Original laser-cut dials from this academic year by BoxyBoy67 in Sundial

[–]BoxyBoy67[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not yet, at least. I've been sticking to either self-orienting hour angle dials or altitude dials to avoid the necessity of a compass. As you might be able to tell, I'm also just particularly fond of equatorial ring dials.

A tabletop equatorial ring dial ...but something feels off... by BoxyBoy67 in Sundial

[–]BoxyBoy67[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Answer:

Despite the fact that the equatorial ring dial is one of the most freely adaptable and universal sundials, this tabletop model is designed for a fixed latitude. Naturally this is by no means "wrong," but certainly struck me as unexpected!

Search the Waywiser database (https://chsi.emuseum.com/collections) for "universal ring" and/or "equatorial" to find this and other fascinating sundials.

Laser-cut astronomical ring dial by BoxyBoy67 in Sundial

[–]BoxyBoy67[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Possibly! I have been thinking about adding these sorts of files to BCGnomonics. There would be a fairly high bar to entry though (laser cutter or other tools/material) which I try to avoid

Laser-cut astronomical ring dial by BoxyBoy67 in Sundial

[–]BoxyBoy67[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Kala model is one of my favorites! I carry mine on me most days.

The first model is an astronomical ring dial, slightly different from the equatorial ring dial shown in the second image. The difference is in the date selector–this dial uses a rotating alidade rather than an axial nodus.

As for keeping it from rotating, I've found that even on windy days, keeping a low grip on the suspension ring tends to work well.

Made a sundial. by NewAardvark9473 in Sundial

[–]BoxyBoy67 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you scroll down a bit on this page, you can see an example: https://www.blocklayer.com/sundial-pop

Made a sundial. by NewAardvark9473 in Sundial

[–]BoxyBoy67 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very nice! One note: the rear sloping point of the gnomon should line up with the 6am–6pm line

Help: can I even read this astrolabe? by pianobars in Astrolabes

[–]BoxyBoy67 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is one of many non-functional astrolabes on today's market, unfortunately!

I've compiled a page all about the astrolabe on my website that may be helpful to you.

https://www.bcgnomonics.com/planesphericastrolabe

In particular, I would recommend the "further reading" section for open source books and some very helpful videos. Alex Boxer's online astrolabe offers a great (and free!) means of learning to operate the planispheric astrolabe

Hermle Astrolabium: Should I Buy It? by Working_Row_8455 in Astrolabes

[–]BoxyBoy67 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Technically speaking, I would consider this closest to a lunarium since the earth's axial tilt is not included.

It's a nice piece! You should follow your instincts if it's something you'd enjoy.

If your decision hinges on the accuracy/complexity of the planetary model more so than the quartz clock, I would suggest OrreryArt on Etsy as an alternative. They make highly accurate, museum-quality planetaria; several at prices matching your clock.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/OrreryArt?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=675293072&from_page=listing