The Astrolabe Project

I have just uploaded the last tweak I’m planning on making to version 2 of the Astrolabe Generator. I’ve done a lot of work on it over the last few weeks, and I’m happy with the results. I will still be planning to add more scales and functionality in the future, but it is time to shift my focus to other parts of the project…

I spent part of today going over the sadly neglected Astrolabe Manual. I’ll be working on that during most of my spare time for the next few weeks, so keep stopping back for updates, or subscribe to the RSS feed (See the link on the right).

In addition, I’ll be doing more work on the Astrolabe Drafting project. I think I have a good idea of what scales and detail I want to include now. More importantly, I can now use the Astrolabe Generator to print out a computer generated version of my design so I can compare accuracy.

So no more updates to the generator for a while, but more work on the other aspects of the Astrolabe Project.

If there is anything you would like to suggest to improve the site, bugs to report, functionality to add, etc. I’m posting an email address in the links menu.

I did some doodling today and added a Horizon Plate to the Astrolabe Generator options.

The plate covers latitudes from 10 degrees to 70 degrees in 5 degree intervals. This allows more portability for the astrolabe, at a cost of some of the functionality.

I updated the thumbnail graphics to make them easier to see.

I have added new more features to the Astrolabe Generator (http://astrolabeproject.com/build/). There is now a front degree scale option and I have added a new set of limb markings: Alphabetical (based on a 1370 astrolabe shown here).

I just uploaded the latest changes:

• The classic rete now has pointers as it should
• The settings are now driven from a config file
• Predefined astrolabe settings are available from a menu
• Added a background (was getting tied of the Flex default)

I have added two new scales: The Houses of Heaven are now an option for the front. I have also added a horizontal shadow scale option on the back.

The Houses are the first astrology-only scale I’ve added. Look for more in the future.

The new shadow scale differs from the shadow squares in that it shows the shadow length in units of gnomon-length, not porportion.

I’m definitely in a coding mood. I just uploaded another change. I’ve added a Quadratum Nauticum to the Astrolabe Generator “mater-only” option:

Made some more changes. I added options to print 1 and 2 degree intervals for the almucantars. Also, there is now an option to print just the Mater or just the Plate (useful in creating astrolabes in other materials than paper).

I’ve been busy. The final polish was put on version 2.0 of the Astrolabe Generator today. It is up and running (see link to the left).

• I increased the size of the application screen, re-sized the thumbnails and  rearranged the controls a bit.
• The thumbnails now update to display the current selected options.
• I redesigned the rete and the climate plate so that the plate has a small rim – similar to period practice.
• The rules.eps sheet now has one of each variation of rule and alidade. the counter-changed option is removed.

I will keep tweaking and changing things around, so keep checking back. Next up, new scales for the back.

I present to you the astrolabe cake…

http://nuri148.blogspot.com/2011/09/la-torta-mas-nerd.html

Made using the files produced by the Astrolabe Generator.

Looks Delicious.