Re tripod regidity, if possible in your location forgoe the tripod and install an all weather pier. A pier makes a big difference for imaging, and you get more room around the base than with a tripod. I know people normally think of a pier in relation to an observatory but they can be stand alone. You would probably need to own the property in order to put in a pier footing but they can be dug and constructed by hand. You can always turn it into a birdbath post if you need to.
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