I would like to like to share experiences we have had with the various options of backyard observatories.
I have had my 12" Meade in a Pod dome for the past 6+ years. It is strong and durable. Stood up to hurricane Irene, no sweat. Its one of the first versions that is transparent to infared so I keep the scope shrouded with a mylar rescue blanket so it doesn't get too hot. Minor weather infiltration when the snow blows horizontal, but that's pretty extreme conditions. I've added the polar zenith table (PZT) and that has worked to let me see the zenith. The PZT makes the opening and sliding back of the dome a bit of physical exercise.
Though I've been happy with the Pod, I'm ready to move on to an automatable observatory, something I can open up from inside the house or remotely.
Does anyone have experience they can share with the NexDome and it's automation? Share your thoughts here or you can send them to me direct: SGEO@gasilvis.net
Thanks,
George