Product Description
M002C Mount Operator's Manual - Click here for our online manual: M002C
Several years ago, we redesigned our M002 mount into a more advanced M002C mount. This newer version uses larger shafts and a stainless roller bearing, making it even smoother than before.
The M002C mounts directly to large camera tripods with a standard 3/8”-16 threaded hole, or it mounts to a number of tripods using one of our optional rock-solid MEC columns. Mount the column to a tripod, and the M002C mount drops into the column. Secure the mount head to the column with three set screws and you have an impressive, heavy duty, ultra-smooth alt-azimuth mount.
The M002C mount head with combination Losmandy and Vixen shoe weighs 6 pounds.
We manufacture this mount here in America using stainless steel and aluminum. It is machined and assembled in our CNC metal shop, so it is extremely precise. The smoothness makes slow motion controls unnecessary, so they are not included. Simply set the knobs for minimum drag and glide around the night sky. The M002C is a pleasure to use.
In order to use the M002C mount with our tripods, the MEC style column is required. Our latest version of our Denali Tripod (The Denali 2) has a column base. So, order the MEC column only for use with the Denali 2 tripod. Save money when you order the M002C mount, the MEC column and our new Denali 2 tripod together as a complete system (M002CW).
If you want to use the M002C with the former Denali tripod (without the column base) use the MEC003 column. This column has a standard 3/8-16 threaded hole so it will work with many heavy-duty camera tripods. If you are using a surveyor's tripod (with 5/8-11 attachment bolt), use the MEC002 column. If you will use a Celestron AVX/CG5/Vixen type tripod, use the MEC010 column which has a 10 mm attachment bolt. This is the most common bolt size for Chinese tripods. Larger import tripods such as the CGEM tripod and our TSS stainless tripod work with the MEC012 column which has a 12 mm threaded hole.
This latest version of the M002 uses smooth 3” over-sized bearings on each axis. The tension is adjusted on both axis with over-sized knurled knobs. Once the tension is set, it is easy to glide from object to object without the need for slow motion controls. The mount will hold our 70 mm - 115 mm telescopes. The M002C mounted to our stainless-steel tripod will hold our SVX130T and other scopes, up to about 25 pounds. The mount head itself weighs about 6.2 pounds and comes standard with our TDLV spring-loaded shoe to accommodate both Vixen and Losmandy rails. If using a Losmandy style rail, we recommend using a safety screw with washers or a spacer so it will not slide through the shoe when the knobs are loosened.
Spring and guide pin upgrade: We recently improved the spring and guide pin on the TDLV shoe. We now use a machined guide pin and a heavier tension spring to improve the performance of the shoe. If you own a former M002C mount using a threaded guide pin (or no guide pin), an upgrade kit is available here.
Encoders: The JMI encoder system made for the older M002 mount does not currently work with this redesigned mount. If you are interested in a complete encoder system for this mount head, we recommend the Nexus encoder kit for the M002C by Astro-Devices.
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Product Reviews
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Sturdy, well-made mount
I'm using a long focal length (2700mm) Sky-Watcher 180mm Mak with accessories weighing in at 20+ lbs and it handles it effortlessly. I did attach a longer 16mm (5/8") by 16" handle to the clamp to give myself a little extra leverage in moving the scope. The clamp, even with guide-pins, does go a little askew when tightening down on the narrow vixen rail. but it holds the scope securely. The knobs are the perfect size. It's a well constructed piece of equipment, very happy with it.
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Perfect for my needs.
I own a TeleVue TV-85 and used it with the TeleVue Telepod mount on a Manfrotto 475B. I recently purchased a Takahashi FC-100DF and wanted a mount that would allow me to use both scopes on the same mount/tripod combo. This fit the bill perfectly. I use a Vixen plate on the TeleVue and a Losmandy on the Takahashi. I could not be more pleased with how easy it is to switch between the two scopes. The build quality of this mount is also outstanding!
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M002C mount
You know when you first take it out of the box that you did well by purchasing this. Pure quality! Rock solid and smooth as butter. Extremely happy with my purchase. Has made my viewing so much more enjoyable. Fantastic customer service also. Great to deal with!
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Stellar use M002C Mount
Superb simplicity, super smooth operation. I am very pleased with this mount. Would recommend!
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Stellarvue M002C
How smooth is the Stellarvue M002C mount? Try a bright double, Almaak, and follow it at 400X using a 1.6mm eyepiece...effortlessly keeping it in the FOV! This is the finest alt/az mount I have used in 50 years of observing. No need for slow motion mechanisms with this mount. It lives up to it's billing. Mounted on heavy wooden legs it damps vibrations to a bit less than a second when the scope is tapped. Stellarvue has designed a superb alt/az mount. Makes waltzing around the sky a pleasure. Best bang for the buck out there. Planets, doubles stars? No problem. MY highest recommendation. Thanks Stellarvue.
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M002C mount
This is a very nice mount. It holds my AR127 Explorer Scientific with no problems. Can move the scope and have no shaking. Like the tension is easy to set how you want. .It is very solid sturdy mount. Wish had bought this a long time ago.
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Alt Az Mount
Wonderful product! I paired it with the column and handle on an older surveyors' tripod and have a very convenient grab and go rig for spontaneous viewing when the larger equipment is too involved. Operation is smooth and precise. I added an inexpensive adhesive circular bubble level, center index scribe marks and taped on some printable and scalable setting circles (free at Blocklayer.com) and can very quickly find a target of choice from ALT/AZ coordinates off of any phone app. It's fast and easy! Thanks Again Vic and Company.
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STELLARVUE M002C MOUNT
Wanted to use some of my older equipment but making it easier for setup, use and transport. First things first was getting a better mount than tripod head. Really like so far. Rock steady on my Bogen 3046 tripod. Have not needed to use accessory column as elevator post works well enough.
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M002C Mount
Perfectly engineered simplicity with robust build quality.
