You only need to use enough motes until just a sliver of the last perk column is green. You do NOT have to do anything more to ensure 2 shards.
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I tested that just now. I only get 1 exotic shard and 1 mote of light if the weapon's nodes aren't all completely unlocked. Thanks for sharing though.
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Well, you did it wrong, because I've done this hundreds of times without fail.
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Same concept applies for getting Legendary Marks from dismantled yr2 legendary weapons. Dismantle it with no upgrade whatsoever, you get 3 marks. Upgrade to just a sliver of the LAST perk column and you get 5. Every time.
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How many motes are you using?
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For heavies and specials I never bother with telemetries because it only takes like 5-6 motes for heavy and maybe 2 more for a special. I'd have to count next time to be 100% sure but that is pretty close, because I do it so often.
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If you have several heavies and/or specials you plan on dismantling in one shot, I agree a telemmetry makes sense. I usually just dismantle as I get them so my vault doesn't fill up.