Meade 16 Inch RCX400 Advanced Ritchey-Chretien - UHTC Coatings
The professional's telescope!The Meade 16-inch RCX400 is an observatory-level telescope for the serious amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. Its 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 benefit too with 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-Chretien even the Hubble Space Telescope. Meade's 16-inch RCX400 uses a precision-polished and precision-figured front corrector lens to eliminate the typical secondary mirror support structure that degrades contrast and resolution and to minimize the astigmatism inherent in the traditional RC design. Performance is further improved by 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 that are on par with those found in the best professional observatories.?Innovations 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. Key Features?Laser-aligned fixed primary mirror that's oriented to the true optical path then float-bonded in place. It is fixed but literally floats on a layer of adhesive resulting results in zero stress on the glass and virtually no distortion in the optics. Unlike the case with mirror-cell or floating-point systems there is no mirror movement. Electronic collimation that takes place in seconds utilizing the AutoStar II Controller in a simple up-down/left-right movement taking the place of time-consuming hand collimation Built-in anti-dew heater utilizing a heating coil that's affixed to the entire outside edge of the corrector lens. Because the lens receives heat directly it causes only a fraction of the energy drain experienced with after-market anti-dew heaters. Electronic front-focusing system that produces a razor-sharp focus with the aid of three encoder-controlled motors that precisely move the corrector lens and secondary mirror together virtually eliminating image shift. Carbon fiber & Kevlar optical tube that provides superior strength with thermal characteristics ideal for long-exposure astrophotography. As the temperature rises or falls the optical tube resists expandsion keeping the optics in focus. Computer-optimized baffling that prevent stray light rays from reaching the focal plane providing the ultimate in high-contrast images. Multi-port USB control panels that allow for direct connection of auxiliary equipment such as the AutoStar controller and DSI preventing cord wrap. Ultra-stable tripod that was designed and engineered to provide rock-solid stability for the serious astrophotographer. The entire tripod is machined from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and features patented trigger-release leg locks to mae height adjustment quick and easy. Internal electronics & mechanics like balanced worm blocks that allow the motors to deliver the same load no matter the orientation of the OTA in RA or DEC and a new stronger and more precise fork-arm design provides a steady platform and highly accurate pointing.?Additional Features??GPS & Level-North Alignment SystemUpgraded AutoStar II Controller C23Cooling Fan Smart Mount Smart Drive (Permanent Periodic Error Correction) Oversize Primary Mirror 2" Diagonal Mirror with UHTC and 1.25" adapter 24mm Series 5000 Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) Improve the performance of your telescope with a Meade filter set.
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