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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A sturdy mount with extension column and handle
When properly balanced, this mount moves smoothly in both axes. I am using it with a Takahashi Mewlon 180. With a diagonal and eyepiece, the combination is about 15 lbs and 26" long. Works very smoothly and is a nice quick to set up and use combination. I'm very pleased with the mount's performance. For the record, I'm using it with the 11" extension column and the handle. I like the fact that the saddle plate accommodates both Vixen and Losmandy style dovetail bars.
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M002 Mount
1. Mount performs extremely well and pleased with product. 2. When moving in altitude there is a faint mildly annoying buzzing sound that is not present when moving in az. Wiping the bearing surface with clean dry cloth did not eliminate. I think it must just be machined surface finish on aluminum rubbing on Teflon face bearing. 3. In a quest to find the source of the buzz and because Im an engineer I of course took mount apart. I found no stainless steel roller bearing as mentioned in product description? Each shaft is supported on 2 end by teflon bushings in the mounts box case. Also each movement has large teflon face bearings on friction surface. All good but no stainless steel roller bearing to be found. Bit confusing and maybe disappointing but mount works great. Stephen: You do have the stainless roller bearings but they are easy to miss. They are on the knob side of the box and they are in between the two washers which are underneath the Belleville washer. So if you remove the knob, lift the conical Belleville and first washer you will find it there! Please contact us if you do not have them. We will gladly send them to you. Thanks for the review.
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M002 mount
Solid mount, very smooth movements.Very high quality build.
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Fanatstic AltAz mount
I purchased this mount for visual observing with my Takahashi FC-100DF refractor. When sitting atop a Manfrotto 057 geared tripod, it is easy to nudge while observing, yet it also is very stable. The entire rig is lightweight and portable, and is a great grab-and-go mount. Very pleased!
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M2
Great product! Easily fits my Quikset Samson tripod. Firmly carries my Celestron 6-inch CR 150 HD refractor. Once balanced, easily moves without the need for all-no controls. May install a DSC & encoders.
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Sturdy Mount
Really well built and solid mount. I bought this for a 102mm f/7 refractor and the M2C barely notices it’s there. FWIW, the recommended encoders from Astro Devices was an easy 10 minute installation. Thank you Doug and thanks for the endorsement of the encoders! Enjoy the views! Vic Maris
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M2C - Fantastic mount!
This is amazing and fantastic mount for a telescope! It's super solid and built like a tank. The motions of the altitude and azimuth bearings are incredibly smooth and the tension is very easily adjusted. It's a weird feeling not having to counter balance with weights like a traditional mount. I am very, very happy with this product!
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dougculbertson@gmail.com
Excellent mount! Nicely machined, smooth as silk in both axes, and feels very solid. This will be the perfect travel mount on my Berlebach Report 312 tripod. The recommended encoders from Astro Devices was a 10 minute installation. Well done, StellarVue!
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Incredible mount
I needed an Alt Az mount for my 100mm refractor and my 6" f/5 reflector. This mount far exceeded my expectations. It's incredibly solid and well build. Another great product by Stellarvue!
