers to use the latest in imaging technology to capture tack sharp images over a wider field. Visual observers can view pinpoint stars and extended objects across the larger field of view. In fact, almost every professional reflector telescope in the worlds observatories is a Ritchey-Chrtien, even the Hubble Space Telescope. Although the Ritchey-Chrtien is the premier optical design, Meade engineers saw opportunities for further improvement. Utilizing a precision polished and figured front corrector lens, the engineers were able to create a superior RC optical system by eliminating the typical secondary mirror support structure which causes diffraction spikes that degrade image contrast and resolution. The corrector lens also minimizes the astigmatism inherent in the traditional RC design. Performance was further improved by incorporating computeroptimized baffling and Meades unsurpassed Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum image contrast and brightness. In the hands of the serious astronomer or astrophotographer the new Meade RCX400 is an instrument that will produce razor sharp star images across the entire field of view on par with the best professional observatories. The dream of owning the ultimate Advanced Ritchey-Chrtien telescope is finally here. Log on to Meade.com/RCX400 for more details. Delivery will be on a first-come basis. Book your RCX400 today from an authorized Meade dealer.
All RCX400 telescopes are made in the USA at Meades state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. Redesigned Meade Super Wedge

(Optional Accessory)

Note the extremely small, round star images even at the edge of the field of view. Only the RC optical design can produce such on and off-axis performance. Before the new Meade RCX400 the serious astronomer would have to pay more than three times the cost to get a telescope that delivers this level of professional observatory optical performance.

0.000 DEG on-axis

0.175 DEG off-axis
MULTI-PORT CONTROL PANELS The RCX400 is the first telescope to feature three high-speed USB 2.0 ports to connect auxiliary equipment. Separate control panels are positioned on both the drive base and rear cell of the OTA. Equipment that moves with the telescope, like the AutoStar II Controller and Meades new DSI, can be plugged directly into the OTA control panel, preventing cord wrap. CARBON FIBER & KEVLAR OPTICAL TUBE This unique light-weight material produces superior strength with thermal characteristics ideal for long-exposure astrophotography. As the temperature rises or falls the RCX400s optical tube resists expanding, keeping the optics in focus. BUILT-IN ANTI-DEW HEATER A heating coil is affixed to the entire outside edge of the corrector lens. Because the corrector lens is receiving the heat directly, it uses a fraction of the energy of after market anti-dew heaters. The RCX400s dew heater has temperature sensors, and is adjusted via the AutoStar II Controller. NEW RCX400 ULTRA-STABLE TRIPOD This innovative new tripod was designed and engineered to provide the serious astrophotographer rock solid stability. The entire tripod is machined from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. It features patented trigger release leg locks making height adjustments quick and easy. The tripod can be assembled and disassembled in seconds, making it the most solid, hassle-free and ultra-portable tripod on the market.

0.250 DEG off-axis

100.00 m

@ 5875 Angstroms

LASER ALIGNED, FIXED PRIMARY MIRROR The primary mirror is laser aligned to the true optical path, then float-bonded in place. It is fixed, but literally floats on a layer of adhesive that results in zero stress to the glass and no distortion to the optics (unlike mirror cells or floating point systems). There is no mirror movement. ELECTRONIC FRONT FOCUSING SYSTEM The patented RCX400 front focusing system produces a razor sharp focus. It is achieved by using three encoder controlled motors to precisely move the corrector lens and secondary mirror together. Our advanced front focusing system reduces image shift to virtually zero. COMPUTER-OPTIMIZED BAFFLING Baffles on the primary and secondary mirror are computer-optimized to provide high contrast images. The RCX400s baffles prevent stray light rays from reaching the focal plane.

ELECTRONIC COLLIMATION Most telescopes are not often collimated because the process can be difficult and time consuming. Now, with the RCX400s new computer-controlled collimation system you can precisely collimate the telescope in seconds using the AutoStar II Controller in a simple up-down/left-right movement. INTERNAL ELECTRONICS & MECHANICS The internal electronics and mechanics were designed from the ground up. For example, the RCX400 features balanced worm blocks that allow the motors to deliver the same load no matter the orientation of the OTA in RA or DEC. A new, stronger and more precise fork arm design provides a steady platform and highly accurate pointing. And, the inclusion of an OTA fan accelerates cool down time resulting in faster optical equilibrium with the ambient temperature.

OPTICAL DESIGN

Aperture Focal Length Focal Ratio Series Price 5000 Eyepiece UHTC Shipping & Handling
10" 2032mm f/8 24mmUWA Included $4,999 $145 12" 2438mm f/8 24mmUWA Included $6,599 $215 14" 2845mm f/8 24mmUWA Included $8,999 $265 16" 3251mm f/8 24mmUWA Included $15,999 $385

KEY FEATURES

GPS & Level-North Alignment System Upgraded AutoStar II Controller Cooling Fan Smart Mount Smart Drive (Permanent Periodic Error Correction) Oversized Primary Mirror 24mm Series 5000 Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC)

DE ELI TE EA

Copyright 2005 Meade Instruments Corporation. US patents 6,563,636; 6,392,799; 6,304,376; and patents pending. All rights reserved. 30-04135.

DE ALERS

ASTRONOMICS/Norman, OK 800-356-6603 WWW.ASTRONOMICS.COM/MEADE WOODLAND HILLS TELESCOPE/CA 877-626-3233 WWW.TELESCOPES.NET/MEADE
OCEANSIDE PHOTO & TELESCOPE/Oceanside, CA 800-338-9638 WWW.OPTCORP.COM/MEADE TELESCOPES.COM/Duluth, MN 800-958-6036 WWW.TELESCOPES.COM/MEADE
ANACORTES TELESCOPE/Anacortes, WA 888-996-3233 WWW.BUYTELESCOPES.COM/MEADE RIVERS CAMERA/Dover, NH 866-208-1724 WWW.RIVERSCAMERA.COM/MEADE
SHUTAN CAMERA/Vernon Hills, IL 866-621-6363 WWW.SHUTAN.COM/MEADE EFSTONSCIENCE/Toronto 888-396-3233 WWW.TELESCOPE.CA/MEADE

MEADE.COM/RCX400