Hi Alexei -- My comments are below. Alexei Pace wrote:
> I have been using the fantastic Zonwvlak program to design sundials ,, but > I ahve come over a problem every time - > that is , when designing a complicated sundial , is there any means by > which one may know which hour line is for noon, which one for 11am , 10am etc? > The problem arises when one designs babylonic and italian hour lines as > well////// > I agree Zonwvlak is a fantastic program by Fer de Vries. Here are a few ways I have "marked" the lines. 1. When selecting the lines to make, duplicate a few of the key lines. For example, calculate the local time from hours 4 to 20 step 1. Then select local time again and do hour 12 step 12. It will be drawn twice, but you will not see it until you select and delete it with a CAD program. This is only useful if you use a CAD program to process a DXF file of the dial. A CAD program will also allow you to select or deselect layers (each type of hour has its own layer) to see as you process the dial. 2. If the confusion comes from the different types of lines, use the "Settings" button to select and deselect which lines to show. I keep a card above my desk that lists the purpose of each layer. For example layer K is for date lines. With a color printer and a CAD program you can color the layers and lines different colors. 3. Make and print two files of the same design. Make one drawing your complete with all lines. Make the second a much simpler version, with only a few key lines. Use the simpler one to help you locate lines on the more complex one. 4. I always draw the declination lines for -23.44, 0, and +23.44. They help me locate the time of the year. Do you use a CAD program with Zonwvlak? I worked with Zonwvlak for over a year before I investigated a CAD program. I would do choice 3 above to help keep the lines clear. With a CAD program you can mark the lines directly with text as soon as you know what each represents. The December 1997 Compendium of NASS has an article I wrote using Delta Cad with Zonwvlak. I do not have any relationship with Delta Cad. Walmart had it for $10 USD a year ago, but they had none last month at the store near me. I did get a notice that they have a new version out since November. It has a script language in the new version. If you use the methods provided by Fer de Vries and are comfortable with Visual Basic (I am not), Delta Cad scripts can be very powerful. It sells for around $40 from their web site of: <http://www.dcad.com/> They have a 45 day free demo available. Take Care & Happy New Year, Warren Thom ( 41.649N 88.096W)
