Shaft encoders work great!  When the scope is pushed off target, it moves right back!  Perfect for star parties!

 

Some quick update photos to show the current round of work:

Added stiffeners to the south load bearing plate

Added angle brackets to lower south bearing plate to keep it from moving sideways

Added second pillow block and 10,000 step optical encoder to the west side dec axis.

Added 10,000 step optical encoder to R.A. axis.

Rerouted all wiring inside south axis box.

Moved 18V battery plug to back of south box.

Added plexiglass top to south axis box.

I've cut the material for the back of the box but I haven't decided how I'm going to mount it yet (door, hinge, slide, permanent, etc.)

Built new north tripod levelers