MICRO 2 Mounting Guide: Helmet, Clip-On & Weapon Mounting Options

Pictured Above: MICRO 2 ULTRA mounted to an IRAY-AC36 ADM MQD mount via a IRAY-AC59 Pictail 2, coaligned with a 1.63 centerline DLOC Precision Cantilever Mount on a 9.55" Daniel Defense Rail Interface System (RIS II)

From standalone thermal weapon sight to helmet-mounted monocular, the MICRO 2 platform was built for versatility. Here's how to get the most out of your MICRO 2 with the right mounting hardware.

Since its introduction in 2022, the original RICO MICRO RH25 established itself as one of the most versatile thermal optics on the market. Its four-in-one design allowed users to transition between handheld observation, helmet-mounted thermal, standalone weapon sight, and thermal clip-on applications.

The next-generation MICRO 2 series builds on that foundation, maintaining the platform's versatility while introducing significant improvements in image quality and performance.

Every MICRO 2 ships with a 1.93-inch centerline, recoil-mitigating quick-detach (QD) weapon mount, providing a ready-to-use solution for clip-on and standalone weapon-mounted applications. For users looking to expand their setup, Nocpix USA offers several additional mounting solutions developed in partnership with iRayUSA and American Defense Manufacturing (ADM).

Pictured below: Factory 1.93-inch centerline, recoil-mitigating quick-detach (QD) weapon mount

iRayUSA PICTAIL & PICTAIL 2 (IRAY-AC52 / IRAY-AC59)

The foundation of the MICRO 2 mounting ecosystem is the PICTAIL, an innovative mounting shoe that combines a standard night vision dovetail interface with a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.

The original IRAY-AC52 PICTAIL introduced a mounting system that allowed the MICRO 2 to transition between compatible helmet-mounted night vision hardware and weapon-mounted configurations without replacing the optic's mounting shoe.

The updated IRAY-AC59 PICTAIL 2 builds on this design with improved compatibility across modern helmet and weapon mounting systems by removing a section of Picatinny rail that previously interfered with the Wilcox Flip-to-Side (FTS) Mount.

Both versions allow users to take advantage of compatible dovetail interfaces from manufacturers such as UNV, Wilcox, and KVC while maintaining compatibility with the iRayUSA ADM weapon mounting ecosystem.

For users planning to transition their MICRO 2 between helmet and rifle configurations, the PICTAIL system is a must-have.

ADM MQD (IRAY-AC36): 1.63-Inch Centerline Weapon Mount

Developed in partnership with American Defense Manufacturing, the IRAY-AC36 ADM MQD is a quick-detach Picatinny mount designed to work with the PICTAIL mounting system.

When paired with a PICTAIL, the AC36 positions the MICRO 2 at a 1.63-inch optical centerline, providing a lower mounting option than the factory 1.93-inch QD mount.

Pictured above: MICRO 2 ULTRA mounted to an IRAY-AC36 ADM MQD mount via a IRAY-AC59 PICTAIL 2, coaligned with a 1.63 centerline DLOC Precision Cantilever Mount

The MQD's reversible configuration allows users to optimize the optic's position for different applications:

• Standalone weapon sight: Provides over 4.5 inches of rearward offset for proper eye relief.
• Thermal clip-on: Reversing the mount reduces rearward offset to just 1.5 inches, requiring only four forward Picatinny rail slots ahead of the day optic.

This compact footprint is especially useful on shorter platforms where rail space is limited. The ADM QD lever also allows users to quickly remove the MICRO 2 when transitioning to handheld or helmet-mounted applications.

The AC36 requires a compatible PICTAIL shoe, sold separately, and is compatible with the MICRO 2 series.

ADM Flip-to-Side (IRAY-AC55): 2.05-Inch Centerline Clip-On Mount

For users who want to keep their thermal clip-on mounted while retaining access to their day optic, the IRAY-AC55 ADM Flip-to-Side Mount provides an alternative to a traditional fixed QD mount.

The AC55 allows users to flip the MICRO 2 out of the optical path without removing it from the weapon, making it particularly useful for LPVOs, holographic sights, and other day optics.

Key features include:

• 2.05-inch optical centerline for elevated night vision-height optic configurations.
• Reversible hinge allowing left- or right-side operation.
• Machined aluminum construction with a durable anodized finish.

The AC55 requires a compatible PICTAIL shoe, sold separately, and is compatible with the MICRO 2 series.

Helmet-Mounted Thermal: UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount

For users looking to take full advantage of the MICRO 2's helmet-mounted capabilities, the UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount (UNV-UHM01) provides a highly adjustable platform for integrating thermal and traditional night vision optics.

The UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount is a modular dual-optic bridge system designed to accommodate standalone thermal monoculars, dual night vision setups, and hybrid thermal/night vision configurations.

Unlike basic fixed-position helmet mounts, the UNV system allows each optic to be independently adjusted for precise alignment and comfortable extended use.

Key features include:

• Independent four-axis adjustment: Tool-free vertical, tilt, lateral, and fore-aft positioning for each optic.
• Adjustable interpupillary distance: Allows users to fine-tune optic positioning for proper eye alignment.
• Individual eye relief adjustment: Optimizes viewing distance and comfort.
• Independent articulation: Each optic can be raised, lowered, or repositioned without disturbing the opposite side.
• Repeatable positioning: Indexing marks and locking mechanisms help maintain consistent alignment.
• Modular configurations: Supports single monocular, dual-optic, and thermal/night vision combinations with compatible mounting interfaces.

For MICRO 2 users, the UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount offers an especially capable solution for pairing thermal with a PVS-14 or building a dedicated helmet-mounted thermal setup.

Combined with a compatible dovetail mounting interface like the PICTAIL 2, the UNV system expands the MICRO 2's utility beyond the rifle, allowing users to take advantage of thermal detection while maintaining the flexibility of helmet-mounted observation.

Wilcox Flip-to-Side Thermal Mounts

Wilcox has long been an established name in night vision mounting hardware. Its SkeetIR-style Flip-to-Side mounts provide another option for MICRO 2 users who want to transition between thermal clip-on and conventional day-optic use.

The Wilcox FTS system allows the thermal optic to rotate out of the optical path while remaining attached to the weapon. This is particularly useful for shooters who want immediate access to their day optic without removing and storing the thermal.

The IRAY-AC59 PICTAIL 2 was specifically updated to address clearance issues between the original PICTAIL and Wilcox FTS mounting hardware, providing a more streamlined interface for compatible configurations.

Users should verify the specific Wilcox mount's optical centerline and dovetail compatibility to ensure proper alignment with their day optic.

MICRO 2 Mounting Height Comparison

Choosing the right mounting height is particularly important when using the MICRO 2 as a thermal clip-on in front of an existing day optic.

Mount	Optical centerline	Primary application
Factory MICRO 2 QD	1.93"	Standalone / clip-on
ADM MQD (AC36)	1.63"	Standalone / clip-on
ADM Flip-to-Side (AC55)	2.05"	Flip-to-side clip-on
Wilcox Flip-to-Side	Mount-dependent	Flip-to-side clip-on

For clip-on applications, users should select a mounting configuration that closely aligns the thermal optic with the optical centerline of their day optic. Proper mounting height, rail clearance, and optic alignment help ensure the best possible viewing experience.

Helmet-mounted systems such as the UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount use adjustable optic positioning rather than a fixed weapon-rail centerline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MICRO 2 be helmet-mounted?

Yes. The MICRO 2 supports helmet-mounted thermal applications using compatible dovetail mounting shoes like the PICTAIL 2 and night vision mounting hardware. The UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount offers a modular solution for standalone thermal, dual-optic, and hybrid thermal/night vision configurations.

What do I need to use the MICRO 2 on a helmet?

At minimum you need a compatible dovetail mounting shoe like the PICTAIL 2 and a night vision bridge. The UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount offers a modular bridge solution for standalone thermal, dual-optic, and hybrid thermal/night vision configurations.

Can the MICRO 2 be used as a thermal clip-on?

Yes. The MICRO 2 supports clip-on operation in front of compatible day optics. Mounting height and available rail space should be considered when selecting a clip-on mounting system. 

What do I need to use the MICRO 2 as a clip-on?

The MICRO 2 ships with a 1.93-inch centerline, recoil-mitigating quick-detach (QD) weapon mount that can be mounted in front of a day-optic for clip-on use. If the user wants to be able to quickly transition between helmet mounted and weapon mounted configurations, or prefers their day-optic at a different centerline height, they will need to purchase a IRAY-AC59 PICTAIL 2 mount and an IRAY-AC36 or IRAY-AC55 mount. The ADM QD lever system on the IRAY-AC36 and IRAY-AC55 allows users to quickly remove the MICRO 2 when transitioning to handheld or helmet-mounted applications.

What is the difference between the ADM AC36 and AC55?

The AC36 is a fixed-position QD mount with a 1.63-inch centerline, designed for standalone and clip-on applications. The AC55 is a flip-to-side mount with a 2.05-inch centerline, allowing the MICRO 2 to move out of the optical path without being removed from the weapon. Both require a PICTAIL shoe for mounting the MICRO 2.

What is the difference between the PICTAIL and PICTAIL 2?

The original AC52 PICTAIL introduced a combined dovetail and Picatinny interface for the MICRO 2 platform. The updated AC59 PICTAIL 2 removes a section of Picatinny rail to improve compatibility with the Wilcox Flip-to-Side mount while preserving the versatility of the original system.

Can I run a MICRO 2 alongside a PVS-14?

Yes. Compatible dual-optic helmet bridges, including the UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount, allow users to configure a MICRO 2 thermal monocular alongside a PVS-14 night vision monocular. Proper mounting adapters and individual optic alignment are important for a comfortable hybrid setup.

One Optic. Multiple Applications.

The defining advantage of the MICRO 2 platform is its adaptability. Whether running a standalone thermal weapon sight, a clip-on in front of an LPVO, or a helmet-mounted thermal monocular alongside traditional night vision, the right mounting hardware allows users to get more out of a single optic.

From the factory recoil-mitigating QD mount to the iRayUSA PICTAIL 2, ADM MQD, ADM Flip-to-Side, and UNV Ultimate Helmet Mount, there are more ways than ever to configure the MICRO 2 for the application at hand.

Explore the Nocpix USA mounting accessory lineup and unlock the full capability of your MICRO 2.