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I’ve had my NexDome Obs for a year on the South Coast NSW and unless you have a super high end heavy duty mount in an Obs or permanent pier , I think it’s prudent to check polar alignment periodically ( say every 3 months ) even if you don’t touch a thing for a period of time. So far I’ve polar aligned three times in just under 12 months and yes the error was marginally different (Worse ) Which proves it does drift over time even in an Obs where you have to change filters , maybe cameras etc... you can’t really avoid touching your rig in some way shape or form.
Any reason why you take your scope off an on all the time ( security reasons ? )
In Sydney where I image in the yard on my paved pool area , I’ve left my newt on the mount for more than 5 to 6 months at a time just with an Orion scope cloak and no issues with moisture or mould or insects living in the OTA. I just make sure all the bolts, screws and critical metal work is well lubricated and protected with lithium grease spray and Silicon spray. Also a quick spray of Mortein around the base area too
I got Jack of disconnecting and pulling my OTA off and on all the bloody time , so decided to try permanent mount / OTA and no issues so far ( I just bring my imaging camera inside but guide camera is left on )
Martin
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