Fred,
I’m so glad I found this thread to help confirm what’s been going on with me the last several nights since I moved my iEQ45 Pro onto my patio (Summer Position) from my deck (Winter Position). I posted about this same issue with my iEQ45 Pro awhile back:
I ended up doing the same - clearing the Alignment Data back then and it appeared to resolve the Centering issue. Honestly, I think the best solution is to simply keep the HC disconnected as you can run the mount via the iOptron Commander when imaging and only connect the HC when you use it visually. Aka This way I can keep my alignment data when I want it.
I’m going to give this a whirl tonight.