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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Truly a beautiful work of machined art
My long 100mm F9 ED doublet refractor went from over 4 seconds of annoying vibrations to under a second! I am so glad a dropped the coin on this beautiful M2C mount, it was money well spent. It's beefy, extremely well made and very pleasing to look at as well. Its a beautiful work of machined art and it performs flawlessly with its silky smooth operation. Stellarvue is a top notch company that really cares about their customers. Vic was very helpful when I called with questions and with an issue I had and took care of it right away. Thanks dude! I highly recommend it so stop thinking about it and order one, you wont be sorry.
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Great mount!
It’s a work of art and silky smooth. The column gave me enough height to balance my scope without hitting the tripod legs and with a quarter of an inch to spare! Thanks for the perfect mount.
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STELLARVUE M002C MOUNT
This is the first time for me. I just bought a Celestron C6 and wanted a manual alt-az mount. I searched all over and couldn't find anything comparable. I was very impressed. It's bigger than I thought. Very easy to use. I put it on an Innorel RT90C tripod. There is vibration after touching the OTA/mount/tripod, mostly at high magnification that dies down after a second or so. Otherwise excellent. Holds the position even on my sloped driveway. I did need an Acratech 1" riser to keep the M2C from touching the tripod. Very impressed. The weight is good too.
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Stellarview M002C
I just installed my new M002C, I really love it. As I heard, it is buttery smooth to operate. It lives up to its reputation being a great mount. I’m using it with a Astro-Tech AT100ED which is around 12lbs with everything including a heavy 400mm wide field 2” eyepiece. It is very stable and easy to slew around the night sky. I am a satisfied customer.
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M002C Mount
A beautifully crafted mount, very solid at a reasonable price! Very happy with this purchase :)
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MC2
Just a quick review of the MC2 and columns that I ordered. I bought these Items after selling my prior mount. I wanted to get back to basics and just view the sky. I did build a tripod for the mount and everything matches very well. Not a Denali mind you but pretty good...lol. Anyway I have to say this is the best manual Alt/Az mount I have ever used. On both axes smooth does not quiet do it justices. I have my Stellarvue 102 CF access on a losmandy style 8" plate. This unit supports the telescope very well. Now balance is an issue as I found out. but all you have to do is recenter the telescope and slightly tighten the mount and bang perfect. When using I find both axes smooth and silky smooth when panning around. What can I say other then I am very excited to have this one its a keeper. ...
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M002C
A fantastic piece of kit! I use this mounted on a Manfrotto tripod, with a 90mm Maksutov, a bit over kill for sure but the combination along with the optional handle make this setup an ergonomic masterpiece! The smoothness and almost imperceptible backlash make both astronomical and terrestrial viewing an absolute joy. With high quality eyepieces and this superb device I was astonished how far I could push the limits of a small inexpensive scope. The build quality is superb and in my opinion a remarkable value.
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Very smooth and solid
I love this mount! It's much larger than you might expect, but the knobs for controlling the tension are so smooth and precise, and my 4" doublet feels rock solid with the mount mated to a solid carbon-fibre mount (36mm legs). Love that it can hold both D and V style saddles.
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Best in class-
I have used Stellarvue products now for 20 years and have never, never been disappointed.
