[time-nuts] 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) ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] more solar clock stuff
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 jim...@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) ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] more solar clock stuff
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) ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. -- 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 17850 Six Mile Road POB 134 Huson, MT, 59846 VOX 406-626-4304 Skype: buffler2 www.lightningforensics.com www.sixmilesystems.com ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] more solar clock stuff
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. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
[time-nuts] More Solar Clock Stuff
Message: 3 Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 10:49:50 -0800 From: Jim Lux jim...@earthlink.net To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: [time-nuts] more solar clock stuff Message-ID: 52dd6fce.5060...@earthlink.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed 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). (snip) The ways of creative genius are truly awe inspiring. But all I was initially after is a little micro-driven quartz clock that will tell me when the sun is at its highest point throughout the year. It is a comparative reference for a standard timepiece. There was no intention to align sunrise and sunset with 6 o'clock, etc. Although that would certainly be useful, the actual fabrication of what you are proposing, in terms of visual display, rotating dials, etc., is starting to sound a bit challenging. I am greatly looking forward to hearing how the basic program works with a store-bought clock movement. P Nielsen ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] more solar clock stuff
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 jim...@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. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] more solar clock stuff
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 celephi...@gmail.com On 21 January 2014 05:49, Jim Lux jim...@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) ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/ mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
Re: [time-nuts] More Solar Clock Stuff
Here's another twist on this which I don't think anyone else has suggested. Make a sun dial with a movable and computer controlled gnomon that corrects for the equation of time and always reads correct mean time. Except on a cloudy day. Regards. Max. K 4 O DS. Email: m...@maxsmusicplace.com Transistor site http://www.funwithtransistors.net Vacuum tube site: http://www.funwithtubes.net Woodworking site http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/funwithtubes/Woodworking/wwindex.html Music site: http://www.maxsmusicplace.com To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to. funwithtransistors-subscr...@yahoogroups.com To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to, funwithtubes-subscr...@yahoogroups.com To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to funwithwood-subscr...@yahoogroups.com - Original Message - From: P Nielsen pniel...@tpg.com.au To: time-nuts@febo.com Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 2:40 PM Subject: [time-nuts] More Solar Clock Stuff Message: 3 Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 10:49:50 -0800 From: Jim Lux jim...@earthlink.net To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement time-nuts@febo.com Subject: [time-nuts] more solar clock stuff Message-ID: 52dd6fce.5060...@earthlink.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed 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). (snip) The ways of creative genius are truly awe inspiring. But all I was initially after is a little micro-driven quartz clock that will tell me when the sun is at its highest point throughout the year. It is a comparative reference for a standard timepiece. There was no intention to align sunrise and sunset with 6 o'clock, etc. Although that would certainly be useful, the actual fabrication of what you are proposing, in terms of visual display, rotating dials, etc., is starting to sound a bit challenging. I am greatly looking forward to hearing how the basic program works with a store-bought clock movement. P Nielsen ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there. --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com ___ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
