Astrolabe Basic

thingiverse

The astrolabe is a remarkably versatile device, capable of accurately determining time both day and night. It also excels at basic surveying tasks, such as measuring distance, depth, and height. This model showcases a standard set of features that are commonly found in similar devices. Tools used to create this model include: - Laser cutter - 3D printer - Laser printer Materials needed for construction include: - 1/8 inch sheet clear cast acrylic - 1/8 inch sheet opaque cast acrylic (blue and black colors work well) Hardware components required are: - #6-32 screws and locknuts, including a 1-inch and two 3/4-inch pieces The files provided for this project include: - front_symbols: Two variations for the front plate - front_roman: Another option for the front plate - blank: The center section of the astrolabe - back: The back plate - rete: The rotating section - Alidade, Rule: Parts to be 3D printed The laser files are color-coded as follows: RED: Indicates areas that should be cut through the material BLUE and GREEN: Indicate areas where cutting or etching is desired; adjust speed and power for optimal results BLACK: Represents raster scanning operations To assemble this astrolabe, follow these steps: 1. Choose a front plate design and cut it out along with one back plate, one rete, and one blank section. The front and back plates should be made from clear acrylic, while the rete and blank are cut from opaque material. 2. Print the two STL files provided. 3. Select a climate plate that matches your latitude and print it out; laminating is not necessary but can reduce wear on the plate. 4. Assemble the astrolabe by placing screws through the front, blank, and back plates, securing them with locknuts. Repeat this process for the hole at the bottom of the device. 5. Cut out the hole marked on the climate plate and place it in the center hollow of the front plate, ensuring proper alignment. Use a small piece of tape to secure it from turning during use. 6. Place a long screw through the center hole of the alidade arm, then through the back of the astrolabe. Insert the rete over the screw and set it into the hollow above the climate plate. Next, place the rule arm over the screw and tighten a locknut to secure everything in place. The arms and rete should move freely but not loosely. 7. Finally, attach a ring to the top-most hole. For further information and resources, visit: - My blog: http://www.astrolabeproject.com/ - Class handout: http://astrolabeproject.com/downloads/Astrolabe_in_Theory_and_Practice.pdf - Simulator: http://www.astrolabeproject.com/sim/astrolabe/sim.html