Gnomon for Vertical DeclinerI am debating what type of gnomon to put on a 28d SE decliner at 40.15d latitude, 76.60d W longitude. The perpendicular dial height of 8" should be enough and would be part of a large painted mural. The artwork will be the focus, not the gnomon. I do not want to obstruct the view of the dial center, so I was thinking of just a tapered perpendicular pin and just read the tip of the shadow. I am also considering a pin hole gnomon and just read the spot of light. I was thinking of attaching the gnomon vertically though, and then coming out, tilting it to the style angle. I do not believe I've seen any pictures of sundials done this way. Are there any? I've only seen it at the end of the style from the dial center. I would have to determine disc and hole size. I originally proposed a sundial that included declination lines and analemma and would work with either type of gnomon. Would either of these gnomons be appropriate, just for hour lines? The artist I am working with prefers a more simple design with hour lines only and no other furniture. So would a more traditional gnomon be better and just read the edge of the shadow if no other furniture is included? Many of the dials I've seen pictured in Europe, are of the style with bracing on each side. I was wondering how accurately they are installed without the ability to check with a digital level years ago? I feel the gnomon needs to be installed first to get the right distance to the dial center to allow for any distortion when the gnomon is attached so the tip of the gnomon is in the right location compared to the dial center. I realized the larger the dial the more fuzzy the shadow becomes. I am just trying to avoid any added errors. I am also concerned about the effects of the attachment points of the gnomon discoloring the paint from the water running down the wall. I am considering some type of brass but I am not sure what is the best way to anchor the gnomon to a masonry wall. I have not really checked out what's available in hardware or anchors that will not rust or corrode over time. I do like vertical dials because they are somewhat vandal proof but is there any way to attach a gnomon that would also be easily repairable if broken off? I was just thinking of having a small permanent hole for the dial center to aid in laying out the lines now and in the future repaints. I do not know if this sundial will come to fruition, but I just was wondering if others had experiences in attaching a gnomon to a wall or suggestions or opinions on laying out an accurate sundial on a wall so I can be assured that gnomon is correct and the dial center is truly at the center so my measurements will be correct when I lay out my lines. Thanks in advance, Ken Clark
