more solar clock stuff
So here's my next idea..
Set up a 24 hour movement (no minute hand) so that you have the sun
moving around the dial: at the top at solar noon, with the rate being
reasonably constant around the dial(e.g. using the solar clock
algorithms developed)
Then, have two other pointers or sectored disks on the face to indicate
sunrise and sunset time. I haven't figured out the mechanical aspects,
but maybe a small motor driving the edge of a clear plastic disk. (or
if there were a good cheapish source for multi axis pointer systems).
One could also add a moon pointer (and all the rest of the planets too).
Sort of a geocentric Orrery. The planets would need to be able run in
both directions to accommodate retrograde apparent motion.
It would be easy with laser pointers or light beams and stepper motors
driving a tilted mirror to project moving dots on the wall, but a more
mechanical display would look nicer, I think.
Once the mechanical aspect is figured out, the software should be fairly
straightforward to drive whatever motors there are.
(After noticing Saturn this morning when I went to go get the paper
before dawn)
Hi
I realize this is exactly what the OP didn’t want to do, but ….
A PI or any of the little dedicated ARM + GPU gizmos driving a cheap junk HDMI monitor or TV would make for a very nice display of all that data… The total cost could still be under $100. With Linux running on the “gizmo” locking it up to NTP should be a snap. No messy issues with code size ….
Bob
On Jan 20, 2014, at 1:49 PM, Jim Lux jimlux@earthlink.net wrote:
So here's my next idea..
Set up a 24 hour movement (no minute hand) so that you have the sun moving around the dial: at the top at solar noon, with the rate being reasonably constant around the dial(e.g. using the solar clock algorithms developed)
Then, have two other pointers or sectored disks on the face to indicate sunrise and sunset time. I haven't figured out the mechanical aspects, but maybe a small motor driving the edge of a clear plastic disk. (or if there were a good cheapish source for multi axis pointer systems).
One could also add a moon pointer (and all the rest of the planets too). Sort of a geocentric Orrery. The planets would need to be able run in both directions to accommodate retrograde apparent motion.
It would be easy with laser pointers or light beams and stepper motors driving a tilted mirror to project moving dots on the wall, but a more mechanical display would look nicer, I think.
Once the mechanical aspect is figured out, the software should be fairly straightforward to drive whatever motors there are.
(After noticing Saturn this morning when I went to go get the paper before dawn)
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I had fun with a Jefferson Mystery Clock (e.g. 370956057565); the
synchronous motor can be replaced with a stepper. 1.8 deg per step works
out just right for the gearing. it's a gas, and an arduino will drive a
simple stepper.
Don
Jim Lux
So here's my next idea..
Set up a 24 hour movement (no minute hand) so that you have the sun
moving around the dial: at the top at solar noon, with the rate being
reasonably constant around the dial(e.g. using the solar clock
algorithms developed)
Then, have two other pointers or sectored disks on the face to indicate
sunrise and sunset time. I haven't figured out the mechanical aspects,
but maybe a small motor driving the edge of a clear plastic disk. (or
if there were a good cheapish source for multi axis pointer systems).
One could also add a moon pointer (and all the rest of the planets too).
Sort of a geocentric Orrery. The planets would need to be able run in
both directions to accommodate retrograde apparent motion.
It would be easy with laser pointers or light beams and stepper motors
driving a tilted mirror to project moving dots on the wall, but a more
mechanical display would look nicer, I think.
Once the mechanical aspect is figured out, the software should be fairly
straightforward to drive whatever motors there are.
(After noticing Saturn this morning when I went to go get the paper
before dawn)
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--
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those
who have not got it."
-George Bernard Shaw
Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
Six Mile Systems LLC
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Huson, MT, 59846
VOX 406-626-4304
Skype: buffler2
www.lightningforensics.com
www.sixmilesystems.com
On 1/20/14 11:00 AM, Bob Camp wrote:
Hi
I realize this is exactly what the OP didn’t want to do, but ….
A PI or any of the little dedicated ARM + GPU gizmos driving a cheap junk HDMI monitor or TV would make for a very nice display of all that data… The total cost could still be under $100. With Linux running on the “gizmo” locking it up to NTP should be a snap. No messy issues with code size ….
Power consumption of even the most efficient display is large.
And, they're not readable in all illuminations. A big advantage of a
mechanical wall clock (aside from the art aspect) is that you can read
it in a variety of lighting conditions.
Of course, for a real challenge.. make a display that reflects beams
of sunlight onto the display (at least during the day time). Sort of an
inverse sundial.
Hi
My concern was as much for setting an upper cost limit for a one off gizmo. More or less - if I can get something cooler for $100 - would I do that instead?
Cool is indeed highly subjective and yes running cost does count at some level.
Bob
On Jan 20, 2014, at 3:11 PM, Jim Lux jimlux@earthlink.net wrote:
On 1/20/14 11:00 AM, Bob Camp wrote:
Hi
I realize this is exactly what the OP didn’t want to do, but ….
A PI or any of the little dedicated ARM + GPU gizmos driving a cheap junk HDMI monitor or TV would make for a very nice display of all that data… The total cost could still be under $100. With Linux running on the “gizmo” locking it up to NTP should be a snap. No messy issues with code size ….
Power consumption of even the most efficient display is large.
And, they're not readable in all illuminations. A big advantage of a mechanical wall clock (aside from the art aspect) is that you can read it in a variety of lighting conditions.
Of course, for a real challenge.. make a display that reflects beams of sunlight onto the display (at least during the day time). Sort of an inverse sundial.
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Tim Hunkin has made a similar clock, see
http://www.timhunkin.com/27_domestic_clocks.htm
The elephant clock down the bottom of the page indicates the moon's phase
in a very innovative way. Mind you the night & day sectors are equal, so
they are for the equator, not for the maker's lattitude of 50 deg :)
Tom Harris celephicus@gmail.com
On 21 January 2014 05:49, Jim Lux jimlux@earthlink.net wrote:
So here's my next idea..
Set up a 24 hour movement (no minute hand) so that you have the sun moving
around the dial: at the top at solar noon, with the rate being reasonably
constant around the dial(e.g. using the solar clock algorithms developed)
Then, have two other pointers or sectored disks on the face to indicate
sunrise and sunset time. I haven't figured out the mechanical aspects, but
maybe a small motor driving the edge of a clear plastic disk. (or if there
were a good cheapish source for multi axis pointer systems).
One could also add a moon pointer (and all the rest of the planets too).
Sort of a geocentric Orrery. The planets would need to be able run in
both directions to accommodate retrograde apparent motion.
It would be easy with laser pointers or light beams and stepper motors
driving a tilted mirror to project moving dots on the wall, but a more
mechanical display would look nicer, I think.
Once the mechanical aspect is figured out, the software should be fairly
straightforward to drive whatever motors there are.
(After noticing Saturn this morning when I went to go get the paper before
dawn)
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To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/
mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.