One of my readers was kind enough to put together an Instructable on turning the output of my generator into a fully usable plastic instrument. How to Build a Customized Astrolabe Using a Laser Cutter: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Customized-Astrolabe-Using-a-Laser-/
Download it HERE Changes for 3.2: Fixed a bug in the formatting of the shadow square numbers. Added in an option to display all three twilight lines. Added the option of using a concentric calendar ring instead of the more common offset. Added the option to choose between a base 60 and the less used […]
One of the problems with learning to use an astrolabe is that in order to work through the class notes the student needs to first print out and assemble their own astrolabe from the provided materials. This takes time and materials that may not be ready to hand. What I’ve wanted to do for a […]
One of the Astrolabe Generator’s users, Jürgen Hoefeld, spotted a problem with the alignment of the Houses of Heaven, the intersection point should be on the horizon, and was not. I have it fixed now and the changes checked in to SourceForge. I have posted the updated generator to the site as well. In addition […]
In working with a compass and a straight-edge I’m finding that there are techniques that can be used to improve the accuracy of the drawing. When drawing arcs to bisect lines or angles it is best to set the compass radius so that the construction arcs cross as close to 90 degrees as possible. The […]
While I’m working on this project, I’m also researching the tools and techniques used by the instrument makers who made these astrolabes. The two period manuals I am working from assume a certain shared level of knowledge, and do not mention tools or engraving techniques, except in passing. I am finding the art of the […]