Observatory Renovation: The Work Begins!

Observatory Upgrade: Making Room for Something New!

Alright, mystery alert! Something big is brewing at the observatory, and that means it’s time to make some space! I just spent two days completely overhauling the “control room,” stripping it down to the bare essentials, re-doing the wiring, and getting ready to add some new components. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so let’s dive into the photos…

Tearing Down the Partition Wall:

Building a New Desk:

New 16-Port Gigabit Switch:

New Flat Panel:

Yep, that’s a lot of wood… :

A Few Overview Shots After Finishing Touches:

New Telescope Shelves:

New Decor and IP Cameras (3 Total!):

Adding an X880 Module for 8 More I/O to the IPX880 V3:

UPDATE 02/15/2016: Another weekend of work, and the new pier is rising from the ground… The mystery continues!

Removing the Floorboards:

Cutting the Floor Support:

Digging the Foundation Hole:

Installing the First Pier Section:

Filling with Concrete, Inside and Out:

Adding the Second Pier Section:

Reinforcing the Under-Floor Structure:

Prepping and Cutting the Floor:

Re-installing the Floorboards:

Installing the Third Pier Section, Filling with Concrete, and a 3cm Mortar Finish on Top:

Almost Done:

Prepping for Wood Paneling: