I am working on a bunch of projects. One of the projects is to make an Astrolabe; actually I'm working on 2 types. The first is a Mariner's Astrolabe. The other one is a Planispheric Astrolabe. The prototype for the mariner's Astrolabe is shown below. The design is written in 'C' and it outputs PCL, DXF, and CNC codes as output. On the Planispheric Astrolabe I'm working on the rete, and still have to do some work on the alidade. I will probably post a set of dxf files for those with a CNC mill to make them. The latitude plates of course are custom, and while my program can make most northern latitudes, it would be problematic posting them all. The program is also written in GNU cc on Linux. The cool thing about an astrolabe is that it can just as easily be used for terrestial as for marine because it doesn't need a horizon, just a steady hand! I'm also going to build a sextant, but haven't decided yet whether or not to use a micrometer dial or just go with a vernier.
Below is a Picture of my prototype Mariner's Astrolabe. It is not really based on any particular astrolabe, but has the basic features including degrees from zenith, and cutouts to reduce windage. Considering I was goofing around when I made it, I was amazed that it can do sightings to within 10NM of where my actual location is.
How to use an Astrolabe
Picture of Telescope
Picture of STM
Picture of Molecular Surface
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