To Fred, et al:
Upon further consideration of the cycloidal polar dial, a question
comes to mind:
Let us define a cycloid as the locus of a point on a circle which is
rolling on a line (let's say on the x axis). Now, if we follow the locus
of that point on a circle as it continues to revolve parallel to the
x-axis, but now moving along the z axis (shifting it's trajectory 90
degrees from it's initial path), then the path traced out by the point
should become a helix. Thus defined, consider this: If a properly
oriented polar dial is rotated 90 degrees on its' polar axis, it will
become (according to the direction of rotation) either a vertical direct
east or vertical direct west dial. Would it not be possible then, to
utilize a helical algorithm to design a helical gnomon for a VDE or VDW
dial? I've never heard of a helical gnomon, so perhaps my visualization
is invalid. I'd appreciate some comments.
Tex Brashear
