Renovation Pictures of the Control Room

After five years of having used so-so paneling and having a large window between the control room and observatory, I decided that the observatory needed a bit of updating. Little did I remember how much work it was the first time but once you tear down, things must go back up. So off to find a really decent panel and that I came across at Lowes. This is a clear grade Pine 5/16 plywood panel that comes in 4x8' sheets that resembles the much more expensive tongue and groove paneling. And then of course you have the trim to do and of course in the midst of things you decide to service the window AC which afterwards decides that the fan motor simply can't run any longer and replacing the fan motor is more expensive than replacing the whole dang unit. And yes, I did check the capacitor. Anyone need a good capacitor?

And then of course the heat comes rolling in but hey, it's June, what did I really expect after a beautiful rare spring. The best thing about a project like this is doing all the things you wish you had the first time. So out come the old desk tops (doors cut down with 2x4 legs), out comes this really nice but inappropriate 5'x5' double pane window, man that was heavy. In goes the nice paneling, even on the ceiling, a light that should have been, a table with folding legs, and a built-in book case in place of the window, not quite finished yet but I couldn't wait for the last red oak boards. The shelves will half as wide as shown and a center piece in the middle. The shelves are adjustable and solid red oak. Moved and installed new receptacles, some new wiring and then of course the automated roof controller system. But wait, can't do too much inside the observatory, I've got three baby birds that have taken up residence and are just to small to be relocated. Of yeah, need to clean the carpet in the observatory. Birds got no respect! Good ole indoor/outdoor twill carpet. Well enough rambling, the pictures are below. Click on the thumbnails to get to the full versions.