Astronomy Telescopes, Accessories, CCD and Digital Cameras

Home+ Store Info+ Contact+ EDU+ Library+ My Account+ Order History+ Customer Login

On March 26, 2002 Meade’s 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 an observatory-level
telescope for the serious astronomer and astrophotographer.

After carefully evaulating the merits of every telescope design, Meade engineers
concluded the Ritchey-Chrétien 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 world's
observatories is a Ritchey-Chrétien, even the Hubble Space Telescope.

Although the Ritchey-Chrétien is a 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 computer- optimized baffling and
Meade's 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-Chrétien telescope is finally here.

Download RCX400 Ad [hi-res] [lo-res]

SPOT DIAGRAM

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.

RCX400 PRICING

RCX400 10" Shipping & Handling	$4,999 $145
RCX400 12" Shipping & Handling	$6,599 $215
RCX400 14" Shipping & Handling	$8,999 $265
RCX400 16" Shipping & Handling	$15,999 $385

MEADE RCX400 PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

The Carbon Fiber and Kevlar Tube of the RCX400

The rear cell of the RCX400 supports the fixed primary mirror and has internal electronics to support a multi-port control panel for attaching accessories, and a built-in cooling fan.

Carbon fiber and Kevlar optical tube with ultra low thermal co-efficient characteristics that maintain focus position over a broad temperature range.

The patented trigger release leg locks of the RCX400 Ultra-Stable tripod are positioned at the top of the tripod legs for easy access.

RCX400 Optical Tube Assembly Panel w/ USB Ports

The multi-port panel on the rear cell of the optical tube assembly with ports for an autoguider, AutoStar handbox, illuminated reticle, RS232, and one for future "Smart" accessories.

The multi-port panel also includes an special single USB input port allowing simultaneous control over the telescope and either the Meade LPI or Deep Sky Imager camera through Meade's AutoStar Suite software.

The front cell supports the corrector lens, the secondary mirror, an advanced computer controled front focus, and the built-in anti-dew heater. It is also digitally motorized to focus the telescope and to adjust collimation electronically from the AutoStar handbox.

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.

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 Meade’s new DSI, can be plugged directly into the OTA control panel, preventing cord wrap.

ELECTRONIC COLLIMATION
Most telescopes are not often collimated because the process can be difficult and time consuming. Now, with the RCX400’s 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.

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 RCX400’s optical tube resists expanding, keeping the optics in focus.

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.

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 RCX400’s dew heater has temperature sensors, and is adjusted via the AutoStar II Controller.

COMPUTER-OPTIMIZED BAFFLING
Baffles on the primary and secondary mirror are computer-optimized to provide high contrast images. The RCX400’s baffles prevent stray light rays from reaching the focal plane.

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.

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)

SPECIFICATIONS
Aperture	10"	12"	14"	16"
Focal Length	2032mm	2438mm	2845mm	3251mm
Focal Ratio	f/8	f/8	f/8	f/8
Series 5000™ Eyepiece	24mm UWA	24mm UWA	24mm UWA	24mm UWA
UHTC™	Included	Included	Included	Included

Electronic Payments