A traditional Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) is a type of reflector that delivers a coma-free, flat field of view via hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors. RC telescopes (from a variety of manufacturers) are found in most of the world’s top observatories and NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Because the mirrors in these telescopes have always been very expensive to make, few amateur astronomers could enjoy them. Fortunately, Meade engineers developed a radical new Advanced Coma-Free design by combining a hyperbolic secondary mirror with a corrector-lens-and-spherical-primary-mirror combination that performs as one hyperbolic element. This ACF design produces a coma-free, flat field of view that rivals traditional RC telescopes at a fraction of the cost. The design even eliminates diffraction spikes and improves astigmatism, both of which are inherent in the traditional ACF design. When reviewing Meade’s LX400-ACF Advanced Coma-Free, Sky and Telescope magazine said, “ [It] does indeed perform like a [Ritchey-Chrétien]. The difference between the off-axis images (compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain) was dramatic to say the least.”
|
| |
| |
| SPOT
DIAGRAM |
| |
| Note the extremely small,
round star images-even at the edge of the field
of view. Only the Advanced Coma-Free optical design can
produce such on and off-axis performance. Before
the new Meade LX400-ACF 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. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CANADIAN
RESIDENTS
* Add 20% to the U.S. prices to cover shipping
and all Canadian taxes.
* Add $50 processing fee for all Canadian
orders.
* Product(s) will be shipped to your door.
* All prices are in U.S.Dollars. |
|
|
|
|
| |
| MEADE
LX400-ACF PRODUCT INNOVATIONS |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
 |
| f/8 Advanced Coma-Free Optics: The Advanced Coma-Free
optical design is well known to discerning astrophotographers
and is the telescope optical design in many of the leading
professional observatories of the world. By creating the Advanced Coma-Free design, Meade has taken
the f/8 ACF optical design to another level by adding
a corrector plate to reduce residual astigmatism that
is inherent in the traditional optical design. In addition
many more design features were added to the LX400-ACF for
the demanding researcher and imaging enthusiast with
telescopes available in apertures of 10 inches, 12 inches,
14 inches, and 16 inches. |
|
|
Series
5000 24mm 2" O.D.
Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece:
Standard equipment on all LX400-ACF telescopes, the Series
5000 24mm 2" O.D. Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece represents
the ultimate in eyepiece design and technology delivering
extremely high resolution, contrast and full-field sharpness
over an astounding 82° apparent field-of-view. Only
the highest quality materials were selected to create
this extraordinary eyepiece. The designs required several
different types of exotic glass in order to achieve
the highest level of optical performance. |
|
|
New
Carbon Graphite & Kevlar Tube:
The carbon graphite and Kevlar tube is a unique light-weight,
high strength material with ultra-low expansion characteristics
that will maintain the spacing between the optics, so
that focus settings do not change with outside temperature
changes. This is a critical feature to astrophotographers.
Instead of forcing a perfectly round shaped tube assembly,
the tube is shaped around the mechanisms and drive system
of the front focus and collimation assembly, giving
the LX400-ACF its unique look and style. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
New
Rear and Front Cell Architecture:
The front and back cells of the LX400-ACF are designed
to allow the maximum amount of air-flow around the optics,
in order to achieve the quickest "cool down"
times. To accelerate cool-down time, a built-in fan
on the rear cell can be turned on and off through the
AutoStar II handbox. The rear cell additionally incorporates
a multi-port panel with 3 USB ports, a port for an autoguider,
AutoStar II handbox, illuminated reticle, RS232, and
one for future "Smart" accessories. |
|
|
LX400-ACF
Drive Base:
The multi-port panel of the LX400-ACF drive base includes
a special single High-Speed USB 2.0 input port allowing
simultaneous control over the telescope and either the
Meade LPI or Deep Sky Imager camera through Meade's
AutoStar Suite software. Additionally there are ports
for a power cord input, the AutoStar II handbox, a DB-9
auxiliary port, 12v out power port, and RS-232. Additionally
the LX400-ACF includes the familiar on/off switch and LED
power light indicator. |
|
|
New
Ultra-Stable Tripod:
Standard equipment for LX400-ACF 10", 12", and
14" telescopes, the patent pending trigger release
leg locks of the Ultra-Stable tripod are positioned
at the top of the tripod legs for easy access. |
|
|
| |
The LX400 Advanced Coma -Free Optical System
It is generally accepted that the Advanced Coma-Free is the premiere optical design for medium to large aperture
astronomical telescopes. The primary benefit of an ACF is
the fact that it is an aplanatic design which means it is coma-free.
Coma is an optical aberration that causes star images to appear
comet like with tails that point away from the center of the field
of view. The further from the center, the larger the effect. Fast
Newtonians suffer from this aberration the most, followed by other
reflecting optical systems of various designs. The Schmidt-Cassegrain
or Schmidt-Newtonian design typically has ½ the coma of a
Newtonian of the same focal length. The ACF design uses
a hyperbolic primary mirror and a hyperbolic secondary mirror to
create an aplanatic optical system which has no coma. This system
produces small round star images all the way to the edge of the
field of view.
Meade’s engineering team recognized the advantages of the
ACF design but explored the possibility of using Meade’s
unique engineering and manufacturing expertise to improve on the
basic design. The result is the LX400-ACF optical system which is also
an aplanatic, coma-free design with small round star images to the
edge of the field. The LX400-ACF design is very similar to the ACF and achieves the same benefits by using a hyperbolic secondary
with a new advanced front corrector plate and primary mirror that
together perform as a hyperbolic primary. This design has several
advantages over the ACF design.
- The LX400-ACF eliminates the secondary mirror holder support vanes
(spider) that cause diffraction spikes. Because almost all reflecting
telescopes produce diffraction spikes, many people are used
to seeing them and don’t consider them an aberration.
But in reality, they are a large distortion that reduces image
contrast, lowers resolution and presents an unrealistic view
of the sky to the eye or the astro-imager.
- The LX400-ACF design reduces the amount of astigmatism that is inherent
in the Classical ACF design.
- The LX400-ACF, due to the front corrector plate, is a closed tube
design. This keeps the primary optical components protected
from dust, moisture and other contaminates that might fall on
the optical surfaces of the primary and secondary mirrors.
While the LX400-ACF optical system is as difficult to manufacture as a Classical ACF, it was chosen because of its superior
performance (i.e., no diffractions spikes, reduced astigmatism and
closed tube). Due to Meade's years of experience in designing and
manufacturing sophisticated corrector plates and optical systems,
we are in a position that very few, if any, other companies enjoy.
Applying this expertise and Meade's resources, we are able to produce
this advanced optical system at a fraction of the price that other
companies would have to charge, if they could produce it at all.
|
| |
Precision GPS
Alignment:
Telescope alignment is accomplished automatically using
signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite
system that enables extremely precise communication to the
telescope of the observer's latitude and longitude, as well
as local time. Integrated True-Level and North electronic
sensors in combination with a high-sensitivity Sony GPS
receiver located in the left-hand fork arm result in accurate
telescope alignment to the sky at the touch of a button:
Just press the ENTER button on the Autostar II hand controller
and watch as the telescope measures level, points North,
and slews at 8°/sec. to its first alignment star. Magnetic
declination compensation designed into the telescope software
automatically engages during the alignment process.
Software Downloads and
Satellite Tracking:
The software included in Meade LX400-ACF telescopes is under
continuous factory review; updates to this software are
published at regular intervals on Meade's website. Importantly,
the latest software version, as well as custom and updated
guided tours, comet and asteroid positions, may be downloaded
in minutes from Meade's website. Additionally, current Earth
satellite orbital data (including the International Space
Station, Space Shuttle, etc.) may be downloaded; the telescope
then automatically acquires and tracks the satellite at
the correct tracking rate. The telescope's flash memory
may be upgraded through one of the RS-232 ports with new
software or data as they become available on Meade's website.
Expanded Database and
Larger User Memory:
The LX400-ACF database has been expanded over the standard
library of the LX200GPS to include 180,000 objects. In addition
to more stars from the Hipparchos/Tycho catalog, we have
added::
• The popular "Lunar 100" with the finest
features to see and image on the Moon
• A subset of the finest visual doubles from the Washington
Double Star Catalog
• The PK Catalog of Planetary Nebulae
• The Hickson Catalog of Dense Galaxy Clusters
• The Gleason Catalog of Nearby Stars
• The Landolt Catalog of Photometric Standard Stars
• The Sharpless Catalog of HII Regions
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 pads). There is no mirror movement.
Field Operation:
LX400-ACF scopes operate from eight C-cells neatly stored inside
the fork arms. Alternately, telescope powering may be effected
from an automobile cigarette lighter plug (using the optional
#607 Power Cord) or from a standard home outlet (using the
new optional AC Adapter).
#929 2" Diagonal with UHTC:
Standard equipment on all LX400-ACF telescopes, attaches to
the rear cell of and permits the use of wide-field 2"
O.D. eyepieces. Each diagonal includes a Meade optical-flat
mirror of Pyrex glass, UHTC-coated for maximum reflectivity.
Built-In Dew Heater:
Instead of wrapping a heating element around the telescope's
optical tube assembly to send heat through the telescope's
front cell to prevent dew from forming on the corrector
plate, the LX400-ACF incorporates a nickel-chromium wire heating
element that is in contact with the glass of the corrector
plate that quickly, efficiently, and safely sends heat through
lens using the lowest power drain possible. With two onboard
temperature sensors, one to measure ambient temperature
(placed inside the fork arm) and one to measure the temperature
of the corrector plate, the LX400-ACF can be set to have the
built-in dew heater keep the corrector plate warmed to a
user-defined setting above ambient temperature. By only
using the dew heater precisely when needed, battery usage
is managed to its optimum. All functions to operate the
dew heater are controlled by the AutoStar II handbox.
|
|
Precision
Encoder-Measured
Digital Focusing:
With a laser aligned primary mirror fixed in position, focusing
is performed electronically and digitally by precisely moving
the entire front cell in increments as fine as 1/100 of a
millimeter. Digital readout of the focus position can be read
on the telescope's AutoStar II handbox. There are 4 different
focusing speeds from fine to fast. Since the process is accomplished
without moving the primary mirror, the entire assembly is
virtually free from image shift.
High-Precision
Pointing (HP) Capability:
Meade LX400-ACF models permit the most accurate pointing capability
ever offered in a commercial telescope. Now you can command
the telescope to GO TO an object located on the opposite side
of the sky (for example, a distance of 120 degrees in sky-angle)
and, in conjunction with the telescope's unique SYNC command,
the LX400-ACF locates and centers the desired object. HP capability
is accessible in either the altazimuth or equatorial orientations.
Precision Electronic Optical Collimation:
Collimating a Cassegrain telescope has never been
easier. LX400-ACF owners will make precision collimation adjustments
to the secondary mirror of the telescope by using the arrow
keys of AutoStar II handbox, allowing a single person to simultaneously
make adjustments and see the results. In addition, Meade precision
collimates the optics at the factory and then sets that position
as the default setting. So in the case where one may make
a mistake in making a collimation adjustment, the default
setting can always be used.
Smart Drive Permanent Periodic
Error Correction (PPEC):
Included as standard equipment, the Smart Drive permits a
professional level of drive-rate precision. No longer are
large systems required, worm gear when smaller gears coupled
to Smart Drive software can achieve periodic errors of 5 arc
secs or less-an observatory standard of precision. All worm/worm-gear
combinations, no matter how well made, have minor inaccuracies
that manifest themselves as periodic errors in the telescope
tracking rate, with the period dependent on the worm's rate
of rotation. To program the Smart Drive the observer guides
on an object visually, making corrections with the handbox
controller. The software then remembers these corrections,
stores them in memory, and in the future automatically compensates
for the periodic errors of the gear system. Smart Drive user
programming is stored in the telescope's computer memory forever,
independently of any power source, unlike other periodic error
correctors that must be reprogrammed each time you use the
system. The Smart Drive can be erased, updated, or even averaged
with future programming at the user's option. The significant
value of the Smart Drive is immediately appreciated during
long-exposure astrophotography, where the resulting low periodic
error of the system enables relaxed guiding with a minimum
of handbox corrections. In CCD imaging, where short exposures
of deep-space objects are often all that is required for stunning
results, the Smart Drive often permits imaging without any
guiding requirements at all.
Heavy-Duty Fork Mounts:
LX400-ACF fork mounts are the strongest, most rigid mountings
ever made available for telescopes of these apertures. Fork
arms, are both longer and stronger. This allows the 10",
12" and 14" scopes to go all the way to 90 degrees
declination on a wedge, allowing you to reach the horizon.
The increased fork size also gives more back clearance to
allow imaging all the way to the pole with most cameras. DC-servo-motor-controlled
(12v DC) worm gear drives with almost two hundred selectable
drive speeds, combined with the Meade Smart Drive on both
telescope axes, permit observatory-level precision in tracking,
guiding, and slewing. Photo-guide speeds are selectable from
0.01x to 1.0x sidereal, in increments of 0.01x; fast-slew
speeds are selectable from 1°/sec. to 8°/sec. in 0.1°/sec.
increments. Use the 8°/sec. speed for rapid motion of
the telescope across the skies; once near the target, switch
instantly to a speed of 1.5°/sec. or 3°/sec. for centering
in the viewfinder. Observing in the main telescope, use the
16x or 64x sidereal speed to place the object in the center
of the field.
|
|
Computer Optimized Internal Baffling: Unlike traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain designs, the primary mirror moves along a baffle tube in order to achieve focus, Meade's LX400-ACF primary mirror is mounted independent of the baffle tube. This allowed Meade's engineers to take full advantage of the baffle design to create full stray light cut-off performance, in order to produce the maximum contrast. Additionally the secondary baffle, machined of aluminum with its distinctive outer knife-edges further minimizes stray light in the optical path.
Focus Position Presets:
By setting up to 9 focus positions, LX400-ACF owners can customize perfect focus from observer to observer with different eyesight (similar to the custom settings in luxury cars to change the mirror, seat, and steering wheel settings from one driver to another). The feature is also very useful when using switching to various eyepiece and Barlow lens combinations or from a visual setup to a camera setup.
UHTC Coatings:
Standard on all LX400-ACF telescopes, the importance of Meade's proprietary UHTC group becomes apparent when comparing total telescope light transmission, or throughput, caused by the multiplier, or compounding, effect of the four optical surfaces. With each optical surface contributing significantly to telescope light throughput, the effect of all four surfaces combined is indeed dramatic. At the H-a wavelength of 656nm., total transmission increases from 76.7% to 88.5%, an increase of 15.4%; at the helium wavelengths of 588nm. and 469nm. - strong emission lines in hot planetary nebulae - total telescope transmission increases by 13.8% and 16.8%, respectively; at the two nitrogen II lines of 655nm. and 658nm. and at the sulfur II line of 673nm., transmission is increased by 16%. Averaged over the entire visible spectrum (450nm. to 700nm.), total light transmission to the telescope focus increases by about 15%.
More Info about UHTC
Smart Mount:
Revolutionary Smart Mount technology is standard equipment on all LX400-ACF telescopes. Smart Mount improves the pointing accuracy of your LX400-ACF's telescope's "Go To" system with the following features:
• Constantly improved pointing accuracy with every object centered and sync'ed.
• Works with both equatorial and altazimuth configurations.
• Simple routine to refine pointing accuracy for the entire sky with your equipment configuration and alignment.
• Refined pointing data can be saved and reused for permanent and portable setups.
Altazimuth and Equatorial Operation:
For all visual observing applications, for lunar and planetary photography, and for many CCD imaging applications, Meade LX400-ACF may be set up in the altazimuth mode - just attach the telescope's drive base directly to the tripod, use the GPS alignment procedure, and the telescope's computer actuates 2-axis tracking that keeps objects precisely centered in the field, even at high powers, during the entire observing session. For long-exposure astrophotography altazimuth-induced field rotation requires the new Ultrawedge or the #1220 (for 10", 12", 14", and 14" models) Field De-rotater, either of which may be purchased separately. |
| |
 |
|
|
|
| |
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 |
| Weight w/o Tripod |
84 lbs. |
96 lbs. |
121 lbs. |
250 lbs. |
| Length (OTA + mount) |
18.5" |
20.38" |
23.5" |
31.5" |
| Width (OTA + mount) |
13" |
16" |
19" |
22" |
| Height (OTA + mount) |
34.5" |
36" |
38.75" |
47.25" |
| Series 5000™ Eyepiece |
24mm UWA |
24mm UWA |
24mm UWA |
24mm UWA |
| UHTC™ |
Included |
Included |
Included |
Included |
| Image |
JPG |
JPG |
JPG |
JPG |
|
|
|
|
| home
| about meade | product
information | dealer locator
| 4M Community |
| customer support | investor
relations | dealer support
|
| employment opportunities
| site map |
® The name Meade,
the Meade logo, are trademarks registered with the United States
Patent Office,
and in principal countries throughout the world.
Copyright © 2008 Meade Instruments
Corporation, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
|
|
