[ edit 9-5-2010: thread title changed, was "Mike R DIY Home Theatre/Basement Thread (4yr proj done in 2008!)", but took 2 more years....]
I've been so busy lately there has been no time to make an "official" DIY thread for my walkout basement/HT project, however due to me getting a nasty case of carpal tunnel (more on that later) and the doctor injected both wrists with steroids so they heal, I've been "off the basement project" for the past two weeks, can "re-start" work on it this upcoming weekend (2/9).

Therefore, this is the official start of my basement/HT DIY project AVS forum thread!
(I've had some specific posts here and there over the past few months, they will be consolidated here)

Background:
We built our loghome and move in May-2002, here it is, front and back showing walkout view:

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5f8-98r65I/AAAAAAAAA_w/GNt0lhrSQYY/s400/DSCN3604.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5f9T98r66I/AAAAAAAAA_4/ocOyVDPVZsw/s400/DSCN3332.JPG

The plan was always to "someday" finish the basement, we had rough image of the basement put onto the original BluePrints, along with some of the floor drain plumbing for the bath was roughed in and capped at initial construction phase back in Aug-2001.

We have 3 kids; 6, 4, and 2, and a 85lb Black Lab named "Jedi". So Life has been very busy and very good, we are blessed with good healthy children.

Basement/HT DIY Project top level image:
We'd like to carry the loghome theme into the basement, and also include bright/bold colors in the rooms to harmonize with our 1 acre wildflower front yard, we have 2.12 acres total.
I'll try to have some log home feel inside the Home Theatre, yet realize the color scheme will need to be done based upon lighting dynamics as the main driver.

Here is basement layout, almost 1,300 sq feet includes:
-Full 9' high ceiling
-Craft room for my wife (11' x 12')
-Full 3rd bath
-4th Bedroom (12' x 14', nice for company)
-Huge walk in closet under the stairs
-Big openplay/rec room for kids/family activities (15' x 30'), includes refrig/sink/microwave area for snacks, lots of storage space for kids "stuff"
-Home Cinema room (14'6" x 18'6" ), I hate the usage of Man Cave for it, and Home Cinema is appropriate since I'm going 2.35:1 screen instead of 16:9 screen
-Utility room where the GeoThermal heat pump is and all mechanicals is isolated from the main basement area as shown in the layout.

Walkout layout has French doors for easy access/movement of stuff (that is west wall), while the craft room has 2 windows and the bedroom has 1 window, short wall is north facing.

I can control/manage the lighting pretty well in the home Cinema room, since it has no windows.

HT Layout:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FPHsjylvEvM/TjgGGOPSVGI/AAAAAAAANJY/-Yv0XMgfBL4/s711/HT%252520Plan%2525202x4%252520Seats-Riser-acoustics.JPG

HT pictures (2011)
Screen shot:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dHOjtPIoTVY/TwmAuqy8VoI/AAAAAAAAORI/2l68_QWbxCA/s800/HT%252520screen%252520PanoramaC.jpg

Rear shot:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TZG5Ps2CRVI/AAAAAAAAMns/yrPmTQk-9y4/s1024/_MG_5464.jpg

Basement layout:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5f7Pd8r64I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xtuRLh76DGA/s640/basementplan_3.jpg


This has been a 3+ year project for me, I only work on it Dec thru March, and even then just weekends, sometimes just 3-4 hours/weekend due to yound kids and busy schedule/etc.
Overall plan is I do everything except drywall.
The 4 year Timeline:
(this was never planned as a 4 year project, initial thought was two years, but life got busy)
-Dec 2004 thru March 2005: Plan & design, changed the stairs going into the basement from a "L" layout to a "U" layout, frame all the walls, tighten log wall rod spring system
-Dec 2005 thru March 2006; Bath copper plumbing, re-do shower drain (add P-trap)/partial HVAC runs (I ran both hot and cold air supply for each room reciric)
-Dec 2006 thru March 2007; Finish HVAC, foil sealed ALL seams on HVAC runs, built home theatre seat riser section, re-tighten log wall rod spring system, sealed bond areas
-Nov 2007; I installed new H20 softener system (gave up on my EcoSmarte system that had it's own thread in the S&V "Just Chat" section a few months back, EcoSmarte Whole Home H20 issue (http://forums.soundandvisionmag.com/audiovideo/board/message?board.id=37&thread.id=154485&view=by_date_ascending&page=1)) and a RO system
-Dec 2007 thru Now (Feb 2008); Plan and did all Electrical (almost 2,000 feet of 14/2, 14/3, and 12/3 romex), ran 500 feet of 14/4 speaker wire for Home Cinema room + Zone 2 and Zone 3 speakers in rec room and Craft room, cables/Cat5 wire for Frt Proj/subwoofer ran, decide to add sink to rec room, cut concete floor and plumb for drain and supply, contracted drywall was started on 12/27/07 and they just finished Friday 1/18/08. We are just painting rooms now, I'm hooking up electrical sw/circuits.

My big picture is done by end of March/early April 2008, lots to do still:
-Paint all rooms
-Install 6 doors + 1 bi-fold door (pre-stain same as main home interior stain)
-Wood trim all doors/windows (pre-stain same as main home interior stain)
-connect all outlets/switches, connect the 10 new circuits (Home Runs!)
-install all elect fixtures/lighting
-Full concrete shower floor
-tile shower and bath floor, install shower glass, install plumbing fixtures
-install all cabinets/sink/toilet
-install drop ceiling over rec room (all other rooms have drywall ceiling, however so many mechanical runs are in rec room ceiling made sense to do drop ceiling there)
-Flooring; Cork in craft room and possible also big rec room, tile in bath, carpet in all other rooms
-Do my IB subwoofer install work (seperate thread I had on that)
-Then, install all my Home Cinema Gear (I'd doing that last as motivator to finish all the other stuff);

Equipment List:
Bought already:
Front Projector: Sony VPL-VW60,
Anamorphic lens: Panamorph Model UH380 Universal Anamorphic Lens (just bought B-stock!)
A/V: Denon AVR-4308CI
Speakers: 7.1 spkrs Paradigm Frt Monitor Series 9, Center CC-390, 4 Rear/back surrounds ADP-390.
(speakers/A/V and PJ bought from local shop in SE Michigan, http://www.avio.tv/aboutus.asp )
Panamax M5300-PM for clean power.
Not bought yet:
Screen: 125"/tbd diag cinemawide screen
I've not bought a DVD of HiDef optical unit just yet, waiting for some more shakeout in the HD vs Blu wars to further drive prices down.

Here is Home Cinema front wall image:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5V1y1VhrVI/AAAAAAAAA98/YwfPPpe_Hvg/s640/HT%202.35%201%20CinemaWideScreen%20layout.jpg

Holy cow, after I typed the above realize still lots of work left, yet I can see the light coming closer to the end of the long-long 3+ year tunnel.
One nice thing, since I've been doing this in yearly phases everything was paid and installed ongoing, so I'm not in debt from the construction phase.
Plus, I've seen the Frt Proj technology change so much, going from 720p to 1080p with fantistic picture image and decent price points, and the HDMI spec has finally settled down, so all my A/V equipment is full 1.3 compliant.

I'll do a quick pictorial re-cap of the project over the next few days, and then I'll have some Q's for the AVS regulars, also hopefully others can gain some experience/insight into their own future projects from that.

WOW you better get bookin

That is a beautiful home! How energy efficient is it? My favorite is where the "Future Workout Room" got crossed off and now it is a "Future Rec Room" :D

I've come to realize there is always someone with more budget/time/expertiese as you, so when you do a project it really is so important to upfront make clear your budget, goals, and expectations.
This way, when you are "done" (are we ever done?) with the project you can measure it from that viewpoint.

Also;
It IS possible to finish projects over multiple years, again, you have to set and know your expectations.
For us, family came first over the project, so very part time, 3-5 hours/weekend, Dec-March. April-Nov mostly outside/etc doing family things.
Started the project with 1 child (daughter, born 2002), and in 2004 2nd came (son), then 2006 3rd child came (son), more reasons - good reasons - not able to put time into basement.
Yea, I did get really-really tired of the question "hows your basement project going?" from family/friends.
Hopefully come April I can finally show everyone.

Here is a brief re-cap of year one of this part-time 4 year project:
Year1:
-Dec 2004 thru March 2005: Plan & design, changed the stairs going into the basement from a "L" layout to a "U" layout, frame all the walls, tighten log wall rod spring system

Before: Big/open 1,300 sq feet basement
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkSdHyljmI/AAAAAAAAASs/gM_oU0cMjCM/s288/DSCN3943.JPG http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkSvXyljsI/AAAAAAAAATc/bwrak0dG5ZQ/s288/DSCN4038.JPG

Have a plan, transfer that plan to the concrete via snapping chalk lines, confirm plan to reality.
We modified the plans a few times based on chalk lines and just talking things thru.
a) initially the HT room went E-W instead of N-S like it is (our home faces East), but because it was next to the Utility room I was concerned with HVAC equipment noise, so changed it as shown. That also made me change the downstairs from a "L" to a "U", which meant the very first thing I did before putting up walls was actually tear down walls and built stairs. Also, added the 45deg corner on the craft room for better walk flow into the bathroom/bedroom. That also will make it easier for bedroom furniture movement, plus when the drywallers put the 12 foot sheets in the bedroom that allowed for them.

Measure twice, cut one. Even then occasional FuPau happenes. No problem, almost every piece of wood was used, very little scrap.
Plus, my kids were able to "play builder" with all the small wood pieces I kept and entertain themselfs while I worked.

Changing stairs from "L" to "U":
Before, "L": After, "U"
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkSrHyljrI/AAAAAAAAATU/AcfXSuLRnzU/s288/DSCN4037.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkWAnylkiI/AAAAAAAAAaM/xOO3PPKFu18/s288/IMG_3318.JPG

I built all my walls "in place", i.e., put the top and bottom plates on first then the individual studs.
Others build a wall on its side and lift into place.
I used wood studs instead of the newer steel studs, just felt more comfortable with them, my friend used the steel studs and loved them, no warping.
I used std 2 x 4 wall construction for most of the walls, the Home Theatre inside 2 walls I used 2 x 6 top/bottom plated and then staggered 2 x 4's for more sound isolation. The outside walls are Michigan Superior Concrete walls.
More on that in year 4.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkTJ3ylj1I/AAAAAAAAAUk/buoIvO0Na5g/s288/DSCN4137.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkTDnyljzI/AAAAAAAAAUU/rMdRDC8obHQ/s288/DSCN4135.JPG


That is Year1 very briefly, cut lots of wood, love the Paslode framing gun, nice to have my dad over at times for that 2nd hand, when nobody was around Iearned other techniques (temp nail, clamps, etc).
I loved this phase, OJT and very visual to see progress as studs went up.
Nice to have a simple $40 laser also for long straight run check.


Next post will re-cap Year2.

WOW you better get bookin

Dude, I'm trying, I'm tryin!!
Really, now that drywall is up/etc we are in the home stretch.
Just me as DIY'er, so by saving $$$ (put the labor savings into equipment/gear) takes just a tad longer.....

That is a beautiful home! How energy efficient is it? My favorite is where the "Future Workout Room" got crossed off and now it is a "Future Rec Room" :D

Thx for kind words, we upgraded the log walls to the 10" round, I believe on the inspection report they were equivalent of R-22 or R-23 "stick walls", plus you get the log thermal mass effect. Ceiling we upgraded to something over R-40, I forget exact. We are very pleased with the energy efficiency of the log home and the closed loop geothermal system, see here GeoThermal Analysis (http://mmrosinski.tripod.com/loghome/id19.html) for a chart that shows year-by-year analysis. We paid $10k extra for the geothermal system, however it has already paid itself off in under 6 years.

Just FYI, my next "green" project for this home in 5 years will be some solar/wind/battery system.

Brief re-cap of Year2 (Dec2005 - Mar2006)
Year2:
-Dec 2005 thru March 2006; Bath copper plumbing, re-do shower drain (add P-trap)/partial HVAC runs (I ran both hot and cold air supply for each room reciric)

I've never really sweated copper pipes before, etc. So, did a lot of reading, planning, made a 3D sketch (by hand) of the new Hot/cold supply routing. Made a BOM, added 10%, did a Home Depot run, ended up using about 87 feet of copper piping, at least 70+ fittings (90 deg, 45 deg, etc). I got pretty good a sweating the copper. Use H20 air hammers everywhere so no noise issue, maybe a little overkill but only $12/each.

My DIY plumbers Secret:
Pressurize the system with air and test for leaks before sweating final hot/cold joints.
I used a simple $4 1/2" faucet w/compression joints that has a schrader valve on it, would attach that to the pipe supply, pump it to 40-50 psi, take soapy water, brush it on the joints I sweated, and hopefully no bubbles (no leaks).
Of the 70+ joints I sweated found 1 leak, quickly re-sweated it. This took 15 extra minutes but gave me, a DIY plumber a sense of confidence.
This picture shows the temp faucet (has compression fittings) at the old/new pipe junction.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkT8nylkDI/AAAAAAAAAWU/sww9E_bJAnM/s288/IMG_0462.JPG


Future toliet supply:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkThXylj8I/AAAAAAAAAVc/nbeDP_WWyk8/s288/IMG_0456.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkTlnylj9I/AAAAAAAAAVk/trBJCMfc6yc/s288/IMG_0457.JPG

Future sink supply:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkTzHylkBI/AAAAAAAAAWE/5ERR9MplIrA/s288/IMG_0460.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkT33ylkCI/AAAAAAAAAWM/DyPmIYLpfGI/s288/IMG_0461.JPG

Future shower supply:
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkTpnylj-I/AAAAAAAAAVs/jr6A5I0HRh4/s288/IMG_0458.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkTuHylj_I/AAAAAAAAAV0/IUl90Rc1VN8/s288/IMG_0459.JPG


In a log home difficult to rech vent pipes, so air intake vent are used (and approved by code in Livingston county, Mich). However, I was concered that my builder did not take that into account for the shower drain, venting, so I realized I needed to "cut the concrete" to vent that drain. In doing so, I also found out he (the plumber) did not install a p-trap beneath the shower drain, w/o that septic gas would have seeped into the shower, stinky. Therefore I fixed that and added piping for air intake.
Before showing shower drain wrongly done by original plumber w/o p-trap.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkUA3ylkEI/AAAAAAAAAWc/HZOTYxoW2wM/s288/IMG_0487.JPG

I added p-trap and routed for air vent.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkUV3ylkJI/AAAAAAAAAXE/jJ6HXHlusM4/s288/IMG_0492.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkUeHylkLI/AAAAAAAAAXU/xCyro7u5gRc/s288/IMG_0519.JPG

Year3 (Dec2006 - Mar 2007) re-cap next post

Year3 brief re-cap Dec 2006 thru March 2007(time goes by so quickly)
-HVAC supply/return runs each room
-foil sealed ALL seams on HVAC runs, including existing HVAC,
-built home theatre seat riser section (gave HT room some image to theatre now)
-sealed bond areas around total perimeter of home (8-10 cans of foam sealant)
-re-tighten log wall rod spring system
This picture shows the current log home tightenting system, effective from 2003 models, mine is similiar but the spring is on the bottom (in basement) and requires tightening 2-3 times over a 5 year period while the logs settle.
(Heritage Log Home system (http://www.heritageloghomes.com/hlhom2/web/research.php?topic=1)Heritage Log Home system)
http://www.loghomeoutfitters.com/lho/web/image_library/thrubolt_home.jpg

The close loop GeoThermal system (http://mmrosinski.tripod.com/loghome/id19.html) was properly sized for the additional basement load when I built the home.
As a matter of fact, we even had in floor heating in our original home plan, but took it out during building because we went over budget.

I put traditional supply vents on the bottom and return vents on the top in each room for air circulation.
Yes, I do realize that looking at HVAC vents is kinda boring :rolleyes: :rolleyes: for an AVS topic, but you never know, others are in their process and this might help them imagine some method for their project. I do look at others in process stuff to gather my ideas.
I always balanced same supply/return for each room, and further put "closeable" grilles on each so I could balance each room.

Decision time:
At one time I did consider putting a zoned system in, would have costed me $2k for all the duct dampers/bypass/etc, but our house is pretty balanced from the original contractor, even with big open loft in summer if it's 70 on 1st floor only 73 in 2nd floor, still liveable and decent, so I decided to save the $2k. My friend did not have his HVAC unit sized to include his basement, so when he did his adding the zone made it possible for him to keep the same HVAC unit.

Just a few picts:
Return vents in 4th bedroom
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkUi3ylkMI/AAAAAAAAAXc/NRzNZLx97Ao/s288/IMG_2935.JPG

Bathroom view of craft room return vent
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkUznylkQI/AAAAAAAAAX8/M5CWSt9vkfc/s288/IMG_2939.JPG

Bathroom room supply duct, view from craft room:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfkU8XylkSI/AAAAAAAAAYM/7u6vvWsp5sk/s288/IMG_2941.JPG

Home theatre riser, egg crate similiar to other risers, built in-place so put lower sheet of drywall in 1st:
(there is a 1/4" gap to the drywall so no vibration transmission, I put soft DAP there, it will be covered by carpet)
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfKExnyliLI/AAAAAAAAAG4/L0L0yx6s9o4/s288/IMG_2929.JPG

http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/RfL6jXyljgI/AAAAAAAAARs/Fw9vIw3gbfY/s288/IMG_3306.JPG

Next post, Year4 Dec 2007 - present.
This is where all the planning/design/work starts to come together and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting very close now.
Should also not be as "boring".......

This post will re-cap Year4 Nov 2007 thru Feb 2008, bringing this DIY thread up to date "real time".

First, I'd like to dedicate this whole project to my wife and family.
They put up with Dad being "gone" downstairs a lot.
Here's 2 of my helpers, their sister has been into "webkinz (http://www.webkinz.com/)" so much lately, but she's helped downstairs also.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R3ds31VhqjI/AAAAAAAAAvU/9-4PwoQTAMM/s288/IMG_5641.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R3ds8VVhqkI/AAAAAAAAAvc/MT3PQ5MQApY/s288/IMG_5643.JPG

-Nov 2007; I had installed a new H20 softener system and a Reverse Osmosis system.
Kept the Whole home carbon filter in the new set-up, water tastes decent all faucets, however I can notice the "improved" taste of RO H20 vs the carbon filtered water.
Lesson Learned:
As a DIY'er I should have installed my own Reverse Osmosis system and saved some $$$, it was so easy for them to install it. I had the unit put in the basement ceiling to save undersink space. Once they installed it, I actually totally re-installed it more compactly so my drop ceiling would not have to protrude around it.
So others, if you have very basic plumbing skilly install your own RO system.

I gave up on my EcoSmarte system that had it's own thread in the S&V "Just Chat" section a few months back, EcoSmarte Whole Home H20 issue (http://forums.soundandvisionmag.com/audiovideo/board/message?board.id=37&thread.id=154485&view=by_date_ascending&page=1)
Here is our whole home H20 system (we are on well water), those A/V/Phone wires/panel was moved higher that day, so looks messy.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R1Z9E4yDszI/AAAAAAAAAn8/IabMQvpocHo/s288/EcoSmartePlusSoftenerDec052007.jpg
[updated info on EcoSmarte Ch11 10-4-2010]
ell there you have it, I just read this info:
http://www.ecosmarteblog.com/2010/06/ecosmarte_emerges_from_ch_11.shtml
ECOsmarte Emerges From CH. 11

It was confirmed on June 3, 2010 that ECOsmarte will emerge from CH. 11 bankruptcy one year after filing for court protection from a lost profits binding arbitration award in 2008.

The order was signed by Minnesota bankruptcy judge Robert Kressel based on a plan that pays out all creditors by July 18, 2010. ECOsmarte CEO Larry Couture indicated the CH. 11 process itself was largely responsible for the successful reorganization.

“ECOsmarte itself became a company focused on financial objectives quarterly as opposed to a business preoccupied with eliminating chlorine and chloride discharges,” said Couture.

During reorganization sales of its non-chemical pool system have recovered to 90% of the record June 2008 levels and sales on non-salt whole house purifiers have ris
en to new record levels as a result of a few key water treatment dealers and rising consumer awareness of health and environmental water issues, according to Couture.

“Our core business, people and balance sheet have never been stronger and I want to thank the dozens of customers that purchased whole house water systems and the dealers that nearly unanimously stuck with us during this last year,” said Couture.

Posted on June 8, 2010 11:21 AMbe careful dealing with this company.....


-Plan and did all Electrical (almost 2,000 feet of 14/2, 14/3, and 12/3 romex),
-Electrical planning and layout:
Tapped into 3 existing circuits and added 10 new circuits:
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5V2UlVhraI/AAAAAAAAA-k/CNdTcQOMiz4/s288/BasementWiringCircuits.jpg

Overview schematic of wiring:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5Vni1VhrUI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/rxOUYaU71hw/s288/Basement12-29-07Master.jpg

Home runs at main panel waiting to be connected:
After working so hard on the wiring phase, I understand the term "home run", felt for each circuit to run that final length.
I have (2) 200 Amp supply panels, my home is 100% electric, no gas/oil.
One panel is dedicated to the GeoThermal unit and the H20, while this one is the main home supply panel.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R3dteFVhqrI/AAAAAAAAAwY/LWynaNpfIOc/s288/IMG_5680.JPG

I really respect tradespeople who do this for a living.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R3dtHFVhqmI/AAAAAAAAAvw/AGMh_GBjzw4/s288/IMG_5655.JPG

-ran 500 feet of 14/4 speaker wire for Home Cinema room + Zone 2 and Zone 3 speakers in rec room and Craft room.
Empty spool of 500 ft 14/4 wire in A/V closet after many long nights.
The A/V closet had "back doors" for easy access from the rec room side, no need for any sliding system.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R4GHMVVhq4I/AAAAAAAAA1c/C0yT9y159uc/s288/IMG_5883.JPG

Speaker wires kept 2 feet from high current wires, crossed at 90deg when needed. Tied and secured for no rattles, used 100 zip ties, quite handy.
All holes sealed.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R4gC61VhrAI/AAAAAAAAA4E/QId64pm9UgY/s288/IMG_5763.JPG

Equal length runs for rear surrounds bundled above door header in random circular pattern.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R4gCyVVhq-I/AAAAAAAAA30/LU-7cWM9YqU/s288/IMG_5761.JPG

This is a good sumamry of my electrical stuff, I posted this in a recent thread (Feb 17, 2011) What size subpanel do you have in your theater? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=20019613#post20019613)
My multi-year project has (2) small sub panels next to the home main 200A box.
(I have a seperate 200A box for the GeoThermal/Hot H20 on a seperate meter for lower rates, far LH 200A box. That middle box is a transfer switch for outside generator to completely feed the 200A box on right)

Box on top is fed by 60A double breaker in the main 200A box, it feeds the majority of the basement (non HT) stuff.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SFk-nUA4tdI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/8jU244Y6XWk/ServicePanel.jpg

There is a 2nd box (no pict) below that box feeds some basement circuits and the HT lighting circuits, I also used 2 slots in the 200A main to feed ground isolated circuits for the IB sub seperately and the other A/V gear.

I did not have enough space next to the 200A box for a 100A box, so instead used 2 smaller boxes.

I started out by totally understanding my current 200A box circuit layout.
Traced/confired each circuit. Since I built my home I wish I had my electrician stuff for this, did not ask for it back in 2002.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TV0m3KuxWEI/AAAAAAAAMUE/O2msPBz6qQw/200A%20breaker%20box%20plugs%20layout.JPG

Listed my new basement/HT circuit needs
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TV0m3NHeF9I/AAAAAAAAMUA/DgOGpBEbRfQ/New%20Circuits%20Basement.jpg

Refer to code book (from Dec-2007):
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TXKpowTg1QI/AAAAAAAAMco/duhK14SzGp4/s400/ElecticalCode.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TXKpojO1wJI/AAAAAAAAMck/pGBT7sOQK7E/s400/ElectCodeLoadCalc.jpg

Did circuit load analysis to confirm within existing 200A box capacity
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TV0m3YVGapI/AAAAAAAAMUI/up9NfrfkRa8/Circuit%20Load%20Analysis.JPG

Figured out where to put each circuit:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/R5V2UlVhraI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/oEieUVeFq8s/s800/BasementWiringCircuits.jpg

Made a circuit layout for wiring the "home runs" from the boxes to their branches in the various rooms.
(I did this 3 times before settling on this plan, a full size copy of this was used for the actual wiring and confirmation along each branch complete, with a checklist to make sure everything done correctly to plan.)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/R5Vni1VhrUI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/_HCxAxZJnUE/s800/Basement12-29-07Master.jpg

Therefore it's hard to say "what is the right size".
It totally depends on your "current" needs, now and in the future.
(get it, "current" :rolleyes:)

for ref here is the excel file I used.
Note: Please check your local code for circuit load analysis.

(continued Year4 recap bringing this post into realtime)

-cables/Cat5 wire for Frt Proj. Put 3 2 x 10 boards in ceiling for flexibility mounting projector to screen distance.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R6Tvmd8r7jI/AAAAAAAABHo/sWl4m150utc/s288/IMG_5751.JPG

-Infinite Baffle subwoofer project underway IB project (http://ibsubwoofers.proboards51.com/index.cgi?board=projects&action=display&thread=1198261510)
That project is underway now.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R4njSFVhrOI/AAAAAAAAA6U/VmwibxZJQUs/s288/IB%20Cut%20ConcretePtII.jpg

-decide to add sink to rec room, cut concete floor and plumb for drain and supply,
-contracted drywall was started on 12/27/07 and they just finished Friday 1/18/08. 96 sheets of 10, 12, and 14 foot drywall.
Actually pretty neat watching them unload the drywall into the walkout basement via the french doors.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R3dr2lVhqfI/AAAAAAAAAuc/r2IliW3RBQM/s288/IMG_5677.JPG http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R3dr71VhqgI/AAAAAAAAAuk/E3iNE-Jey3o/s288/IMG_5682.JPG

My son like watching them also.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R3dsB1VhqhI/AAAAAAAAAus/lqe209HgBEc/s288/IMG_5695.JPG

-We are just painting rooms now, that brings us up to date!:D:D

It is always so funny to condense months and months of blood, sweat, tears, late nights, and a lot of $$$ into a dozen or so posts.

Great work. How about some updated pics?

It is always so funny to condense months and months of blood, sweat, tears, late nights, and a lot of $$$ into a dozen or so posts.

Great work. How about some updated pics?

Yea, what I love is the guys who keep track of their HD/Lowes trips, that is something I should have done. I do keep the receipts, someday I'll add up everything, or maybe not.

Some more progress:
My wife felt our hallway from the stairs to the open play room needed something, so she came up with this diamond pattern for painting.
Of course I had to do some layout work, he is my 2 year old helper getting in on the action:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5792d8r7eI/AAAAAAAABGQ/rJBZoABUP9w/s288/IMG_6039.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R579398r7fI/AAAAAAAABGY/xzpM6QELCQQ/s288/IMG_6041.JPG
This $40 laser I bought from HomeDepot 6 years ago has come in handy so many times, it has this push pin feature for sticking onto drywall and shooting straight line at any angle, really neat, it does not fall off.
Check it out at the ceiling pointing down at an angle.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R5795N8r7gI/AAAAAAAABGg/JuW4itfaf9Y/s288/IMG_6054.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R7uIrhCPinI/AAAAAAAABXY/9GeaC6SFr78/s288/IMG_6716.JPG

We wanted our various rooms in the basement bright and feeling "outdoors-inside", so my wife picked these playful colors, says "we are a family, come play and live here."

Our son's helping out:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R7uGUBCPilI/AAAAAAAABXI/kNDAynrorPo/s288/IMG_6643.JPG http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R7uGSRCPikI/AAAAAAAABXA/28fLuDZsSnQ/s288/IMG_6646.JPG

Craft room:
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R7uIxhCPirI/AAAAAAAABX8/OB71Fl2sMpU/s288/IMG_6721.JPG

Bath Room:
(I have some shower/floor tile work to do shortly, I kinda like doing tile work, guess I'm just a..DIY'er:rolleyes:)
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R7uI0RCPitI/AAAAAAAABYM/G57gkNWacqA/s288/IMG_6725.JPG

4th Bedroom:
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R7uIyhCPisI/AAAAAAAABYE/x5yTWcVXdMc/s288/IMG_6724.JPG

Update status thru 3-6-08:

Hanging doors in the basement rooms.
My wife helped getting the door sorta set, then with clamps I was able to finish the rest myself, not really hard at all.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R853JUppM3I/AAAAAAAABjI/cCSsLrH4tsU/s288/IMG_6776.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R853NkppM5I/AAAAAAAABjY/Gfm9Rckrt6o/s288/IMG_6734.JPG

Had to shim the drywall somewhat on one wall due to warp boards, so you can see I went flush to the main side of the door frame and will need to rip some trim/filler boards for this gap.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R853L0ppM4I/AAAAAAAABjQ/rI-tKyULJFM/s288/IMG_6735.JPG

Bought cork floor for the craft room, expect to install possible this weekend 3/8.

The un-painted white portion here will be our "kids mural" wall, we will paint some outside scene with the kids help.
I've seen this in other basements and it looks neat.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R853XEppM8I/AAAAAAAABjw/QpO1qLaq71g/s288/IMG_6730.JPG

Un-expected expense:
My GeoThermal system crapped out friday evening 2/29, the closed loop pumps/flow center went bad, so I had to sink $1.5k for that :(:(.
Will delay my HT purchases, rats :mad::mad:
(still need Blu-ray, OTA separate tuner, IB subwoofer speakers/amp)

Here's a GeoThermal heap pump not working like it should, even after I cleaned the filter AND took off the return boot to totally clean the evap coil shown still not worked.
Turned out my flow center was the culprit, bad pump, I replaced the whole unit. Of course this happens on year 6 of a 5 year warranty, so 100% my cost.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R9AunEppM-I/AAAAAAAABkY/bi9DaIdseUQ/s288/HeatPumpWacky.jpg
Flow center just before replacement, 1 of 2 pumps bad, but install labor is so much more than capital I just replaced the whole unit.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R9A3J0ppNAI/AAAAAAAABlc/osVWQgagELg/s288/GeoSystemFlowCenter.jpg

wow thats quite a project !! you've got an imagination :)

Enjoyed the photos with the kids and wife. I wouldn't know how to build a theater in a room without kids! Hanging on my arms when trying to hammer, hiding tools....all in a days work.

Looking forward to the final room.

tony

Did you bail on the theater?

Scott

Wheres the updated Pics!

Wow, summer is here and gone, now fall and like Winter in Michigan...

Scott - I did not bail on the theater, we've been using it even though it's still 90% complete! Like many others, kids/vacations/etc.

We are having the big MSU vs Penn State party this weekend in there,
Go Green Go White.

On my "to do" list:
-finish 2.35:1 curved screen (Thanksgiving Sat/Sunday project)
-re-do my rear riser, make it into a broadband bass absorber (between Thanksgiving and xmas)
-Make a small stage in front (I've gone back/forth on this, I like the feeling it impacts on a HT) (between Thanksgiving and xmas)
-Carpet install (over xmas -new years break)
-Front/side hang on wall acoustic treatments (Jan 2009)
-Possible rear corner bass traps (Jan 2009), after room acoustic measurements

Basement progress picts:
Kids rec/play room, they love it.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPr0EPB_rI/AAAAAAAACgc/pSQyS9IaR0c/s288/IMG_9186.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPr1ObxujI/AAAAAAAACgg/Z9VrjxFEvvM/s288/IMG_9187.JPG

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPr1yiX_YI/AAAAAAAACgk/2vWlf-YtZAE/s288/IMG_9190.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPtbrQwYKI/AAAAAAAACgw/m2HYb8pIG8w/s288/IMG_9193.JPG

Over Christmas I'll be installing sink cabinet here with microwave cabinet above.
On the RH side those doors are the backside of my HT A/V closet:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPr2SD1dwI/AAAAAAAACgo/OOAJ1o0gtBM/s288/IMG_9191.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPuQev9SzI/AAAAAAAAChA/qQuhyr-1BP4/s288/IMG_9195.JPG

Wife's craft room, she can do "stuff" here with the kids nearby in their play zone:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPsHg3QA_I/AAAAAAAACgs/jcIxxCDw5ds/s288/IMG_9188.JPG

A Mini-project for the HT in process now, I'm turning a 12" w x 34"h x 24" l base cabinet into a 12" w x 24"h x24" l dual cupholder with drawer/storage:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSP2MEPUHgI/AAAAAAAAChI/VYr0SxSQjHo/s288/IMG_9192.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSP4AhfhIkI/AAAAAAAAChM/lRZC_pFkew8/s288/IMG_9199.JPG

I enjoy reading many other posts here, this avs forum is great for collaborative efforts.

More progress:

Cupholder/storage for 2nd row seats finished just before Thanksgiving:
Cup Holder Solution for Current Chairs - with base cabinet (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15145997#post15145997)
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSvZnNdQczI/AAAAAAAACho/h7x9HYyuwNw/s288/IMG_9240.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSvZn6T6_nI/AAAAAAAAChs/tc3QkqGd0HY/s288/IMG_9243.JPG

DIY screen is finally-finally coming together, ongoing details here DIY Curved Screen with structural extruded aluminum metal framing (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15186244#post15186244):
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/STc1RPHi6rI/AAAAAAAACko/kE-nu1VnYVY/s288/IMG_0128.JPG

Laminate and border should be done by this weekend.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/STc1UkY4v3I/AAAAAAAACk8/nPLRSJIF4dE/s288/IMG_0138.JPG
PanamorphUH380/SonyVW60 combo need fine tuning, still neat to see it.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/STc1V9YwceI/AAAAAAAAClE/Ag4K0oZG6-0/s288/IMG_0145.JPG

Wow!!! Mike you are A true DIYer :eek: Its the best feeling when you know that you made it yourself + you know its done right :) ...

Keeping in mined that there are very few people that are talented enough to accomplish what you have done with your home, I am truly amazed....

Cheers....

Wow!!! Mike you are A true DIYer :eek: Its the best feeling when you know that you made it yourself + you know its done right :) ...

Keeping in mined that there are very few people that are talented enough to accomplish what you have done with your home, I am truly amazed....

Cheers....

Thx, I think most of us DIY'ers have a "I can do" attitude, some common sense, ability to gather information, and hopefully enough humility to ask for help when we are over our head.

Very nice. I like the color scheme too. What was the final screen size and prime viewing distance ?

Where exactly are you located ?

Art

Very nice. I like the color scheme too. What was the final screen size and prime viewing distance ?

Where exactly are you located ?

Art

That is what I was thinking Art! :)
I think we should invite our selves over. :D

That is what I was thinking Art! :)
I think we should invite our selves over. :D

Thx guys, Art and suffolk, I'm Located in Hartland area M59/US23, I went over Itai's home twice earlier this year, he was kind enough to let me see his HT and pick his brain.
Carpeting will be done over xmas, prior to that I'm re-doing the rear riser "slightly" (make it 1 foot deeper, there's a story there, and into a broadband bass trap).

Screen should come in at 128" or 129" diag, depends on my final border scheme.
(12/7 update/final: 130.25" diag @ 2.37:1 ratio, 120.25" wide x 50.75" high)
Prime viewing distance....Initially I had planed on the second row, about 16.5', but honestly I've gravitated to the 1st row, about 10', for the "immersion into the movie" effect.

I'm open to a HEMI viewing sometime early next year...and there are a few guys from my MMBA club who want to check out the HT as well.

Quick re-cap of "Usul" the subwoofer. (this was finished 7/21/08)
I have a build thread at The IB Cult forum, however I want to post here my finished product.
(well, I have to make the rectangular speaker cover still)

Here is my line array built with 4 x AE IB15's, my first DIY speaker project.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SUiEP2npG7I/AAAAAAAADKI/MKYB4Ou3VZY/s400/IronMan1.jpg

I've named this IB subwoofer "Usul", because I had to cut thru rock (concrete foundation wall) to make this project a reality:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R-7qkXo0rcI/AAAAAAAABqM/yjzOXH2i9Nk/s288/IMG_7011.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mtbdudex/R-7ql3o0rdI/AAAAAAAABqU/SNyRmixN8bw/s288/IMG_7012.JPG

wall acoustic treatments are coming in near future.
Yet I am so please with the sound quality, clean, powerful bass presence.

Anyone considering to build a IB sub I highly recommend the AE IB15's, great value for the $$'s.
My total investment is around $1.3k, speakers, amp, EQ, mounting boards, hardware, speaker grille cloth, etc.
I am driving them with the Behringer EP2500 Europower Power Amp, EQ Behringer FBQ2496 Feedback Destroyer (not dialed in yet)


Here are some YouTube videos I made of the Infinite Baffle line array subwoofer 4 x 15" AE IB15's in action (two posts up).
(still a few week before carpeting/other, excuse the messy look)

Kinda dorky play-by-play ;), I was watching/listening to the DD 5.1 demo DVD I got from CES 2006 and the LFE's in there are quite neat, good selection of clips and it was "free".


This video show my 4 speaker line array Infinitely Baffled Subwoofer speakers up close, you can see lots of subwoofer cone movement action:
xFpJL3oH1Z8

This video show my 4 speaker line array Infinitely Baffled Subwoofer from back of Home Theatre for wide view
RtO9P8SP_JY
This video show my 4 speaker line array Infinitely Baffled Subwoofer backchamber area (for the geeky/techno people who care this aspect)
oE-V7s_Rex0

I just hung my DW 128" diag 2.35:1 screen this morning with my wife's help before I went into work, we watched the morning news downstairs.

Tonight she took our 6 year old on a Brownies field trip, so a "boys night home".
I did a quick calibration via DVD, then we watched Blu-ray StarWars: The Clone Wars with my 2 young boys, put them to bed, then popped in Blu-ray Casino Royale.
Here's the screen hung, black velvet border is this weekend project.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SToNR-m8QyI/AAAAAAAACoA/H9459syoMIo/s400/IMG_0259.JPG

Also, now that the screen is hung and 95% done, it's time for center channel shelf
(I put 2 rows of studs behing the drywall so I could hang the center channel so it will appear to float in front of the wall, at least that was my thought 11 months ago, weekend of 12/13 project)

Side profile:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SToNQcfDzvI/AAAAAAAACn4/vA_Ry3E24SQ/s400/IMG_0251.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SToNRLc3JVI/AAAAAAAACn8/ZnMhoPffGS8/s400/IMG_0257.JPG

more details / screen shots here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15186244#post15186244
A few screen shots:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SToD-zEI8xI/AAAAAAAACnc/I2kQEBT4jhs/s400/IMG_0243.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SToECBHCgDI/AAAAAAAACn0/2xrxNydxeUk/s400/IMG_0249.JPG

http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/STn766bAP4I/AAAAAAAACm4/_GGZGr2C02s/s400/IMG_0228.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/STn79zAm9xI/AAAAAAAACnM/KmzVQ0V9FXI/s400/IMG_0237.JPG

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SVT8m14OCbI/AAAAAAAADVI/Yf-rjIFFitE/s400/IMG_0780.JPG http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SVT814Qk7HI/AAAAAAAADWI/chAWcJ7io7M/s400/IMG_0819.JPG

http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SVT8MQg_ThI/AAAAAAAADT8/OTL115dFEKw/s400/IMG_0844.JPG http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SVT8OCqLH3I/AAAAAAAADUE/b414JydX8e0/s400/IMG_0848.JPG

OK, outstanding ! I'll drop in on my way to da U.P., eh? I go thru Ann Arbor (our alma mater) on the way to Escanaba !;)

OK, outstanding ! I'll drop in on my way to da U.P., eh? I go thru Ann Arbor (our alma mater) on the way to Escanaba !;)

Ok, but one condition:
You have to sit thru watching "Escanaba in Da Moonlight", it's been a few years since I watched that.
We saw it in the theater when it came out, I belly laughed in the theater, as did so many others.
Trailer - guys watch this trailer, so funny: Movie Trailer - 480 x 320 (http://www.escanabathemovie.com/trailers/escanabatrailer_480.htm)
Website http://www.escanabathemovie.com/
http://www.escanabathemovie.com/catalogimages/large/ESCANABADVD.jpg
http://www.escanabathemovie.com/images/stills/camp_fire.jpg http://www.escanabathemovie.com/images/Cast_Crew_story/60a.jpg http://www.escanabathemovie.com/images/Cast_Crew_story/27.jpg

Time for status of recent updates before the 2009 New Year begins.
The title of this build thread was (is) "4 year done in 2008", well, almost done. Will finish in 1st Qtr CY2009.
(I tried but can't change the title to "done in 2009" :( )

a) DIY curved screen done http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15287778#post15287778

http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SUPBjsCt2aI/AAAAAAAACr8/JxQmNgRVpzQ/s400/IMG_0376.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SVT81G81dmI/AAAAAAAADWE/gjXowRWzMHE/s400/IMG_0818.JPG

b) Manual a-lens slide done DIY Alum Plate Anamorphic lens slide (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15394629#post15394629)
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SVlWD3ZypbI/AAAAAAAADaU/5KZbaMl_FoM/s400/IMG_9286.JPG

c) Center speaker DIY shelf done
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SUnKBhRSgWI/AAAAAAAADLM/8n9MUqhwDTg/s400/IMG_0480.JPG

d) Light control for walkout basement dual french doors, simple curtains, bought/hung.
Yes, no HT doors at this time, we've opted for a 6' wide opening for the time being, keeping it a family open space. In 4-5 years then we'll put a door there for more sound control.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SVl88NhOpxI/AAAAAAAADag/Dhxn70uyQLw/s400/IMG_0922.JPG

We are watching movies/using the room daily as I get more done.
Next up in order:
1) AV rack sliding shelfs media storage
2) Re-do rear riser, make longer and into broadband bass absorber
3) Carpeting
4) Kitchenette cabinets where the play stuff is (ordered Hickory cabinets from HD, expected in around 1/8 or so.) Sink/Microwave/misc snack storage.
5) Acoustics for front wall/side wall/back wall
6) Full basement bath tile shower/tile floor/install cabinets/plumbing/toilet/etc


Happy New Years everyone!
Off to my brothers tomorrow and my inlaws for New years eve party/sleepover.

Happy New Years everyone!
Off to my brothers tomorrow and my inlaws for New years eve party/sleepover.

Musta been a hellova party. Have you recovered? Any progress?

Musta been a hellova party. Have you recovered? Any progress?

Man, time sure marches on!
I got the middle 3 of 6 to-do items done:
2) Re-do rear riser, make longer and into broadband bass absorber
3) Carpeting
4) Kitchenette cabinets where the play stuff is (ordered Hickory cabinets from HD) Sink/Microwave/misc snack storage.


I have a separate thread here for Fixing my riser: Broadband bass trap and from 5'6" to 7' deep (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1103345) and at Ethan Winer forum Home Theatre:Riser/other Broadband bass traps (http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2032618/Home_Theatre_Riser_other_Broad#Post2032618), that detour in the HT road took 3 weekends/late nights.
I installed (14) 4" x 14" vents: (1) on RH side, (4) on LH side, and (9) along back wall. Using REW I posted graphs of the vents shut and open, all my effort paid off with broadband absorption.
Picts and it definitely helped with the bass.
Side walls:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SXcXCaPlOrI/AAAAAAAADpw/1BGWKMMv2zc/s288/IMG_9396.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SXcXBqLN00I/AAAAAAAADps/NHnXDemXVrY/s288/IMG_9395.JPG

Back wall:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SXcXAs0Qs-I/AAAAAAAADpo/npQA6URJnAA/s288/IMG_9391.JPG

Next was carpeting:
Rear riser (dimable rope lights will eventually go under that carpet lip also, you can see plug for them)
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SYBWS_IrMrI/AAAAAAAAD3g/SVe6i6QWaWg/s288/IMG_9427.JPG
Front LH/Center speaker close up showing pattern
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SYBWUcawYdI/AAAAAAAAD3k/iBllLmEl7Ek/s288/IMG_9430.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SYBWVKSVdrI/AAAAAAAAD3o/Bwd-3IJ-CHc/s288/IMG_9431.JPG
Front wall shot:
(those 2 temp small tables hold my laptop/stuff as I took REW measurements each step)
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SYBWW6TTN9I/AAAAAAAAD3s/jzojdHG_Wwk/s640/IMG_9434.JPG

With the dust from the riser re-do and the carpeting install, I cleaned my painted walls and had another detour.
Documented in this thread Best way to wipe dust marks off Behr Paint... (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15672573#post15672573)
I learned more about paint that I wanted to know....
Not the easiest to see in these picts, but I've got the white milky chalk look others have posted about after just cleaning the walls with warm water and cloth:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SYBWPPZTlaI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/hOFUgU9MpK4/s288/IMG_9420.JPG

Did some homework:
You can see where I painted Satin, Eggshell, and flat enamel (which my side walls had originally) on either side for comparison purposes
LH side wall direct shot & from 2nd row:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SZjM607OkfI/AAAAAAAAEDE/e0GpGZVyD6o/s640/IMG_1385.JPG

Ended up repainting the walls (flat paint), then drying for 3 days, I applied the "dead flat varnish" as topcoat for protection from any future burnishing.

Too many detours! But progress!

Kitchenette cabinets really makes the whole space more live-able!
Making the laminate top with hardwood edge trim, fun to do actually.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScGTT3uEWPI/AAAAAAAAEPI/sGHD4-a_oMs/s288/IMG_9412.JPG http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScGTTGbucgI/AAAAAAAAEPE/hsrJPcd-8E0/s288/IMG_9414.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScGTSdn7HfI/AAAAAAAAEPA/w7TRJaURAdw/s288/IMG_9435.JPG
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScGTRfiE-yI/AAAAAAAAEO8/-DXE3VpIfNc/s288/IMG_9450.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScHfPansncI/AAAAAAAAEP4/1_463sSXJ34/s288/IMG_9503.JPG

Final result:
From this:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPr2SD1dwI/AAAAAAAACgo/OOAJ1o0gtBM/s400/IMG_9191.JPG
to this:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScHfOVj1n8I/AAAAAAAAEP0/zTD4UsL_REM/s400/IMG_9501.JPG

You might see I'm working on my 16:9 manual masking for my 2.35:1 screen in the background, that should get done tomorrow, just apply the black velvet, they hang by magnets.

We've had 3 parties so far with family/friends , still more tasks to do in priority ranking:
1) Full basement bath tile shower/tile floor/install cabinets/plumbing/toilet/etc
>>This will make the basement liveable for people sleeping in the bedroom and a MUST for parties, I'm hosting a NCAA Basketball party Sat 4/4 so been working on that
2) Acoustics for front wall/side wall/back wall
>>Audyssey EQ seems to help but I have to control those sound reflections the "proper way"
3) AV rack sliding shelf's media storage
>>When AV shelfs media storage done then I'll consider myself graduated from being LOGANED.
4) Grafik Eye as upgrade to manual dimmers
>>This I'm considering part of HT 1.x revision

Looking good. Kitchenette cabinets done. Bathroom soon. Nice progress.

Be sure to document your manual masking. Everyone has me leaning toward the 2.35 screen and the maginets sound like the best approach for me as well.

How much light do you get in over the top of the curtains between rooms. I have a 9' wide opening between rooms and I am thinking shadow boxes and heavy curtains.

Hey Dudex;

Nice job so far. I want to add a bar in the basement too, but the cost of granite counter top stuff is a show stopper. So I tend to look pretty closely at other alternatives.

I see that you have a good looking counter top with wood trim around the edges. How did you do the curve around the corner? Are there small corner pieces pre-cut to glue on? Or did you curve it as you held it in place?

What I'm saying is that it looks like a good way to go if granite is too much cash. Any how-to input would help

Thanks, Tom.

Hey Dudex;

Nice job so far. I want to add a bar in the basement too, but the cost of granite counter top stuff is a show stopper. So I tend to look pretty closely at other alternatives.

I see that you have a good looking counter top with wood trim around the edges. How did you do the curve around the corner? Are there small corner pieces pre-cut to glue on? Or did you curve it as you held it in place?

What I'm saying is that it looks like a good way to go if granite is too much cash. Any how-to input would help

Thanks, Tom.

Thx;
I've done the laminate/hardwood edge 3 times now, heres my cliff notes version of the experience:
This link shows my center shelf lamiante/hardwood edge:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15297643#post15297643

This sketch summarizes up easily the top layout/image:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScJ4dg_d6lI/AAAAAAAAERI/jaw7A2Dam-g/s400/Hardwood%20Laminate%20Edge%20Method.JPG


-For the kitchenette counter top I used 3/4 press board (std HD stuff), and glued 3" wide strip around bottom side perimiter for 1 1/2 thick screw attach to cabinet and also 1 1/2 wide for glue/attach the hardwood edge
-45 degree miter edge the hardwood trim prior to assy (cut and tryout carefully for no gap at corner)
-pilot hole in hardwood every 12" for brad nail, glue/nail hardwood to top
-when dry, make 3 cuts per corner as shown, 1st at 45degree, 2nd / 3rd at 22.5 degree, this give starting place for rounding
-using palm sander round the edges, rough grit then fine grit is what I did
-apply laminate to top
-using Roman ogee bit (sp) router the edges
-lightly sand sharp edge if desired so if elbows/forearm lean on the edge softens it
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/woeimages/PowerTools/FES-11577.jpg

Looking good. Kitchenette cabinets done. Bathroom soon. Nice progress.

Be sure to document your manual masking. Everyone has me leaning toward the 2.35 screen and the maginets sound like the best approach for me as well.

How much light do you get in over the top of the curtains between rooms. I have a 9' wide opening between rooms and I am thinking shadow boxes and heavy curtains.

Light over the top of the curtains is a non issue - I'm really pleased with them. Maybe because my 6' opening is so far back of the screen any light spill does not reach it, but basically light goes straight, and the top of the curtains is 2-3" above the opening. If the curtains are parted slightly it does shine onto the screen, so I just make sure they overlap when closed. For now I'm not putting Velcro/other to keep positive closed, not needed.
I have these walkout windows that shine pretty brightly in the rec/play area, definitely need the curtains closed for daytime viewing movies, if viewing HD sporting events open curtains sometimes works but you do lose some contrast onscreen.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SSPtbrQwYKI/AAAAAAAACgw/m2HYb8pIG8w/s400/IMG_9193.JPG

Having that 6' HT area into the rec/play room works for this young family phase we are in, possible 5-ish years I'll frame the doors in there (it was built for that), still tbd. Of course downside is forget sound control, again I did basic construction with future sound control in mind (staggered studs) with double sided drywall/insulated. Not per some of the level others have done but works for our needs.

Edit:
I checked last night and the curtains are only 3/4 inch higher than the 6' entrance way due to wanting them to slightly touch the floor as well for light control there, still no problem and works fine for light control.

Dudex;

Good explanation. It's quite useful actually, and I might start experimenting with this type of construction. Home theater first, kitchen second if it goes well. I might start a thread on counter top options, granite, laminate, copper sheet, etc. Then edge trim types, such as yours, or traditional bar trim.

Did you also make the cabinet doors from scratch? They look quite good as well. Maple? Oak?

I will have to buy a router one of these days. never played with one.

Thanks again, Tom.

Dudex;

Good explanation. It's quite useful actually, and I might start experimenting with this type of construction. Home theater first, kitchen second if it goes well. I might start a thread on counter top options, granite, laminate, copper sheet, etc. Then edge trim types, such as yours, or traditional bar trim.

Did you also make the cabinet doors from scratch? They look quite good as well. Maple? Oak?

I will have to buy a router one of these days. never played with one.

Thanks again, Tom.

Tom;
When building our home in 2002 we had the kitchen spec'd out as granite, but we were way over budget and my builder offered the hardwood laminate edge to give them some appeal.
We did that, saved many $k's in the process, and see no need to change in the future.
Laminate done right looks very nice.
I copied what my builder did, but since he moved to Colorado in 2006 I guessed at the process and came up with my own method.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpFQuTyKI/AAAAAAAAESA/RCxYQBXcKgI/s288/IMG_1503.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpGZe2u8I/AAAAAAAAESE/hMfgt7wSEqU/s288/IMG_1505.JPG

If you do inside corner here is detail of what he did.
I'd make a test piece for inside edge and router it to confirm how it comes out before doing the real deal.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpHal5rCI/AAAAAAAAESI/i8_NZhBUDGw/s400/IMG_1510.JPG

The AV closet doors are the backside of this:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpKqoJ7FI/AAAAAAAAESg/nuognG86uKo/s288/IMG_1520.JPG http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpIPdEgaI/AAAAAAAAESQ/th1YXm5L6jk/s288/IMG_1514.JPG

They were leftover 3/4 MDF from my IB Baffle line array project.
I choose MDF because it is relatively stable from warping, these pieces were in my garage bonus room workshop for 6 months and were flat-flat.
I routered the edge's to take the square look away, the panels slightly warped a few weeks later, I'm thinking the router induced stress on just one side and the panel curved to relieve itself of that.
That's why I suppose "real" doors are panel construction with slip joints to allow for stress relief and minimize warping.
These were supposed to be budget non-visual / non usage doors, hence painting them same as wall, I looked at Habitat for Humanity / Salvation Army for used doors but found nothing that was correct size (non std sizes), so I made these on the cheap.
If doing over, I'd put a much smaller roundover edge on them to minimize induced stress issues.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpIsCZvEI/AAAAAAAAESU/8ApIFF7tEsA/s288/IMG_1515.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpJciMLzI/AAAAAAAAESY/tQqZdKRo71o/s288/IMG_1516.JPG
You can see slight gap in top/down and side/side, eventually when I put doors on the 6' HT entrance opening I'll put foam around the perimeter of each AV back door for some sound noise control, as well as making 2 plugs to absorb/block sound in the openings themselves.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScMpJ__Sf3I/AAAAAAAAESc/TOK_-toRHLU/s288/IMG_1517.JPG

Hi Dudex;

Thanks again. I actually meant the doors to the kitchen-looking cabinets of your snack bar. Not the green ones, the maple coloured ones. Did you make those?

Anyway, keep up the dandy work. And thanks for more detail on your countertops, and the inside corner view. My wheels are starting to turn....

Tom.

Hi Dudex;

Thanks again. I actually meant the doors to the kitchen-looking cabinets of your snack bar. Not the green ones, the maple coloured ones. Did you make those?

Anyway, keep up the dandy work. And thanks for more detail on your countertops, and the inside corner view. My wheels are starting to turn....

Tom.

Those cabinets and doors are Natural Hickory from HD, I just installed them.

I was actually looking at Knotty Pine cabinets from Menard's but did not quite find what I was looking for, so switched to Hickory, I love the grain in the wood.

Made manual masks for my 2.35:1 screen to view 16:9 stuff this weekend.

Details in my screen build thread located in the 2.35:1 DIY screen forum, this link will take you to that portion:
Manual masking panel for 2.35:1 screen for 16:9 viewing (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16092636#post16092636)

Cliff notes summary:
Found these foil back 3/4" foam boards at the Lansing Michigan Menards back in January, lightweight and much sturdier than just foam boards.
Cheap, around $10 for a 4' x 8', cut in half at the store to fit in my car.

Prior during screen build I placed the 3/8" dia magnets in the border.

Used a paper template to ensure placement of the magnets, you can see the 5 magnets embedded in the foil/foam board just flush with surface:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScUMf1q74xI/AAAAAAAAEUw/vR445AFLJjE/s400/IMG_9491.JPG

Used foil HVAC tape to hold magnets in, wrap both panels in black velvet, staple with 1/2" staples, the foil helps keep the staples secure in the foam.

Result, great for HD sports!
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScULLY2DviI/AAAAAAAAETs/m6PfL_Oo88c/s400/Mask_ESPN.jpg

Of course my 3 year old was watching Sponge Bob, so what the heck here is that for the family people here:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScULL03WUiI/AAAAAAAAETw/ASKd0mvpFl8/s400/Mask_SpongeBob.jpg

On more small project done.

Next up, bathroom:
-Shower stall full tile floor/wall
-Bathroom tile floor
-Toilet install
-Cabinet install
-Make laminate top, sink install
-Shower door install
-fixture install, sink and shower
-baseboard mldg install
3 weeks for this bath??? No bets on this one, we'll see my spring time motivation index.

Bathroom, shower sub-project:
I'm making a traditional full cement tile floor/curb.
I did this similar project 7 years ago (2002) in our Master Bath during our home construction, but I forgot some of the details and had to re-read up on how-to-do.
Loghome Master Bath Project (http://mmrosinski.tripod.com/loghome/id20.html)
Weekday Wed 3/18/09 progress:
Step 1:
Prepare shower waste pipe for drain.
2 years ago when I added the p-trap and air vent
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/RfkUV3ylkJI/AAAAAAAAAXE/bK6LLE0OWiM/s288/IMG_0492.JPG

I did not correctly take into account the shower drain config, so I had to break concrete for correct height setting of the lower portion:
Smash and remove some 2-ish year old poured concrete:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Scbj9BYJcII/AAAAAAAAEWM/_kzZ5DhRnkA/s288/IMG_9486.JPG

Cut drain pipe to correct height to allow lower portion of shower drain to sit 3/4" above the basement floor (that's the min thickness of the concrete, and those "feet" emboss for screws will just rest there:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Scbj8MoEB8I/AAAAAAAAEWE/q9Us_FQPVlM/s288/IMG_9488.JPG

Pour cement just in the re-done area, clamp is used to hold the assy level while drying:
(it was just simple pressure, not forced)
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Scbj7vr0LGI/AAAAAAAAEWA/tFC7jBXXsEg/s288/IMG_9489.JPG

Let dry 2 days.

Weekend 3/21 progress:
Laydown roofers paper, cut/install shims along inside perimeter for ref when pouring concrete for 1/4" per foot slope under tile portion.
(which goes UNDER the to be installed PVC membrane)
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Scbevx6KfeI/AAAAAAAAEVs/ak5yHoKxffw/s288/IMG_9524.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScbewUGXfNI/AAAAAAAAEVw/hQc9VzKqr0o/s288/IMG_9525.JPG

Train my helpers in the fine art of cement mixing, not too much H20, not too little...
They took off their shirts on their own just in case of cement splashing, don’t they look like “real workers”, minus the butt crack/overhang belly…..
(no offense to the real pros who read this forum intended)
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScbexQvrrUI/AAAAAAAAEV0/fISkIGl8psg/s288/IMG_9527.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScbeyCNCRHI/AAAAAAAAEV4/mUEgwgKfsa0/s288/IMG_9528.JPG

Cut 3 scree boards for making the slope from drain to perimeter guides.
Almost (3) 80lb bags went into this so far.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Scbey3-IviI/AAAAAAAAEV8/X-80SXxQU6I/s400/IMG_9530.JPG

That is where it is as of Sunday 3/22 evening, just as the MSU Spartans were clinching their victory over USC!

Next up:
Preparing and install the shower membrane before the next pouring of concrete.

oh wow, I'm LOVING that manual side masking method.

Like the story I read my kids at night,
sloow and steady wins the race....:rolleyes:

Gosh with nice outdoor weather/kids sports where the heck is my final 2-3% project completion time gonna come from??

Finally more progress on the bathroom:

Sloped cement subfloor done in March, next the PVC liner install.
Measure, buy PVC liner from HomeDepot, cut to size (a few trial measures done), dry fit, make corner PVC patches/cement in.
Prep for gooy roof tar under the PVC everywhere:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ShCgweOA6iI/AAAAAAAAFCk/1fx5HEHK5aQ/s288/IMG_9669.jpg

Messy putting roof tar everywhere, put liner in center, unfold, luckly 99% in correct location, call it good.
Cut center hole, install drain flange, staple at non H20 areas.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ShCgxBB_SFI/AAAAAAAAFCo/fU8xF7Hv_lQ/s288/IMG_9670.jpg

Kids were everywhere helping, and dancing afterwards:
(April 13, 2009)
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ShChK8UWtQI/AAAAAAAAFCs/HbSjEoeopIE/s288/IMG_9677.JPG

Cement board installed, May 3 - May 12:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ShCmo-8mk4I/AAAAAAAAFDQ/b8mSsJfimmE/s288/IMG_9678.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ShChdhYdmJI/AAAAAAAAFCw/uid2qXXiwAI/s288/IMG_9680.jpg

Wire reinf mesh cut to size, temp installed.
I'll be putting 1" constant thickness cement on top the liner, 1/2" cement, then the wire mesh, then 1/2" more cement.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ShChncBTCsI/AAAAAAAAFC0/Egv37eHepBM/s288/IMG_9687.jpg

I've made temp inside/outside forms for the cement curb, those are in garage bonus room/woodshop until next weekend memorial Friday, when I float the shower floor and curb same day.

Let's see, I'm still "Loganed" 13 months later....after this bathroom is done I'll finally work on the HT side wall acoustic panels, once those are done then I'll consider the HT done and I can get "de-Loganed", maybe Mid-July?


Happy Memorial weekend to everyone, I've not been posting much in others thread(s) but have been reading them in spare time.

Thanks for the info on making your riser into a bass trap.

CJ

Thanks for the info on making your riser into a bass trap.

CJ

You are welcome - real thanks goes to Ethan W for his guidance, that side detour added a few weeks to the HT build, but are worth it.
IMO riser + broad band bass trap should be on every HT checklist that uses a seat riser in the rear, efficient usage of space.

btw;
I did add rope lights to my riser lip this past April, Marks "The Tupalev Family Home Theater Construction Thread" thread helped http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15834539#post15834539.
I posted these comments in Marks thread related to my experience with rope lights:
With them dimmed quite a bit still reduced the screen contrast on the lower portion too much for me.
I was using the rope as stair step lights, ended up putting painters tape on the screen facing face which helped eliminate the shine onto the screen but still left it shining down.

Looks sorts "ghetto" if you stare at it, I'd like to put something else there to block the light from shining onto the screen but still allow it to go down.
(gives guests confidence while watching HT to enter/leave the area).

I went el-cheapo Home Depot rope lights/opaque tracks, a 12' section + one 2' section.
Probably paid $20-ish total.

What I can say 3 months later, nobody has even seen the blue painters tape I used to reduce glare, so it's simple effective and not noticeable.
Works for me then to just leave it as is.

We put them at 30-40% brightness, good balance for that "secure feeling" when pitch black w/o being a distraction.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Se9pW_GYdDI/AAAAAAAAEpM/rnYzk-6m8SE/s288/IMG_1924.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Se9pXww8adI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/lCaDwgYTN3Q/s288/IMG_1925.JPG
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Se9pYheGH-I/AAAAAAAAEpU/KMQ_IfK2Ai0/s400/IMG_1928.JPG

I like the secret reach around death grip on the esophagus: http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ScbeyCNCRHI/AAAAAAAAEV4/mUEgwgKfsa0/s400/IMG_9528.JPG

I like the secret reach around death grip on the esophagus:

Too much Star Wars maybe?

How does that song go?

"It's just brotherly love, brotherly love"

They are 18 months apart, 5 and 3 1/2, and push/shove/love/scream/cry/hug all in a span of 15 minutes...

Happy 4th!

Looking at the exterior pics, I'm pretty sure I've driven by your house before (I live in Ann Arbor). Great looking theater.

You know your house looks familiar to me also. Is it in Pinckney off d-19?
If it is, I am coming over to watch a movie because I live 5 min away!

I'll bring my boys who are the exact same age as yours and treat each other the same way(it changes from minute to minute).

Nice looking theater.

Thx guys for compliments on our home, since we are tucked away on private road 1 mile from US23/M59 in Howell/Hartland, most people have not driven by our place.

Maintenance not as bad as some might imagine, I've stained on the top of my 36' ladder and a rent-a-bucket, ($$$'s for a weekend).
Ladder is cheaper but bucket is neater to operate :D
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SYiF1a3_GbI/AAAAAAAAD-0/kbjQhVPD1ns/s400/ReStainLogHomeEquip.jpg

I'm looking forward to the 6-8 year UV stains under development, right now every 4 years need to re-stain, which means I'll be re-staining either this fall or next spring.
I use the low tech method, 2 gallon garden sprayer with back-brush technique.

Mike,

How are your geothermal unit(s) doing? I can't tell from your pictures what brand you went with. I have ClimateMasters and after replacing some "known" bad boards everything has been fine.

Also, can I ask what that water treatment system is? Water softener + ?

Thanks!

Mike,

How are your geothermal unit(s) doing? I can't tell from your pictures what brand you went with. I have ClimateMasters and after replacing some "known" bad boards everything has been fine.

Also, can I ask what that water treatment system is? Water softener + ?

Thanks!

Josh;
When we built our log home in 2001-2002 we wanted a whole home H20 system, I did research and spent $4.5k on a Ecosmarte whole home salt free system.
>>Look here for my blog and issues with that Issues & Problems with EcoSmarte POE whole home system (http://forums.soundandvisionmag.com/showthread.php?t=315777)

Cliff notes: We wasted $4.5 k :mad:

I should update that thread, in Nov-2007 we bought a salt based H20 softener, we kept the whole home carbon and Iron tanks in the loop since I paid for them already. Cost me $200 to have them re-loaded. H20 tastes top notch everywhere. However I did add reverse-osomis system for the kitchen sink, I like the idea of having "pristine" H20.

The GeoThermal system, besides that pump issue, it rocks saving $$'s.
The GeoPump is by Mammoth......................This relay went bad 1.5 yrs old, warranty replaced.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S0jlQDvXIlI/AAAAAAAAIro/iv-qLdi6aAY/s288/GeoThermal2010.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S0jlQeFC2OI/AAAAAAAAIrs/E8MmTC4lN1o/s288/IMG_9779.JPG

Hows your monthly bill and savings? I figure mine has just "paid for itself" after 7 years.

I've probably help sell a few telling people how much $$ saved, $165/month averaged total home energy bill.
I stopped monthly tracking after 4 years of data.
Log home GeoThermal System (http://mmrosinski.tripod.com/loghome/id19.html)
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SsaRf-l69GI/AAAAAAAAHhc/ILeAbTvO4vM/s288/dtedec2006.jpg

Some updates to this thread....Someday I'll get off the Logan list also....

Circia May-2009:
Forms for shower curb tried out: Made sure drainage stones correct:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRaWLnOiI/AAAAAAAAJgY/g4aqcDrEvdY/s288/IMG_9720.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRa5Dy_rI/AAAAAAAAJgc/l6iLCiqb8v0/s288/IMG_9723.JPG

My boys helping mixing cement, Putting 1/2 mortar down, then wire mesh, then top mortar:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRbY9tQvI/AAAAAAAAJgg/a2Fm5B5q5Po/s288/IMG_9727.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRbmI6cpI/AAAAAAAAJgk/AqbGYV0jN88/s288/IMG_9728.jpg

Cement forms holding the shower curb, this is where I was May 22, 2009...
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRcP-ntiI/AAAAAAAAJgo/auAI_B8Xrc4/s288/IMG_9738.jpg

then Summer came and ...well outside and not working.. Till Thanksgiving 2009 weekend...
Getting ready to do some tile work, tile bought, layout figured out.
I like putting straight edge for bottom row full tile, my helper doing his share
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRcY8ZQyI/AAAAAAAAJgs/Oh94xQArbTw/s288/IMG_9756.jpg http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRc0aPrRI/AAAAAAAAJgw/YsoidFEuQYM/s288/IMG_9757.JPG

Mixing thinset, applying full pieces:
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S0jilSupIjI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/l1-6a1DxvC0/s288/IMG_9766.jpg http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S0jilqvKQ_I/AAAAAAAAIrU/4Xi3PNMDOr0/s288/IMG_9770.jpg

btw, I borrowed my brothers wet saw, it had a broken clamp, so I did a makeshift with a bar clamp:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S0jil7Gix4I/AAAAAAAAIrY/VAArpMUmE2w/s288/IMG_9772.JPG http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S0jimRFoXvI/AAAAAAAAIrc/Y278mObTIjc/s288/IMG_9774.jpg

I'd get 3-4 hours work on Saturdays, sometimes, steady but slow:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vResIedJI/AAAAAAAAJg8/y2StBUQpz-o/s288/IMG_9775.jpg http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRfP5ud-I/AAAAAAAAJhA/qVfpsQ1B-y0/s288/IMG_9780.jpg

Now it's New Years, and slowly more tile gets in. Straight edge for bull nose tile on shower wall sides:
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRf7sa8QI/AAAAAAAAJhI/k_Ydvkl2cqU/s288/IMG_9782.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRgUXjTwI/AAAAAAAAJhM/xjcwQDnOk78/s288/IMG_9784.jpg

continuing with updates....
Oops, my curb held the outside wall, but I did not make the inside wall the correct thickness everywhere, what to do....fix it!
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRg-kAVTI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/MiTxV0kazGA/s400/IMG_9786.jpg

Layout the correct thickness with blue tape, and make a big mess cutting it with circualr saw, talk about dust...
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRhSUQAaI/AAAAAAAAJhU/XeBUIKYPhDs/s288/BasementShowerCurb-cut.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRhtbObwI/AAAAAAAAJhY/tdJDU-7QUKI/s288/IMG_9790.JPG

Starting putting curb face tiles on:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRxo0wm-I/AAAAAAAAJh0/NnhcyFJLiNk/s288/IMG_9796.JPG http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRycwQLGI/AAAAAAAAJh4/KyI_PeVH_Ds/s288/IMG_9797.JPG

I did not like how the cement was around the drain and the back portion, so fine-tuned it with thinset and dry. I also made a simple height jig to help set the inside/outside tile correct height, work perfect:
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRiyx9HuI/AAAAAAAAJhk/gcrtQH-Jp9c/s288/IMG_9799.jpg http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRjZUxwsI/AAAAAAAAJho/RfYRfkfbwQw/s288/IMG_5157.jpg

Shower floor tile all installed, this is as of last week 3/6/10.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/S5vRjw2huLI/AAAAAAAAJhs/59CvZGrQ88E/s400/IMG_9804.jpg


There is a lotta special cuts made doing this, its only my 2nd tile project ever.
Made some mistakes, but that's DIY, try and learn.

Next up: I'm prepping for grouting the shower walls and floor. Then install shower glass. Tile the bath floor, install toilet, sink cabinet, make sink top, etc.
Possible Easter weekend will be bathroom grand opening, depends on "distractions".

Once this bath/shower done, then back to the Home Theatre and making the side wall acoustic panels for 1st order reflections....
Yes this is a HT/Basement build thread in a Home Theater forum....

I had read your thread before but not posted. Great progress. Tile work is one thing I have not tackled as a DIY project (yet) but as I am planning on a kitchenette in the build process I'm sure I'll get my chance. Excellent work and the tile looks great. 'm sure cutting all of that concrete there was a lot of dust for sure.

Keep it up and good luck.

Regards,

RTROSE

Just read your story regarding your water system. Note to self.....NEVER cross mtbdudex! Unbelievable the amount of research you did regarding your issue. Read the Sound and Vision posts, and it sucks that the product didn't work the way they claim. Everytime they gave you some excuse why it wasn't working (bad install) you slammed them back proving it was installed EXACTLY per their specs. Nice job, I just wished it had worked out for you.

PS. Shower looking great!

Just read your story regarding your water system. Note to self.....NEVER cross mtbdudex! Unbelievable the amount of research you did regarding your issue. Read the Sound and Vision posts, and it sucks that the product didn't work the way they claim. Everytime they gave you some excuse why it wasn't working (bad install) you slammed them back proving it was installed EXACTLY per their specs. Nice job, I just wished it had worked out for you.

PS. Shower looking great!

I was very-very dis-appointed at my salt-free whole home conditioning system not working, seriously.
When the proven technology is there I'll re-visit it.
I've toyed with posting the S&V thread here (condensed version) in its own thread, some people may have experienced other technology that works. I've searched the web but nothing really promising has turned up.

I had read your thread before but not posted. Great progress. Tile work is one thing I have not tackled as a DIY project (yet) but as I am planning on a kitchenette in the build process I'm sure I'll get my chance. Excellent work and the tile looks great. 'm sure cutting all of that concrete there was a lot of dust for sure.

Keep it up and good luck.

Regards,

RTROSE

Thx, I've read/posted in lots of build thread here, hopefully helping others along the way. I've been helped countless times reading threads.
Wealth of knowledge and helpful people here.

Just call me the slow and steady turtle....more 2010 progress

Grouting the shower; March 28 weekend
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6mu_ENAI/AAAAAAAAKy8/1Yghb9tkhH8/s288/IMG_9812.jpg http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6m81P4pI/AAAAAAAAKzA/DPo0Lg8OTZs/s288/IMG_9816.jpg

Here's where I ran into trouble, water leakage showed on the floor, I thought wtf?
Appeared of all the copper joints I sweated 5+ years ago and tested 1 was a cold solder joint. These were on full pressure that time, but possible the vibrations from tile install caused that 1 marginal solder joint to fail?
I tell ya, I was so careful to sweat all my joints "hot", have the solder wick correctly, yet somehow this one was bad....
Luckily I could get to it from backside (bedroom side), fixed it. April 17-May 8.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6nOw_JII/AAAAAAAAKzE/dTvhDzVcB7A/s288/IMG_9820.jpg http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6njM6bzI/AAAAAAAAKzM/hR-3_V4TCYI/s288/IMG_9824.jpg

Here is the bad sweat joint after removing some drywall during inspection, the top 90 deg is bad.
Fixed it by cutting above, heat up/remove, install new clean pipe with in-line coupler. sweating in closed box required heat shields, I used old putty knives.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6n4qNJBI/AAAAAAAAKzQ/jm8kx_Gf2-M/s288/IMG_9826.jpg

Installed the shower doors, May 30
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6oMSD6kI/AAAAAAAAKzY/nD6rQybMxRU/s288/IMG_9830.jpg
then start tiling the floor.

I had the crack isolation membrane left over from 8 years earlier tiling the 2nd floor master bath, used it here to ensure no cracks and also added some insulation from cement floor.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6n3Bhy7I/AAAAAAAAKzU/OmxkHpyYdjY/s288/IMG_9827.jpg

These big pieces go down quickly, July 4th weekend:
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6obQRJcI/AAAAAAAAKzc/tDVTC4McU-k/s288/IMG_9831.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6ooBHz0I/AAAAAAAAKzg/4kQfZ-0n2OY/s288/IMG_9832.jpg

Install the shut off valves for the sink/toilet, I like the sweat ones better than compression fitted ones, to each their own. July 11.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/THr6oxD6o-I/AAAAAAAAKzk/OGahAx21pk0/s288/IMG_9837.jpg

more pictures to come...

Bath completed 3 weeks ago, picts.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TIIGrT8pF5I/AAAAAAAAK1U/uAFRoJ3slvk/s288/IMG_9846.jpg http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TIIGrh-ir8I/AAAAAAAAK1Y/o58XQl9CTr8/s288/IMG_9849.jpg

http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TIIGr6hlpBI/AAAAAAAAK1c/O6RlepBd_Cc/s288/IMG_9850.jpg http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TIIGsBK_TBI/AAAAAAAAK1g/FL3b8ugJuxA/s288/IMG_9851.jpg

Mother in law is happy, now she'll sleep in downstairs bedroom.

I'll have to re-visit the Logan thread, I'm DONE so time to graduate from that list....
If I could edit the thread title would need to change it to (6 year project done in 2010).

Side note:
This is also timely, with home mortgage interest rates at lowest levels I actually yesterday started re-fi process.
Prior re-fi (April-2009) this bath was not counted into home appraisal, not done, but now done so it should add value to appraisal.
My April 2009 re-fi was 25 year @ 4.75%, now going to 15 year at 3.75%, a no brainer. Crappy economy good for one thing, low mortgage rates.

Bathroom looks great. Should help with the appraisal. Good luck on the refi process. I was too contemplating going down the refi route again as my rate is close to 5% and as you stated rates are sub 4%. I have refi'ed in the past but the last time was the most painful for us. Was just a complicated process, the appraiser was a *&^$%# (shorted us on our sq ft. and did not give us credit for work that had been done) and the bank told us our mortgage had been sold prior to us even closing. I'm looking at other options, but it is a hassle (doesn't have to be) so I'll just have to consider all my options.

Good luck.

Regards,

RTROSE

Bathroom looks great. Should help with the appraisal. Good luck on the refi process. I was too contemplating going down the refi route again as my rate is close to 5% and as you stated rates are sub 4%. I have refi'ed in the past but the last time was the most painful for us. Was just a complicated process, the appraiser was a *&^$%# (shorted us on our sq ft. and did not give us credit for work that had been done) and the bank told us our mortgage had been sold prior to us even closing. I'm looking at other options, but it is a hassle (doesn't have to be) so I'll just have to consider all my options.

Good luck.

Regards,

RTROSE

Thx RTROSE.
This closes basement and HT version 1, it's done and feels so good to just go down there and "use it".
Planned upgrades:
Version 1.1 will include: acoustic wall treatment in HT room (1st order reflections); Winter 2011
Version 1.2 will include: Install doors instead of open entryway, + mondo bass traps to then manage expected increased bass peaks/nulls; Spring 2012
Version 1.5 3D / PJ / Amp / Speakers / screen upgrade? 2015??


I agree on the re-fi thing, it's crazy, you just "ride the wave" trying to manage your families finance the best method.

Original mortgage: Built our home 2001-2002, move in May-2002. Construction loan converted into conventional loan. 30 yr 6.875%
Re-fi #1 30 yr 5.875% June 2006-ish
Re fi #2 25 yr 4.75% June 2009. very painful, home value dropped yet still above 80/20 rule, I went thru appraisal report with fine tooth comb.
pending Re-fi#3 15 yr 3.75% (and last??)
Being 47 and planning on retiring in 15-ish years, 15 year mortgage fits fine for that as well.

After being busy with LIFE, I've got (4) cases of 2" 2' x 4' rigid fiberglass coming to my home shortly, so week of 12/27 I'll be making my DIY acoustic panels and hanging them, taking REW measurments, etc......slowly but surely the HT will get the final things finished......

I know all to well about being busy with LIFE. I started making pretty good progress in the basement again and lo and behold here comes the holidays and then work gets crazy and the progress slows to a crawl again.

Well my motivation will come in January where not much is going on and it is just to crazy cold outside to do anything. The work to do in the basement will look like a vacation at that point.

Regards,

RTROSE

4 day weekend upcoming, hopefully I'll make progress on the acoustic panels for 1st reflections.
Riser is already a Bass trap, and in near future per Dennis E I'll be adding either leftover OC703 ('cause paid for) or OC705 behind the laminate screen.

1st reflection points via software
Side view ---------------------------------------------------- Front view:
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SXdrlvE45eI/AAAAAAAAKWk/suNgHhdjo3k/s400/Reflections%20side%20view.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/SXdrULgY1xI/AAAAAAAAKWk/hfzObu3xnis/s400/Reflections%20Frt%20view.jpg

Initially 3 on LH wall.............................................2 on RH wall (due to opening):
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TS7fAuDVCuI/AAAAAAAAL-U/snzOh0JgYSI/s400/HT-Jan12-2010.jpg http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TS7fA4Zdy-I/AAAAAAAAL-Y/YGVHxEtp1wY/s400/HT-Jan12-2010b.jpg

For the ceiling I'll hang just cloth wrapped OC703 at 1st reflection points of 1st and 2nd row (2 panels each).

1st Mock-up 2' x 4' panel w/o cloth cover.
1" x 4" pine frame will be stained, just OC703 itself will be wrapped.
There will be 1/2" - 3/4" gap @ back of frame to wall...............................Cutting speaker cloth and wrapping OC703
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TS7fA58dwrI/AAAAAAAAL-c/aaqrTw2-P8o/s288/_MG_3973.jpg http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TS7e_gvw2-I/AAAAAAAAL-A/liUz7p2YH98/s288/_MG_3933.jpg

Frontside and backside.
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TS7e_wzhtfI/AAAAAAAAL-E/tgjo5VTmQGg/s288/_MG_3935.jpg http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TS7fAFMxbdI/AAAAAAAAL-I/NGhScWTmEBY/s288/_MG_3936.jpg

Yes, for the frame enclosed panels I plan not to use spray adhesive, just pinned.
At some point in future I'd like to spend a few $'s and have a printed pattern for the panels, this makes that upgrade option easier.

Possible since I've been taking lots of picts with my Canon T1i might be one of my outdoor shots, tbd.
The whole theme of this HT with dark greens and brown ceiling is sorta outdoor/rustic, so appropriate pict might look decent on side panel, possible the Milky Way might be cool also.
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TQ0L_w7cebI/AAAAAAAALvc/ZyMIaw44SZo/s288/StarTrails-2%2012-15-2010.jpg http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TDq3FhV58MI/AAAAAAAAKaU/pr65ObhS-HI/s288/7-10-2010%20MilkyWay-2.jpg

1 1/2 weeks later progress......
After having the HT "done" for 1 1/2 years (or more...), I've finally started to tackle the RT60 and first reflection issues.
Even Audyessy can't handle just drywall walls/ceiling....
Side acoustic DIY panels made past 2 weeks spare time, installed and calibrated tonight.
I've got a ceiling "acoustic cloud" to make/hang, then corner bass traps. Fun stuff.

Even w/o the ceiling treatments after I re-ran Audyessy I could tell the increased clarity, separation, and spaciousness.
Why'd I wait so long to do this??
As Audyessy ran thru each speaker with its 3 pings, sitting in the front row I could tell the side wall treatments dampened the reflections while the ceiling did not - and how "bright" and muddied it sounded when not dampened (absorbed).

For RH side made and installed (2) 2' x '4 acoustic panels.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TUmMNV2fQcI/AAAAAAAAMG8/qwPHgrR8kUY/s400/_MG_4059.jpg

For LH side made and installed (3) 2' x 4' acoustic panels, going to make and install a 4th this upcoming weekend.
The mirror revealed the 2nd row outboard seat "saw"part of the center speaker and the frt RH also.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TUJOjbCBSgI/AAAAAAAAMG8/J7AlpQduyns/s400/_MG_4119.jpg

I've maintained symmetry in RH/LH placement, and the RH 6' opening acts as is own absorber for 1st reflection, so adding the 3rd and 4th on the LH side maintain symmetry.

Those boxes hold OC703 which I'll use to make the "acoustic ceiling cloud" and also corner bass traps.
The mic for calibration is shown in 2nd row, 2nd seat position. The "Master" position, I repeat that precisely for each round of measurements.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TVDMmvU-ocI/AAAAAAAAMG8/ByTJBCBRh6M/s400/_MG_4534.jpg

Plan is Frt RH/Ctr/LH speaker first reflection points will be addressed on the side walls and the ceiling. (Front wall will be addressed also)
Carpeting handled the floor and for back wall I might add some back wall diffusion to keep the room from becoming over dampened, the room measurements I take as add side/ceiling treatment will dictate the back wall treatment....
Might even place some decorations on the back wall, they will act as diffusers and finally I can proudly display some of my sci-fi nit-knacks gathered over 30 years in neat setting.
I'm looking forward to real world experience and more learning acoustics, you read in the various books this and that, but finally doing something is so much more tangible and ties theory to reality.

Nice looking theater, and I really like the house!

When I first saw the picture of your house I thought I had driven past it before - there is a similar log style house in Brighton heading west out of town. My parents live over by Oak Pointe, so I drive by going to see them... but I saw that you are closer to Hartland.

Did you find a local source for the OC703? I'd like to do some panels for my room at some point in the future, and wasn't sure where to look locally for the materials.

Keep up the good work!

Nice looking theater, and I really like the house!

When I first saw the picture of your house I thought I had driven past it before - there is a similar log style house in Brighton heading west out of town. My parents live over by Oak Pointe, so I drive by going to see them... but I saw that you are closer to Hartland.

Did you find a local source for the OC703? I'd like to do some panels for my room at some point in the future, and wasn't sure where to look locally for the materials.

Keep up the good work!

Thx, the HT its a work in progress, and with winter here I'm trying to get the acoustics done by Feb-end, 3 more weeks...
Our log home built 2001-2002 by M59/US23 area, I know the log home you are refering to, I go by those on my way to Brighton Rec area for MTB riding.

If 2-3 people did a group buy then Home Depot might make sense for OC703/OC705,
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=19956354#post19956354

but for individual buying ats acosutics is decent price and very convient (I used them)
http://www.atsacoustics.com/cat--DIY-Acoustic-Materials--102.html

other online place or local HVAC - they are there I just don't know them, good luck.

[edit]
added acoustic changes for screen

This past weekend continuing with improving the HT acoustics, I put (6) sheets of 2" thick 2' x 4' Roxul Rockboard on my screen to make is a "dead zone" instead of a resonance/reflection zone.
http://www.atsacoustics.com/item--Roxul-Rockboard-60-Case-of-6--RB60.html
This is a case of 6 pieces of 24 x 48 x 2 inch Rockboard 60 manufactured by Roxul. It is rigid mineral wool board similar to Owens Corning 705 at a density of 6 pounds per cubic foot.
I used Roxul Rockboard instead of OC705 because I am NOT going to cover it, so did not want itchy stuff.

This was on my "to do" list for almost 2 years.....finally did it this weekend.

This is on back of my DIY screen, there is a controlled 3/4" gap to the screen via the metal plates I added for supporting, secured the panels by suspended ceiling 14ga wire.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TVDMlQb3JEI/AAAAAAAAMFw/LncrBIXSX0c/s400/_MG_4199.jpg

Final product done and secured, the outside portion has (2) 2" thick 2 ' x 4'pieces fitting, the inside 1 due to screen curve allows more on outside.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TVDMlo0FmGI/AAAAAAAAMF0/MlVKzxbf0Y0/s400/_MG_4511.jpg

It's also with about a 3" air gap to the wall now.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TVDX0hXBLHI/AAAAAAAAMGM/Ahg5TRaPpO0/s400/_MG_4557.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TVDX07rjSMI/AAAAAAAAMGQ/nDYi2ah2Oe0/s400/_MG_4563.jpg

screen hung, btw It's also 50 lbs heavier.....my wife complained I'm "slaving her" with all this heavy lifting.:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TVDX1LfIoVI/AAAAAAAAMGU/GSYG1BJ0U5I/s400/_MG_4569.jpg
(that's my acoustic cloud I'm making just today, i was not there when I did the Audyessy re-run)

I immediately could tell improved bass, I've not taken REW plots yet, but I did re-run my Audyessy and it shows how its EQ is applied, look at the before/after for the center channel!
Yes, I was very careful about having my mic in repeatable positions as well for before/after check..
Before...................................................... .After
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TUlz_iAS18I/AAAAAAAAMC0/QbTkzm_w9l8/s288/_MG_4083%20After%20side%20wall.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TVDMmEKnjQI/AAAAAAAAMF8/SiQ09q916Os/s288/_MG_4531.jpg

Well done. Panels look great. Amazing what some actual sound treatments and proper placement can do. Just like having a brand new theater I bet. Enjoy.

Regards,

RTROSE

Well done. Panels look great. Amazing what some actual sound treatments and proper placement can do. Just like having a brand new theater I bet. Enjoy.

Regards,

RTROSE

Agreed on acoustic treatments making day/night difference!
A "free" speaker upgrade.

Update status:
-Added (2) Ceiling Acoustic Clouds for 1st/2nd row seating for Mains LH/Ctr/RH ceiling first reflection.
Currently I'm 12" below the ceiling with 4" depth of OC703.
By the 1/4 wave guideline I should be using 6" depth currently, I've got 6 sheets of OC703 unused, if I don't use them for some limited rear wall absorber (instead of diffuser since 2nd row is quite close to rear wall) then they will go "in the clouds" ..:rolleyes:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TWt-QEXn0gI/AAAAAAAAMXw/EZZZqgGmQCU/s640/_MG_5035.jpg

Rear wall broadband bass treatments finished, details in my signature DIY Acoustic treatments link:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TW3rcrXS1ZI/AAAAAAAAMak/Al9b4IDqhxM/s640/_MG_5107.jpg

Home Theatre on deck (next 4-6 weeks, sorta in order as shown):
1) Replacing the 20 year old 1st row getto couch with HT seats.
(I'm working thru AVS store and Roman right now on specific Berkline HT seats.)
2) Storage for DVD/Blu-ray beneath the A/V equipment....I was supposed to have this done 1+ year ago.. :o
3) Front wall LH side full floor-ceiling broadband bass trap (24" x 24" x 34
triangle). RH side has IB subwoofer, I might put a triangle bass trap above it, tbd.
4) Rear wall treatment, diffusor vs thin absorber, still studying.

Basement on deck:
1) Install base cabinets, make "L" countertop, make shelfs OR install wall cabinets, tbd. Also, possible make Island or counter extension like option#2 shows.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TW_XviejdBI/AAAAAAAAMbw/wEdbF2VCvok/s640/Basement%20Idea%232.JPG

I know you called your couch ghetto, however I think my wife an I had a couch just like that or very close to that 20 years ago when we first got married. I loved that couch.

I know the update was for the acoustical treatments, however this is the first time I actually paid attention to your sconces. Very nice, they fit your room very well.

Oh, and the room treatments look very nice as well ;-)

Regards,

RTROSE

I know you called your couch ghetto, however I think my wife an I had a couch just like that or very close to that 20 years ago when we first got married. I loved that couch.

I know the update was for the acoustical treatments, however this is the first time I actually paid attention to your sconces. Very nice, they fit your room very well.

Oh, and the room treatments look very nice as well ;-)

Regards,

RTROSE

Thx RT, those sconces are from Lowes, when I first got them tried to add more diffusion via paper over the glass.....did not work so well, they are on a dimmer.

We watched "The Fighter" on blu-ray this weekend, and saw the exact same couch/pattern in the younger boxers appt!
(what a great movie, I give it an A+, and I'm not a boxing fan either)

btw, I ordered Berkline 12006's via avs store Roman, here they are installed:
(I'll post a seperate review thread of those vs my 2nd row HT seats vs ones I've tried out in local stores)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TZG5Ps2CRVI/AAAAAAAAMns/yrPmTQk-9y4/s640/_MG_5464.jpg

I'd also like to do a "plug" for the upcoming meet Nick G and I are organizing, Spring HEMI Meet - Saturday May 14th (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1322007)
Any of you are welcome to join also, please post in the meet thread if you'd like to join, as Nick is using that to organize/announce stuff.


Spring HEMI Meet
Hartland, MI
(US23/M59 area)
Saturday, May 14th
5pm - 8pm

Agenda:


Remote Controls
Using your Ipod Touch/Ipad as a remote
Universal/Programmable remote technologies

Acoustic Treatments Discussion (feel free to bring photos, samples, etc.)
Show the group 2-3 photos of your Home Theatre for general discussion/feedback of any HT topics (bring jpeg files on USB stick)
Sub Showdown!!!! (with REW5 running for freq charts)
Demo Disc playback with IB sub + sub showdown winner - how many db's can we get! (2011 CES DTS disc and avs "another demo disc" by scubasteve)

Well, it appears that we have enough interest to plan a Spring HEMI meet!! Special thanks to Mike (mtbdudex) for offering to host the meet! If you are interested in attending, please PM myself and mtbdudex so that we can add you to the list and provide directions.


If you would like to participate in the Sub Showdown, please let us know in advance so that we can make sure we can accomodate your setup at the meet. This is a friendly, fun competition, so please bring a sub regardless of type/size. There will be fun awards for those who participate.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us via PM (or post here for others to see).

We hope to see you in May.

Nick

Great job all the way around! I like the exposed wood on the absorption panels. I was considering doing this as well to break up the boring lines of a solid fabric panel...

I can't wait for the meetup! I'll have my measurement rig also to compare notes, and I'm super-eager to see waterfall and ETC for this room!

Mike,

How does that IB array work out being on the right side of the wall only? I've earmarked an IB installation myself (Thinking 4 FiCar 18s) but they will have to be on the left side wall of my theater, where the side wall meets the front wall. I've not listened to an IB arrangement in person and didn't know if there'd be an localization concerns if the arrangment is shifted to one side.

I can't wait for the meetup! I'll have my measurement rig also to compare notes, and I'm super-eager to see waterfall and ETC for this room!

John,
I'll post both Monday, driving to wedding now in s carolina (wife driving now actually, I don't text n drive)

Mike,

How does that IB array work out being on the right side of the wall only? I've earmarked an IB installation myself (Thinking 4 FiCar 18s) but they will have to be on the left side wall of my theater, where the side wall meets the front wall. I've not listened to an IB arrangement in person and didn't know if there'd be an localization concerns if the arrangment is shifted to one side.

Steve;
John was at the recent hemi meet, so maybe he'll give un-biased feedback.

Monday I'll post freq graphs showing response. I'm 100% satisfied and cannot localize the bass at all.

4 18" drivers should give you plenty of headroom, what size is your ht?

Steve;
John was at the recent hemi meet, so maybe he'll give un-biased feedback.

Monday I'll post freq graphs showing response. I'm 100% satisfied and cannot localize the bass at all.

4 18" drivers should give you plenty of headroom, what size is your ht?

My HT is 17 x 14, on the small side for most around here.

I wasn't thinking 4 18s for the purpose of output, but for the purpose of playing as low as possible with the headroom for tuning towards the flatest response. Mind you, I really havn't dug into all of the research and homework needed for a final design.

My HT is 17 x 14, on the small side for most around here.

I wasn't thinking 4 18s for the purpose of output, but for the purpose of playing as low as possible with the headroom for tuning towards the flatest response. Mind you, I really havn't dug into all of the research and homework needed for a final design.

Go to the IB cult forum, ask thomasW/chrisb your q's.
Also look at the build gallery there for what others have done.

Have fun with building your IB sub also.

March-May 2011 update on the rec area cabinets...a few hours here and there over weeks.....slow and steady like the turtle...

We like the new Hickory cabinets from Lowes look, but their build quality was sub-par, leaving me to fix some of the cabinets:

Both corner supports on this base cabinet broke off, I had to glue/stregthen them
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQqPBw_2IMc/Tfy4EkI4QeI/AAAAAAAAM5o/4w1SbPV0eho/s400/IMG_0227.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zd-3QVaamMc/Tfy4CuqrKJI/AAAAAAAAM5c/vtpQOXeL22s/s400/IMG_0220.jpg

I also had to strengthen this corner cabinet, including added top supports:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K7LgKs8KzkM/Tfy4DJ_5sVI/AAAAAAAAM5g/M7actMT2Q-c/s576/IMG_0222.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PqT3dLDCIHY/Tfy4DlFmWxI/AAAAAAAAM5k/P3nbpDI0RfE/s400/IMG_0226.jpg

Installed top cabinets first, then the base cabinets, these are in a "L" config:
Also, added (1) more can light and move the other one for better light distribution.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2n9ebSanLYA/TfzSJgpoFMI/AAAAAAAAM6c/N40GpDo9f2c/s400/IMG_0263.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GrGWz-VBoHY/TfzPcOgronI/AAAAAAAAM6M/RPVCrd0pH9M/s400/_MG_6396.jpg

Made the "L" top, this will be laminate with maple hardwood edging.
It's 9 1/2 feet x 4 1/2 feet, so I had to join 2 pieces together.
Also on the edge I doubled up the thickness for the hardwood attachment, and screw down zone.
Top finished, but not attached yet of course, as I need to cement the laminate down and router it on all sides.
Now layout the cuts onto the 5' x 12' Formica, one big piece no seam!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C-vfAUq2jQQ/TfzPXCej7jI/AAAAAAAAM6I/EskE5wUvTjE/s576/_MG_6395.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3CpferZaPd8/Tfy1WwFs_2I/AAAAAAAAM4w/APXUW5E5eeU/s576/_MG_6604.jpg

This battery trim saw cut fine thru the laminate, I pre-drilled 1/2" dia relief holes at all the corners so no cracking.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NrpQB23xMRA/Tfy1XKjMKsI/AAAAAAAAM40/yINhYEGBd7c/s400/_MG_6606.jpg https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--GsNRHKkKoY/Tfy1XT_6IZI/AAAAAAAAM44/0m5POI89tdM/s400/_MG_6608.jpg

cont...March-May 2011 update on the rec area cabinets...a few hours here and there over weeks.....slow and steady like the turtle...

So, now a big freaking "L" piece of laminate, how the heck will I get this layed down correctly w/o breaking/cracking it and w/o bubbles?

1) I have a great helper, my wife
2) we practice dry run for the process
3) use dowel rods to hold the tacky laminate above the tacky board
4) remove dowel rod 1 at time, use "j" roller to apply pressure
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aJAIm8RgTxE/Tfy1XhPeu5I/AAAAAAAAM48/10F-mVz6P-E/s576/_MG_6609.jpg

Dry run trial, we practice who leads, who follows, flipping arms over, etc.
Oh, I had to remove the big end cabinet for install of the laminate, it was NOT bolted onto the wall yet I thought might need to remove it.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lkZMXafl5oM/Tfy1YtXTrpI/AAAAAAAAM5A/zq46eqWjKQc/s640/_MG_6611.jpg

Well, there were some semi-tense moments, but our practice made the job not so bad.
I clamped the edge down first 30 minutes just as precaution, it stuck immediately.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e2l0rQN-Y8Q/Tfy1fIir8gI/AAAAAAAAM5E/o3o2VFdegYI/s640/_MG_6615.jpg

After dry, router the laminate away, then router the wood edge shaped.
Then, attach the completed top to the base cabinets.

Next, make back and side boards.
The short ones I can lay directly on, but the big 8' piece I used dowel rods.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivnkli78G9M/Tfyy7fPh6YI/AAAAAAAAM4k/OYC3Xw1a2c0/s800/_MG_6636.jpg

Also, I used 2 1/2" drywall screws as a jig (temp screwed into workshop floor) to align the Formica to the board long wise.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zjnm1ofIrBc/Tfyy7u4ClhI/AAAAAAAAM4o/eLRRI_FzASo/s800/_MG_6638.jpg

Ya also gotta attach a thin piece on top, and router that....not hard work but everything takes time...then the 2 exposed edges needs its own small piece as well.

Glued the boards to the walls/cabinet side, finally done just before the big 5/14 HEMI meet.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zdvTJl5X-vU/Tfyn2WxKLpI/AAAAAAAAM3w/j-vfbFnIofE/s800/_MG_7217.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4yffTrk3aDE/Tfyn2sF_QrI/AAAAAAAAM30/mYG9cuwBNd0/s800/_MG_7220.jpg

Man, that turned out really nice. Well done. I'll have to remember the dowel rod trick and practice runs. Sounds like that is what saved you.

Regards,

RTROSE

great build!

I'm bummed I lost track of this thread and missed the viewing, Hopefully you will remember some of your old mountainbiking buddies ;)

nice build, 1 question though did you water proof the shower stall before laying the thin-set on the tiles, just asking as if concrete isn't water proofed you will have a hell of a time with water absorbing through the concrete not to mention mold on to that concrete board, wood and batt insulation when the water soaks through since i didn't see any vapor barrier up what so ever...

Looks great. What software is that that you are using in post 65 for the reflection points.

Man, that turned out really nice. Well done. I'll have to remember the dowel rod trick and practice runs. Sounds like that is what saved you.

Regards,

RTROSE

It's one thing to read about the dowel trick, but I can attest that in real world that simple method works.

I'm bummed I lost track of this thread and missed the viewing, Hopefully you will remember some of your old mountainbiking buddies ;)

wingzz - anyone who rides is a friend of mine - keep Spring 2012 in mind I'll host another HEMI meet then, updated screen, other stuff by then, will PM you then dude.

nice build, 1 question though did you water proof the shower stall before laying the thin-set on the tiles, just asking as if concrete isn't water proofed you will have a hell of a time with water absorbing through the concrete not to mention mold on to that concrete board, wood and batt insulation when the water soaks through since i didn't see any vapor barrier up what so ever...

Yea - good point, fortunately I did add vapor barrier, pict of it was burried on post #43, http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16479510#post16479510
fwiw, this is 2nd bath I did, 1st one was 12' x 12' master bath in early 2002 when building this home, http://mmrosinski.tripod.com/loghome/id20.html
I read 2 books on bath/tile back then (10 years ago), and online research for that project, which in 2001 was not as nice as today's DIY sites - for picts/etc.
http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/ShCmo-8mk4I/AAAAAAAAFDQ/b8mSsJfimmE/s640/IMG_9678.jpg


Looks great. What software is that that you are using in post 65 for the reflection points.

There is a thread here, it was free downloadable software then the guy took it off the server......
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=822273
some people have re-posted that for download, check that thread

Thanks for the info -I'm going to check that out. Looks like a great tool. I'm sure my wife will be glad she does not have to hold mirrors against the wall while I point laser pointers around the room anymore. :)

Thanks for the info -I'm going to check that out. Looks like a great tool. I'm sure my wife will be glad she does not have to hold mirrors against the wall while I point laser pointers around the room anymore. :)

Ha, even though I had used that simulation software for first reflections, which I then boxed out on the walls/ceiling with the blue painters tape, I had my wife hold a Lowes $6 1' wide x 4' tall mirror to confirm in each seating position coverage to the speaker mid/tweeter
....while confirming the ceiling RFZ's before I made the acoustic clouds she complained about arm fatigue holding the mirror as I went from seat-seat position and moved my head side-side front/back...I'm such a demanding husband....:rolleyes:
Still have that mirror in the basement un-attached.....I might use it for other reflection analysis as further tweaking of surrounds and diffusion.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_33107-13535-LDMP9WH_0__?productId=3358108&Ntt=mirror&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNs%3Dp_product_price%7C0%26Ntt%3Dmi rror%26page%3D2&facetInfo=
http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/069445/069445348368lg.jpg

My lesson learned: Always re-confirm with the mirror, the ceiling location was slightly off from simulation vs mirror - about 4", possibly I changed some of the speaker layout dimensions, still very accurate simulation it gets you dialed almost perfectly for RFZ.

Steve;
John was at the recent hemi meet, so maybe he'll give un-biased feedback.

Monday I'll post freq graphs showing response. I'm 100% satisfied and cannot localize the bass at all.

4 18" drivers should give you plenty of headroom, what size is your ht?

Sorry I missed this question! I will say one thing about your bass, you have a LOT of it. I'm not ready to say it is either good or bad, as:
1) only material with which I am unfamiliar was played
2) only multichannel material was played (I like to audition with 2 channel material also)
3) levels were significantly different (higher) than I would normally listen (Mike I do recall you noted the same)
4) I only sat in one position in the room

BUT, if you want an actual opinion I'd love to have a listening and acoustical testing session there one day.

Sorry I missed this question! I will say one thing about your bass, you have a LOT of it. I'm not ready to say it is either good or bad, as:
1) only material with which I am unfamiliar was played
2) only multichannel material was played (I like to audition with 2 channel material also)
3) levels were significantly different (higher) than I would normally listen (Mike I do recall you noted the same)
4) I only sat in one position in the room

BUT, if you want an actual opinion I'd love to have a listening and acoustical testing session there one day.

John;
Having a listening and acoustical testing session sounds like a good fall/winter indoor thing to do, my cousins sig other would like to join as well, he's and audio head from way back.
A total technical geekfest!
I'm sure a few other SE Michiganders with interest in acoustics might want to join in.
Having a true certified and degreeded expert in acoustics join would really be sweet.

Will put that on the Outlook calendar in Sept to organize, and target could be Nov before the holiday season kicks in.
Not a HEMI meet per say, but a focus on acoustics, treatments, measurements, etc.

John;
Having a true certified and degreeded expert in acoustics join would really be sweet.


Yeah, that would be good fun! If we do that I'd make a bunch of measurement results from my theatre to bring for comparison, too. I need to do this anyway but I'd ideally like to finish my corner units first.

I unfortunately don't know any actual acousticians to invite - I wish I did! If I had an acoustician friend who was knowledgeable about small room acoustics I imagine I could get advice on where to go directly and spend a lot less time trudging through acoustics books, international specs, and BBC research reports.

I got this little project done 3/6/2011, 2 months before the 2011 Spring HEMI meet, others who have seat risers might like to see how this came out.
(originally posted in member Tupalev thread, as I got the Riser lip lighting idea from him and added the alum L channel as light blockers) The Tupalev Family Home Theater Construction Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=20108744#post20108744)

Tom and Mark;
for your HT when in use I assume you turn off the rope lights or have them very dimmed?

I finally added my rope lights to the riser lip, and with them dimmed quite a bit still reduced the screen contrast on the lower portion too much for me.
I was using the rope as stair step lights, ended up putting painters tape on the screen facing face which helped eliminate the shine onto the screen but still left it shining down.

Looks sorts "ghetto" if you stare at it, I'd like to put something else there to block the light from shining onto the screen but still allow it to go down.
(gives guests confidence while watching HT to enter/leave the area)

Was wondering if you left the rope lights on what solution you devised.


http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Se9pW_GYdDI/AAAAAAAAEpM/rnYzk-6m8SE/s288/IMG_1924.JPG http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Se9pXww8adI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/lCaDwgYTN3Q/s288/IMG_1925.JPG
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/Se9pYheGH-I/AAAAAAAAEpU/KMQ_IfK2Ai0/s400/IMG_1928.JPG

btw, I went el-cheapo Home Depot rope lights/opaque tracks, a 12' section + one 2' section.
Probably paid $20-ish total.

This past weekend, almost 2 years later from my 1st post in your thread, I added 1" x 1" alum angle to keep the rope light projected downward, and got rid of the blue painter tape I had on there all this time.
It really made a huge difference.

I was ready to paint the alum L green, but not needed at all.
It blends in with the carpet fine, and the alum inside helps reflect light down in a safe walking zone.
At full power almost zero light spillage now, its all directed downward.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TXRER-ziNdI/AAAAAAAAMdU/9SXBu6m6uxA/s640/_MG_5131.jpg

I filed the corners so they are not sharp, a 2" lip takes the 1" angle nicely with still a lip portion showing.
I got on the floor to show detail here:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TXRERtFONPI/AAAAAAAAMdQ/KzuyW0OmEnQ/s288/_MG_5132.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_FqTNmgNQHz8/TXRER0fNvsI/AAAAAAAAMdY/Q-KjJfJ-Gq4/s288/_MG_5133.jpg

OT post to home theatre stuff, but since we don't have a community forum page....I post it here

Well, this may never happen to me again gang.....here is my 15 minutes of fame, my picture made it to NASA!!


Astronomy Picture of the Day, 2011 August
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap110805.html
Their write-up:
Explanation: Fix your digital camera to a tripod, start a long series of exposures, and you too can record star trails. The concentric arcs traced by the stars as planet Earth rotates on its axis often produce dreamlike scenes in otherwise familiar situations. Fall asleep, though, and the results might surprise you. Setting up on a summer night, photographer Mike Rosinski began his exposures, initially planning to capture about 45-55 minutes worth of star trails from his yard in Hartland, Michigan, USA. But he dozed, only to awaken some 3 hours later to find his camera had continued to run until the battery died. Composing the resulting images, the graceful concentric star trails were expected, along with light from a late rising Moon glinting on windows. Still, as he slept on the warm night a blizzard of yellow streaks flooded the scene, not left by fairies but fireflies.
Picture as hosted on NASA's site.
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1108/FirefliesStartrails_rosinski900.jpg

I made a video clip as well
ie-6PNG_TKI&hd=1


[edit 9/28/2011]
Hey gang, yesterday I was phone interviewed by local newspaper writer for "Livingston Press and Argus" for my NASA APOD August 5, 2011 image. Today (Wed 9/28) both in hard copy (paper) and online he wrote an article.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20110928/NEWS01/109280304/NASA-selects-resident-s-image-picture-day?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

Word quickly spread at work, my facebook friends, etc....14 minutes and 58 seconds of fame ....2 seconds left.....

Wow man, that is AWESOME! Very cool picture and video too!

Did you plan to take some similar captures for the Perseids meteor shower over the next week?

Wow man, that is AWESOME! Very cool picture and video too!

Did you plan to take some similar captures for the Perseids meteor shower over the next week?

will try, but for 2011 the Perseids meteor shower with the full moon on 8/13 will also be a factor....limiting the dimmer ones from showing up.

In 2010 I captured these 2 overhead on 8/10, a few days before the height of #/hour...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iK1kd24eUCk/TGxsiOVYWAI/AAAAAAAAKoE/P0pA0dJvac4/s800/Can%252520you%252520see%252520the%2525202%252520Meteorite%25 2520streaks%252520here%25253F%252520%252520FB%252520pict%252 520size%252520only%252520604%252520pix%252520wide%252520hard %252520to%252520see..jpg

Yeah I saw that in the news stories about the full moon. That's unfortunate, though I suspect it might still be fun watching. I also presumed the comment was for the human eye, which may not matter to a camera since you can lock the exposure rather than always using automatic like the eye (heck, we were able to film nuclear explosions back in the day...crazy dynamic range) - plus the field of view is probably typically less (depending on lensing of course) so I thought maybe one could just point the camera away from the moon to mitigate the effect. So I wondered if the moon thing might not impact photography as much, or at least there might be workarounds - but I suppose if the bulk of the meteors are supposed to appear where the moon is supposed to appear, I could understand if all viewing is screwed!

Wow, how cool is that! Very interesting and even cooler that NASA thought it was unique enough to host the photo. Enjoy your fame!

Regards,

RTROSE

Wow Mike!! that is really cool!!!

Its always a great feeling to have your work recognized, particularly by such an elite group.

That also shows the diversity of the forum.. One member gets his pictures published by NASA... and another member (me) got lost when the polaroid One Steps fell out of fashion..;)

Brad

This post in response to this 8/20/2011 thread; electricity requirements power recliners (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=20852125#post20852125)

We had a rain storm 2pm yesterday (Sunday 8/21), so went inside and my daughter help me video the power draw my Berkline 12006's took.

Berkline 12006 power seats
Test of current draw during use; this is single seat
Results=0.1amp thru 0.2amp during travel, 0.4 amp spike at stop.
Test equip: Panamax M5300PM
(0.5amp constant current due to other gear, PS3/CableBox)

4U0o0y75OSo&hd=1

Off topic to Home theaters....still

My homage to Steve Jobs. I took this self-portrait in Fall 1984 with my 1st computer, Apple Mac 128k, the original!

RIP Steve, I've NEVER owned a WinTel computer.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cM1VpB7whu4/SuQsb7rR4fI/AAAAAAAAN2E/B_7R9ZpX-Ew/MikeMac128k.jpg

Nice Mike.

He was an amazing individual.

I thought interest in my NASA APOD image died, a few days ago I got email from The Wall Street Journal saying they wanted to use it with a book review "How We See the Sky: A Naked-Eye Tour of Day and Night" by Thomas Hockey.
After emails back/forth, and phone discussion, it ran in this Saturday WSJ paper(Nov-19) and online that day, $100 USD for limited usage.

My 1st sale, dinner for the family!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204777904576651272093000108.html?mod=WSJ_Boo ks_LS_Books_8

my wife snapped this via iPhone/facebook. (Starbucks sells the WSJ nationwide)
It was actually bigger than I thought it would be.
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/381347_2684462319002_1479709789_32878092_1909031203_n.jpg

For the record, I did additional PP on this image:
-removed 40-ish hot red/green pixels spots
-tweaked the image via curves

it has more pop than the original NASA APOD did, that was a quickie dump the 370+ images and process them overnight thing.

Now, related to HT.
With the image tweaked I will get it printed via spoonflower and use it for for one of my acoustic treatment covers.
(the rear wall treatment / front center speaker echo solution one)

That's awesome! Congratulations man!

Very cool. Congrats that is a really nice honor.

Regards,

RTROSE

congrats on the additional 15min of fame Mike. Great pics.

Fantastic on the pic, Mike!

As for the computer, well... if that was your first computer you are a whippersnapper. I had an Apple II compatible, a Commodore 64, a Timex-Sinclair 1000, and extensively used a TRS-80, before ever using a Mac!

Wow, that's great news about your photo. I think all of the attention it has received says a lot about the photo. I think this goes beyond the 15 minutes of fame at this point. Congratulations!!

I have a strange feeling that this isn't the last we will hear of this great photo!!

impressive !!

Thx Gang, and John prior to the 128k Mac I also had a Timex-Sinclair 1000 with their thermal printer and cassette interface for storage, plus....ta da ...the big 16k RAM module.
(all bought from K-Mart back in the day)
That got me thru 1 + year of Engineering school before I got the Mac.
Yea- did assember coding on the AppleII 6502.....makes me an old fart wonder if todays "kids" in Engineering school even learn assembler programing?

HT related:
I posted this in the "Theater Room Items & Accessories" forum, my recent experience with fixing my 8 month old Berkline 12006's.
Berkline seats control wire got caught in mechanisms-broke
(http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1374209)

Just a caution for others with Berkline chairs (at least the models in the 12006 pacakge, 5440 and 5200) to look at their control switch wiring and make sure securely fastened.

Fantastic Mike!

That's the pic you posted at The Cult, ....right? I've shared that with so many people. Good stuff,...keep it up.

I've dabbled in lightning photography, it was pretty cool, however those images you posted up are phenomenal.

Continued good luck

damn.....nice pic Mike,

I just sold my Celestron CG 9.25 F/10 2,350mm SCT with 9x55 spotter scope, Dew Shield, Matching Losmandy GM8S German Equitorial Mount w/extra 7lb. counter weight & 12v adapter

From my backyard in Windsor i couldn't get past the Light Pollution.

I tried......:-(

Test,

@ FOH - thx, and yes I consider the IB Cult and AVS my 2 HT/Audio forums, so share images with both.
Eventually, I'd like to replace all my Acoustic Treatment covers with my photography, be it widefield astrophotography or whatever.

@test4echo101, hey a fellow backyard astronomer, in addition to a HT "nut" :D
Light pollution sucks-sucks-sucks!
I've not yet bought a Astronomik CLS Light Pollution Filter (http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=11392), but soon I will.
Where I live in Hartland Mich the LP is not as bad as city/suburb, still noticable espically at horizon and towards some of the major intersections.
I've got a thread @ Canon POTN hosting my Top 10 in 2010 to shoot (Astronomy, non telescope) (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=9752647#post9752647), it's been a fun journey learning and taking those.

Hopefully you got some decent use & viewing/imaging sessions from your 9.25" SCT before selling it.
I got my 1st scope in July-2011, the 8" SCT EdgeHD 800 CGEM, so learning that now to combine with widefield techniques.
Here's me just playing with it on moon shoots/other, Yea- I gotta lose that camera strap also....
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-88TAPjnKroI/ThtJ7hnTpoI/AAAAAAAANAk/XQnHjwqGo5s/s288/IMG_0973.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7G18-Rc1qE8/ThtJ8DFSt5I/AAAAAAAANAo/rHepzLP6vZU/s288/IMG_0978.jpg