Our MEC columns come with the proper bases to the the tripod you own. When you order the columns, they already come with the required bases. These column bases are being offered separately, for people who already own an M002CX mount and column but then buy a new tripod using a different attachment thread. In this case, you order one of these bases that match the new tripod, remove the old base and replace it with this one. So these MEC bases allow you to use your column on a different tripod that uses a different attachment thread.
Please note: if the new tripod you are buying is a Stellarvue Denali or Stellarvue Denali-2 Tripod it may not require a base.
MEC 003 Adapter: Use this adapter to mount your column to our Denali tripod or to any heavy-duty tripod using the standard 3/8-16 camera tripod thread.
MEC005 Column and Base: If you have a very old SCT stainless tripod (back when these were made in the US) for use with fork mounted SCT's that uses a 1/2"-13 threaded rod, use this base.
MEC 010 Adapter: Use this adapter to mount to most import telescope mount tripods including Vixen tripods, the Celestron AVX/GP tripods and many others. Measure the diameter of the attachment bolt on the tripod. It should be slightly less than 10 mm indicating it is a metric M10 thread.
MEC 012 Adapter: Use this adapter to mount the column to larger import tripods that use a metric M12 bolt (such as the Celestron CGEM). Measure the diameter of the attachment bolt on the tripod. It should be slightly less than 12 mm indicating it is a metric M12 thread.
*SPECIAL NOTE ON FORMER MEC002 COLUMNS: Our original column used a 5/8" base adapter that was welded in place. Sorry, these older columns were not made for these adapters.
