I took a number of precautions to minimise the effects of the expected corrosion. The legs of the mount and all of the leg clamping screws were sprayed with WD40. (More recently, I have used a different anti-corrosion product, ACF-50). Periodically re-applying to keep the protection current.
I wrapped the legs individually in cheap, plastic tarpaulin held in place with Duck Tape, having first applied WD40 or ACF-50. When I first checked for corrosion (after about two years) I was surprised to find none underneath the tarpaulin leg wrappers. The leg wrappers have to be replaced every couple of years because the cheap plastic tarpaulin photo-deteriorates and becomes damaged by the wind. When they are replaced, the metal legs are re-coated in ACF-50 spray.
The protected legs
To protect the mount head from the weather, two, heavy duty chimenea covers are placed over the mount, held in place by a high quality bungee with closing fasteners.
The mount, protected from the weather
Bungee fasteners
To prevent the mount from being accidentally moved, each foot was cast into a small concrete base. The concrete was then coated with a waterproofing compound so that it would not be damaged by frost.
A cemented tripod foot
With this arrangement, a scope can be placed on the mount quite quickly, and be ready for use in just a few minutes.
Whether an arrangement like this would be suitable for you depends partly on the security of your location and how secluded your site is from prying eyes. I have been fortunate on these counts and find the permanent outdoor location of the HEQ5 to be an ideal solution. Of course, security measures are also in place to protect the mount and premises.
